Laidbackfellrunner

Lambs Longer Leg Fell Race

2012-01-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

It was a really cold morning on Sunday when I told Badger to get in the van to go for a run. He looked a bit put out.
I nipped up to do the Lambs Longer Leg Race that starts just down from the Lamb Inn Pub on the road to Hayfield.
Not much distance in this one but the climb goes on a bit and its a good route. I had not ran the race or the route for a few years and to be honest on the way back to the finish I nearly went wrong. My teammate Muir Morton shouted me the directions and I suddenly realised which way to go.
Pennine had a great turnout taking quite a few prizes.
I just managed 3rd which I was pleased about as I had fallen on the ice half way round the race.
Just a simple little race but a classic.

On the way home we stopped at Shining Cliffs and did three laps of the woods. Badger really made me pay for not allowing him to run the race earlier.
Ive learnt that by doing a nice steady recovery run the same day as a race helps your legs becoming stiff.
Just to prove the point, Badger and I did 16miles last night and my legs were fine. Only a day after.

Ovenden Fell Race

2012-01-09T07:11:00.001-08:00

I have not done a race up near Ogden Water for a good while so I decided to ring the changes a bit and go and do the Ovenden Fell Race. Alan Greenwood organises this one. He puts in a huge amount of work for our sport, a top bloke.
It was to be a record turnout for the event and as Alan shouted 3,2,1 Go the wind was howling over the moors.
I took it steady on the run up the track as I knew the wind would be full on at the turn. A little group formed behind the two runners who set off in the lead and we all tried having a dig but the wind quickly pushed us back. As we headed over the moors the group whittled down and I was struggling a bit. The steep climb in the middle of the race helped me and I managed to work my way back to the group. After that it was a case of just hanging on over the tops and working my way back to the finish. The wind was very strong on parts of the course but the final mile back down the track was done with a tailwind.
I managed 5th place which I was really pleased about as I didnt know the course and I think you always are a bit cautious when you have not done a race before. The old saying ( Save a bit for the finish) always works.
Well done to Alan Greenwood and his helpers for a great event.
The Causeway Pub is a fantastic race HQ. Highly recommended.

So my first two races after Christmas have been new ones for me.
What next, who knows.

The Accordian Effect

2012-01-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

For those who dont know the phrase its something that happens in cycling.
If your in a group of riders and are at the back entering corners, the leaders will sail through whilst those nearer the back slow and have to chase to stay on. Its a horrible feeling. Eventually you chase so hard you get spat out the back of the group through lack of energy, discarded.
This litter was left on my route last week. Its still there and will probably take months to rot away.
If I get chance I will take a bin liner and move it.

Discarded by people who neither care not give a damm.
Most walkers wont see it. Its 20 yds from the main path. I just will never understand the mindset of the kind of person who just throws litter on the ground.

New Years Run

2012-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Today it rained. New Years day.
I mean proper rain. It has to be if I need to run in my OMM coat. I don't rarely question myself about whether I should be out in such conditions but today I did. Strange really as not one other person was spotted on our route. We don't see many people anyway usually.
But as we climbed up past Stanton by Dale and the rain sheeted into my face I smiled. Im out in this because I can and I love it and it feels right and it makes you feel alive.
Badger loyally runs ahead whatever the weather but even he had a couple of shakes such was the rain.
Okay running in shorts was probably a bit under dressed but we was only doing a short one.
14 miles later and totally covered in as much mud as was possible to get on my legs we arrived back. Badger knew, he carried straight on at our turning point. You know that point where you choose hard or easy. Today Badger chose hard. So we did.
Training in winter is not easy but when you enjoy it as much as Badger and me the weather makes no difference.
So another 3000 ish miles clocked up last year but I only ever think of the next one. The second I finish a run or fell race its gone. History.

Wansfell Fell Race

2011-12-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

After the Christmas Day run and 65 miles on the bike on Boxing Day it was time for a race.
So Badger and I set off for Ambleside for the Wansfell Race. Yes a good way to just do a short race but we did a run after as well.
There was a good turnout for the registration at the Lakes Runner shop and at bang on 12 o clock we all set off up to Wansfell summit. No flat on this one, just straight up and down.
I climbed steady but could of done a little better. The descent was rapid. I was soon back down to the finish in a blur and it was all over.

So another race ticked off and the last one of the year.
It was a long way for such a short race but definatley worth it. 9th place. Rob Jebb won it on his first race back after injury.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone in Fellrunning land and the cycling world.

This morning we ran to Bramcote Trig for a early Christmas morning run of about 8 miles Nothing special really but it had to be done.

I have vowed to one day paint this trig point. I will run up with some paint and a little roller and do it.
Not sure whether Badger appreciated the tinsle on his collar.

Has he been

2011-12-21T00:15:00.001-08:00

How may children have woken on Christmas morning and said those words " Has he been".
Well the clock is ticking down now and we are nearly there. For many adults of my age you tended to have a main present all those years ago. Parents would pay into a Xmas club fund all year at the local bike shop and come the 25th it would be sitting there at 4am all shining.
To aquire a Raleigh Bike was like entering a different would. You had arrived on the cycling scene. Your path would be set
Budgie,Grifter,Burner and then for some like me a racing bike such as an Arena.
Nowadays we pop down to Halfords and just buy one. But in those days the expectation lasted a whole year. Which model will I get.
Driving past the huge Raleigh factory was for me like an adventure. Who worked there???. How did they make such amazing bikes.
There will be thousands of bikes presented on Christmas morning. It doesnt get better than that.

Keswick Below

2011-12-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Why I do what I do

2011-12-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

The latest trip up to the Lake District was pretty spectacular. Snow had been falling on the higher fells and in places running was tough going. A quick run up to Skiddaw Little man for a photo or two proved to be a good choice as the sky was clear and you could see for miles. I took a few pictures of some of the surrounding Fells in the distance.
One of the reasons why I run on the fells.

So we came up with this

2011-12-15T03:36:00.001-08:00

The first two pictures are what I see should be how womens cycling should be portrayed. Emma Pooley leading Marianne Vos in the Giro Donne ( the last big womens cycle race ). Two great athletes showing us how its done.

This is what I didnt want to see. The lads came up with it.
Enough said eh.
I was reading an article the other day about the difference in salaries in womens and mens racing. HUGE doesnt even come close.
Lets hope it changes

50 x 50

2011-12-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

The sport of professional cycling is in a strange place right now. In the current climate teams are cutting back. The mens side of the sport seems to be okay but the womens side is starting to get hit. In my opinion things need to change. We need to start promoting womens cycling more, and in the right way.
With the likes of Cavendish and Wiggins now becoming household names there are more bikes being sold than ever. A new generation is now coming through and they are buying road bikes. To be fair I see a few women on road bikes in the Peak but I cannot help feeling that they are not represented correctly in our sport.
Okay yeah you can go into Evans and fair play to them get a decent womens bike but apart from that there are not many places to go. Okay Im rambling and thats just the bike buying side, but in general the sport has to wider gap between men and women.
Yesterday someone said to me that women cannot ride a roadbike. I was fuming, literally. I took this as ignorance simply because the person that said this to me doesnt know a household name.
Victoria Pendleton I said?????.
Yeah but thats on the track they replied.
I struggled and tried to present the argument.
Ive ridden with women that can match me, Ive been pushed to the limit down the A6 with some of the GB women.
We need more promotion of women on bikes( Simple).
SKY need to step in to be honest. Lets have a SKY womens cycling team to start with and move forward.

Before you go out

2011-12-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

Like others when I am on my way home at night and its raining and its winter and its cold and its wet and its blowing and you really really are wanting a night off training I look for inspiration.
A little trick I have used for a few years especially midweek is to throw a little casserole together.
Put anything in it. And yes do afford yourself the luxury of a packet for the stock. ( I know of diehards that make this from scratch, but hey!!!.
Casseroles take 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs yeah.
Now the beauty is as you prepare it you cannot pick at anything because the stuff your throwing in are raw. Well okay you can nibble on a carrot but that's okay.
So you don't eat anything, Bonus yeah.
Now all you have to do is tell yourself this.
If I do an hours running I can get back and take a shower and it will be ready. If I do an hour and ten it will taste even better. If I do an hour and a half the meat will be even tenderer.
The thought of a nice tasty casserole bubbling away as I come over the hills back to the smell of it cooking away has been my saviour on many a winters night.
So get your crock pot out . You know the one your Grandma gave you in 1976 and get casseroling.
Now bet your all hungry.

