series completed

Well enough races complete to count in the series, tackling all 12 in one year would be something else. Having spent quite some time over the last few years pondering over whether to have a crack at the Runfurther series, even last year setting out to do so (an attempt which came to a sticky end 2 races in when trying to run too soon after the Fellsman, resulting to hip problems which in turn lead to be knocked off my bike, but thats another story) this year I again decided yes.

So on to 2010, and as ever the best laid plans....a struggle at the Haworth Hobble meant I did not toe the line at Hardmoors, which meant for various reasons the best long for me would be the Lakeland 50. As ever the week before was one of worry - had I recovered from a 3 day jaunt going round the TMB? would my sciatica ease off in time? and would I find my way round?

My plan for the race was simple - let Kate bomb off in front, race for second (assuming Kate did not blow up or worse), do not go off too hard and push towards the end (which was also the only bit of the course I was familiar with).

Race day dawned and the bus journey was made more enjoyable by listening to the conversations of 4 guys who, shall we say were taking it a little less seriously than I was - I must have looked kill joy with my race face on as growing conversation continued all around me. This also helped take my mind of the knowledge that my pre-hydration plan had not factored in being held captive in a bus for quite as long - something others must also have felt as arrival at Dalemain was met with 350 odd bladders all wanting to be emptied, and two portaloos.....

Once under way the race was going to plan - Kate bombed off and showed no sign of blowing up, Mark H however was not in such good nick and I was slowly gaining on him as we descended to CP 1 (sorry Mark you may have been unwell and unfit, but you still count as a major scalp!!). Unfortunately for me however, despite covering most of my feet with zinc oxide tape pre-race I had forgotten to also tape the small of my back which was starting to rub.

Luckily the marshall at Howtown was totally unfazed as wet and focused I shoved bits of tape into her hand and exposed my back. Once sorted it was back on route, but Mark was up and away, managing to avoid making the same mistake as Martin going up Fusedale by dint of those around me. Mardale brought the unwelcome sight of Kate sitting in the landrover 'you idiot' was I am afraid was all I could think of saying before heading off up Gatesgarth, now on my own and 'map dependent'.

Martin was right, you can not avoid the rocks going down the valley track, with it now wet and Kate's ankle fresh in my mind I managed to find a balance between steady and speed. A minor diversion around a knoll en route and Kentmere was reached, and quickly left, to be met with a traffic jam coming down Garburn in the form of two ranger rover like things.

The rain now was fairly consistent and I started pondering whether it was in the rules of the race to buy a second pair of gloves at Lakesrunner (not withstanding the fact that I did not have any money on me...). Minor navigational hic up no 2 was shared with 3 guys on the 100 before Ambleside was reached and somewhat surprisingly (but much welcomed) there were people cheering the runners on.

Still feeling good now it was time to tick off the land marks and maybe think about motoring - or maybe not along the drag of the Cumbria Way. Navigational hic up no 3 and a minor panic occurred at Langdale as having run 50 m past the 50 to go sign I could not see another sign for the checkpoint, this brought the road book out and relief to find the school.

Still feeling strong on the next section I was however caught and passed by two guys (don't you just hate that) before Tiberwaite - now the watch watching started - was 10 hours possible? I had around 50 minutes left to do so, time to put the boot in; except the boot (and everything else) by this stage was feeling tired. The drag up Crook Beck seemed much longer than when I had recced it a few weeks before and by the time I reached the top it was certainly half light at best, with the slippy path to follow. Constant wiping my eyes, trying to say steady and not push to hard meant I got to the track with only one 3/4 fall and then as best as you can after 47 odd miles tried to sprint.

Of course I also kept trying to see how long I had - not clever really given the light and the fact it was slowing me down to do so -just enough as it turned out, sprinting into the finish with under two minutes to spare. At which point the only place I was going was a chair, finally giving my legs a break - apologies here to the people who wanted to weight me again.

One week later and most of the aches have gone, although it will take a bit longer to get some freshness in my legs - thanks to Mark L and his team for a great race and Kate, hope the ankle recovers soon.

