NECAA (Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire) Fell Running Championships 2015

I refuse to believe in a risk free society where the thrill of living is traded for the safety of existence. If in normal conditions it is skill, which counts, Then in such extreme situations, it is the spirit, which saves.” Walter Bonetti 

During the 2014 season I set myself the target to win the NECAA Fell Running Champs, However the dreaded injury in my calf reoccurred. This ensured I missed some key races and I couldn’t compete at the sharp end. The championships are competed over 7 races covering the Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire fell running calendars and the best 4 results are counted. This years races are:

• Brough Law Fell Race (Northumberland) 8km / 400ft
• Natural Ability Fell Race (Northumberland) 9.9km / 350ft
• Humbleton Fell Race Race (Northumberland) 8.5km / 240ft
• Cronkley Fell Race (Durham) 16.9km / 535ft
• Bellingham Fell Race (Northumberland) 6.4km / 183ft
• Guisbrough Three Tops (North Yorks) 13km / 655ft
• Guisbrough Moors (North Yorks) 20km / 850ft

Brough Law Fell Race – Ingram Valley (1st Place) 

This year the first race kicked off at Brough Law situated in Northumberland, Ingram Valley, this was one of my first ever fell races when i started running on the fells a few years ago. I’ve had mixed results over the years but this year I wanted to start the season off with a win. The race had a huge turn out and organised by Will Horsley (NECAA Fell Champ 2014) and fellow NFR runner John Butters. Some top runners competing for the 2015 title were all present, Phil Sanderson (Who has won the title a number of years in the past), Andy Blackett (DFR / Hanger 18), Lee Bennett (Elswick), and a new name to the scene in Graham Simpson (Alnwick), Some other names were also missing so i sensed a big opportunity.

Conditions were poor when I had my usual pre-race run of the route, Very strong winds ensured no fast times would be set and it would be down to just getting a win in if possible. I really enjoy this course as it fits my style with good quality fast descents, and it was on the last mile section of the 8km route where I pulled away for the lead group of 5 and ensured the win. I had learned lessons from the season gone where I tended to lead races until i was beat at the end due to poor pace judgement, this would NOT happen this year.

1st place…

Natural Ability Fell Race – Allenheads (1st Place)

So far so good and being very happy with a winning start ensured I was excited for this next one, As i was in between clubs and coaches at the moment, I went to a local club where NFR regular Phil Green was captain. Heaton Harriers provided a very easy going environment with some top runners like Jamie Barbour and Lucas Longman with many more. The next race was the Natural Ability sponsored event set in Allenheads, Northumberland. The regular faces were all present and Andy was keen to get a win, John Butters was also racing in this one and another rising star Jonny Malley (Dark Peak) who had beaten me a number of times the previous season.

It was a fast start and I struggled to keep with Phil Sanderson and Andy who were putting in a very tough and fast first mile… This soon settled down and turned into a race between me and Andy, which was a sign of things to come for the rest of the season. As with Brough Law I ensured my pacing was timed to perfection and put a big effort in the last mile to ensure the win. It was 2 races down and 2 wins which could mean a possible white wash of the first 4 races.

NA Fell Race Trophy with a wriggly Ethan…

Humbleton Fell Race – Hayden Bridge (4th Place) 

Training was going really well at Heaton with some good sessions on areas of Newcastle that suited my fell running, If anyone is looking for a relaxed friendly club then I can highly recommend the set up at Heaton. The next race gave me another valuable lesson which was not to get carried away and become over confident. Humbleton Fell race in the hills next to Hayden Bridge was my first ever fell race win back in 2013 were I set a new course record and beat the great Steve Birkenshaw (Had to get that in). Going into this very confident I made some claims I would set a new record. Ohhhhh how I was to get a shock…

The race went off well and feeling strong I went against the tactics used in previous races and decided to take the race on from the start and set the pace. I was soon in a world of hurt and Harry Coates (Wallsend) went flying past me, setting a blistering pace I just couldn’t hang with. Soon Andy was past me and Ben Rowley (Tynedale). I was struggling and trying my best to hang on, the pace Harry set was just too much for me and I was taking my time to recover. What felt like a plod for the next few miles became very frustrating and looking back I had probably mentally lost it. Now in 4th place I had just lost interest, but then 5th place was on me and the old competitive spirit came back… Putting in a burst on the last descent. It was then i saw Andy coming into view, 3rd place… “Oh why did i plod and not just grind it out”. He finished just ahead with me closing on him every metre. A very poor day’s racing with the lessons of “Pacing” and “Never stop working hard no matter what” firmly tucked away in my fell running head, My plan to win the first 4 races had took a stumble but this is like most fell races i suppose, “Where there is a down… A up is just around the corner” so it was time for head down and a** up and go training again. Heaton Harriers provided the perfect environment to push myself, and i was soon back in good shape.

Fell Running…

Cronkley Fell Race – Durham, Teesdale (2nd Place) 

The event is a new one on me, and organised by Andy, DFR and supported by Hanger 18, It looked a toughie set over 16.9km and an out and back course. All the usual faces were present, with Harry also showing up which had me very worried. He set a new course record at Humbleton smashing my old record by a staggering number of minutes, so I had to come up with a plan of attack “do I go for it and hope he has an off day” or “do I play it tactical and settle in behind him”. We set off with me and Harry going out together, but it wasn’t long before the pace was making me hurt. We had managed to get quite a bit of lead from 3rd place so I was confident the 2nd place position was mine, and as I started to head back from the turn around point I could see it was a big gap from me and Harry to the rest of the field. The valuable points were much needed after Humbleton. A great route and mix of tough fell running and fun ascents and descents has put this race in my top 3 for the region. Harry again smashed the long standing course record and had now got me seriously thinking if I could ever beat him.