Get ready for winter

2011-12-04T23:43:00.000-08:00

Yep its officially arrived. My fingers will remain cold now until Feb/March and every time you set out it will be cold, damp or wet.
Snow I don't mind, in fact I love it, but the dark winter conditions are hard to get through. You have to just push through my fellow fellrunners and cyclists.
It will come. The sun will shine once more.
Set a goal for the new year. Get home from work and no matter what just jump into your kit and get out the door.
We all feel better when we have ( Done a bit) as I say.
The FRA calendar will drop through the door soon with all those events to pick out and dream of.
I keep that picture of Bernaud Hinault in my shed. Mind he got paid a serious amount of money to be out in that weather.
Happy training

Gravy Pud Fell Race

2011-12-04T23:00:00.001-08:00

The Bulls Head Pub in Tintwistle is the start venue for the Gravy Pud Fell Race. This year I am told had a record turnout.
Its my first time doing this one as before I know it has clashed with the Tankies Trog race and other things.
The weather was not good en route to Tintwistle and coming over Woodhead the snow was starting to blow in and visibility was not the best. By the time I dropped down a little bit to the pub it was hammering it down with rain.
Quite a few team mates had dared to venture out on such a rough morning and we all had a chat before the start generally moaning about the weather and jokingly questioning why we do this on a Sunday morning.
But we do.
We all line up and co organiser Andi Jones gives us a little chat before sending us away up the fellside.
It took me a while to get in my stride up the incline and I was red lining a little to hold the pace. As it levelled out on the track the numbers thinned out and myself and a Saddleworth Runner kept together. He was strong on the downs and I was strong on the ups but on this day he was just a little faster than me and he would beat me at the finish to take third. The course was quite boggy after the initial climbs and the run back past the reservoir dragged on a bit. The rain was very heavy as I crossed the finish line and I can say that I would not have wanted it to have been any longer than what it was.
A good course though and possibly my last short race of the year.
I will be back for this one now I know the route.
Loads of cakes,tea,t shirts and prizes in the Pub.
Thanks to the Northern Boys Love Gravy guys. Andi and his team did a great job.
www.nblg.co.uk if you want a look

Full Tour of Pendle Fell Race

2011-11-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

It was either going to be the Roaches fell race or the Tour of Pendle and I chose Pendle.
Barley is a lovely setting for a race and I signed on early on Saturday morning for the 18mile epic that covers Pendle. There are loads of checkpoints which see you transversing back and forward until you finally run back down into the village.
Its a tough race but apart from a couple of the steep climbs it was quite runnable. The race set off very quickly and I had in my mind that I wanted to be in the first group. I wasn't and settled in just behind the leaders who flew ahead.
I settled in after the first climb in a group of four and we didn't split until after checkpoint 3. Then it was two of us together until about checkpoint 8 and then I was on my own for the final part of the race.
All was going okay until the final drop back down into Barley and then bang for no reason I fell over quite badly. After a few seconds I got up and just carried on and finished the race with a graze or two.
4th place overall which was okay but I should of had an extra Gel or something on the second to last climb as I was feeling it near the end.
This race sees you pass by Judith's Cairn ( more of that in a later post). I donned my cycling cap in respect to Judith as I passed by which was in my mind since I had thought of doing the race.
Some terrific support en route with some good friends along the way.

Not the most straightforward route on the fellracing calendar.
The knees responded quite well to antiseptic wipes and a scrubbing brush. ( Ouch)
Great organisation from Keiron Carrs of Clayton Le Moors and all his team.
If your looking for a nice long race try it.

What I was thinking

2011-11-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

I didnt feel quite right posting this on the Remembrance post but oddly as I ran off Gable I was humming this tune.
Ive no idea why but it just summed the day up.
Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCJ7keVBj6Y

Finally

2011-11-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

3.25am Sunday Morning and finally the Fox came close to me and grabbed a dog biscuit.
Every time I have been up at 3 or 4 in the morning this litle fox has been snoopi around.
I left a few dog biscuits out before and each time the fox has taken them. But Sunday morning it came as close as ever and took the food as if it was a household pet.
No doubt people will say dont feed it but I did and it was a special moment.

A very special day

2011-11-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

Sunday was an amazing day. The weather forecast was good for the Lake District and whilst there was a fell race or two knocking about it was time to go and pay my respects properly. I have wanted to climb up to Gable summit for years but never got around to it.
So early doors Sunday morning I left and headed north.
Seathwaite was very busy with lots of walkers heading up various routes to the summit ready for 11o clock to visit the Fell and Rock memorial that is placed n the top of Gable.
It was a strange feeling skipping past the walkers heading up. Many comments to be had. How do you run uphill, your making it look easy, will you carry our rucksack, and many more. Whilst we fellrunners cover the ground faster, walkers have one thing over us fellrunners. They see more.
But this day was to be amazing. Ace views over the whole of the Lake District. Fell Tops were picked out. BG summits could be traced and Tarns could be seen but remained unnamed as I had forgotten the names.
Just before 11 oclock a speech was made and hundreds of us stayed silent to remember.
It was so special just standing there. In silence. I will never forget it.
Soon after the run continued and another 90 minutes of fellrunning passed by before it was time to head back.

Shepherds Skyline Fell Race

2011-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Another new race for me and I was surprised how many runners arrived at the Shepherds Rest Inn. Easily over 300 started the race which made it a busy start. I kept well up on the first climb but paid the price a little bit on the top towards Stoodley Pike Monument. I pulled back a couple of runners on the second climb b couldnt quite hold them offgoing down the final descent back to the pub. There was at least half a dozen Wharfedale Harrier lads around me which made for a good battle all the way round.
Not many Pennine runners at this one but Mrs Noel claimed 2nd lady. I was happy with 12th position.

A fairly straight forward route this one and ideal for someone just coming into fellracing. Plenty of friendly people and brilliant junior races.
Todmorden Harriers do a fine job.

Passing Clouds Fell Race

2011-10-25T06:18:00.001-07:00

A good race for me on Sunday. I like this route as it has some little technical parts which suits me.
I have done 73mins ish before and wanted to dive under that. I think I did just under.
I came in 2nd place after John Brown. John and Jack Ross went wrong slightly at the start and John managed to overtake me as I was leading the race. I couldnt match him but pulled back a little on the technical parts.
The weather stayed fine and it was fairly warm. The boggy sections was not to bad and the run over the Roaches and onto Hen Cloud was excellent. This is one of my favourite places to run down here.
A bit of film footage of the race.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf4bV5yHkF4&noredirect=1

What do you remember

2011-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

I wasasked last week what I remember most about my BG day. Lots of things really.
But I have been on a fair few attempts, recces and I just always remember the food.
Particulary Rice Pudding.

So to the local lad David who is thinking of joining a fell running club and looking at doing a BG one day. Just remember like Billy says. Its a long walk. But made much better with Rice Pudding.
Possibly the most eaten food on the Bob Graham. Unlike Bob who had boiled eggs.
Good luck to all those who are having a go next year.

This could be the answer

2011-10-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

This week as the temp has dropped I can already feel pain and cold in my hands. For people like me that suffer in the cold months it can be really painfull. The previous two years have been horrible and at times I have been unable to even open the door after a run or do simple things like open my bumbag or even use my phone. So next week Im ordering a pair of these. Ive been told they are better than a lot of the others on the market.
Just thought I would post that for anyone else who has the same problem.
My current glove collection will be one pair bigger.

Dark Nights

2011-10-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Have arrived and I hate the first few weeks. Training in them becomes very hard for me. Ive known about his for many years. Not just training but other things as well. Its something to do with the dark I know that.
I suspect many others struggle with that getting out the front door feeling. Seasonal Disorder Ive been told. I have various theories on it but when it strikes it can be quite difficult.
For the last few days I have found running and cycling just a going through the motion thing.
Nothing more than that really.
Tough week so far.

FRA Relays Kettlewell

2011-10-17T14:11:00.001-07:00

The village of Kettlewell was the venue for this years Relays and Pennine had four teams turning out. An Open, Ladies, Vets and a Vet 50 team.
Full results can be found on the FRA site.
Now I have turned 40 I was picked for the Vet team and was allocated Leg 4. Just a simple run up to Great Whernside summit via Hag Dyke scout camp. Easy really. No it was hard.
There was roughly 190 teams competing which means your going to come across some of the real class fellrunners.
I managed about 43minutes on my leg which gave 21st place on the day. Could I have pushed harder. Not really. Not sure what position I was in the Vets on the leg as I have not got around to that yet. Maybe 3rd or 4th, who knows.
We came 6th Vets team which was pretty good and id manage to overall a couple of teams which is always nice.
Hopefully I can continue to be a part of the relays for years to come.

The passing of a legend

2011-10-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

The sport of fellruning has lost one of its true greats.
Bill Smith was a legend in our sport.

I only met him twice. Once whilst racing the Summit race when he was marshaling and gave me a shout of encouragement and I thanked him and introduced myself in the pub afterwards and realised who he actually was. The other time was just a simple hello at another race.
There isn't much more to be said than whats already been said about him so I will simply say
Rest In Peace Bill.

Injury

2011-10-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

A brave runner told me this week that injury had occurred. As runners we despair if we cannot run.
I must run, I must run we tell ourselves. The runner in our heads demands that we carry on regardless.
But when injury strikes, particularly if its a bad one that requires rest and rehabilitation we must stop.
Then we worry that our fitness will leave our bodies faster than a rocket. Its true we may lose fitness but to be honest this will return very quickly.
There is a runner I know who has ten weeks off a year and comes back better each time he starts back training.

Use the time out as a reflection on the big picture. Most runners will get an injury at some time in their careers. I cracked some ribs a good while back but came back stronger. I did too much one winter and had horrendous knee problems.
Both times after 1 day of not running I was panicking that I may never run again.

Let me reassure that this rarely happens.
Most runners I know when they are back have said the time off did me good.

Keep the faith, rest, try a bit of cross training, swimming, biking, even a pub quiz or two.
And before long you will be back clocking up the miles

Langdale Fell Race

2011-10-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Langdale Race started a bit slow for me. I struggled on the first climb up to Stickle Tarn. This happens to me in some races whereby I just find it difficult on the first climb. I know from experience it will pass though and I will get faster s the race goes on.
The run behind Pavey Ark towards Thunacar Knott went a bit better and by the time I was crossing the very boggy Martcrag Moor I was getting into my stride.
All seemed fine by the time I got to checkpoint 3 at Esk Hause but 5 minutes later I slipped badly on a slab of rock and cracked my head on it. Blood started pouring out and from this point on I would be in get round mode.
A couple of the usual lads checked me to see how I was but I waved them on. I latched onto the last two lads in the group and managed to bring myself around a bit as we trudged over Ore Gap and up to Bowfell Top.
On the run over to Long Top to checkpoint 5 I felt a bit better and the rain was washing the blood off my face which felt good. A jump down the Bad Step and then it was just a matter of Blisco Summit to reach and the long run back down to The Old Dungeon Ghyll.
An hour in First Aid to get patched up and someone told me I was 11th.
Just happy to be safe really.
I will be back to try for a top ten next year.

