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

So, You want to buy a head torch

OK - I confess - I'm a Petzl-phile!   But please read on ....

Whilst many other brands are available, Petzl is by far the market leader and also the originator of the head torch. I have used Black Diamond torches - for a while the BD Gemini was a great torch but the build quality and warranty at the time wasn't good, and as I know from first had experience,  Petzl's is first class.

Just selection from the shed - missing an e+lite of course.

My NAV4 Adventure colleague, Stuart Smith is a great fan of Suprabeam torches, which are modular and rechargeable.  Team Mate Sharon favours her Aye-Up lights which are awesomely bright, long lasting and expensive. I also bought a 'Hope Adventure One' and year or so ago and wrote a full blog post about it here. The Hope was bought it after much thought and research, as explained in that blog, but unfortunately it disappeared only a few weeks after I had bought it and I never got around to replacing it. Now it seems that things have moved on again.  



One of the bi-products of spending a week of my life deep in the Peninnes providing Safety Cover for The Spine Race, was the chance to get to grips with Petzl's (relatively) new Reactive lighting technology.  I got a a chance to sample the Nao last Summer, but that isn't exactly the best season for headtorch testing, plus I'm always reluctant to commit to anything new without a thorough testing, especially a techy thing like this.

During the Spine I used the new Tikka RXP extensively and really got to like it.  It has the same reactive technology as the top of the range Nao, but in many ways in a much neater package. It has a simple elastic headband, has the rechargeable battery mounted within the headlamp unit and recharges from any source including my car USB.  It can also take 3x AAA batteries if you track down the adapter as a spare part, which makes it possible to use it away from base on an expedition.

Petzl Tikka RXP (left) and Nao (right)

Rechargeable Verus Battery Fed?

One of the biggest factors in choice of headtorch is the power source; rechargeble battery or battery fed? Afterall, I'm very unlikely to head off on a multi-day expedition solely with a rechargeable head torch or enter a multi-day race expecting to find a charging point - (who needs that stress!)

Therefore, for forthcoming adventures, such as ITERA, The Spine or Dragon's Back Race, the powerful rechargeables probably won't be featuring as my main line torch.  Perhaps as a secondary torch but more of this later.

Power!!!! 

If Jeremy Clarkson was to buy a headtorch it would be the most powerful, but light output isn't everything.  Not many people by cars purely based on maximum speed or power. Economy, useability and various differing features are equally import as is price; both the purchase price and that required to run it, ie cost per hour in use?


Over the past few years I have regular used a Petzl Ultra - high powered MTB type use, a Tikka XP2 with rechargeable Core Battery, and of course ... the humble Myo XP or RXP.  The XP2 with it's rechargeable and programmeable Core battery was a significant development a  few years ago, and this torch became my 'goto' torch as it lived my car's door pocket and got used extensively for a range of activites. It was certainly cheap to run, eco-friendly and pushed out quite a beam although for a relatively short period of time. However, it got me in the way of using a rechargeable and, at the time it's mini USB charging lead was quite a new idea.

Petzl Tikka XP2 - Core rechargeable and programmable

Dark Mountains - Technical Navigation

During the recent Dark Montains mountain marathon I used the Tikka RXP. The Reactive lighting technology is brilliant for night navigation when you are constantly looking at the map and back at the ground. This point was highlighted (no pun intened) to me I was out on a night run recently and came across a few mountain bikers coming the other way, all taking part in a Night Orienteering event. Each rider was probably loaded up with inexcess of 1000 lumens, some purely head mounted and some head and handlebar mounted.

The immediate effect on myself was to ruin my night vision .... but I averted my eyes as much as possible, and of coure the Tikka RXP, being reactive dimmed down a little.  Interestingly, one of the bikers had over-shot a control and came back past me, screeched to a partial halt and the tumbled into the bushes. He picked himself up, I asked how he was, and whilst he sorted himself out he muttered something about being 'OK' and starting jabbing at his map.

Not only was he shaken up, but I he was over simply powered - too much power, too much speed ... trying to navigate as fast as he could ride, etc.  But what really struck me was that he couldn't see what was on his map simply because it was 'washed out' with so many lumens reflecting back off his map.

Petzl night run ....I'm not biased, honestly!

So this is where Reactive lighting comes in ...

During Dark Mountain I used the Tikka RXP with Reactive Lighting. OK, my race partner, Sharon, was using a high powered Aye-Up light which has it's advantages when picking out reflective control markers at 100metres+, but I found that the Reactive Technology really preserve my night vision so running along the rough technical terrain of the Dark Peak was made much better using Reactive.

