Parr 61 - Done

Parr 61 is Done. 

It may have been a bit short in the planning but a bit long in the final hours.

It was always an ambitious schedule, bearing in mind Steve's sub 43 hours was achieved in July 1984 assumedly in good weather, fully paced and he was in his prime recording a 17hour BG.  My 61 hours was purely a personal target, one suitable for a rapidly aging 'has been'.

With a three day window in my diary, and with Mel being available with her van 'Gwen' it was game on.  No time to recce any sections, except the descent off Carl Side down to the A591 near Lizzick Hall Hotel.

A 7am start fitted reasonably allowing late breakfast in Braithwaite, high tea in Buttermere and a midnight finish in Wasdale.  I was geared up to run solo, although 'Flip-Flop Aleks' was booked as local route guru for Lingmell, Scafell and The Pike at 4am, then I'd trundle onto Langstrath, hoping for 'pop-up support' in the valley bottom between Glaramara and High Raise.

My next road crossing would be Three Shires Stone, then a lap of the Coniston Fells down to Little Langdale. Cumbria Way and minor roads to Ambleside, onto Troutbeck, over to Kentmere Church and then Harter Fell and the High Street peaks and back to Kirkstone.  The final leg was just the length of Fairfield, 'Helvellyn and The Dodds' (named after a popular local beat combo in the '50's, apparently) finishing at Threlkeld.

No Moot Hall

Steve had started and finished at the Moot Hall, but it held no attraction for me. Those steps may be hallowed stones for many, and very relevant to a Bob Graham but I had license to do my own thing.  I didn't fancy the descent off Skiddaw as a finale, nor Blencathra as the final big climb.   Neither did I want to run tarmac from Keswick to Braithwaite, so in Lakes Fell Record style I came direct off Carlside, a little used but delightful route and tarmac free.  Great Dodd has always been important and local to me, so a start and finish at Threlkeld was obvious.

Threlkeld has all you need. Easy parking, just off the A66, on a main bus route from Penrith mainline station, and it's the closest point to home. Also, the bus stop is right next to a post box, which is very convenient for posting your tracker back to Open Tracking afterwards. Furthermore, the building on the corner used to be a shop when I did my first BG back in 1983.

So...

Mel picked me up from home, drove me and Billy Dog to Threlkeld and they came part way up Hallsfell before turning back as the scrambling started, although Billy Dog wanted to come too.  

Solo over Blencathra and Skiddaw Lower Man and Skiddaw itself. 

Down the Carlside descent and across the A591 where I found Paul Wilson sat waiting for me.  It was good to talk to Paul about his Steve Parr Round and all things connected with BG rounds, ethos and ethics. 

We had a quick brew with Mel at Braithwaite, then Paul continued with me up Grisedale Pike and over the peaks to Grasmoor before heading off to the school run. Wandhope, Crag Hill and Sail lead to an easy long descent to Buttermere and a proper feed ready for the long evening leg to Wasdale.  

Easy up High Stile, then a tedious leg around Haystacks chasing daylight over dead ground aiming to get to Green Gable before dark.  

A head torch loomed out of the gloom and increasing mist which introduced itself as John Fletcher. 'You don't know me, but I know Rich and Carol. It took me a while to realise you were out today, but I have a flask of tea, and cheese and tomato sandwich and some Jelly Babies'. 

John's Tea was just as welcome as his company finding Green Gable over confusing ground in murky conditions. So murky, I did a double take at the cairn and John looked worried as he had to leave me at Windy Gap. Gable summit was found with only minor incident, but the descent to Beck Head was simply awful.  Thick mist, wet rock and gusty winds.  Cautious and slow navigation secured the route up Kirkfell, and off via the old metal fence posts.  Climbing Pillar the visibility improved quite dramatically, clearing to reveal twinkling stars and a small crescent moon.

The Bob Graham peaks, plus Haycock as an out and back were nice, then the mist rolled in again on the sneaky traverse out to Red Pike. It was getting late now, and having not looked at the new high tech Casio watch, it beeped midnight, meaning, 'Oh shit!'  I was aware I'd been losing time in the dark and murk despite feeling strong, and I was only to lose more on an awful scree descent of Dore Head, taking a tumble and having to climb back up to retrieve a pole. 

I reached Wasdale Head around 1:20am, where Mel had the van ready, quickly ate what I could and put the alarm on for 3:30am.  Aleks would be here for a 4am depart.

Brew on at 3:30am, Aleks is there, then a third 'random' guy, Joe Parsons who'd seen what I was doing and had a few hours to spare before work out on the West Coast.  Off at 4:15am, steady away, steep climb up Lingmell Nose and then traverse across to Scafell, up and down West Wall Traverse in thick murk, wet loose scree, but excellent work from Alek and Joe. Many stories, many laughs.

Dawn on Scafell means I have lost time, so we find a cold shivery Angela White at Esk Hause, armed with tea and porridge. I took a quick drink, then headed for Esk Pike solo as Joe and Aleks raced back to Wasdale and their respective work. I doubled back down to Esk Hause Shelter for more tea and the porridge with Angela who was less shivery as the sun started to warm the day.

Solo over Allen Crags and a surprisingly easy run to Glaramara feeling good, not stressing about time. 

Gaynor and Dave Prior, plus Stuart Smith had volunteered to walk into the support point in Langstrath and a massive moveable fun feast of more tea, porridge, Spanish Omelette, orange juice and even a Danish pastry were consumed, as well as more time lost but laughs gained.

I'd had a poor descent of Glaramara, seemingly hitting every boulder field and craglet I could, conscious that Gaynor, Dave and Stuart were watching a decrepit ex-fellrunner descend like a lame donkey.  But, it had given me a chance to look at the ascent of High Raise, which is stuck plum in the centre of the Lakes at a meaningful 2500'.  Rather than the direct 'route one', the easy angled zigzags up towards Stake Pass provided a better option before turning left for High Raise.  Stuart and Keela dog did the zig-zags with me before heading back to the valley and left me to a steady climb, warm in the mid-day sun, and a  surprising sight of a mighty stag on a rocky outcrop.

A quick lap of the trig (an alternative to touching it) and off I went jogging down the long descent to traverse around to Rossett Gill.  Jim Tinnion came towards me, having back tracked from Three Shires.  Bowfell went Ok, with Jim providing a 'Jetboil brew' just off the summit.   

Mick Cooper joined us for Crinkle Crags and on to Long Top we were joined by Debs White, as a final summit before Three Shires.  I'd forgotten who far it was down to the Pass. My days of hammering down here in the Langdale fell race are long gone and I was now very conscious of the time slipping away.  I'd hoped to get over the Coniston Fells and down off Weatherlam in daylight but that was going to be very ambitious. Onsight rough descents in the dark are a recipe for time loss and so it was to be.