It was a nasty day and the race saw a few fallers on the route. I was lucky really

Leg 4 Ian Hodgson Relay

2011-10-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

Well the annual Ian Hodgson Relay had finally come round. I have lost count now of how many recces I had done. First one way then try a different line here or there just to make sure I had it right in my head. I did but then it got switched around to run clockwise instead of anticlockwise. Try running in the opposite direction and see how different it can be, and that's just on a clear day.
I was down to run the Leg with Ultra Fast Adam Perry. Adam is fast and I knew we would be a strong pairing
Our other six runners had given us a good position in the Mixed Team race. The problem being Bingley had two very quick runners on there Leg 4. Ian Holmes and Andy Peace no less. This would be tough and I knew it even before the relay had started in the morning. So it was up to Hartsop hall for the start. Claire and Steph flew in rapid and to be fair we only just was ready for them.
The run up was tough. I prefer steep and Adam prefers slightly less steep so he pulled me along the first part and I pulled him up to Hart Crag. I knew the Bingley lads would overtake us at some point and that we may have a chance to catch them on the descent from St Sunday Crag. A quick dib in at Hart Crag in thick mist and Adam led the way across Fairfield to Cofa Pike. He picked a dream line down the scree and then we cut around and dropped nicely into Deepdale Hause. We headed up the path to St Sunday Crag and topped out but found no dibbing point. Quickly realising that we had not topped out we ran a bit further to the actual summit which again was in thick mist. Adam after doing a recce the night before took us off the summit and down the grassy slope which picked up the main path which takes you to the final checkpoint at the gate on Thornhow End.
As we came back into clear weather I could make out the Bingley lads in the distance. We hammered it and started to gain time. I knew it would be close and Adam did as well. By the time we neared the gate to dib in I had seen Ian Holmes just nip through the gate. I dibbed in and we floored it down the steps gaining on the two in front very quickly. They only had about 20 mtrs on us going onto the road section at the end and as we sprinted through the field and into the finish funnel we were 7 seconds behind them.
What a finish.
Thats fellracing at its most thrilling. 4hrs 21minutes ish of racing and it came down to a second or two.
It wouldn't have been possible for Adam and me to even have that chance of going for the win without our other team mates
Leg 1 Lucy and Edie
Leg 2 Muir and Paul
Leg 3 Steph and Claire
So a big big thanks to them.
2nd place in the mixed was a great achievement.

St Sunday Crag from Fairfield Plateau

Thornhow End Checkpoint

Three Shires Fell Race

2011-09-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

A trip up to the Lakes last week to do the Three Shires Race. Its a classic route taking in Wetherlam, Swirl How, Three Shires Stone, Pike O Blisco and then Lingmoor. It was very wet early on but 297 hardy fellrunners set off to do battle. I managed to keep fairly well up on the first climb which really set me well for the 2nd half of the race. I had a bit of a fall just after crossing Wrynose Pass when I fell on one of the flagstones early on the climb up to Blisco which put me off my stride a bit. I managed to run it off though and by Blea Tarn I was still feeling okay. Half Way up Lingmoor I realised I was having a strong run and would finish well. One thing that this year has taught me and the extra training that I have put in means I can finish races more stronger. This was always a problem I had before when I would struggle from about 3/4 of the way into a race. The descent off Lingmmor was rapid and I finished back at the pub in 6th place. A nice T shirt and some vouchers as a prize.

A brilliant Lakes race.

Graeme Obree

2011-09-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

A quality night out to hear a talk from Graeme Obree. Ashfield Road club hosted it and I was impressed. All bikies know what Graeme achieved on a bike. Simply a class act. No one trained harder than Graeme and he defied the odds.
I quewed up to meet him and he gave everyone that asked him questions a good few minutes of his time.
He signed my copy of Rouleur. I asked him three questions and he answered them.

All in all a down to earth guy who has had his share of problems in his life. Battled through and come out the other side.
Turned his back on road cycling when told to comform to the correct preparation unlike some other high profile British Rider.
Much respect Graeme.

My set up

2011-09-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

This is my little set up. The posts on the Tour Of Britain show how much goes into running a top cycling team. The set up is now huge. The smaller teams like An Post, Sigma, Motorpoint, Endura are fairly big but then you look at the likes of Leopard Trek, Rabobank, Sky, Cervelo etc and you see an even bigger difference.
The mechanics still do basically what I do to my bike.
Service and clean it and make sure it runs pretty smooth.
A nice day out to see some of the giants of the sport.

Tour of Britain

2011-09-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Tour of Britain

2011-09-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

ToB

2011-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Tour of Britain

2011-09-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

A visit to Stoke On Trent today to see stage 3 of the Tour Of Britain

Chevin Fell Race

2011-09-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Chevin Fell Race. Its funny how it goes.
Last night I felt rubbish. My legs still ached from descending the Ben, but there wasnt a chance that I would miss the Chevin race at Milford. Its a two lapper but very fast.
My friend And fellow team mate Adam Perry also did the race and we set off very fast. Adam took the lead on the first climb and held it to the finish. I just could not quite catch him.
My comment to Adam at the finish after we blasted over the line. Please go and get some chips. Seriously though Adam is a quality runner and I was well pleased for him.
So a first and second for Pennine at the Chevin, thats maybe the first time thats ever happened.
A cracker of a race, will check my time at some point but that doesnt really matter. Brilliant organisation from the man that is David Denton.

These type of races to me are the life and soul of fellracing. Nothing fancy, just likeminded people doing what they love.
I say support your local races. The organisers deserve a huge amount of praise.
Long may these type of events continue.

Ben Nevis Race

2011-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well the months of training had been very hard. These last few weeks I had ramped up the training to a level that had me questioning what I was taking on. I have been asking a few of the top fell runners how much training they actually do. I set my plan last winter a to be fair it has paid off. I will never have the genes of a top runner but before I hang up my fell shoes I must be able to say to myself that I have given it 110 per cent.
I couldn't really do anymore training and having a job at the same time. So the hundreds of hours on the bike and on the hills will either pay off or not.
The Ben Race is the highlight of my year. 2 hrs of pain and suffering running up and down Britain's highest mountain.
I was aiming for a sub 1.50 time as last year this is what time I did on the nail.
So armed with my lucky penny in my bumbag I lined up and started the race.

I took it steady until the Red Burn as the previous races have taught me. You def have to save something for the descent on this one. I hand in the tag to the summit marshal and go, head down but no flat out yet. The cairn field speeds by and I actually let the two runners in front go away from me.
As soon as the steep rocky section starts I floor it. One or two dicey moments pass but I don't fall. In my head I have practised this a hundred times. The grass bank appears and I have already told myself that pain or no pain I'm blasting down it. All goes well and I am soon flying down the main walkers path. This year the road ha no fear for me as I'm so zoned out that all I see is the 30mph sign that I have told myself must get too on the road. After that its a quick run round the field and through the funnel.
1 hr 41 Min's and a few seconds.
Its taken five long years to get there and my best run at the Ben.

Basically the penny kept me safe.

A trip to see Tommy

2011-08-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the local Spinning Club's ride to see the Tom Simpson Museum. Harworth is about 45miles from mu house and I have made this trip before. About 25 of us set off in a couple of groups with cyclists of varying standards. All good natured and a great way to meet new people. You can go to spin class and never really speak much but on a club ride of sorts you soon start to have a bit of banter.
We arrived after 2 hours at the cemetery were Tom's grave is and after ten minutes there we cycled to the Sports and Social club to look at the small Museum that holds some of Tom's memorabilia.
After half an hour looking round and a chip buttie to fuel the run back we left the club and cycled the 40 miles back.
I added a few extra miles on at the end to make a hundred for the day.

A good day out. The weather held although the strong wind made it tough going in places.

Heading North to the Lakes

2011-08-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

There is always something special about heading to the Fells. A Rainbow last time. An omen maybe for a good race or even good weather. Whatever you get the trip North is always filled with anticipation.

2011-08-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well as usual Im watching the cycling.
After jumping up and down shouting and willing Bradley Wiggins over the line yesterday its looking good. A good TT as well today and its all to play for.
Lets see.

Bradbourne Fell Race

2011-08-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is a local Fell Race run by the legend that is David Denton. Ive done well here over the years and I wasn't going to do it this year. After riding my bike a good distance the day before I could have easily had a rest.
But an e mail from David asking me if I was attending prompted me to drive over to Bradbourne and give it a go.
Its two laps of hard work with a couple of steep climbs thrown in and add in also three river crossing's makes it quite an interesting route.
I started pretty steady and after about a mile found myself pull into the lead. Normally there is a couple of faster guys in front but half way round the first lap I realised I had a chance to win the race so I pushed on. The second lap soon came round after a big applause for nearly clearing the river and as I attacked the second step climb I could ease back a little. This course has a few of those clanky, noisy steel gates that you get in the South Peak District and I could tell that the lad in second place was a way behind as the clanking got less louder. The final climb is tough but I ploughed on and all too soon I was leaping the river for the last time and for the first time I finished first.
Only a small race but its a win. A nice fleece from David and I walked up to the Hall and had a well earned coffee and a biscuit.
Another milestone passed for me. I can say at least once I won a fell race.
Brilliant organisation and I always wonder how long David can keep up organising all these races.

scarlet

2011-08-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Scarlet. Its a few years since Josh was this age and I had forgotten what it was like to hold the most precious thing in the world. My sister and her husband came over from Vietnam recently and it was the first time I had seen Scarlet.