All bases covered; perm any two for any event

The other great advantage of Reactive Technology is that it preserves battery life when you don't need maximium power. I suppose it's a bit like stop-start techology on a new car.

Overall, it does take a bit of getting used to it.  If you've been using something as simple as a Myo XP for many years switching to Reactive doesn't seem too natural to me, but now, after a week of Spine Race Safety cover - in and out of the car, writing notes, out on the trail looking for runners, charging the thing from the car USB, etc it all became second nature. 



So much so, that I have now gone out and bought a Nao, and I have a second battery as well. Maybe they will be going to ITERA with me, but I can promise you one thing - a trusty Myo RXP will be going as well, along with a good stock of lithum batteries.

Two Myo XPs nearing the end of The Spine ...with very experienced owners.

Spine Race Preparation

I had an interesting time at The Spine Race training weekend, where I presented a short session on 'The Skillset'.  In a mixed programmme including a general intro from Scott as organiser,  and Stu Westfield talking about navigation skills, my session was the general stuff which makes for a successful ultra or expedition race. Two time Spine Race finisher, Gary Morrison, spoke about his gear choices, and there hs been much discussion on t'web about equipment and other race stuff.

Rather than get into specifics my presentation  was about skills rather than gear, although certain techniques cross-over into this.   As the weekend progressed,  and a thread developed on facebook, it has become apparent to many that the skills of an 'expeditioner' are essential for the 'The Race'.

Is this a trail race or an expedition?

Core Skill 1)  - Manage your Physical / Mental / Emotional state

Surely, your objective is to move steadily northwards along the Pennine Way, so that you reach the end? How fast you do this is somewhat irrelevant.  'To Finish First ...First you have to Finish'

We are not machines.  If you just aim to run as fast as you can then good luck to you!  Equally, I'm not going to tell you how to train, or give you any magic stuff about schedules, etc. But, you must pace it right; not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

If you don't believe in yourself, if you can't picture getting to The End, then you aren't going to do it.  Others may be more qualified than me in talking psychology, but in my long career as an ultra runner and expedition adventure racer, I've learnt that the most important part of my body, and the most powerful, is my head.

Spine Race Day Three - A66 - Note the icy and frozen bottle. Cold, minus -6, with windchill, much much more. What will the weather be like in 2014/ If it's a normal British winter of wet and windy, it will be just as hard.

Core skill 2) NAVIGATE ON THE MOVE

The first session was presented by Stu Westfield, who talked about Navigation skills.  Naturally navigation is a core skill for anyone entering The Spine, and I can not stress too highly how important it is. In terms of skillset, then good, confident (and relatively) basic skills should see you through most of it.  Navigation isn't rocket science ... but contours are crucial and an understanding of these is paramount to navigation.

I'm not anti-GPS, but I don't know any good trail runners who use one as their primary tool.  They are not as quick, or as accurate as you think. Certainly, in terms of mountain running they are slow and alienate you from your surroundings. Who wants to 'run' 270 miles watching an arrow on a little screen? 

But, they do have their uses; they are a useful back-up tool and a six figure grid reference will put you within a 100m square, subject to an accuracy of around 85%.  Thus, the other features that you deduce from the map and the terrain remain important.

Compasses should not be feared.  I have never fathomed out why so many of us are fearful of them. I guess it's long boring lessons with crumbly geography teachers*, scout leaders or 'DofE' that turned many off and hence they decided 'they just can't do it'.  Magnetic variation seems to be the real culprit, the mystical art of navigation that only the scientist can master. And we seem to be building a generation who can't equate to a map due to Sat-Nav and google mapping systems ...the every day need isn't there anymore.

(* of course, not all geography teachers are crumbly; mine were great.  And my brother is all three of the above and is an excellent tutor)

For much of the time, the trail runner / mountain runner can forget about magnetic variation (which is now only two degrees, rather than the eight it was when I was a kid!) so what's a potential error of 2-4 degree when you've got a map and so much other info to use instead?  So for general route finding, trail following, mile munching (macro) navigation a quick/rough bearing is all you need.  Yes, at times - thick foggy conditions on open fell tops - greater accuracy can be needed. But don't fear the compass....!

If you want to improve your navigation skills, www.nav4.co.uk providea range of course, including a specific Spine Race Recce / Training day, on Sunday 15th December.  The day will 'run' from Dufton to Alston, and over the high, wild and remote Crossfell.  Check out the link and get booked asap.  Other days / sessions can be arranged.