Sarah Rowell

Osmotherly Phoenix

My first race for the Runfurther team, and I was excited about it but also a little apprehensive. I was not sure what to expect in tems of the terrain as the area was new to me. The morning of the race was a bit stressful as we drove around madly trying to buy a map of the North York moors. Unfortunately the map we had ordered had not arrived before we left Cornwall, so we we felt very disorganised having to buy one on the day! Anyway, with a map bought in Thirsk we drove on to Osmotherly for the start of the race. I met Mark just before the start, and he was just recovering from a chest infection so not racing. The church bells chimed at 9.00 and after a short hesitation we are off. I settled into a relaxed and very comfortable pace and enjoyed the new scenary and splendid views across the moors. Because of the three distances in the race, I could not work out who was doing which distance, and actually this was quite refreshing as I just thought I would go at my pace and not worry about positions. Mark was taking photo's on the downhill section leading to the first checkpoint so I am guessing that everybody was smiling at this point! I tucked in behind two ladies for the next section, and it was fairly easy running through the woods, and cool out of the sun. The next checkpoint, and then after this a fairly steep climb and out onto the moors again. This section was more difficult mentally as it seemed to go on for ever, stretching out in front and seeing runners a long way ahead. Then it was a self clip point at the Trig point and downhill all the way almost to the next checkpoint. Kit was checked here, and time penalties imposed for anyone without all the required items. I saw David (my husband) who gave me lots of encouragement, and then onwards and upwards to what seemed like a vertical climb. Mark was taking photo's here but I am sure I was not smiling! I felt a bit dizzy at the top and dehydrated and not feeling great. Somewhere around here, the marathon runners peeled off to go a different way, and I saw one of the Ladies who had been in front of me not quite sure of which way to go. I was not much help in assisting her as I was not really sure of my own way here! The next bit was all narrow stoney gulleys and I nearly tripped up a couple of times. Things get a bit vague here, but after a short road section there was another checkpoint and David was here taking photo's and being supportive. I had caught up with a small group of runners doing the 33 and I tagged onto them. However, shortly after this I got an agonising cramp in my left calf and had to resort to sitting on the ground thinking my race would be over! Luckily it went, but I was cautious after that and it cost me time definitely. I managed to catch up with a couple of the guys and they were really friendly and helpful and we chatted a little about other races. Another checkpoint and some rehydration tablets provided by another runner ( thanks for that!) and on again. There is usually a bit in a race like this where you want it to be over and I think this was it! It does not last though and I was encouraged when I saw David again, and then I could see Osmotherly in the distance. I met up with Simon on the last stretch. I was amazed to see someone I know, and he is such an inspiration. We stayed together for the last bit and ran in together.

I got to meet the other two Martyns at the end, and they had finished second and third so fantastic results for them. My finishing time was 5.50 and I had hoped to be a little quicker. Not sure where I finished in terms of the Ladies race, but definitely a race I want to do again. Also wish I could have stayed around a bit for the summer games as there was such a lovely atmosphere in the village but it was a long trip back to Cornwall!

Woooo!

That’s the sound of someone who’s just completed their first ultra! (Martyn obviously...)

The day started early with the alarm going off at 5 as I had to drive from Chester over to Osmotherley. By the time the race started at 9 I had already discovered how friendly the ultra-running community is - good luck preparing for the Hardmoors 110 Henry!

Heat had been a worry beforehand but it turned out to be fairly comfortable (although the fact I took on about 3.5l of fluid without having to run into the bushes might tell a different story). A few miles in it was clear that this was going to be a lot hillier than anything I’d ever done before. Thankfully I didn’t need to swallow my pride too much as there was a lot of vigorous walking going on, presumably the leaders were already over the hills and far away by that stage.

Having initially taken the ‘purist’ route up Cringle Moor and looked down on thousands (ok, maybe tens) of runners go past I thought I’d play it safe and just try and run with people who looked like they knew what they were doing...

Actually the first 13 miles or so of the course were relatively straightforward as it mainly followed the Cleveland Way, a nice, well marked trail. It was once we went down to Chop Gate that my lack of map reading skills became apparent. Fortunately I ended up running with Nick whose answer to “Have you done many of these before?” was a confidence giving “Hundreds.”! Together we covered around about 5 miles before I felt good enough to pick up the pace a bit.

This proved to be about half a mile too soon as I promptly went wrong at the first opportunity and ended up going a mile down hill before realising my error. That was probably the low point of the entire day although I’m sure the climb back up the hill will have taught me a valuable lesson for future races.

After that it was a fairly comfortable slow run back into Osmotherley where the summer games were in full swing. Unfortunately I had just missed the welly tossing competition but got to meet up with Mark (who had some pitiful excuse about a chest infection preventing him from running) and Martin who had finished an impressive 3^rd and looked coolness personified sporting the Runfurther buff...

All in all I had a great day, no cramp (a first for any marathon) and got to eat lots of food at the checkpoints. What’s not to like?! Can’t wait for the Long Tour of Bradwell!