She was crawling about grabbing everything in sight and by now she will be startiing to take her first steps.
Amazing

Eccles Pike Race

2011-08-18T07:00:00.001-07:00

A great little race this one. I had been wanting to have a crack at this for a couple of years but had not got around to doing it. It starts at the Navigation Pub at Bugsworth which is a great setting. Get the race done then have a beer after as the sun goes down. I got there early and took Badger on a quick recce of the course. A quick run over the dual carriageway footbridge, along the road and your heading up the fell towards Eccles Pike top. There was a big turnout from Pennine and I had messers Barber,Chan, and Perry up with me. The fast start did me a little but I pulled back slightly on the uphill. I shouted a word of encouragement to the other lads as I was mind full of the team prize although I didn't realise there wasn't one on offer. But in the end we still won it with Dan,Nick and myself. Adam had a nightmare as his shoe fell to bits en route back down the fell.
It feels good that we are getting stronger as a team. Plenty of new runners coming through and whats also good is that they are young. Great to see as so many of us in this sport are the other side of 40.
My legs ached still from Borrowdale and maybe 50 odd miles on my bike the night before isn't the best preparation for a 3 mile fell race but I am not complaining.
I managed 9th place and first vet40. I had nothing left at the end and even a nice word of encouragement from Johnny from Fat Boys RC couldn't jolt me. A bottle of wine as a prize for my effort.
Some great other runs from the Pennine crowd. We are picking up prizes all across the board now at races. Team prizes, 1/2/3, Vet 50, First lady, Vet 60. So its all going well at Pennine.
Roll on the relays.
Nicely organised and I will be back again for this one.

Badger enjoying the recce

Borrowdale Fell Race

2011-08-09T04:26:00.001-07:00

I had been training hard for this race for a good few weeks, plenty of hillwork and long runs to ensure that I was ready. Giving that I now have done this race a few times and it is one of the highlights on the fellracing calendar I wanted to do well.
Route knowledge is a big thing for this one and its taken me a long time and numerous recces to just get a good insight into the fastest way around the 17miles that make up the race route.

The race passed fairly quickly and apart from a near disaster when my contact lenses came out after descending the corridor route it went fairly well. I still need to recce various points but was well pleased with getting round in about 3hrs 15minutes.
Billy Bland skipped round in 2hrs 34ish a few years ago to put my time in perspective.
I will be back next year for another go mind.

Parwich Panoramic 5 Fell Race

2011-08-03T06:16:00.001-07:00

This was another local race that I have not done before. To be fair its not been run for many years. Parwich is one of those villages that you cycle through and think I could live here. The problem being the £750,000 that you need to buy a property.
Anyway it was 27 degrees in the van when I arrived in the village. I signed on at the Sycamore Pub and awaited the 7.15 start. having not run it I did a quick recce of the start as I anticipated being near the front.
The organiser set us off and I was leading for a while but two other lads came with me and then myself and Chris Nichol who won it just pulled away. The part of the race that is run on the Tissington Trail really told on my legs as it was like road running. I had my road shoes on and that felt a bit odd but the real reason was Chris was to strong.
I tried chasing him down on the rougher sections and did start to catch him put he pulled away again and took a good win. We shook hands at the finish and straight away commented that there must have been over 20 stiles.
Still a lovely local race and brilliantly marshalled and organised.

On the climb up to the Tissington Trail. No comments about the road shoes please.

Lots of local faces and a diet coke in the pub afterwards. I was Happy with 2nd place but I twinged my hamstring going over one of the stiles which I hope will be okay for the Borrowdale Race.
So the Parwich race gets a big thumbs up. This would make an ideal first fell race.
Dave Denton sorted out some brilliant Junior races and credit goes to everyone involved in that.
The only problem was that the little village duckpond didn't have enough water in it otherwise I would have jumped in.

Time for reflection

2011-07-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

Okay so for many fellrunners and racers its that time of year when you sit down and reflect on what has gone past and what is to come. Some runners are never happy. They continually strive to be faster whilst others are happy to plod around the fells and take it all in.
One thing I have learnt with running as I approach my 11th year back doing it, is that there is always another day. You may have had a poor year so far or achieved everything you have dreamt of, generally for most its somewhere in between.
Tommorow is Monday and training will continue. Goals can be re set
Not everything goes to plan.
For the fellrunner, some days can be just hard, you struggle to gain height, the fells seem to notice your having a bad day and they grip you like a vice to try and crack your spirit.
But most people I know in this brilliant sport of ours fight back. I know runners who face many uphill battles just to be able to stand on a summit like the one in the picture. As fellrunners, we get injured, we crack, we break, we question ourselves and sometimes wonder what its all about.
But like tommorow we bounce back.
Have a good second half of the season my fellow fellrunners. I will continue to post how I get on.

Drought

2011-07-31T11:57:00.000-07:00

It was hot yesterday. Badger was hot, I was hot. We did our usual run and compared to last year when water levels got very low, this little duckpond is now dry. This picture was from last year when Badger could still swim in it and have a drink.
The Erewash Canal is the lowest I have ever seen it and also the River Erewash is very shallow.
So across the country water levels must be not good.

One day we may just realise how precious water is to us.

Sheldon Fell Race

2011-07-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Sheldon Race is a lovely little Peak District event that starts on the main road through the village and does a little loop along the river, climbs back up then drops back down into Sheldon.
A line of building sand marked the start and finish line which is typical of a traditional fell race. Not the sand but the way someone has just thought I will just slap some sand on the road which will do fine. We don't need a yellow line, we don't need chip timing, just a few traffic cones for a funnel and a line of sand.
This race descends rapidly down the road before plunging even quicker down to the river. You then turn sharp left and realise if you have either gone off perfect or like most gone to quick and are very quickly realising that your on the limit and the next bit is going to be hard.
A dash along the river with a bit of up and down before hitting the ultra steep bank which 99 per cent of the field quickly walk up. Ive tried to run up it all the way but the pace of the race is too quick for that.
You top out onto some fields which is still uphill but the gradient is less yet your legs are now on fire. Another pull up and its then basically a fast run along a track and a road descent back to the line of sand.
I managed 4th place in just over 25minutes which is my fastest time yet. I must admit I had eased back for two days before though.
So if you want a lightening fast fell race then Sheldon is certainly one of them.

The Gardeners of the Fells

2011-07-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

A lengthy conversation with one of the few remaining sheep farmers in Buttermere answered a lot of questions that I have often thought of asking. The fells in the Lake District and other areas are seeing less sheep as each year comes to pass. In certain places there are virtually none left. The Herdwick is the hardy breed that most fellrunners see high up amongst the crags and summits. But it is disappearing.
Farmers and Shepherds are getting older, there isn't much reward in it, no one to take the flock on, pressure from DEFRA, flocks being reduced and so on. The list goes on.
Whatever the impact I feel will be huge.
The fells in places are becoming overgrown. Maybe not on the popular routes but the more outer parts of the District the bracken is getting higher and higher up the fellside. I'm not an expert but eventually the sheep that have virtually kept the fells neat and tidy may just not be there someday

A favourite place

2011-07-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

I posted a thread about Haystacks a while back which was a fell that I had not visited. That was a magical day. Buttermere is a great place to explore some of the fells that you dont often visit.
Whitless Pike and Grasmoor was another two that still had to be ticked off. You can access them easily by climbing up from Buttermere Church. Its a great run. Calling at the summit trig of Crag Hill was nice and the drop off Grasmoor was a great experience.
Navigation wasnt the easiest but after about three hours Buttermere once again revealed itself.

Bamford Carnival Fell Race

2011-07-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

That was a tough race last night after the weekend. A hard warm climb up to Win Hill but my teammates helped me really. I was suffering a bit and I had some great company. Adam, Nick, and Steve were up there and its nice to see us Pennine going so well. Its a good feeling to see people in the same vest especially when there are so many Dark Peak at these events.
Adam ran a superb race, Nick and I went up the climb together with Nick topping out first and then Steve was running with me back down the hill. All bodes well for if we get together in the relays. That will be special.
We have started winning some Team prizes here and there at these races and the standard is being pushed up all the time.
We also had Rob Taylor and Mary Edgerton winning prizes which is fantastic.
other great performances from other members with the likes of Andy Howie and Ian Warhurst ever present.

The route has a fair bit of road attached to the start and finish of it and it should be all runnable. I ran a fair amount of the race with Mick Stenton of Dark peak who is the runner for all info on fellracing matters. A good night and a great midwwek race.

2 races in one day

2011-07-14T03:15:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I did the Peak Forest Fell Race. I had done this a few years before but couldnt quite remember the route. I should have studied the map prior to the start a bit more as it said at the far point that a marshall was to be visited before the turn home.
So not quite sure then why I turned back early instead of finding the marshall. Three of us were at the front of the race and the two other lads went in front. I got to a piece of tap on a wall stile and decided to go left. I shouted the leaders and they probably thought, Darren your going wrong. To cut a long story short I crossed the line in first place and told the organiser to disqualify me. Also my trusty Seiko watch fell off on the track on the way back. A well organised race mind and next time I will know the route.