As quick as we could at the road crossing, where Mel was going to join me for some Wainwright reminiscing but Mick and Jetboil Jim continued with me. Mick did leave behind the bottle of beer he'd carried out to give me, in the van for my finish. (Monumental from Saltaire Brewery) 

It was a lovely evening, and a stunning sunset but a wheezy chest was giving me some concerns. A final fell brew via Jim at Levers Hawse before he headed back to Three Shires and Mick and myself to Weatherlam. Properly dark now, we saw a headtorch above us, and discover Tory has come up from Tilberthwaite to find us.  I was particularly worried about this descent and the three of us, especially Mick and Tory did a fine job of getting me down to Greenburn.  I don't think we found the right path to start with but soon found ourselves bashing through small yew trees, and gorse, overgrown on boulders and tussocks.  Not my finest hour, but no point stressing.  Tory did ace with her navigation, and we re-located onto good ground and back to normality, Tory heading right to Tilberthwaite and Mick and myself to Colwith Bridge, where Mel and Angela were ready with their vans, about 10:30pm.

Sleep.

I needed to sleep.  

Gone were any plans to get beyond Ambleside and ideally Troutbeck, I just needed sleep, now.  Into the van for food and sleep, Angela headed off with Mick.  A quick meal, then I tried to sleep. 'Three hours' I suggested, to the relief of Angela and Mel, setting the alarm for 2:30am, hence 3:20 to allow twenty minutes to relax and get to sleep.

The wheezing got worse as I laid down. I felt quite panicky and struggled to breath without coughing deeply. 'Is this Covid, Asthma, the remnants of that heavy cold? For ten minutes or so I struggled to settle having to sit up. Mel had settled down to try and sleep across the front seats of her van (transit custom FYI) but came to look at me, and was worried. She calmed me down, gave me some paracetamol and I thought of all that first aid training for asthma and heart attack symptoms.  Settling back down in the 'Z' position, and with great breath control Mel suggested some classical piano music and back in our respective cosy cramped positions I eventually went to sleep, but it had all taken a long time and eaten into my three hour sleep allowance, greatly.

Parking where we did, beside the river was probably one of the coldest spots in the Lakes. Mel hadn't slept at all, due to the cold and lay there just willing the alarm to go off and fire up the MSR Windburner.  I must have had an hour or so of sleep, as I did feel better and my breathing was OK. The cold hit me as Mel opened the side door and I got dressed in the big roomy fleece bag as I drank the first tea of the day.  There was very little kit faff and a second brew drunk as I initiated a rolling plan for me to get moving and Mel to provide breakfast in Skelwith Bridge or Ambleside.

I moved well along the Cumbrian Way, a route I walk a few times a year leading a walking group with Jilly-Milly, so a few more memories enjoyed, too. It was much nicer than the pure tarmac of the main road, that I assume Steve had used, but probably slower.

Breakfast in Ambleside was fit for a King. Scrambled egg and beans and two slices of Granary. I was back on a mission and still hopeful to get back towards scheduled times.   I enjoyed further solo miles around Jenkin Wood towards Troutbeck and then Jo Spivey and Richard had run out from the home to meet me.  More tea and cake offered; Richards is a star baker, although my appetite for sweet stuff was waning even for his excellent juice plum flan. Down across Troutbeck and the A592 and start to climb up Garburn Pass. Tory Miller appeared again having run up from Dubbs before work, and apologised for not having brought tea and the four of us made steady progress on the rocky bouldery track. It's great being able to introduce new friends to each other. Dawn broke as we descended to Kentmere Church were Ed-(Jack-in-the-Box)-Key jumped out from behind a gate, Yep, clutching more tea!

Chris and Jan Little had driven to Kentmere fearful that they would miss me anywhere else, and so Chris and Ed climbed up Kentmere Pike with me as the others headed home or to work. High up Kentmere Pike, Paul and Marcia Aitken caught us up just to say hello and then I was alone over to Harter Fell in a glorious sunny morning.

More Tea!

I tend to keep off my phone on these trips, so I might see a message but not open or read it. I did see one from Justine Carruthers, 'A flask of tea on Harter Fell for you, I will collect the bag tomorrow so just leave it by the cairn.'  Not just a flask of black tea, but a small bottle of fresh milk, too! Nectar.

I was moving well again, and passed an ML training group out early descending to Nan Bield Pass. Climbing again, I'd go past Mardale Ill Bell, which was the fell that Steve Parr didn't class as 2500' foot high but Martin Stone did but as the route goes within a few metres of the summit it was bagged as well. John Parkin, (aka Arctic John) had found me here, looking out of character dressed in shorts.  John had come up to support Gwynn Stokes on a BG adventure but that had been aborted so John had time to kill.

NO MORE TEA!

Angela was waiting for us on High Street (most Running Grannies are found on the high street?) with tea and more porridge. Now Angela, having run JoGLE last year does know a thing or two about nutrition but I wasn't for stopping just there and keen to get her moving to get her warm.  We marched and shuffled over to Kidsty Pike, High Raise and Rampsgill Head all in patchy mist, breezy but generally a nice morning.

Skirting back over High Street, we passed a few folk at Thornthwaite Beacon, where there is an intriguing sign, 'Unstable Structure',

The descent, then re-ascent to Stony Cove Pike / Caudale Moor, is just like that steep little step on Seat Sandal, and always hits me between the eyes. Your quads are pumped and lungs not ready for a steep climb.  By now, I was taking each steep climb in 'low gear' determined to keep my breathing steady and not risk the coughing fits that were quite debilitating.   

Jim joined us again around here and we drifted and faffed a bit whilst chatting unfocused on nailing the summit then down to Kirkstone Pass.  It was really good to meet Liz Wakelin, Steve Parr's ex-wife on the descent as well as Paul Aitken again.  My legs were feeling fine, as well as my back, but I just couldn't get into any running, despite plenty of eagerness as the breathing just went off the scale.

Kirkstone Pass

Beware The Chair.  Often said, so why did I sit down?  There was this chair ominously positioned in lee of the car tailgate, next to the slow cooking eggs.  I knew if I sat, then the pace and momentum would take a dive, but it seemed the right and polite thing to do.  Damn.

Quite a crowd had gathered; James Thurlow to charge my battery, (tracker change - going so slowly) John Bamber with his big camera (re-deployed from Gwynn Stokes Montane mis-Adventure) 

Red Screes is the last big climb, and so it was steady away in extra low gear, getting the lungs into maximum efficiency. Last time I was near here, I was with Mel on her Wainwrights and we had to go out to Middle Dodd and High Hartsop Dodd, but the direct line to Dove Crag is all for us, me Liz and Jim.  Liz turned South back to Ambleside leaving Jim and myself to traverse, Hart Crag, Greatrigg Man, Fairfield and over to St. Sunday. The afternoon was starting to darken, and with a few patches of swirling cloud the traverse around Cofa Pike was fun.   This used to be a frequent route of mine, dating back from Outward Bound days, as it's off the beaten track and a nice horseshoe from Deepdale.  Jim mentioned that it would be nice to get off St. Sunday before dark and as we turned to look at the sunset Dwane and Louise Greenwood were rapidly catching us up. Cold on the summit, it was time to layer up for a long evening.  Whilst doing so, I got Jim to off load all the accumulated food in my rucsac that wasn't going to get eaten and sent in valley wards with Dwane and Louise, thus saving a kilogram or two.

