Bronte Way Fell Race
Sunday 27th October
Host - Keighley & Craven AC
Weather - Cloudy, one biblical hail shower and windy
Not many races are linear so this was in the race diary very early. While others were sipping Guinness and dancing with leprechauns in Dublin, my good lady and I would be off out over the moors; running from Lancashire into Yorkshire no less. We huddled with others at the scene of the Yorkshireman finish outside the primary school in Howarth on Rawdon Lane. A short sharp mini bus shuttle to Wycoller Country Park then we scuttled down a slippy grassy lane to the barn where registration and the start would take place.
The true fell running community huddled together at the start - vests from Trawden, Keighley, Bowland and Calder all massed at the start. And one lonely yellow Pudsey Pacer and purple Kirkstall Harrier. We set off along a muddy, stony track with a massive dog in the field of runners, barking with excitement. Well, I hoped it was excitement as I tried to overtake! The lane gradually rose up round and farm and towards a stone bridge with a tarmac track on the other side.
As I looked up a line of clourful vests snaked up and over the bridge then beyond on the track. This would be the last time for 10 minutes that I'd look up. The dark cloud that had been looming since the start suddenly emptied bullet-sized hail down on us. The wind also intensified. Every ice bullet was met with silent whimpers and ouches from all around. Not comfortable, but certainly drove me forward.
The tarmac track soon gave way to a heather sided track around a small reservoir. Then down a boggy valley with hazardous rocktops, slippy wooden stiles and knee deep bog holes that caught out a few. A sharp up and over the moor before grassy lanes led down to Stanbury Reservoir. Spectators cheers and clapped here from the comfort of their warm cars.
The route turned sharp right up a muddy lane and steeply on to the reverse section of leg 2 from the Bradford Millennium Way. The moortop was buffeted by strong headwinds as I edged past Queensbury and Saltaire runners. The tippy-tappy descent towards Bronte bridge was avoided by taking a wide route to the right; gained three places here. Some really enthusiastic support by KCAC ladies motivated us up towards the track back to Penistone Quarry.
I made some good time and felt strong as I drove forward below the car park, crossing the road and sharp downhill into Howarth. Then, a final push up the cobbles where hundreds cheered in every runner. I enjoyed the soup and roll. Dr LD also enjoyed the day although no soup for her at the finish as it had all been scooped - I bought her a beer instead and we chatted with some KCAC members with a cute whippet!.
Postscript
Everything about this race was warm, friendly and inclusive. Well, all except for the hail shower in the first 10 minutes, the knee deep bog traps and the steep climbs from Stanbury Reservoir. But all else was just great. Recommended to all!
20/10/2013
Running away to the seaside...
Bridlington Half Marathon
Sunday 20th October
Host - Bridlington Road Runners
Weather - Dry and strong SW wind
Pudsey Pacers had down sized for the annual trip to the seaside; a minibus full of intrepid runners and a few spectators. Things didn't start well when the driver not only didn't know the way - we had to navigate him - he also decided to fall asleep at the wheel when we were only a few miles from the destination. Unideal preparation aside, we got changed, ruffled hair and pumped out chests. A few statutory photos and were were formed for the start, with a mild breeze off the sea filled with salt and all things fishy.
I kept Mark 'Grunter' Smith in sight for the first few miles without really having to try too hard. I actually felt quite steady and not too knacked. I'd kept to 8 minutes miles and maintained places with the vests around me. The rolling roads north of Bridlington soon kicked in, though. Both Grunter and Sue Ransome - further ahead - started edging out of sight around the 5 mile marker somewhere between Flamborough and Bempton.
I gulped some water down on Bolam Lane just after Bempton village. Lots of runners around me were struggling. And the mini hill was soon approaching. I remember I felt really strong here last year. Not quite the same but still managed to ease past about half a dozen others. Turning left at the top we were immediately confronted with a fierce wind straight into our faces. I was somewhere between groups as pressed on to join a group with Debbie 'the Boss' Bland. My momentum had increased my pace but I now had choices to make - stay in a pack and be sheltered from the wind or go out and try to increase pace. I chose wrongly.
Soon, out on my own, I was again joined by a Pocklington runner who thankfully shared some of the headwind. I also caught up with Steve Webb from Kirkstall who was feeling the strain. Not quite as bad as a bloke collapsed at the road side and in receipt of medical assistance. I ushered Steve to stay with us. Moments later, as our group of three entered the norther limits of Brid, a larger group motored past. This group included the Boss. I had nothing with which to respond. Steve Webb kept with them and I never saw him again until the end.