After the Peak Forest race I nipped over to do the Broomfield Chase race. Just over 3 1/2 miles and about 800ft of climb. My legs ached really bad from the Peak Forest race and the fast downhill start was hard. I held back a little and managed to steadily overtake runners on the climb. I finished in 5th place and won a voucher. But two races in one day. Not again for a long time thankyou.

Dont give me that look

2011-07-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

This means come on its time for a run and make it snappy
Id not run him for two days in that heat but he was well ready.

Hathersage Gala Fell Race

2011-07-04T22:39:00.001-07:00

Well with bad blisters on both of my heels after the heat of the Moel Siabod race and some running in the Lake District on Sunday I should I suppose have rested and allowed the blisters to go down a bit. Experience has taught me that if the blister bursts and the skin comes off your in for a few days of serious pain.
Which is what I have been in all night as I did the Hathersage Gala Fell Race last night. A fast and furious little fell race thats 4.5miles and just over a 1000ft of climbing. I did tape my heels up really well but the fast descent back to Hathersage put paid to the micropore tape.
I could have worn road shoes for a bit more cushioning but didnt. Anyway it was a good race and if there had been a team prize, Pennine would have won with Nick, Noel and myself having really good runs.
I managed 5th place and won a book on Peak District Aircraft Crash sites. Cool.

Just before getting in the bath.
Lets just say a few choice words crossed my lips as I dunked my feet in the warm water.
So today's Fellrunning tip is. First sign of blisters, back off and have a rest or go on the bike.

Moel Siabod

2011-07-04T06:27:00.001-07:00

A trip to North Wales on Saturday for the Moel Siabod race. I dont get over to many Welsh Fell races but they do have some classic ones. This race suited me as apart from the track to the fellside it was pretty rocky in places. Run in conjunction with the Capel Curig Fete it made for a great day. This was a Pennine championship race and I do often wonder if it wasn't for our championship would we ever visit these races.
It was a simple run on paper up to the summit of Moel Siabod but on a scorching hot day it proved to be very hard. I jumped straight into the river after the race as I was that exhausted. I just managed to get 1st vet 40 back and win a prize.
There was some great performances from the Pennine runners. We picked up maybe 4 or 5 prizes and its good to see such a big turnout. Capel Curig is a long way for a lot of our members to travel. There was chance to stay at the Hut over the valley and quite a few members either ran or walked over from the climbing hut.
Fantastic. We have a good few new members as well who are starting to get better and better at this fellrunning game.

Pictures by Alaistair Tye who takes some amazing fell running photograph's. When I see him I will give him a couple of quid for these two of me.
Def need to do more races over there. Why can't Snowdonia be a bit nearer.

Hope Wakes Fell Race

2011-06-30T02:06:00.001-07:00

There are not that many fell races in the Peak District now that I have not done but the Hope Wakes Fell Race was still on my to do list. Maybe it was that I have run there so many times or that I just missed it. Well I nipped up to Hope after work and registered. I love these midweek fell races in the Peak as you tend to see the same runners each week. Its almost like a family. You have the banter with team mates and runners from other clubs and then battle like mad and then have the banter after the race. Week in week out it goes on until the nights draw in again then the midweek races end.
I had a great run, deciding to take it easy for the first mile as I knew that the climb up the backside to Win Hill Top is steep. By the time I had reached the climb I was feeling good and could just make out the leaders. I ran all the way up apart from the last few metres to the trig point at which point it was literally a blast down. Ive blitzed down that section to the farm dozens of times so I floored it. A quick run down the track to Hope and into the finish funnel. Another good run and I managed to get a prize as well for coming 1st Vet40. The record for the race was broken by Stuart Bond of Dark Peak who had parked next to me in the field and I told him well done and that I would keep trying to catch him(not).
Pennine had some great performances and the free flapjack, 65th year tee shirt was most welcome.
Its actually a Tee Shirt you can use.

I Looked about the same as this fellow after the race

Riber Fell Race

2011-06-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished work and went up to Lea Green for the Riber Fell race. Now I have gone wrong on this route before. Even though its fairly local I dont know the route very well. All was going okay and I was in 4th place but around a quarter of the way into the race the front three runners carried straight on instead of turning right along the track. I duly followed them and that was the end of that. I retraced the half mile that we had gone wrong and carried on around the route. A battle with the lad who was with the front three gave me a decent workout but to be honest when you have taken a wrong turn your head goes. On a short race you cannot gain back the places. A blast back to Lea Green and then a walk with Badger who I swear was laughing as I entered the finish funnel.
Never mind next year I will try again. Thats fellracing. Thats why it says LK on the entry. ( Local Knowledge required) and NS ( Navigational Skills needed).
Maybe I should have looked at the map

nice setting

2011-06-20T00:03:00.001-07:00

How cool is that for a setting to do your rollerwork.
Most of us are stuffed up inside the garden shed or garage amongst the junk and stuff.
Its got me thinking about making a level platform for the roof of my shed. Now there's a thought.

4 pints and a lovely view

2011-06-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well maybe it was three pints. The last time I drank in the Wasdale Head Inn it was perfect night. The 3 peakers kept yomping down from Scafell Pike and you could count the headtorches coming down. The beer and company was as usual the best and if Im honest this is my favourite pub. The 3 peakers just make a quick stop off literally never learning anything about the Wasdale Valley. The place fascinates me and everytime I go there I learn something new.
Happy Days

Edale Country Day Fell Race

2011-06-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

The last time I did this race it was very hot and I have bad memories of trudging up to Ringing Roger. This time the weather was better and I had a better run although I could still feel my legs aching from Duddon. I wasn't going to do this race as I had cycled 70 odd miles the day before but I decided I had to do it. It was a huge field with about 300 runners and I was on the limit coming off Grindslow Knoll summit. A mad dash down back to Edale saw me in 9th place and another 1st vet 40. The heavens opened and it rained for the rest of the day. A drink in the Nags Head after with a bite to eat finished the day off a treat.
Incidentally for the people who think that you get cash prizes and money for doing well in these races well thats not what its all about. My prize for Sunday was a bumbag.
The real prize is being able to run and race in the mountains and hills with like minded friends.

Long Duddon Fell Race

2011-06-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

I had been thinking about this race for months. Last year I ran it for the first time but had no idea what the route was and I knew I could go faster. Route knowlege is a huge thing in Lake District fell races. It takes years to build up a picture in your mind of each route. This year this one was a Championship race so all the top runners would be there. Navigation wouldnt be much of an issue either as it was baking hot and clear.
The problem with the Duddon is the lack of water on the route. Certainly on the way back there is nothing at all. I had decided to stash two bottles behind a rock just above the Three Shire Stone on the Wrynose Pass which turned out to be a very good idea.
We set off at a frantic pace, why I dont know as 18miles and 6000ft does not need a rapid start. Anyway as we climbed towards Harter Fell I fell over and straight away could feel my quad muscle in my right leg was agony. By the time I dibbed I could barely run. The plunge down wasn't pleasant and I had to pull up and watch the race leaders pull away. I thought there and then I would be walking to the road at Hardknott. More and more runners passed me and my teammate Dan came by and asked if I was okay. After a few more seconds I decided to hobble on. I reached the flatter section which starts the climb to the road and my leg seemed a little better. By the time I got to the road I could jog a bit faster and just thought carry on and see how it goes. The climb up to Hardknott and then the drop down towards Mosedale Beck was one of he hardest times that I have had on a fell race. The climb up Little Stand was actually easier as my leg seemed to go better on the ups. I topped out Little Stand with a runner from Borrowdale who got us a nice line off the top which actually turned out to e the same one I had taken the previous year which at the time I thought was rubbish.
Flying down to Wrynose and the leg had definatley started to get a bit better. I opened two gels knowing the bottles were only a few moments away and finished them as I got to the checkpoint at the road.
A quick search under my water rock produced two iced cold drinks which were the most welcome sight I had seen on a fell race for a long time. I now knew I would be okay. I downed one bottle and stuffed it in my bumbag and just kept sipping the other one as I ran. A nice little line under Carrs Crags courtsey of the lad from Borrowdale and then just up and over to checkpoint 5 which is Swirl How.
Dow Crag and White Pike came and went but I then made a slight navigational error on the last part of the route before Caw. I had gone into the crags and had to do a spot of scrambling which cost me 3/4 minutes before then climbing up to the final summit checkpoit of Caw. I dibbed in and then flew down towards the finish field in a tad over 3 hrs 11mins and 27th place which in a championship race left me very happy.
If it wasnt for losing time with my leg and a few minutes through route choice errors I would have been well under 3 hrs 10mins.
Ah well maybe next year.
A fantastic race, very hot weather, cracking routebut really needs recceing.

Three Shires stone and Swirl How summit

Ilkeston RC

2011-05-31T06:15:00.001-07:00

Someone said to me the other day they have never seen me in Ilkeston RC colours. Well to that person here you go.
This was taken during my Leg on the Hilly 100

Picture taken by El Capitano Sharratt

Whos Boss

2011-05-26T23:25:00.001-07:00

Last night I would have to say Badger for sure. He was in a mood after me not taking him a run the night before and I certainly paid the price. We did about 14 miles and he just wouldnt hold up.
We arrive back home. I slumped on the lawn and Badger just gave me that. Your not in the same league look.