Across the outlet of Grisedale Tarn, two more friends appeared; Ros and Neil. It was delightful to see them both. Ros continued on with me, but Neil was on driving duties and so Jim jumped off here to get a lift around to Threlkeld with Neil.

Another very steady climb, but strong and enjoyable. I'd learnt to adopt an 'alpine plod' as per my mountaineering days in the Alps. As long as I kept my heart rate and breathing really easy there was no coughing or wheezing.  Ros caught me up just before the top having taken a few goodies from Jim, and made a bit of a plan.  Jim was keen to get around to Threlkeld and come up my proposed descent route as it was new to him and not as per the tracker link down via Newsham Farm.

At this stage I was aware that I should or could become a passenger in my own adventure as others (Friday evening after all) were taking the reins. I was glad of the company but I did keep wondering how I felt about this and how I'd feel if I had been solo.  I was certainly geared up for it and prepared to be so, but Ros was great company. Then I heard a Geordie voice up in the murk just short of Dollywaggon.  Daveed Atkinson? No....even better Ken Maynard.  Star man Ken, did a great job of navigating us along from Dollywagen to Nethermost where a few more torches loomed out of the mist, as we cautiously search for all three summit cairns in turn.  'Are you folk at the top?' I shouted.  'Not sure, really,' was the consensus, and suddenly there seemed about eight or nine of us bimbling about in happy mood.  

Seriously good to see everyone: Becky and Joel, Mel and Billy Dog, Paul and Emma, Mel and Angela armed with a flask, but soup, this time.  Off we go ...'Er, Why are we heading South West folks? Classic, anybody, everybody, somebody.

Helvellyn summit shelter was a good spot to pause, warm soup welcome and plans checked as to who is doing what.  Most headed off back down to Swirls car park, Mel decided to wait on Lower Man with Billy Dog while Ros and Ken and myself tackle the blustery greasy out and back to Castye Cam.

Reunited with Billy and Mel, we make good steady progress over Whiteside, Raise, both Stybarrow Dodds and then what seemed a very long dog leg out to Watson's Dodd.  A final climb up Great Dodd was actually very pleasurable and all the while I was trying to raise the pace and push off down to the Old Coach Road via the Western shoulder of Clough Head and the steep diagonal path, as used on Open Adventure's Lakes in A Day.  We met Jim again as he'd come up this way to locate the exit point and all was good. Well, apart from a big slippery tumble where I bent one pole, which is now called Suzanna.

I was frustrated at the pace. I had running left in my legs and had envisaged powering along the Helvellyn ridge gaining on my schedule, but the lungs just wouldn't let it happen.  Overall a good laugh, great adventure.

 

Posting the tracker back to Open Tracking at the finish in Threlkeld.

Thanks Everybody

It was a great fun adventure.  It definitely met the criteria of 1) Realistic Objective 2) Uncertainty of Outcome and 3) Good Companionship, and I enjoyed it all with a few obvious exceptions. It was great seeing folk 'pop-up' unexpectedly and much appreciated.

I did also enjoy my mainly solo approach, and still wonder how the final stage from Kirkstone Pass to Threlkeld would have gone without the various support I received.

I think sub 61 hours was or still is a good target for some who like a solo adventure.  Naturally, those chasing a Steve Parr Round, need to aim for sub 48hours and will be heavily paced and use the 'modern' Martin Stone route and order of peaks.  However, Paul Wilson thinks there is a further route option which may prove to be beneficial. 

I'd like to propose #Parr61 as an objective along the lines that I set out to do, hence attractive to the slower, steady solo adventurer looking for a project.  I certainly think 61 hours would have been achieved if it wasn't for the long dark evenings and of course my breathing problems.  

Recovery

Two weeks later and I seem to be well on the way to recovery. I did get to work later that day and a couple of J.Sainsbury sponsored step class helped with my active recovery. I spent three or four days eating and sleeping well, and stretching as normal. 

I've seen my GP and was referred quickly to a specialist nurse. I've been on an asthma inhaler and monitoring my peak flow (breath) daily with improving results.  I also had a chest X-ray yesterday, which is 'all clear'.  I've yet to do any proper exercise but will be doing soon.

Dragon's Tale Revisted

Dragon's Back Race - 2015

So, the DBR is over for another two years and there will be so many different memories and stories from a wide range of people.

Firstly, I'd like to thank Shane, Heather and Tom for amazingly professional delivery of 'The Third Edition' which appeared to be faultless to me.  Backed up by a highly competent team of hand-picked marshals and with the generous title sponsorship of Berghaus, this was a very slick production.

There is no doubt this is a tough race. It's a tough week on everyone; at least we runners get more sleep generally than the event team, who work tirelessly to make the event happen.  Some 'big names' bailed out, some due to injury and some realised mid-week that it wasn't going to happen for them.
I was sad to see to the two 'Jim's, and my Spine mate Mark, all very experienced mountain running men,  choose to stop through 'SMJ' decisions when things weren't going there way.

There are other people to thank as well,  I spent a bit of time with Carol, initially on the Glyders and especially on Crib Goch, but she is much faster runner than me and quickly gets away on the flat. My tent companions whittled down to see me sharing with Damian Hall, Pavel, Jonas and a certain Mr Tobias Mews who were all great entertainment and a source of inspiration in various ways.  ('Stop Faffing'  Tobias...)

I'd also like to congratulate our NAV4 Adventure clients who did so well: Lizzie, Tremayne, Michelle and Richard for completing the full race, and in very good times, along with Louise, Anna, Carlos, Katharine, Wayne for going so well and so far.  I was really pleased to see Braddan complete this year after being so close in 2012.  I actually didn't see much of him all week, as he started early, got to bed early and was wary of any cut-offs.

More Than Just a Race

'More than just a race' is what Angie from Berghaus quoted today; and she should know having been there working all week and running the complete Day Three, the long tough day, in tough conditions. In some ways it's a family affair, although with different branches of the family.  I've been taking my time to catch up with some social-media, and have particularly enjoyed Helene Whittaker's videos, if only to see what else was going on around me during the week.  Helene is very much part of the DBR team, as is Wendy Dodds;  Steve Doobie....you were conspicuous by your absence.

Great Videos and Media Coverage

There are hundreds of photos on the web, and with more surfacing each day.  Helene's video presentations were the highlight of yesterday's media catch up, and before we all become yesterday's chip paper please take a look at a few videos on the dragonsbackrace website

If you only watch two video shorts then please try these those of Jim Mann, Huw and Glen Davies and myself from Day Five   Jim's words are very poignant, and the bit about Glen and Huw Davies is pretty special for me too.    The camera does lie: the twenty or so seconds of me walking up that lane doesn't show how steep it was.  Plus, I would have answered questions with a more lengthy response especially if Helene or some had asked me something interesting. And....I think Ian Corless's camera has a special filter on it to make us look more rugged and knackered than we really are.

'So, Three Dragon's Back Races in 23 Years?'

