A Bit of Bob Graham

My running has been somewhat sporadic but ever present and at times magnificent.

Yesterday was just such a run. Challenging physically. The weather gave sunshine and showers so I kitted up with a warm layer as well as a shower top. Given I'd had problems staying hydrated on runs over 3 hours I'd glugged a litre of water before setting off. Further, Ebay had delivered a new toy that morning - a water bottle with built in filter; I'd be free to drink from any source I found on the fells.

Aquapure Traveller

My intention was to recce the 2nd clockwise section of the Bob Graham Round. Starting at Threlkeld taking in the Dodds, Hellvellyn, Fairfield before dropping down to Dunmail Raise.

I drove to a lay-by at Dunmail, dumped the car and hitched a lift to Threlkeld. I had little trouble navigating apart from climbing the flank of Clough Head instead of hitting the shoulder...I won't do that again. The only other ommission being Watson Dodd which I'd mistaken for Little Dodd. That won't happen again either.

On Clough Head, looking back to Skiddaw

So, not much to report really. This was a fairly routine stretch. I'd maintained about 3 miles an hour for the most part despite taking more breaks than usual for a BG run. Mechanically, my body seems to be in great shape - no tightnness in calves, no discomfort in the achilles and no ITB issues. The only thing to say is that I do struggle to go through 6 hours, mentally and physically. This is clearly a number of things; the obvious lack of training up to and beyond this distance is staring me in the face but there's the aspect of hydration and nutrition to work on.

Head in the Clouds

The lasting memory is having to drop from 800m to 535m , to then climb Fairfield (873m) only to have to return on the same track to get over Seat Sandal ... Jeeze - a soul destroying out and back with 1000ft of ascent - I thank you Bob Graham for that inclusion!

The descent from Seat Sandal needs another look. I dropped quickly to 450m on steep grassy slopes where I encountered chest-high bracken; not ideal. I decided not to continue with blind footing on such steep rocky ground and headed for a beck which cut through the foliage and seemed to offer an easier way of the fell. It may have been an error, I probably lost half an hour while slip-sliding down the racing stream.

Finally, just before the road I stopped the watch and stripped off to sit in the cool refreshing water. There's nothing that better aids leg recovery than sitting in cold water.

I write this the morning after and am happy to report all to be well after getting plenty of nutrients in as well as redressing the dehydration. I recall thinking at the end how I could envisage running another step but now, with the rose-tinted specs on, I'm contemplating a 'double' in the near future.

Striding Edge, leading up to Helvellyn

Ticking over nicely

Not much to report other than having popped out the other side of injured - I fell off my bike!

I headed out to recce a section of The Bob Graham round earlier this week; I took it VERY steady, talked to anyone who'd listen and munched my snacks. The weather was sultry and sapping. I'd headed off fully hydrated, I necked a further 500mls of water and carried 1.25 lt. It wasn't nearly enough to be out there for 7:45. I drank from streams and seem to have had no after effects.

I feel really positive after this outing. I had strenght for the hills and stamina enough to convince me that, one day, a BG could be on the cards.

Other news seees the arrival of my race number for this year's Beachy Head run in October. I don't think I'll be involved in any other races but you never know...there's a slim chance I'll be in Sussex at the time of The Jack and Jill Downland Challenge...it would be nice to attack last year's time of 6:18 for the 30 mile out and back course.

North West rite of passage.

A lot of things are different to my last posting position back in November last year. Among these are a house move and a job change - assuming I had a job to change from.

Well, briefly, I have taken a job as assistant warden on a busy campsite in England's Lake District. After a couple of weeks finding my feet I headed off to justify my trail running status and very soon found my fitness had kept the faith. I found some easy and moderate routes straight out of the door but on travelling to a sister campsite I discovered where my destiny lies - the fells. Or at least it will when I learn to navigate!

I've just returned from a second camping trip to Wasdale, a couple of kms from the summit of Scafell Pike. The area is alive with drama, with possibility, with challenge and with a running history, much of which is celebrated only by a small passionate number of Britain's greatest athletes.

This was my first fell and to date my only one but I expect to have explored somewhat further by the end of my summer season. My first ascent laid bare my navigation problems when I misjudged distances and direction. I hope to become a better reader of maps and terrain: surely I will learn from my errors. 

My second trip to Scafell Pike rewarded me in a number of ways: I arrived at the summit without getting too lost. I found views this time instead of cloud. It was hazy but with visibility out to about 10km I saw much more in terms of the spacial placement of the Scafell Massif and of the proximity of other peaks. I also put a line in the sand of 1:17 for the ascent. I'll be looking to get that under the hour before I'm done. It's good to be back.

Future projects include linking the 3 National Trust campsites of Low Wray, Gt Langdale and Wasdale in an out and back over 2 days, camping at Wasdale. Further in time, I'll look to run Beachy Head again this year where I'll hope to knock half an hour off my time.

Beachy Head - A marathon run

This was my first marathon. My goal was a sub 5 hours, I streaked across the line in ... 5:00
So, I have my line in the sand for next year ;)

Briefly, the day was perfect. Weather cool, pressure high, wind almost still at the beginning but gaining in force just in time to give us a boost over The Seven Sisters.

I'd set out intending to hit the half way at 2:15, I was about 5 minutes over but feeling good and secretly hoping to 'run' all the way.
Toward 18 miles there is a stepped rise, I started my bobbing run up but soon found a dreadful cramp start to take hold low down on my left quad - this was to stop me in my tracks while I massaged it and pleaded with it to let me continue. Once at the top I was able to run untroubled but it was to resurface on the second flight of steps and after on the steeper climbs of the Seven Sisters. The cramping was probably down to a number of things; in no particular order: low salt - despite 4 S-Caps, muscle fatigue (what do you think??) and being a bit shy of long run training.