Cycle Jumble

2011-05-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is were I was on Royal Wedding morning. I travelled to a local cycle jumble. An underworld were anything and everything to do with cycling is sold. Frequented generally by old Roadmen I just love the atmosphere of these little jumbles. Younger bikies would look at the stuff on offer and think it all tat. No fancy carbon frames here but if your after some 1935 gear levers this is your place. Ive picked up some nice bargains recently but generally I go to have the crack and meet some great people.

HOW MUCH

Pain

2011-05-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Josh took this picture of me recently after 90minutes on the rollers. I sometimes set them up on the drive which creates odd looks from neighbours, dog walkers and passers by.
The children on the street sometimes point at me and laugh which makes me laugh and breaks up the monotony. I of course am miles away listening to the Kings of Leon or Rolf Harris.
I think it somes up the pain of being a cyclist

Cotswold Hilly 100 Relay Race

2011-05-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I ran the Cotswold Hilly 100 road relay race for Ilkeston Running club. We have done this relay a few times. 10 x legs each 10 miles.
The route sets off from Stratford On Avon, does a loop around the Cotswolds and then finishes back at Stratford much later in the day. The Leg that I normally run is Leg 4. This leg has some really steep climbs, four I think but I cannot remember as each time I do it the pain blocks out my memory.
I travelled down with my clubmate Colin who is a very similair paced runner to myself. He was doing Leg 3 which also has some tough climbs in it. Problem was the wind which was gusting north which meant we would both have a headwind. Now I was confident both of us could do 60 minutes for our legs but the wind was going to make it very hard. Although I dont have the official times we both did 62minutes which I am immensly proud of. Given that wind and the climbs it was a job well done. We didnt see many of the other legs as we had to get up at 4am and by the time we had finished we had to get home. The other team mates ran brilliantly and we finished quite high up in the field.
The route is marked with little green 100 stickers that can be quite difficultto find on the signposts, but after a few years I am used to them now.
You run through some amazing areas. Think 1 million per house and fantastic scenery. Not quite the fells but as hard as. My legs felt very strange after 10 miles of hard pounding on the black stuff.

Haystacks

2011-05-17T05:01:00.001-07:00

Its odd but I had until about a month ago never been up Haystacks. I have now and whilst up in the Lake District I was taken up there by a fellow runner. The route we did also took in Fleetwith Pike which I posted a picture of earlier in the blog.
It was a great run and to be honest i didnt once think about Alfred Wainwright. We reached the summit on our run, had a quick look at the tarn, took in the view and then ran down off it. A special moment in my life. Its really about the last Lakeleland summit that I had not done and I suppose a bit like finding a needle in the Haystack, its just taken me a while to tick it off. Thousands of walkers and felltype persons make it their first summit. Yes its made famous by Mr Wainwright so they head there in droves. For me it was a couple of hours after a race, perfect weather and a spur of the moment idea. Tired raced out legs made the climb up a tough one but it was certainly worth it.
Magic

Etape Du Dales

2011-05-17T03:47:00.001-07:00

I dont do many Cyclosportives to be honest but the tough ones have an attraction. The etape du dales is about as hard as they come.
At 110miles with about 12,000ft of climbing involved it certainly is a hard day in the saddle. Sunday was very wet and windy which did not make for an easy time on the route.
I knew it was possible for me to achieve a gold sub 7hr standard but by how much was hard to predict. Anyway I set off quickly in the first few miles and had a couple of riders with me, we worked together until the first climb and then just did our own thing. I can only climb at one pace and thats quick so i just paced myself and told myself that i would climb at that pace on every climb of the day.
I didnt stop at the checkpoints and managed to get with a tiny group after Tan Hill who were cleary good riders and we worked together through and off for 15 miles. We then got split and I was alone again for a long long time. I managed to catch a rider towards the end but he was totally shattered and couldnt work so from there on I was alone. The final feed station came into view and I climbed over the tops and blasted along the valley back to Grassington to the finish. 9th place overall and 6hrs 36minutes of lets say hard work.
I have been training for this since the back end of last year which is when I started to up my bike training and concentrate on more riding than running. It has got me thinking about riding a few races and getting a race licence. I know I would be better on a bike than at fell running but I have known for a long time you struggle to do both and I love the fells too much. It felt good to be tramming along quickly over the hills and the descents seemed comfortable even in the rain at speeds approaching 50mph.
I even got asked by some of the Skipton lads to join their club as I pulled them along at one point. I didnt quite average 18mph which would have given me a sub 6 1/2 hour time but then again you have to stop at least twice for mother nature.
Fuel for the ride was a huge bowl of porridge,raisins,bananas which was cooked up in the van before the off which made a huge difference. Plenty of coke, a snickers bar and 2 x gels.
Too many people set off on these epics without enough fuel in them and quickly hit the wall after all the energy has gone. I didnt once feel ill or drained. What now on the bike ?

Glorious Views and a brutal course make this a brilliant day out. All the proceeds go to supporting The Dave Rayner fund which funds up and coming riders trying to make it as professionals which is what its all about. many of the UKs top riders have come through this system

Burbage Skyline Race

2011-05-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

This really is a gem of a midweek race and it gets popular. Its possibly because of its location and the fact i has a bit of everything. It was another Pennine Championship race but I am trying not to think about that too much. A manic start like last year and I think over 300 runners turned up. We all went slightly wrong at one point and had to bound our way through some deep heather. That didnt help the legs going up Higger Tor but then it must have been the same for everyone else. I knew I was having a good run as I didnt walk at any point during the race. The only downside to this race is that you simply dont get chance to see a view because of the speed of it. The run back from the bridge is quite technical in places and before you know it your flying down the track to the finish. We had a big turnout from Pennine whic was really good. I managed 9th place which Im happy with.
Highlight of the night was seing some of the new Pennine runners doing very well and also a special mention to a fellow blogger and clubmate Noel's partner Mrs Noel who has returned to racing. Well done Mrs Noel, take it steady and have a speedy recovery. good luck with the scans on the knee.

Pictures courtesy of Bryan and Al

A sad day

2011-05-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

The world of cycling today is in shock. The young Lepoard Trek Rider Wouter Weylandt crashed during stage 3 of the Giro D Italia. He was descending the passo del bocca when he fell from his bike. Aged 26 the former Quick Step rider is very much tonight in my thoughts. I love professional cycling and I had forgotten to record today's stage after not setting the recorder after watching the previous stage last night. When I got home from work today I decided on an hour on my rollers. I switched my I pod on but after 30 minutes just clicked on the cycling App on my phone to check on the results of today's stage and immediately saw the desperate news that he had been killed on the race. Whether it was something to do with my misfortune yesterday or that I have such an affection for professional cycling I just started to cry. I managed about 5 more minutes on the rollers the just got off my bike and put it to one side and sat quietly on the shed door step. I removed my hat and just sat there thinking of what his family must be going through.
A terrible day and my thoughts are with his family and friends
RIP Wouter

On a more serious note

2011-05-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well today I had a great time with Badger at the fell race and upon arriving back home I decided to have an hour on the bike on my rollers on the back garden. Trouble was my next door neighbours children was playing on their back garden and the rollers are noisy so I thought I know I will do short hill reps up our hill for an hour. Now this involves a short loop with a climb of about 2 minutes that I do flat out and then coast around the loop. Total time about 4 1/2 minutes per loop. I set off and after about half a dozen hill reps I start another loop and all of a sudden I feel a twang across my chest. At first I thought my headphones had come out and I had yanked them from my ears, but no the Smiths were still playing away. I then thought Id had a sharp pain in my chest. Well I carried on thinking I had imagined it then on the very next loop after the hill climb it happened again. Twang and a sharp pain across my chest. This time it was like a pulling on my jersey. The bike even lurched and I thought " what the hell". Now I know I had not imagined that. I carried on feeling my chest and jersey wondering what was going on. Once more I descended after the hill and sure enough It bloody happened again. This time I floored it up the hill and low and behold as I desceded again I caught two lads tying fishing line from a lampost across to the back of a pick up van. I was totally staggered. The two lads shot into a house and I was left there in the middle of the road wondering if this was really happening. By now I had noticed that the line had actually cut into my jersey and that they had left the fishing reel on the pavement that they had been getting the line off to tie across the road. So they had cottoned on that I was doing repeat efforts and decided to tie the line across the road and then see what would happen. God knows what would have happened if the line had been a lot stronger.
So I knocked on the door and 15 minutes later the kids were getting a major telling off by their parents. In all the years of running and riding Ive seen some things. I have had bricks thrown at me. Flour and eggs. Ive been pushed in a canal and even slapped on the back by a passing car, but never had anyone try and physically go out there way to try and decapitate me or try to pull me off the bike.
Its left me wondering if these lads actually know the difference between right and wrong.
Was it because I have a nice fancy bike or maybe its that I wear lycra in various colours of that they simply just was bored on a Sunday afternoon. I will never know.
There is not many things that leave me speechless but this is one.
Next post will be happier I am sure

Fleetwith Pike

2011-04-28T05:09:00.001-07:00

I have never really posted pictures of the many fells that I have run on but I thought it time that I did. After doing the Anniversary Waltz race I was taken around to Buttermere and shown a few of the fells around that part of the Lake District. Its not normally an area that I visit but on such a clear day we couldnt resist a run up to a summit or two.
So Fleetwith Pike it was. Not the highest of fells but approached from Haystacks via Dubs Quarry the view off the top was amazing and the descent down back to Gatesgarth is very technical.