I was often asked which was best , or which was hardest, or whether this one was tougher than The Spine.  If truth be told I found this one the easiest.  1992 was very daunting and way beyond the physical limits of what any of us had done then.  2012 was hard from an emotional and psychological point of view as it came just a week after the Sting Exped Adventure Race in Scotland. So, I started a bit battered and sore but was fit that year.  This year in 2015 I was far from running or race fit, but had enough mountain miles in my legs from working outdoors, usually with a sizeable sac on.

I'm just not running fit any more.  Someone once described my running as similar to an old 2.0 litre non-turbo Diesel Transit van.  There the ones that look tatty, and you'd never think they would pass an MOT, but they just keep going.  As long as you keep putting the right fuel in they keep going.

Well, if that is so, in DBR 1992 I (think?) I would have been and 'L' reg Transit. That 'L' plate means a lot to me. In 1992 I was just thirty, and coming into my long distance prime (the media hadn't invented the word 'ultra' then, in fact social media was invented!)  But I was surrounded by the great and the good of long distance mountain running;  Stone and Diamantides, Belton and McDermott, Walsh and Clark, Cudahy and Kyle, Wendy and Sue, Turnbull and Jones, someone called Crane, John Redmayne....you get the idea.  So, I was the young unknown tea-boy, the fat 'mid-packer' (sic) who survived and came to the fore.  I was just lucky to be born when I was and be invited to take part.

However, in '92 I was also quietly confident. I'd chalked up 3 Bob Graham Rounds, a good handful of hilly '100' milers, dozens of mountain marathons (proper two day jobs, not 26.2 miles of trail)  and so I had miles in the tank, topped off by an eagerness and passion to have specifically made a Soft Option 'Event' running sac.  In other words, well prepared and with eyes wide open.

Enough of memory lane; but when someone asked if I was going to finish 2015, I immediately thought of Sir Steve Redgrave, when he was asked, 'When did you know you had won?' after that amazingly close finish for his fifth gold medal.  'After ten strokes,' said Sir Steve. Now, Sir Steve isn't arrogant, and I hope I'm not, but having started and got through Day One, and baring injury such as befell Ed or Pavel, I was going to finish this jaunt down the wonderful Welsh mountains.  The destination was a certain, just the speed / time and maybe condition I'd finish in being a little unknown.

Speed Kills

So, just like a 23 year old Transit van, the body work is knackered, the paintwork very much past it's best, and the chassis may be a bit twisted, but inside the engine block refuses to die.  No amount of lycra will hold the wing mirrors on and there's no i-pod socket, tinted glass, nor electric windows.
Air condition involves removing layers of clothing.  Thankfully, smart new Berghaus zip neck short sleeved shirts negated the need to be shirtless this time.

Start Day Four - Bed Hair - Photo by Angie and Berghaus 

Any stage race or 'ultra', or expedition requires you to look after yourself, preserve energy and limit body damage.  The evening's recovery is crucial and a skill set within itself; eat, drink, stretch, (self-medical?) eat, drink, sleep, drink, drink, eat, run...repeat.  Pacing yourself is key, and most of us are only racing yourselves not others.  Although some seem intent on following and steal minutes of others.

Route Choice

Fortunately, this transit hasn't got a Satnav to go wrong; but it does have a map, and good solid navigation skills.  It also grow up in Shropshire and spent it's early years roaming around Snowdonia and Mid-Wales, especially. Seriously, I was efficient throughout with my route choice, 'Yes' in some ways from prior knowledge but you still have to navigate, which at times includes slowing down rather than going the wrong way. I made some small errors, everyone does, but often those are because of 'race head' and trying to gain time on people around you.  One was within a mile of the finish following the 'marked route'! (NB- There is no such thing as a marked route )

I was very happy with my navigation and route choice.  Day Two is the awkward one and I took a direct, and consequently lonely line, enjoying some solitude overlooking Tremadog Bay.  I messed up the end of Day Two, getting swallowed up by some runner-eating-boulders and vicious heather which had me travelling a mile in about one hour and subsequently suffering a mild hunger-bonk on the mandatory route run in. Bit of a sad finish to that day.

Overall, I really enjoyed navigating in poor visibility and certainly passed several people in the 'clagg' with slick lines. However my biggest strength is just keeping up a steady pace,  (as seen in the video on Day Five) which makes it surprising easy to pass people at the Support Point, or even at gates, road junctions and hill tops. Indeed, the ability to navigate effectively is a core mountain running skill and so mastering this will enhance your mountain running performance without doubt.  'Yes' - check out our NAV4 Adventure courses for details.

Diesel Fuel

As long as I keep putting the right fluids in, I keep going. Fuel, water and 'oil' in the right places.

I don't have any complicated nutrition and hydration strategy, but I do like food and drink. I drank water all week, with just two quick tea stops.  I eat sandwiches, 9bars, cashew nuts, cheese and tomato cubes, oat cakes and Peanut M&Ms.  I have been using some Mountain Fuel powders before during and after the race, which make up great milk shake based drinks.  I also had a few Bounce Balls and Cliff Bars from previous expeditions but find them hard work at times.  No gels for me  #gelfreerunning

Gear - Less is More

I bought home more food than I eat.  Heather's catering was great - plentiful food and I've no problem with being vegetarian.  But, I did run out of Early Grey tea bags, had the usual cravings for odd foods and missed semi-skimmed milk.

Clothing: I was lucky enough to earn some Berghaus shorts and base layers, along with a Vapourlight Hypertherm Reversible Smock which is really useful for its weight.   These base layers fit me well, have great length neck zips for ventilation, which is an essential for me.  The Vapourlight Hyper smock also kept me dry in tough weather on the Brecon Beacons during Friday.   That was the only time I put a waterproof on.

Overnight Kit needs careful thinking about. Again 'Less is More', and it's about flexibility and thinking through needs, not necessarily wants.  I know many of you kit fanatics will be after details, but as Helene said at the original briefing, 'Its' not about what you wear, or what you eat .....It's in here (inside) what makes a difference.  Naturally, a NAV4 Adventure course will be a source of further knowledge if you need more advice and input.

So...

The Dragon's Back Race has had a successful third edition.  Well Done Shane and team.  Of course, Shane wasn't in charge in 1992, but I reckon it takes any event to get to three years before it's matured and found it's groove, so he's done it early.  What next for 2017, I wonder.

Finally,  I'd like to thank Mr Stuart Smith. I'll single him out from the many hard working Event Team as he quietly gets on and does the do without any fuss or bother.  I always feel safe and sorted when he's on board.

Thanks for all the messages, support and I wish everyone a happy and swift recovery.
See on in Conway in 2017.

Joe

NAV4 Adventure

Taming The Dragon

Ok, it's getting pretty real now.  Last Sunday I was out in Snowdonia with six other 2015 Dragon Race competitors, and it suddenly feels like the race is just around the corner.  Whilst I'm busy prepping myself for the race it was good to spend some time with other DBRacers.

This was a special edition of our 'Mountain Running Skills' course, but based in Wales and aimed solely at Dragon's Back racers.