I was suddenly on my own with a gap growing between me and those ahead. I'd given too much on the open road exposed to the winds. Mentally, I dug deep and tried to stay with the person ahead of me. As we entered Sewerby I found bit more strength and ploughed my way through the park and on to the cliff top path. The wind again buffeted all runners. The finish seemed to be a lot further away than the projected 1.5 miles. I soon passed Debbie Bland and found myself making up places that I'd lost only a few miles before. I knew the chance of the PB was gone but tried so hard along the promenade just to get under the 1.45 milestone. Annoyingly, I missed this by 20 seconds. I was ok though and much better than the many people who'd collapsed at the finish line.
Post-script
Good mental strength even if the body couldn't quite respond. I recognised that my training for the past few months had focused on slower endurance running that required a strong mental approach. Well chuffed for Mark Smith who got under the 1.40 milestone. Excellent running in the conditions. Also great prizes claimed by Paul 'Merv' Gaile, Jim Cantwell and Sue Ransome. And a PB for Neil Berry!
Sunday 20th October
Host - Bridlington Road Runners
Weather - Dry and strong SW wind
Pudsey Pacers had down sized for the annual trip to the seaside; a minibus full of intrepid runners and a few spectators. Things didn't start well when the driver not only didn't know the way - we had to navigate him - he also decided to fall asleep at the wheel when we were only a few miles from the destination. Unideal preparation aside, we got changed, ruffled hair and pumped out chests. A few statutory photos and were were formed for the start, with a mild breeze off the sea filled with salt and all things fishy.
I kept Mark 'Grunter' Smith in sight for the first few miles without really having to try too hard. I actually felt quite steady and not too knacked. I'd kept to 8 minutes miles and maintained places with the vests around me. The rolling roads north of Bridlington soon kicked in, though. Both Grunter and Sue Ransome - further ahead - started edging out of sight around the 5 mile marker somewhere between Flamborough and Bempton.
I gulped some water down on Bolam Lane just after Bempton village. Lots of runners around me were struggling. And the mini hill was soon approaching. I remember I felt really strong here last year. Not quite the same but still managed to ease past about half a dozen others. Turning left at the top we were immediately confronted with a fierce wind straight into our faces. I was somewhere between groups as pressed on to join a group with Debbie 'the Boss' Bland. My momentum had increased my pace but I now had choices to make - stay in a pack and be sheltered from the wind or go out and try to increase pace. I chose wrongly.
Soon, out on my own, I was again joined by a Pocklington runner who thankfully shared some of the headwind. I also caught up with Steve Webb from Kirkstall who was feeling the strain. Not quite as bad as a bloke collapsed at the road side and in receipt of medical assistance. I ushered Steve to stay with us. Moments later, as our group of three entered the norther limits of Brid, a larger group motored past. This group included the Boss. I had nothing with which to respond. Steve Webb kept with them and I never saw him again until the end.
I was suddenly on my own with a gap growing between me and those ahead. I'd given too much on the open road exposed to the winds. Mentally, I dug deep and tried to stay with the person ahead of me. As we entered Sewerby I found bit more strength and ploughed my way through the park and on to the cliff top path. The wind again buffeted all runners. The finish seemed to be a lot further away than the projected 1.5 miles. I soon passed Debbie Bland and found myself making up places that I'd lost only a few miles before. I knew the chance of the PB was gone but tried so hard along the promenade just to get under the 1.45 milestone. Annoyingly, I missed this by 20 seconds. I was ok though and much better than the many people who'd collapsed at the finish line.
Post-script
Good mental strength even if the body couldn't quite respond. I recognised that my training for the past few months had focused on slower endurance running that required a strong mental approach. Well chuffed for Mark Smith who got under the 1.40 milestone. Excellent running in the conditions. Also great prizes claimed by Paul 'Merv' Gaile, Jim Cantwell and Sue Ransome. And a PB for Neil Berry!
06/10/2013
Hudders up high...
Huddersfield Hilly Half
Sunday 5th October
Weather- Sunny
A last minute entry without too much analysis of route, gradient or surface. It's titled the 'hilly' half so I generally knew what to expect. Strange, though, I've never thought Huddersfield is that hilly... just over 100 minutes later I would have full respect.
I'd traveled across in the 'Silver Bullet' with the Coopers and the light-hearted feeling continued at the start when we met and chatted with Jim Cantwell and Sharon Williams. There was also a good outing from the purple posse of Kirsktall Harriers.