Anniversary Waltz Fell Race

2011-04-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

April soon comes around and each year that means the Anniversary Waltz fell race. Its beome a firm favourite of mine. Wynn and Steve organise an amazing race and this year as I have found some form I was determined to beat 1hr 50mins for this route. You run out of Newlands, up Scope Beck and directly up the steep incline to Robinson, drop off then run down and around to Hindscarth, Top out on that summit then run around again to Dale Head summit cairn then down to the Tarn, jag left and up to High Spy then across Maiden Moor and onto Catbells before smiling at the tourists and plunge back down from whence you came.
Richard Asquith called it a classic lakeland horseshoe and it is. A bonus on route was bumping into Joss Naylor and saying a quick hello. Anyway I did beat 1 hr 50mins which absolutely wiped me out. As I came off Catbells the wheels were falling off. I collapsed at the finish which I have done in the last three races I have done. Not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing really. A nice mug, tee shirt and some Pete Bland vouchers as a prize and a big smile on my face for a job well done. Thanks to Andy from Dark peak who ran with me from Hindscarth which helped. We worked together but he pulled away from Catbells but like all races we shook hands at the finish.
A great weekend with some great company. Quite a few Pennine runners making the trip up and telling me that this was their first lakeland fell race. I well remember all those years ago when it was mine.
If your ever going to do one Fell race in the lakes, make it this one.

Runners scramble up a steep part of the route( Hope my Mum and Mother in Law dont see this picture

Dale Head summit cairn. I always steal a view when I get here whether its on this race, BG support, Borrowdale Race etc etc etc. It is THE view in the Lake District.

Kinder Downfall Race

2011-04-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

A very hot Downfall race this time around. I initially thought I had gone off to fast but the goal on this race is simply to get up William Clough quickly then have enough in your legs to run even faster across the top past the Downfall then run even faster again down to Edale Cross before running even more faster down Tunstead fields then past the campsite and into the finish field.
Its a cracking race and one I had been training very hard for. I thought I could go sub 1hr 12 mins but just went over. Maybe on a cooler day. A few good tips from a teammate Mr Dunn beforehand who has a fantastic record on this course. So another good race and I was really pleased with 3rd place and to play my part in the team prize with Darren Dunn and Nat Winfield.
My legs have never ached as much as when I got up this morning but the 12mile run tonight still had to be done.

Great organisation and a Gem of a race in the fellracing calendar

Inflation

2011-04-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Right Im having a moan.
CHEESE IS OFFICIALLY A RIP OFF.
Last weeks cheese bill was nearly £12. I like a variety but its getting silly now. But they wont beat me as I have another source for my cheese now other than the supermarkets thankyou very much.

Err are Cyclists or Runners allowed cheese. Yes Wensleydale with cranberries in, thats healthy aint it , surely !!!!!!

Tour of Flanders

2011-04-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night I spent the best part of 6 hrs watching the Tour of Flanders as I have for the last few years. Its a belter of a race that provides so much drama. All the hype was for either Boonen or Cancellara to win. But Saxo Bank's Nick Nuyurns took the win on the line from Sylvain Chavanel. It was a gripping race that twisted and turned all the way through until the end. lets hope Paris-Roubaix is as good this coming Sunday.

Lads Leap Fell Race

2011-04-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Ive done this one before a few years ago but this time round we went the opposite way. A big climb at the start which quickly has you questioning your sanity. But Lads leap came into view soon enough and the its a quick run out over the top before dropping down and doing another big climb before retracing your steps and plunging down to the Activity Centre and back to the campsite. Its quite a technical course with some rapid rocky descents which I like. The guy in front of me fell nasty on the first descent and then I went and did the same further on. We were both on the limit and he just pulled away from me to take 2nd place but I was well happy with 3rd overall. The rocky parts working to my advantage. Great organisation from Mr Des Gibbons and Company. Its a cracking venue is Crowden in the Peak and a good starting point for anyone taking up Fellrunning or racing for the first time.

A nice bottle of wine and I treated myself to a Caramel Starbucks latte on the way home.
Sadly I had to report the handing over of Penistone's team prize from the Ian Roberts Fell Race a week or two ago. Pennine got given it by mistake. The 12 pack of John Smiths has travelled about 1500miles further than it should have. But at least now its finally found its correct home.

Not long now before

2011-04-01T05:49:00.001-07:00

The Lakeland Fell Races start. Anywhere I dont care, I need a lakeland race.

Cobbled Classics

2011-03-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

Well Tom Boonen silenced all his critics yesterday by taking this years Gent-Wevelgem Classic Race. In my view just behind the Hell of the North and the Tour of Flanders in terms of prestige. It sets up the big two races nicely as Fabian Cancellara took the E3 Harelbeke race the day before by simply riding away from the rest of the field.

Wolfs Pit Fell Race

2011-03-22T04:54:00.001-07:00

See a Wolf and a Super Moon. Well we had a huge moon this week but I didnt see a wolf at the Wolfs Pit Fell Race on Sunday. This was a very fast race and some class runners up at the front. I managed to have a good race on what was a slightly altered route to the last time I raced this one.
Its very well organised and a race thats fast becoming very popular indeed. Lots of Pennine Runners there as it was a championship race for us. The race has a very tough first steep climb but after that its very runnable. There is another steady climb towards the finish before dropping back down to the village of Shatton. You cross a little Fjord before entering the finish field. Plenty of Soup at the end as well.

The start

2011-03-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

The start of a fell race can be a frantic affair. Runners will scramble for position for the first few hundred yards before a natural order is restored and everyone sets a there own pace. at the Ian Roberts Fell Race it was no different. The Holmfirth runner who I am trying to keep up with is Katie Walshaw who won the womens race. We had a good chat after and we have had a few battles in the past. A very worthy winner and it took a good effort to keep up with her.
I think the picture shows the urgency that a fast start brings.

Ouch

2011-03-21T01:25:00.001-07:00

I was asked yesterday whereabouts the cover picture on my blog was taken. well for the person who asked me, who isnt a fell runner.. The Ben Nevis Fell Race.
And yes its the one where I had a bad fall.

Milan San Remo

2011-03-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

This years edition of the Milan San Remo was a cracker. The Peloton split and the breakaway group containing some big names literally hammered it to the Poggio climb and then the top riders just took off to the finish. This is a huge race for a rider to win and Matthew Goss of HTC just pipped Fabian Cancellara of Trek Leopard to the line. It took them 6hrs 51 seconds to cover 298km. Unreal !!!!.
I think a lot of pressure was put on Mark Cavendish but it was obvious that when the group split it was all over.
This race is one of the most historic of classics. Tom Simpson won in 1964, the 55th edition when he outsprinted Raymond Poulidor. His prize then was £400 which he gave away to his team. Winning the Milan San Remo though literally makes a riders career. Have this one on your palmares and you are made for life.

Sometimes words just are not enough

2011-03-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Ive had a few tough days this last week. A very busy work schedule and a lot of training and a race as well left me feeling a bit tired and low. This morning I was a bit weary and tonight I didnt want to go training. I put the TV on earlier though and watched some more of the pictures of the disaster that is happening in Japan. I mean its unreal. You think your having a bad day but my heart goes out to all those people that have been affected. I really cannot put any words together to describe it.

So if you think your having a bit of a bad day or are having a moan at work like we all sometimes do. Just spare a thought for those people in Japan.
Needless to say I went training and just said Darren get on with it, what have you to grumble at.

A good start

2011-03-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

A quick mention for Brad Wiggins. A good solid 3rd place at Paris-Nice was really impressive. He looked very good and Team Sky went okay. He had his critics last year did Brad especially at the Tour De France but as far as I am concerned what he achieved at the Tour in 09 was amazing. He looks in good shape and Ive been a fan for many years.Lets hope he doesnt peak to early though. I think its going to be a good year for him. Team Sky are much much stronger this year and if Brad can get his form peaking just right it could be interesting.

Ian Roberts Fell Race

2011-03-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

The last time I was in Marsden was at the Tankies Trog fell race last year. The Ian Roberts Fell race is one I have missed but not this time around. Brilliantly organised by Holmfirth Harriers its a belter and starts at the Cricket club nr Marsden town centre. A very tough and fast start into the wind made it feel very difficult and the sheer amount of tussocks to run over made this race seem much harder than it said it was in the calendar. It felt more than the stated 900ft of climb.
I was going well until I fell whilst coming down the final descent but managed to recover and after a bit of a detour from the correct route I managed to just about run up the final steep climb and run in for 3rd at the finish. The spread laid on at the finish was superb. The two coffee ladies kept us all refreshed and I must admit to a couple of flapjacks and a cup cake. I stopped on the way home to give Badger a run out and he was filthy when he jumped back in the van. Alas I then spent 2 hrs clippin him because a long haired collie and wet peat dont go with laminate flooring. More pictures of Badger the now smooth haired border collie to follow as I have not quite finished the job yet.
A very good race and highly recommended.

BG Training

2011-03-09T22:39:00.001-08:00

This years Bob Graham hopefulls will be starting to train and recce the route and going through all the ups and downs that go with it. The last two years have seen snow well into February and beyond in the Lake District. Recceing has not been easy. Ive helped out on a number of attempts and in years gone by have done a lot of early recces with friends that I have met within this great sport of fellrunning.
The snow recces are ones to remember.
This picture was taken on Helvellyn with Badger and after probably more hours than I remember trudging through the snow a light hearted moment was required. So yes I started dancing on the trig point. I find that helps after 8 hrs running in deep snow.
So all of you contenders, pacers, helpers, cajoulers etc dont take it to serious and have some light hearted moments. The Bg recces will be some of the best days of your life. Enjoy them.