Choosing to meet at Pen-y-Pass YHA,  we enjoyed one or two 'brews' in the warmth of The Snug as the weather did it's best to discourage us from going outside at all.  After a very wide ranging and interesting discussion on all things 'DBR', mountains, food, trails, compasses maps, amd drybags it was time to get outside.

The plan was to run around to Tryfan and back over the Glyders.   The run out was Ok, but we suffered quite a battering on Tryfan with gusts requiring us to get low down and hold on tight on the scramble up and down the South Ridge.

Back at Bwlch Tryfan, it was obvious that conditions would be very challenging on Glyder Fawr  and Glyder Fach, and it was getting colder. Overall, it was a good test of differing shoes and clothing, as well as a reminder that good 'hill-skills', navigation and 'SMJ' is just as important as physical fitness for this or any mountain running event.

Suffice to say we retraced our steps in thick 'clag' and retreated back to The Snug for some more brews, and more race banter.

It was an interesting day.  I'd like to thank all six on this recce / skills course for their input.  We aired many an issue for the DBR race, talked about kit, strategy and tactics, and a lot about us, the runner and how we control our race and emotions.

Remember; 'Day Two is the Toughest'   and then it gets harder.

I'd also like to thank Steve at Pen-y-Pass YHA for his hospitality as well as Berghaus and Shane for staging the Dragon's Back Race for a third time.

NAV4 Adventure offer a number of tuition and coaching sessions.  'MRS' is our one day course, and we have a weekend 'Mountain Running Essentials running twice a year, with the next one on 9-11th October.  Alternatively much of my work is delivered on a 'One-One' or small group basis by arrangement, and includes a full range of running and mountaineering activities. Further details can be found on the NAV4 Adventure website.

Spine Race - Part Two - Gear, Skills and Strategy

Skills, Gear and Strategy

PartOne gave an overview of how The Spine Race. Following on from that, and in response to several questions this blog focuses on the Skills, Gear and strategies I employed during my very memorable week with my friend Mark Rawlinson.

Firstly, even my decision to stay with Mark was a conscious one, as whilst we may have been labelled 'The Odd Couple' we had a partnership that worked, so stuck with it. Mark had better local knowledge of the Southern parts of The Pennine Way than I did, so I was happy to cruise along in his wake, especially as I was recovering from a cold and heavy chest and there was no rush, was there?

SKILLS

So, what 'skills' did we have?

1) The ability to navigate simply, and quickly using map and compass. I don't use a GPS although Mark does and it used a huge amount of batteries but did check where I was once or thrice!!!

2) The ability to keep moving at a steady pace without any faff and wasted time. 'Time stood stationary means you are going backwards in real terms'

Good simple Navigation pays dividends.   And keep the Country Code...please.

3) The skill of looking after yourself, clothing and gear. ie, not losing a map, glove or sanity due to wind rain and poor viz.

4) The skill of looking after feet, head and stomach in equal measure. (which is most important I wonder?) and each other.

5) And, after all, the ability to keep walking and jogging, where, appropriate at a steady 3 mph...

6) The ability to layer up and keep warm and keep moving, venting when necessary.

7) The acknowledgement that this event is not about running ability for the majority of us.

Why do I have these Skills – My Background 

• 40! years of multi-day hiking, back-packing, 'long distance walking, 'Ultra running, mountain marathons and adventure races. Yes, I started when I was a teenager and I'm still only Mid-fifties. Honest
• Winter hill-walking experience – gives you the ability to navigate in poor viz, with gloves on, in the dark, and without loosing the ability to eat, and look after yourself.
• Finally, the ability to look after self and gear in checkpoints. I'm often quite amazed at how inefficient people are at the checkpoints. It's as if they arrive through the door and their brains become mush! To be fair some of this is due to the body shutting down and the gaggle of volunteers taking over and at times, simply 'being in your face' ….
• I'm sorry if that sounds rude or selfish, but what I really need from a Checkpoint is just a bit of space, a tap, my drop bag, a toilet and a bit of personal space...
  
  

GEAR

This is a simple gear list.

I itemise this and name items by brand /model so as to illustrate the type and robustness of the gear I was using. 'Other brands are available ….but I have chosen based upon some considerable experience.

Footwear – La Sportiva Raptor trail shoes.

An excellent and very much under valued shoe. It has good mid-sole protection, stability and reasonable grip on all surfaces ) apart from the bottomless mud when nothing grips ...even Mircrospikes!)

It might be worthy noting that I have probably used about seven or eight pairs of these over the past few years, (Lakeland 100's, Dragon's Back Race, Terrex Sting and ITERA) and that in it's self means the shoe works for me, in other words my feet are used to them and vice a versa.

I also used a pair of 'Salomon Ultra GTX Mid' for the last two days – a low cut Gore-tex boot, so as to have happy cosy hot feet. My feet were constantly wet for the first four days, but without being cold and no blisters suffered. By Day Five it was nice to have a change of footwear.

Socks – Inov-8 Mudsoc High – Mid-weight Merino wool / lyrca sock. Brilliant feet. Four pairs used. One pair of Smartwool PHD used on Cheviot's last stage.

Gaiters – an old pair of Lowe alpine full length gaiter used along with the Salomon boots for complete protection. Used for the last two days.

Leg wear – Lowe Alpine Power Stretch tights, with a pair of Smart wool ¾ tights underneath was my preferred option. This gives a very cosy and warm, and wind resistant combination.

I do not like wearing over trousers unless it really is raining. However, given the conditions I had to start off in overtrousers so just had the Powerstretch tights without the Smartwool for the first few days. Plus HH windproof briefs, of course.

I was OK on both Crossfell and The Cheviots without overtroursers. Being old school, over-trousers to me are to be avoided, they cause drag and condensation which probably leads to the increased risk of chaff-age!

Upper Base Layer – Helly Hansen Lifa. The tried and tested and very reliable thermal wicking base layer. For much of the year I prefer a zip neck for ventilation, but the crew neck under a mid layer works OK for winter. I used two Lifa tops all week, Yes, I just changed once.

Mid- layer – very important – this gives you the foundation of warmth. Early on it was a Haglofs stem top; latterly, a Haglogs micro fleece gilet (close fitting, long, with high neck and a very crucial zipped chest pocket for spare batteries)

Outer layer – the excellent Montane Krypton jacket. This is a shell micro-fleece jacket. It is highly wind-proof has two good pockets and a tiny sleeve pocket – for your toothbrush and yet more spare batteries. I've  used one of these for all my work and adventures for the past few years.

Spare Layers – Montane Fireball Smock and Lifa baselayers

Waterproofs – Montane Direct Ascent Jacket. A long lengthed, basic 'walking jacket' Two simple massive pockets and an excellent hood. Long enough to cover your 'bits'.  I choose this over my existing Montane Supefly XT, or Further Faster Neo jacket due to it's cut and features, or anything lighter.