Core Skill 3) - 'Run?'  - Pace it, to finish it.

My great team mate, John Allen, alledgedly coined the phrase 'Start Steady ... and Taper-off!!'. The NAV4 Adventure team had developed a reputation for finishing strongly in Exped Adventure Races with this mantra.  What it means in realitity was that if John felt he was going too slowly in the first day of a race (as other people left us behind) then it was the correct pace and we'd overtake many teams during Day Two, Day Three, Day Four ...etc.  This will be so true in January at The Spine Race.

'Run?' - don't be afraid to walk. It's a marathon, not a sprint.... blah, blah.

Early in my long distance racing career, a very experienced marathon runner once told me that you 'should jog the first third, run the second third and race the last third' .  A negative split would be even more impressive.

Core Skill 4) - Sleep Strategy

I've fronted many questions about 'tents v. bivis' ... and there is no straight answer!  The skill of the user is a big factor in this, as does your whereabouts, and the gear you are able to afford.

When to sleep is a big question.  In expedition racing, I'd strongly suggest getting a minimum of three hours sleep between midnight and 5am each night.    Sleep deprevation is a very dangerous issue if not managed correctly.  You will make mistakes, you will probably get lost, and to carry on in some sort of macho, 'I can go for forty hours before I need sleep' is just going to impact later on in your race.

Where to sleep, given the distance splits between CP1 and CP2 is the subject of much debate.  If you are racing The Challenger, then your strategy will be different than those in The Spine Race.  Note the use of the words 'racing' and 'Spine'. .... they are not in the same sentence.

Tent v. Bivi?  It's your choice but a flexible approach might be better.

Finally, in Exped Racing, we try not to sleep in Checkpoints, simply because they are too noisy.  Just an idea...!

Core Skill 4) - Equipment Choice

'Every gram counts!'   

Ok, so what do we mean? The weight of your rucsac is crucial and every gram counts. Weigh everything, look for lighter alternatives, cut out the unneccesary clutter ...but BE SAFE. Do not skimp on survival gear.

Your gear must work for you, it should have many different layers that you can vary dependent upon conditions. I've long been a user of Montane clothing and this Krypton jacket is my standard choice in all conditions. I simply layer it up with different thicknesses of thermal base layers underneath, and then choice which waterproof to wear over it,  if it starts raining. To wear a waterprrof shell when it is not raining is wrong; you will sweat regardless of how expense it is, and, more importantly, you won't adjust your layers once it does rain, but carry on and after lots of rain you inevitably get cold.  Trust me ... I know!

Montane Krypton - soooo adaptable!

'Less is More'

Ok, every gram counts on your back, but it also applies to your Checkpoint kit bag.   Race rules allow a 60 litre / 22kg bag that is transported between each CP.  I'd suggest 30% of this will be food.  Another 30% is probably a second sleeping bag and mat for checkpoint use, add in the essential flip flops or Crocs, and you are looking at not much space!  So your spare gear, your additional clothing choices have to be chosen carefully.  Ok, six pairs of socks are a given.  As are heavy weight thermal running leggings / tights, and a couple of good mid-layers and fullweight 'Mountain Waterproof' for the wild northern sections. I doubt you'll have space for five sets of clothing. Plastic bags for dirty socks, etc. and a sealable 'laundry bag' for items confined to washing machine. 

You really need to sort this out sooner rather than later and make sure you weigh your bag, and can do up the zip easily.  A burst zip will not help you or the event staff.

Core Skill 5) - Food and Drink
 

Expedition Race Food ... if your counting gels ...you're in the wrong race!

Eat plenty

'I'll eat 'owt, me!'    said team-mate Dave, when questioned about our secret race nutrition plan...!


A varied and balanced diet is key.  There are limitations to what you can carry, and very limited opportunities to buy stuff en-route, so you need to think this all through. Savoury food is very good, and obviously you will get essential proteins and carbohydrates.  You need to be a bit creative, for example frozen pizza slices keep well in CP Duffle Bags and make a great change to the huge range of chewy, flapjack and cereal bars.

Core Skill 6)   - Footwear




When you cover a long distance your feet tend to swell...
When you cover a long distance you might get blisters or sore toes...
Sore toes like roomy shoes.


Footcare is essential, and your CP Duffle Bag needs a few items to enable this

Good foot care is essential - self taping is a core skill.