Badger wondering if we are doing Leg 3 as well today

Cloud 9 Fell Race

2011-03-06T23:33:00.001-08:00

I did this race a few years ago and thought I would have another crack at it. After doing a hundred miles on my roadbike the previous day I was aching a little bit and on the start line was wondering if I had made the correct decision. There was nearly 400 runners packed into the little track that leads you to Bosely Cloud. The weather was cold but sunny unlike the day before on the bike when I froze coming back down the A6 from Buxton. So we started and the leading ten pulled away. There isnt much fell terrain in this race and it really does help the road runners. I was catching the runners in front of me going up the cloud and even passed two on the short technical descent but then you have 3 or 4 miles to run to the finish and it is really a road race back. The guys in front pulled away and I was stranded on my own just hanging on really. I pulled a little bit back over the muddy fields but by the time we reached the disused railway track my legs were saying hang on Darren steady up. I didnt quite manage to go under the hour but was pleased with 12th place. A very large field of runners and not quite my type of route. The views ( all be it 3 seconds) from the top of the Cloud was amazing. You could see the dishes at Jodrell Bank and the whole of the Cheshire Plains.
Well organised and a nice bit of Soup and Flapjack at the finish. The flapjack being absolutely fantastic. I did try a muffin but that didnt quite hit the spot.

Refurbishing

2011-03-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when the friends of the Paris/Roubaix try to do a bit of housekeeping on the cobbled tracks that the famous race crosses on its way to the velodrome at Roubaix.
Each year they tender a little bit more on the various sections. Its a never ending job but a must if the race is to maintain its famous cobbled sections

Okay here he is

2011-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Okay so not been a while since we had a picture of him so here he is
Looking quite clean actually

WHEELS

2011-02-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

A conversation at the Fell Race today with my good friend Trevor about road bike wheels made me smile. I liked the way he is getting into biking. A Roadie can talk about parts for road bikes for hours. We agonise over our choice of equipment like its a life and death choice. We didnt have time to chat long as when I bumped into him we was warming up.
But Trevor as far as wheels go it has to be Campagnolo. In fact everything has to be Campagnolo.
Yes I admit it I dream about having Campagnolo Super Record.

Oh and for anyone who doesnt know, its Campanyoooooooooooooloooooooooooooo. Thats the correct way to pronounce it.

James Thorn Fell Race

2011-02-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

A cracking little race today. 5 miles and over 1500ft easy. A very tough climb but enjoyable as it was technical in places. Id never run up this track before so was a little weary going up it. Des the race organiser had flagged it well and no one was going to get lost today despite a bit of clag and wind on the top. I hammered the descent and really let go. The little track back up to the A57 hurt a bit but then it was just a matter of running the last quarter mile back down the road to the pub.
The Royal Oak made for a nice race HQ. As usual brilliantly organised and well run by Des and his team of helpers.
4th place for me and a bottle of red wine. I even managed a Vanilla Latte on the way home.

The A57 snake pass,not to be taken lightly.

Sometimes it just has to be

2011-02-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

Stodge
When your serious about your running or cycling.
All bikies and runners know that extra weight is your enemy, especially on the fells. But every now and then no matter how hard you try you have what I call a bad food week. Now I like a Pie or two and so do others. You try to be good some weeks but before you realise you have sinned.
Well sinned a bit harsh I suppose but when your running and cycling loads of miles getting the right balance is quite hard.
I find a Pie every other day is about right

Only kidding
Ive not had a Pie in ages but I could murder one right now

Its not all cols and sunflowers

2011-02-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

This is a cracking picture. Taken during last years Tour of the Battenkill. Cycling can be for most people a little bit like tennis. They tune in during the Tour and then some only watch the riders going up the mountain stages. I prefer to watch the early season races like the northern classics. I suppose its the rough weather that appeals.
Coming home covered in mud with the bike filthy is part of the attraction for me. The suffering of both man and machine is very evident in this picture as the riders roll through the Battenkill Valley.
Some people ask me why ride a hundred miles in the wind and rain. My answer is simply because I can and it makes me feel truly alive.

So hopefully my ride tommorow will be as hard as this one in the picture.

Mind a tailwind for the final 20 miles will be nice

Retirement

2011-02-17T06:15:00.001-08:00

This week Lance Armstrong announced his retirement from the world of professional cycling.He did that before but this time will be for good.
I was never really a huge fan simply because of the way he just targeted the Tour De France. A seven time winner who had a tam each year devoted to the cause. Some Tours it seemed that he had won before the first stage had started such was the power he had over the peloton.
I remember that sad tour when Fabio Casartelli crashed and died on stage 15 in 1995 and then Lance took stage 18 and pointed his fingers to the sky in memory of Fabio. Was it really all those years ago.
So at 39 a year younger than me he retires. Who knows what the future holds for him ?.
I dont think anyone will ever have the influence on cycling like he did. His battle with illness and comeback was just truly amazing.

Like I say not the greatest ever rider for me but certainly one of the best.

Mickleden Straddle Fell Race

2011-02-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

At nearly 14miles and just shy of 2000ft this would be the longest distance I have raced for a good while.
Starting at Langsett Barn the route takes you through the woods and up onto Mickleden Edge before climbing up the Cut Gate Path to Cut Gate End. Conditions were extremely windy on the climb with gusts of over 40/50mph easy. Once over Cut Gate conditions didnt improve until we arrived at Checkpoint 2 near Slippery Stones. I spent most of the race swapping places with a lone Ellsmere Port runner as we shared the work in the wind. When you get to checkpoint 3 you start the steep climb up to Howden Clough but the wind was now behind us. We trudged over to Checkpoint 4 and traversed Upper Hey back towards a seriously windy Cut Gate. from this point the tail wind blew us back over the technical terrain back down towards Langsett.
The run back down was a blur but I enjoy technical descents and managed to pull back two places but the leaders were long gone by the time I reached the Fjord and the little climb through the woods.

The run back along the track dragged a bit and my Cap blew off on the final bend but I was not about to run back for it as I was shattered. I run into the finish funnel in 6th position.
A lovely spread of food was waiting in Langsett Barn provided by the club hosting the event, Denby Dale Travellers.
Soup, Tea, Coffee, Cakes and Sandwiches for all the finishers.
A couple of the Pennine throng recieved prizes in their categories which was nice as its always good to see a Pennine runner collecting a prize in Dark peak country.
So another good race. Onto the next one which I am not sure what that will be yet.

Whats Rollers

2011-02-02T04:43:00.001-08:00

Right I must get at least half a dozen people ask me a week whats ROLLERS. I posted a picture of me on my rollers in the shed a while back. But for those that dont understand what they are they are simple 3 x rollers that you sit your bike on and pedal. Very simple but you need to master the art of balance first. Then you need to master the repetition of being on them for an hour or so. The first twenty minutes are fine but then gradually the fatigue builds up and the boredom sets in. For me it doesn't matter because I quite like the on and on nature of it. By the end your wet through with sweat and your backside is numb but they are great for maintaining your cycling fitness throughout the winter months.
Maybe a 46 inch plasma TV in the shed will help. Still for now its the I phone, a few tunes and looking at the shed wall. Although I do have a nice old photo of my Nana pinned on the wall to give me inspiration when it gets tough. She suffered with a lot of illness in her life and I always look at the picture and think cmon Darren crack on.

PAV'E. The Road to Roubaix

2011-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

A mate of mine mentioned the book about the Paris / Roubaix race. I think this picture of George Hindcapie sums up the Queen of the Classics. Taken in 2006 this photo shows a rider exhausted from the ordeal. Shame his bike broke.
Can wait for this years race. Somehow I think Tom Boonen will be seeking revenge.

Tigger Tor Fell Race

2011-02-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

Yet another new race for me. The Totley Fell Races run from the Sheffield Tigers Rugby Club and although Ive done some of them I had not done this one before. At 10 miles and 1700ft it would provide a nice early season test. On the way to the race I passed dozens of bikies on the roads around Hathersage and it left me thinking that it would have been a nice day to do a hundred mile ride as the wind was minimal and it as a dry day. But the pull of the Fell Races is always there and I arrived in plenty of time for registration.
A good few of my Pennine teammates had also made the trip and it as good to see a couple of friends that I had not seen since last year.
Wel the race went well for me simply because I pushed at the start to stay with some of the front Dark Peak lads. I was a bit unsure of the route and must admit used there knowledge a little on the route.
I crossed the line in 1hr 8 mins ish for 7th place just narrowly missing out on 5th position but I couldnt keep with the two Dark Peak lads at the end.
A good race though and I will take that. Along with Shining Cliffs thats a good start to my 2011campaign. Still upping my bike mileage though and have cut back on the running although Badger did make me run 10 miles on Monday night after the race on Sunday.
Def will do this race again

Shining Cliffs Race

2011-01-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

David Denton organises these local fell races. Not sure how many I have done over the years but its a fair few. He has come up with a new start venue for this years races. The Bear Inn at Alderwasley makes for a brilliant venue. Good parking and nice food. I have cycled past it many times but never been in before now.
It was very cold for the start and very windy. A different route around the woods with a short first lap and a slightly longer second lap. The second part of each lap contacined the climbing and I was mindfull of that as I set off. Part way through the second lap I caught the leading two runners but I think they were just not sure of the direction of the race route. As soon as we got to near the finish they pulled away and I was left to come in thrid place. Not bad for the first race of the year.
Shining Cliffs is a good venue and I will try to do all three races this year but no doubt I will get sidetracked with other races.

The Bear Inn at Alderwasley