Mark and myself pondering the book sale upon arrival at Hawes

Over trousers – Montane Superfly – Mid-weight O/Ts with ¾ venting zips. Over-trousers and zips got used constantly for the first three days.  These O/Ts might have been a bit heavy but the didn't fail and fit and perform very well. My Montane Minimus over-trousers that I carry for lightweight mountain adventures don't have long zips, wouldn't have been able to vent as well, or be removed as easily and, to be honest, wouldn't have lasted a week of chaffage and abuse.

Head – A ubiquitous Buff, as well as the Montane Krypton hood of course. A second Buff as a spare and a Montane Powerstretch Beanie for if it got nasty (which went on only once on the cold trudge to Bellingham.)

Glasses  -  I had some sport cycling glasses with a 2.5 bi-focal inset which protected my eyesight well against wind. I now struggle with my eyesight and some map work., especially at night with OS 1;25k maps, but I used Harvey 1:40 maps and these are much clearer.

Gloves – Two pairs of light thermal gloves, one being fingerless, with a pair of Terra Nova Tuff bags as over mitts when needed. I had Montane Extreme Mitts in my sac throughout for emergencies but never used them.

Poles – Black Diamond FL Distance (Alloy) pole. Has 20cm adjustment, and I bent one during a big falling slide on Hadrian's Wall, but it didn't break and performed very well. I have since bent it back OK.

Head torch – Trusty and reliable and perfectly adequate Petzl Myo RXP. With copious Lithium AA batteries. Regular readers will know that I really like the Petzl Nao and Tikka RXP reactive torches, but for a week long race, when charging facilities aren't available then a AA feed head torch makes sense. I also had a Petzl e+Lite as back up in my First Aid/Safety kit.

* I've since learnt that the AAA battery adaptor is now available for the Tikka RXP, so that will be on my list for next time. Reactive lighting really works for night navigation.

Rab – Vapour-rise Guide Jacket - Carried from Bellingham and worn for second part of The Cheviot. I had toyed with the idea of a Montane Extreme Smock, but could not find one in Large Blue and the Rab vents better, I think?

Still no over- trousers worn, and a Montane Fireball spare in the sac, along with Lifa base layer.

Rucsac – Osprey Talon 33. Perhaps a bit heavy and over specced and would have preferred to do the first day or two with my faithful Inov-8 25litre Racepac, but ditched that just before the start and went straight for the heavy weight gear, including bypassing Montane Minimus pants, and lighter kit all round etc. This was because of the weather conditions at right from the start, and the chance that we might be shipped off from Snake Pass and holed up in Glossop or somewhere.

With hindsight, my trusty KIMM-Lite 30 was probably the ideal choice.

Whatever the mountain or trail event – you should always be self-reliant and have the gear to get your self out of the poo back to base, and may be even home by public transport – think cash, cards, and being in civvy street.

Mug – a big simple GSI Lexan Mug – great for brews wherever, on the road, Checkpoints, and even cafes.   Mugs give you a bigger brew, and saves times and effort for checkpoint staff, and no washing up of course.

Regular readers will be glad to know that I have now found by faithful opaque green one, which was hiding in the shed ….so my mojo is back.

Spork – Titanium – cos it does not break, although it is heavier than the plastic ones.

Stove – Jetboil – obviously.

Sleeping Bag – Rab Top Bag

Bivvi Bag - Alpkit Hukka

Sleeping mat – 3mm foam – c.150 x 45 cm. Lives in the front of my sac, folded in four – down the inside of the outerside , and not the back. Helps keep sac stable and protects from weather a bit too. Also a Wickes HD Rubble plastic bag is an essential sac liner.

Gear in Drop Bag / Spares / Essentials

Drop Bag - Ortieb Rackpack XL - Yellow - easy to see, bombproof ..simple.

Feet Up ... Brilliant Drop Bag

• A second light sleeping bag -Rab 300; both may have gone with me on the hill if needed.
• Another piece of 3mm for Cps – foot mat / floor covering
• Montane Prism Jacket and Trousers - excellent bit of exped AR kit.
• Terra Nova Laser Tent – gives options for camping, but not considered once paired up with Mark.
• A threequarter length Thermarest Prolite 3. Goes inside the Top Bag neatly.
• Crocs! 'nuff said....we haven't go time to go into foot care in this blog....

Food – copious amounts of 9Bars, Nairns Oat Cakes, , cashew nuts, tomatoes, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, olives, carrots, and other savoury stuff. Tins of sardines in sauce, Cous-Cous, frozen pizza slices, bananas and the occasional Naked Cocoa bars..

Cheese Prep - at Tour de Helvellyn

No chocolate, gels, energy drinks or stuff like that. I did carry a few jelly babies for the emergencies.

We ate good meals at Gargrave cafe, Horton Cafe, Dufton Stag Inn, Greenhead Cafe. Max stay 1 hour each, apart from Horton which was a two and half hour time out.

I bought back well over half my food in my drop bag, along with more spare Winter wear gear, spare Rab Vapour-rise, Montane Powerstretch Shirt, 'winter soft shell gloves' Lowe Alpine Mountain Cap etc.

STRATEGY

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines Strategy as;

1 'The Art of War' …..or 3. 'a plan of action or policy...'

MST Planning at Alston?

Firstly, You must believe that you will probably get to the end, given your skills and ability. Such things as The Spine is 30% Physical, 30% Mental and 30% Emotional plus another 10% of grunt or something.

Having a plan is good; for example, my basic calculation was along the lines of six, 45 mile days, at an average of 3mph. Now 3mph is a very good average to maintain over such a distance, which further computes into 'just' fifteen hour 'running days' and so hence nine hour over-nights. Easy, eh?

Screen shot from the excellent www.opentracking.com website ....

So that's the plan ….but making it happen is far from straight forward. The Spine has unevenly spaced Checkpoints of varying quality and so the immediate issue of where (and when to?) to sleep arise.

There is oodles of stuff on the forum about tents versus bivis, and what is scary is the number of people who are asking which one to do, when they have never bivvied at all, which in itself is a skill.

So ...your strategy must encompass your skills.

I'll also throw in again a couple of lines regarding, 'Adventure' – 'Uncertainty of Outcome, Realistic Objective .. and Good Companionship' (this I learnt from Colin Mortlock,  way back in 1984 when he came to talk to us at as a staff group at Outward Bound Ullswater.

• 'Uncertainty of Outcome' - it's going to happen ….weather, injury....'holds' during the race. 
• 'Realistic Outcome' – you have a good chance of succeeding, but it's not a 'given'. But you must have the component skills to give it a go.
• 'Good Companionship' – It does help, disagreements can happen, a few sharp words are excusable. But all good adventures need companionship, even if you are Solo  you need to be 'at one' with your own company. ...more in a different blog, perhaps.

Back to Strategy  / Planning / Adaptability ....

Considering options at Hawes ...'Listening skills' are crucial at CPs

So … a 45 mile day should take us to Hebden Hey, arriving around midnight given the 9.30am start. With the start delayed due windy weather by 2 hours this knocks us back, and when combined with the plan of not actually sleeping at CP1 Hebden due to the confines of space and noise … hmmn.