Footwear choice is a matter of personal preference.  Last year, whilst helping out for five days in the latter stages of The Spine, I noticed that many people had already moved into boots rather than shoes, which they bought along ...'just in case'.  The Inov-8 boot seems to be very well worth considering.

A more substantial 'approach' style shoe or lightweight boot might be better for some people. 

Weather you try the dry feet regime, by using Seal Skin Socks, or someother water-resistant sock is worth experimenting with.  Sweat will remain an issue no matter what water proof status your footwear.

Core Skill 7) - Time Never Stops

Monitor the time at Checkpoints .. have a plan ... and an alarm clock!

Moving steadily and efficiently one trail is a key skill.  Moving swiftly through checkpoints is also something tend to forget, as they end of chatting away and deciding whether change a layer or move some gear around.  Cut the faff: anything you can do on the move, eat, navigate, etc, you should do so.

Triathletes call 'transitions' the fourth discipline, and experienced racers are very effective in checkpoints.  You should have a plan, and stick to it. If footcare is to be done, get your shoes off and your Crocs, on asap, in orde rto dry and air your feet.  Change clothes, witha dry base layer going next to the skin, even if you put the sweaty layers back on top! Eat, pack your gear for the next stage ... then sleep ready to go as soon as you wake up.  Re-packing your sac when you've just woken up and you are dis-orinentated is tough!

Get some sleep - staring into space in a checkpoint acheives nothing. Learn to switch-off mentally (hence gear is ready to go, etc)  and set the alarm for 3-4hours of quality sleep.  Any less than this and it's false ecomomy.

Core Skill 8) - Remain in The Bubble

Buy yourself a simple 'Numpty' Race Phone, and leave your smart phone at home, or sealed in your CP Duffle Bag just for use at The End.   There are various reasons for this, but primarily weight saving prolonging battery life, and ultimately your own life.

Smart phone versus 'Race Phone'

The battery on a simple £10 'Race Phone' will probably last the week if used just for basic texts.  It is also less than half the weight of the typical Smart phone and a lot less vulnerable to damage or loss.

In a worst case scenario, one of quite possibly life-or-death, you will need yourRace phone to have a full charged battery.  If you, or one of your race mates, need Mountain Rescue then having a flat or weak battery will be a major disadvantage to the search procedure.

Your 'Race Phone' should be loaded with credit and the key phone numbers of the race organisation as well as some of your family and friends. However, I suggest you do not import all your contacts and you do not use it for anything but a daily text check, or two contact the race organisers as requested.

The other aspect of not carrying and using your everyday 'Smart' phone is that it enables you stay 'in the bubble'.  Phoning home when your are suffering badly and simply having a 'downer' usually results in a strong emotional draw back home, and probably result in initiating your DNF.  You need to remain focused on 'your' race ... and not that of your nearest and dearest.  It might sound harsh, but your focus will be broken by daily chat and trivia.  Save the Smart phone for the end, or maybe a Checkpoint.

Core Skill 9) - Waste Management

Dispose of litter in the proper place ... and not on the trail.

I shouldn't need to be said but dropping litter anywhere in the outdoors must never happen.  More importantly, if you see any litter, especially if it has come from a competitor in the race, you should pick it up.

Human Waste 

The disposal of human waste is an even more important issue and a growing problem in the outdoor environment.   There are simply more people active outdoors,  and a greater percentage of those do not seem to have been educated, or learnt 'How to Shit in the Woods'  There was an excellent book of this title published many years ago I suggest we all read it.  With 150 + people travelling 270 miles over seven days we must take a responsible approach to this problem.

Breifly, if you need to 'go' on the trail, it is essential to find a location that is well away from a water source, and well away from the trail.  Ask yourself; 'what if someone uncovers this rock?'  'Where does this gateway lead to?'   'Whose land is this?'  And it applies to liquids as well as solids.

All human faeces should be buried, and buried as deep as possible, and you should practise this finding a spot where you can at least kick a hole in the turf with your heel, and recover the matter so that it will not be discovered or cause offence.

'Nuff said ....!
 
Finally, just apply a little common sense ... have fun out there, and be safe. And close the gates, please.

If you have any questions or comments arising form this blog I'd be pleased to hear them, either by email - nav4adventure@gmail.com or via facebook - NAV4 Adventure.  If you'd like to book a place on the Dufton - Crossfell - Alston Training / Recce Day on Sun 15th Dec, please email me to secure your place.  If I can help in any other way please let me know.