The start was a little unimpressive; almost like the car park of an industrial estate. Actually, it was the car park of an industrial estate. After the gun we were soon off out along open roads, gradually rising through residential streets and then wham - uphill for approximately 3 miles. The good feeling and pleasant chi-chat at the start and over the first mile was immediately silenced. Now, there was only deep breathing and focused faces.
My new runners were bounding along nicely; feet were a little warm, but the sun was out, even if the air was cool. When the gradient leveled and then started to dip down the views over the end of Kirklees were amazing: hazy sun and green fields all around. No time for admiring the views as soon the route turned sharp left and even sharper uphill to join Blackmoorfoot Reservoir. The serene views around the water were relaxing. I was told prior to the race that it was wise to get your breathe back here as after a mile it was back to some hill climbing again. And this was where my battle would begin with Debbie 'the Boss' Bland.
Back on the road the route did climb again before dropping to a further steep up and then gradual rise away from Slaithwaite towards a saddle ridge overlooking Meltham. The road dropped significantly and I seemed to be flying past other runners who appeared to be stepping out of the way; they probably heard by thundering footsteps and deep grunting... always works!
A quick gulp of water at Meltham and down the dismantled railway which soon again joined the busy Meltham and Lockwood Roads towards Huddersfield. Psychologically, I was on the home straight and began digging in and slowly increasing the speed. I again passed 'the Boss' a few miles from the finish as we weaved our way along leaf-spilled paths in pleasant suburbs of Huddersfield. The sun sparled through the autumn trees as we were soon directed sharp left by a marshal and asked to go back to the well for a long pull up through a residential area. For a moment I thought I'd gone wrong as there were no other runners in sight. Soon though other marshals directed me back down the reverse route of the first mile.
I even managed to scalp another two runners as Philip Bland photo'd me near to the finish area. A welcome cheer from the purple posse at the finish line greeted me at the conclusion.
A great race and a tough route - not for treadmill bunnies or those who suffer from vertigo. My feet were heat swollen and I was knacked. I'd definitely do it again!
Sunday 5th October
Weather- Sunny
A last minute entry without too much analysis of route, gradient or surface. It's titled the 'hilly' half so I generally knew what to expect. Strange, though, I've never thought Huddersfield is that hilly... just over 100 minutes later I would have full respect.
I'd traveled across in the 'Silver Bullet' with the Coopers and the light-hearted feeling continued at the start when we met and chatted with Jim Cantwell and Sharon Williams. There was also a good outing from the purple posse of Kirsktall Harriers.
The start was a little unimpressive; almost like the car park of an industrial estate. Actually, it was the car park of an industrial estate. After the gun we were soon off out along open roads, gradually rising through residential streets and then wham - uphill for approximately 3 miles. The good feeling and pleasant chi-chat at the start and over the first mile was immediately silenced. Now, there was only deep breathing and focused faces.
My new runners were bounding along nicely; feet were a little warm, but the sun was out, even if the air was cool. When the gradient leveled and then started to dip down the views over the end of Kirklees were amazing: hazy sun and green fields all around. No time for admiring the views as soon the route turned sharp left and even sharper uphill to join Blackmoorfoot Reservoir. The serene views around the water were relaxing. I was told prior to the race that it was wise to get your breathe back here as after a mile it was back to some hill climbing again. And this was where my battle would begin with Debbie 'the Boss' Bland.
Back on the road the route did climb again before dropping to a further steep up and then gradual rise away from Slaithwaite towards a saddle ridge overlooking Meltham. The road dropped significantly and I seemed to be flying past other runners who appeared to be stepping out of the way; they probably heard by thundering footsteps and deep grunting... always works!
A quick gulp of water at Meltham and down the dismantled railway which soon again joined the busy Meltham and Lockwood Roads towards Huddersfield. Psychologically, I was on the home straight and began digging in and slowly increasing the speed. I again passed 'the Boss' a few miles from the finish as we weaved our way along leaf-spilled paths in pleasant suburbs of Huddersfield. The sun sparled through the autumn trees as we were soon directed sharp left by a marshal and asked to go back to the well for a long pull up through a residential area. For a moment I thought I'd gone wrong as there were no other runners in sight. Soon though other marshals directed me back down the reverse route of the first mile.
I even managed to scalp another two runners as Philip Bland photo'd me near to the finish area. A welcome cheer from the purple posse at the finish line greeted me at the conclusion.
A great race and a tough route - not for treadmill bunnies or those who suffer from vertigo. My feet were heat swollen and I was knacked. I'd definitely do it again!
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