So, 'Night Two' would crop up around the 90 mile mark, somewhere north of Horton and on the way to Hawes. I had scoped out one or two camp / bivi spots along here, but the weather and delayed start made us re-visit this. In reality we ended up sleeping early at Malham due to weather and then played catch up with a long, 25 hour day to Middleton, to put us back on schedule. After that we had two short days to Dufton and the Alston, with the race being suspended and our decision making no longer totally our own, but we still with a strategy. ...be flexible

Key Strategy '- look after feet, stomach and head...

EAT

I like food and Eat nothing else. Good simple food, is it a skill or strategy?

I was equipped to graze my way up The Pennine Way for six or seven days, without the need for cafe, pub or shop stops, and only treated these as a bonus.  I didn't eat much hot food provided at Checkpoints but prefer to stash myself away in a corner with my drop bag and fend for myself.  (Food for thought for the race format?)

Is its still open?  'YES!' Gargrave Cafe...31 hours into the Spine, apparently..

Cafe strategy or discipline needs to be slick too. The clock doesn't stop, so you need to be efficient, just like a trialthlete in transition. It's not about rushing, or demanding quick service. Leave your ego and 'race-head' outside and just make the most of your one hour (maximum) break. Be very polite to the cafe staff, thank and tip them appropriately, and do some good PR for your fellows. Not all 'runners' will be as good as you, will they.

So that's more than enough for one blog; I don't want to bore you.

My I suggest that if you want to know more, you come on one of our NAV4 Adventure courses, or book a 'One-One' day tuition day or two for yourself or small group.  Mid-week days are increasingly popular and a very worthwhile investment for any hill, mountain or running adventure.

Many thanks,

Joe

nav4adventure@gmail.com

Spine Race 2015 - Part One

Ok, was it Brutal?  Yes in parts, but equally it was beautiful, bountiful and, at times, boring.

Let's get this straight;  I've worked on The Spine for the past two years, in 2013 I went to Middleton-in Tees for 24 hours and stayed another five days becoming a crucial role in a crazy, risky and very ambitious adventure.  For 2014 I was contracted to provide safety cover, but ended up providing all manner of things way and beyond my original brief.   

In 2015 I decided to 'run'.  Why?  Because, I always say that taking part is usually easier than working the full length of an event, plus I had been bitten by The Spine bug and could do very well.  It suits my skillset; long distance expedition skills, in winter in remote places. And, 'Yes' it many ways it was easier taking part. It was certainly simpler.  Just get myself to the start and then the end with a few days in between, look after mind body and soles (feet) and the rest all falls into place.

So, after much training and coaching of others I'm at Edale and firend and good egg Mark Rawlinson is asking my thoughts on strategy.  Well, 'Go steady, really steady to Hebden CP1, take an hours TLC break and push on towards Hawes and CP2.  Sleep somewhere on the second night, where ever that might be  and take it from there.'

Spine Challenger Start - 0630-ish

Day One - Two

What actually happened is that the winds gave us battering on Day One and progress was slow and harsh due to this and the wet saturated ground.  Hebden Hey CP1 was the bun fight as I expected, with no where to sit and sort stuff out, and no hope of sleep.  From my expedition adventure racing experience I'm very happy to go 36-40 hours without sleep (I simply can't sleep on the first night) and so on we went.

I've known Mark for several years, ever since he took part in our Great Lakeland 3 Day event, and latterly at The Dragon's Back race in 2012.  It wasn't my intention to stick with Mark throughout the week, but we spent a very amicable first day together, with me tapping into Mark's superior local knowledge in the first few miles.  By Day Two we had formed a partnership and it became evident that we would spend a few days together and ultimately get each other to the finish.

I really enjoyed Bronteland in the dawn, but the section of undulating farm land to Malham is tedious and very slippery.  The only highlight was an impromptu coffee at The Lothersdale pub on Sunday morning.  We pushed on through in Churchillian conditions, with a 'steady go slow mission' to Malham Visitor Centre.  John Bamber was working his magic at CP1.5 and everyone looked suitably wrecked,  We managed a comfortable bivvi in the woods nearby and returned for a early morning brew with John Bamber before battling over Fountains Fell. On the shoulder of Fountains we headed into some terrible conditions; head down, hood up, goggles steaming up and ...hey-ho your batteries fail in your head torch. Wtf!!! I'm not changing them here.

Pen-yGhent was easy due to the re-route, although I'm not sure that Mr. Portuguese who couldn't find the trail would agree.  We were held at Horton Cafe for 2:40hr, so enjoyed a good feed on a veggie breakfast and a catch up with some 'out of the bubble' stuff.  The current assessment is that we are cruising.... and in good form.  Steady to Hawes CP2.  Bit of a battering on the last stretch of high moor from strong cross winds, which make you tense and stiffen the muscles.  CP 2 - an another one hour's TLC break. 'Crocs' on, socks washed, food eaten and out the door.  Sleeping in CPs' is a no-no as there is too much activity and noise.

One Hour TLC at Hawes CP2

Great Shunner Fell - an excellent peak


I had a great time on Shunner Fell; Mark is climbing well, we had blue sky and even a slight tail wind. Life was good. We had a surprise visit by Dave and Ruth, having driven from their Shap home after some dot watching, catching us up on Gt Shunner, which was very welcome.  And then Rich from Swaledale Outdoors who makes us laugh and takes us off route momentarily, such is his prowess as a local guide and navigator!  Seriously, we noted a re-occurring theme that when a visitor / supporter appeared on the trail it often took away your focus, Indeed, we habitually observed a supported runner often going off route and losing copious amounts of time and time and energy during 'support interface'.  

Onward; the section to Tan Hill was good, but afterwards it deteriorates into tedious moor land, with intricate navigation. By this stage, we had teamed up with Julie Garner who had some hand written route notes (but not by herself, I think?) and so with Mark monitoring his GPS, Julie's notes and myself keeping in touch with map and compass we made good progress finishing with a 25 hour day from Malham to Mid-Tees, despite some horrendous sleep monsters from me.

CP3 Middleton-in Teesdale 

CP 3 Middleton-in-Tees is a much better checkpoint with plenty of space, bunk rooms and showers etc.  There are no Spine Challengers, of course as there race has finished at Hawes. The race had been held here until 3.00am, which is just when we arrived.  Why it was held I'm not sure, it can't of been weather related, but must only have been that the race was getting to strung out.  So .... we take a six hour break in race time whilst others head out on the trail

The trip up the Rive Tees is a delight.  The riverside paths are good, the scenery excellent and the weather quite becalmed..  High Force was impressive with a full body of water and I particularly remember quarry activity across the river, a solid reminder of man's interaction with this wonderful environment.