All said, I had a great day. I pulled in in a time I would have expected and, unlike on other occasions where I push too far, no injuries save some discomfort in a ligament behind the knee.

There's some pics if anyone fancies a look. Yes, I know I look like I could have tried harder...tell that to my wife and boys who were there to witness my deathly slow final ascent - no man's children should ever have to endure that! - and witness my old man shuffle for the three successive days.

Image to come

CLICK HERE

Some more here:
http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/index.tlx?albumid=183410


Bib number 247 in search box.

I had a great time before, during and to a lesser extent, after this 'race'. I met up with my family in Eastbourne, forumites from my two online haunts. I finally ran a marathon after 'posturing' long enough.
One thing I intend doing, after being processed by this event, is to marshal an a race. It would be an opportunity to give something back to a sport I have benefitted from and to witness the mind-boggling array of humanity that a race of this distance lays bare.

Go run a marathon.

Beachy Head Marathon

I entered this event some 12 years or so back. I didn't train for it and, when the day arrived, I didn't run. I wasted a valuable place and pushed it to the back of my mind.
With my recent proven return to fitness I found myself, back in May this year, looking for an autumn goal. There was never any doubt: Beachy Head was calling me.
Well, here we are, 3 weeks away from my debut marathon. Training is going well: I'm running 6 times a week, I ran a 30 miler at the end of July, I've kept injuries at bay and have started to run with greater economy. All this gives me belief: I will finish and I expect to attack my goal of sub 5 hours. (Beachy Head being a very testing off road 26 miles or so.)
My plan is to get to the half way point in 2:15 leaving 2:45 to bring it all on home.
I'm really looking forward to this event. Don't expect too many pictures, I may have my hands full!

Trail Les Terrasses du lodèvois

http://traillesterrassesdulodevois.blogspot.com/


I hadn't anticipated this new event popping up on my doorstep; I'm compelled to take part even it's a mere 3 weeks before Beachy Head's Marathon.

It is a very big ask for me at 45km and 2000m ascent.

Well..it seems that some administrative difficulties caused this event to be postponed until next spring. At least I'll have a chance to get fit for it.

Run to the Hills: Clayton 30 Mile Downland Challenge.

Barely 24 hours have passed since I put my shoes on the first rung of the ultra running step ladder.

Barely 24 hours ago, as I approached the turn at 15 miles of an out and back trail, did I realise I would fulfill my ambition of finishing something I'd started.

The sun, its passively aggressive stance and limited shade, and the day's humidity would all play their part in a difficult day on the South Downs Way (SDW) in Sussex.


I, curiously, found myself more concerned with finishing The Beachy Head marathon later this year: it is a marathon after all... With little planning or specified training I found myself shoulder to shoulder with the other 100 plus souls looking for their own stories facing 30 miles (48km) at the height of Britain's summer.

My aim for the run is a sub 6 hour finish and not to get too sloppy so, hydration and nutrition are likely to play their part.

The route is to follow the SDW from Clayton east to Southease and return the same way.

The starter sends us away: a tough climb up to the escarpment confronts us which, given the humidity level soon has me losing my valuable fluid.



As usual (I think I can say that now...), I find comrades eager to join me for short stretches. Stories are exchanged, good lucks offered. I love this sport.

As for the run, I felt good through to 15 miles and remembered how a few short years back I'd been laid waste by the half marathon distance needing 24 hours bed rest with a bucket close by, just in case! Times have changed.



The day was hot at 25/26°C and clammy-close-sticky; I was eventually to suffer some despite S-Caps and gels. I'd opted for a litre back-pack seeing there were 3+ water stations - 12, 24, and 36km; as long as I arrived hydrated and drank well at each aid station I should be alright; I'd already ignored the urge to go lite after looking at the 500ml bottle-carrying competition. I can envy their water efficiency but have learned that my needs are greater than most runners and sensibly stuck to my pack.

From the off I was at the back of the field, running cautiously with a true goal of a finish. I estimate that there must be some who had gone off too quickly so I might run them down if I can hold it together. Where I got that confidence from is beyond me but I was confident and carried a little smile most of the way.

So, to the half way turn around. I whip off the hydration pack, drink a load, re-fill and head down the reverse trail. We're greeted to a 3km climb which I opt to run as I don't feel like losing my momentum. Over this stage of 12km I run down 12 positions to one loss; not bad! This point however is where I realise that although I'll finish it might not be pretty. There's another long climb at here back on to the escarpment, my core temperature had leapt up, the water I'd just taken on left my nauseated but I knew I needed to get an S-cap and gel in. I dropped to a march get the food in and waited it out. By the time I'd covered the steepest part I was starting to feel the ship right itself and was glad of the knowledge I'd heard so often from other distance runners - expect to have low periods: try to keep going, your mood and demeanor will improve. They did!

Once on the top of the hills again I found running suited me again, albeit slow. Around this time, 5h 20 I noted that I'd hit the marathon distance and afforded a grin: I was out there, in no-man's-land neither impressive or trying to impress just running.

I cared little for my lowly position. I was simply elated to be out beyond the marathon at last, to have passed a couple of low points without caving in, to have stayed sensible in regards to nutrition and hydration and to have got it about right.

The run in from Ditchling Beacon was a formality; mostly descent then a steep drop back into Clayton with a lap of the sports field to finish. My brother clapped me over the line unaware of the emotional impact of my effort. He didn't notice the tear trying to free itself from behind my eyes and probably mistook my silence, as the lump in my throat became too much, for fatigue.

I finished 92nd from 108 with a time of 6h 18m.

24 hours on I am happy to admit this meant a lot to me.