We had been told of a 10.00 pm cut-off at Cow Green reservoir but we were about eight hours ahead of this and so the FULL course was our option.  The traverse over the Pennine watershed through to High Cup Nick is bleak and feels remote and we completed this just as it became dark and with a short lived, but very threatening snow squall coming straight at us.   The navigation isn't difficult but the small footpaths become obscure and you need to ford the river or find the big foot bridge over the Maize Beck.   ( By the way, you can sample this leg during our new NAV4 Adventure event - Pennine 39 - Sat 18th July )

Crossfell

A steady descent took us down to Dufton CP 3.5 being run by John Bamber and Paul Shorrocks.  Here we had a bit of a dilemna; push one over 'the mighty Crossfell' during the night, or stop here for and an extend rest.  Having considered all the options over fish and chips in the Stag Inn, the obvious personal and professional decisions was to rest up and tackle Crossfell early next morning.  So, after a peaceful, spacious night in Dufton Village Hall, we left a note for JB and at 6.30am started up the Crossfell massif.  Conditions were Ok on the ascent and even along the summit ridge the winds were moderate, the views quite awe inspiring and we were moving well.  It would be rude to pass by Greg's Hut without stopping for a brew, and then onward down to Garrigill were 'Mr.I.A.M MST'  bluntly told us we could get bused to Alston CP4 , or ... WTF!

We walked the last few miles to the Alston CP , along the river and up the last little hill.  Alston CP (the Adventure Centre NOT YHA) was rammed full with cabin fevered Spine racers, including those on the Short course who hadn't made the cut-off at Cow Green.  NB; talking later with Jim Tinnion I was very impressed that he could have made this cut-off but made a sound mountaineering decision not to push it out too far.

To be brief, the impeding storm was brewing for later that evening, but we were very surprised that we weren't allowed to carry on down the Tyne riverside to our intended next stop at Greenhead YHA,  So another long halt, this time with an official time out, of some 17 hours.  The racing snakes had gorged themselves on all the food, the place is a tip and everyone's brain dead.  Bizarrely, I can't sleep due to our restful evening at Dufton so at 2.00am I found that the centre WiFi is working Ok, so I acknowledge some emails as the whole Spine Family snore it's way through Storm Racheal.

Is it Thusday?

Off again just after 7.00 am on Thursday?  Steady, steady, strong progress to Greenhead YHA and along Hadrian's Wall in an increasingly wet and windy evening.  I enjoyed the Wall, but Mark was really starting to suffer with shin / ankle pain predominately on the descents.  The section after The Wall is tough; boggy with tricky navigation and it's a long haul to Bellingham. A surprise visit from Andrew Burton deep in Wark forest gave us a bit of a laugh and brief respite, arriving at Bellingham at around 1.00am?

By now this was becoming a stage race; Each CP is busy and full with blown out racers and staff.  Little space 'at the Inn' for us but I find plenty of room under a table at the back of the hall, take a buffet of cheese, nuts, tomatoes and hard boiled eggs to bed and grab a few hours sleep.

I was really pleased to see Mike Stevenson here, looking Ok, but sadly with his feet in a bad way.  Mike has been on two or three courses and recces with me and is a fast learner and strong minded athlete. I wondered if he would be setting off with Mark and myself next morning, but at this stage it is really important to move at your own pace.  True to his ability, Mike stayed ahead of us until the very last Mountain Refuge were he needed to take three - fours proper sleep before the last 10km to the finish.  Well Done Mike - You have really impressed me.

CP 5 Bellingham - Feet Up, Sleeping, slight soreness on ankle.

The Beginning of The End

Setting off from Bellingham, we had the company of Jim Tinnion. I was good to have a three way dynamic for a while, even if it meant re-negotaiting the terms of engagement but for a while the three of us moved well together. Jim had his partner Zoe supporting him, so at one of the road crossing he elected to drop back and travel at his own speed after a short rest.

Mark and Myself, were definitely on a mission, now, I was keen to force the pace, and as the sun came out on the descent to Bryness I push the pace on as a means of combating sleepy eyelids. Mark responded and remained 400-500 metres behind me for a while arriving at Bryness just as I was getting served at the surreal Forest View Lodge with soup, the vegetarian option.

Bryness Fettling...

I was still keen to  push on, as there is no point it sitting and dwell on soreness or lethergy, we were out quickly and efficiently.  Another surprise visitor, in the form of John Allen who had driven out from work in his lunch break,  and climbed strongly with us up to Bryness Hill. This was really the start of the end; 25+ miles along the summit ridge and the Border between England and Scotland.  

The End is Near

I'm sure we both intended to enjoy this. We got well established on the high ridge and most of the way to Mountain Hut One before dark.  The ground was surprisingly frozen and whilst Mark kept his Microspikes on continuously, I had mine on and off depending  upon snow cover as to snag your spikes on the turf caused quite a bit of discomfort to ankle and knee.  We made good strong progress; enjoy a bit of banter with MST team at the hut and push on again.  Layered up, including a RAB Guide Vapour-rise as a fourth layer, it was an indication of how cold and high wind chill was. Granted I still wasn't wearing over trousers, but being old school I try and manage without as they definitely create drag and increase chaffage in delicate regions.  We were both going strongly and navigating well. Mark remained steady on the climbs but was suffering on the descents. The final large descent of Auchope Cairn, with Hedge Hole beyond appeared very intimidating in the dark, with steep neve snow disappearing to our right.  Hugging the fence line leftwards we were now heading for Mountain Hut Two, and I pushed the pace out and searching for the best line in the snow.

Then, just as I was looking at the map, for the exact location of the Hut, and wrestling with glasses and head torch, I got a call from Stu Westfield The Mountain Safety Team Co-ordinator.  He was phoning asking us to call in at the hut and check out the condition of competitor No 68, ?  a certain Mike Stevenson!!!  A few minutes alter I was in the hut to find Mike fully kitted up in his sleeping and bivi bag, and being well looked after by Alan McCormack a fellow runner.  There were two other 'Spiners' there and very quickly the MST Team from Hut one arrived headed up by Ali Holland.  I know of Ali from years ago, a very strong and competent Adventure race and skilled outdoor person.  Mike just needed to sleep, he hadn't lost his sense of humour so we left him in Ali's capable hands and push on as a four.

From here it is just about 10km more or less down hill to the finish.  There is one last sod of a climb over The Schil and then what felt like a nicely graded and firm under foot descent. Unfortunately, Mark was really suffering by know; down hills are the most painful and he coped brilliantly with the amounting pain and culmination of this adventure.

Really good to see StuS and StuW at the end ....now where's the tea!

Finally, at this stage I'd like to thank Mark Rawlinson for a very interesting and rewarding week, and I'm very proud that we got to the end together an in relatively good shape.

Grabbing a few ZZ's in the car before breakfast at The Excellent Border Hotel.

There are a few other 'thank-you's due as well, not least due to Stu Smith and Stu Westerfield for their sterling work on the MST and to Scott and Phil for having a made idea to race the Pennine Way in Winter.

A second, 'Part Two' blog will appear shortly and cover additional issues such as clothing and gear, skills and thoughts about how to tackle the Spine.  If you have any questions or feedback then let me know by email nav4adventure@gmail.com  and I'll try and answer them.... 

See you at Lakes Mountain 42 and Pennine 39 out on the fells, or at a NAV4 Adventure course soon?

Joe Faulkner

NAV4 Adventure