All alone in 2nd place…

It was back to hard training and I managed to get a few more fell races under my belt to ensure my race form was good. I managed a 1st place at the Roman Wall Show Fell Race and a 3rd place at the Saltburn Harriers Fell Race. I was now sitting at the top of the championship table but had some serious competition from Andy (DFR) and Harry (Wallsend).

Lead 3 of Me (Northumberland), Andy (Durham) and Ben (Tynedale)

Champs Standings After 4 Races…

Bellingham Fell Race – Northumberland (1st Place) 

This race for me was the toughest, with pretty much the whole route across open fell… I really do struggle when its tough running and don’t enjoy knee deep tussocks and very small tracks. Me and Andy went out hard and it wasnt long until we formed a lead group of 3. Andy Green (Tynedale) always runs well on this course and was soon up the front with us. We met the Pennine Way which is at the furthest point and all 3 of us went wrong, We were all lost… which wasn’t too bad as at least the fastest runners were all together. It wasn’t long before the chase pack caught us and we formed a group of about 6. It was now I just had to hang in on the last descent before we hit the finish 1000m and a open field. It was the lead three in a very tight group coming off the fells and onto the finishing track and field. I was in 3rd place but kicked and I was soon out front with a healthy lead. Feeling like my like my lungs would pop I kept going hard as I knew a win here would pretty much guarantee me the title… Over the line and I managed to pull away from 2nd and 3rd.

Me, Andy (Durham), and James Osborn (Durham) Leading the way…

I was fairly sure that no one could catch me now… With one race left to go on the 1st November it’s still unofficial but my calculations, I am the 2015 champion. In the meantime I competed in a fairly extreme race called the Lakes Sky Ultra but that’s another story and blog post… But here’s a picture to wet your appetite…

This season’s results wouldn’t have been possible without support from my sponsors at the Ultra-Runner.com Store http://ultra-runner.com/ and Ultra Runner Trail Team https://www.facebook.com/ultrarunnertrailteam?fref=ts Tony Holland as always has been on hand to provide advice and kit… On all races the kit supplied by X-Bionic UK https://www.x-bionic.co.uk/ has been second to none and ensure the niggles from last year didn’t reoccur this year. Lastly if it wasn’t for my family being as understanding as they are and allowing me to have adventures in the mountains none of it would be possible.

For any running kit and equipment for all terrains give Tony ‘s online store a visit on:

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Pinnacle Ridge Winter Route

Following on from my previous blog describing my summer time run up Pinnacle Ridge… I recently revisited this route in the winter conditions we all have experienced. Having my car permanently packed and ready to go with all my running and climbing kit ensures I get constant earache from the wife. But this means as soon as the weather is perfect for winter climbing I can head straight to mountains. Armed with new running and climbing gear, An Ice Axe from “Singing Rock” and my “Salomon Agile” Running pack, I can ensure I stay as light as possible but also have enough kit in-case things turn bad. I have converted the pack to be Ice Axe compatible with a add on elastic draw string and utilising the waist belt as the axe holder, this keeps it secure and easy to access.

Salomon Agile with Ice Axe attached and Berghaus Gloves (Pack containing Hat, Rab warm jacket, Head Torch, Map, Compass, Water, Food and Emergency Phone)

In addition to this I was also trying out for the first time, the “Salomon Spike Cross 3” running shoe, I have been looking for a lightweight set of crampons which would allow me to run in snowy and icy conditions but this was difficult, I decided to go for a lightweight shoe with any extra grip and Salomon were the only provider to do a product matching these desirables, The Spike Cross is light but gives the desired grip.

Running shoes used on route…

The metal studs are very grippy and perfect for any slippy conditions with the transition from snow to ice and then back to trail being very slick, the shoes tread combination adapts seamlessly to each condition. I set off on the route like a excited child and as i got nearer to the lakes my apprehension was replaced with excitement as i started to the see the snowy peaks pop out from the clouds. I knew I was in for a perfect day of running and climbing. Pulling up in Patterdale I immediately bumped into Marion Parsons, a local legend who has completed many routes in the Alps and also some UK based climbing and ultrarunning events… I got some local knowledge on the conditions and I set off.

The run out of Patterdale is always a good warm up as the roads lead up into the Grisedale Valley… The higher I got the faster I ran as the snow was becoming closer, looking up the trails either side of the valley I could see little sign of anyone being present and this is sometimes how I like it. Its part of the reason I’m attracted to the more challenging routes – the sense of being alone and in a dangerous situation armed only with your skills to ensure you get out in one piece. Many people ask me why i do events that are challenging or routes that some say are dangerous, and ive myself thought over this long and hard. My transition from the Army to civilian life was a little bit more harder then i sometimes let on and i found that i missed the excitement that came with planning and deploying on highly specialised missions, the feeling of taken on a tough task and then coming through it unscathed and successful was an addiction i didn’t realise i had. Once i identified that i needed this the only options available to me were to join back up or get into something that would give me the same sense of excitement again as this made me who i was as a person, this for me now is Mountain running / Ultrarunning, Mountaineering and Climbing, and where possible i really like the idea of the 3 disciplines being mixed into one long day out. As i approached the base of the route and the long climb up leading to the actual technical sections of the route, I could hear in the distance the echo of climbers communicating and the tap of a ice axe… The footprints in the snow told me a group of about 3 to 4 were on the route. I set off at a run to make sure I caught them up and set myself the target to be first up the route.

At the base of the climbing section looking up towards Grisedale Tarn and Nethermost Pike / Cove…

My legs and lungs were screaming as I settled into my methodical mountain running style, small and sharp steps in time with my breathing. This becomes an monotonous rhythm before long and you block out the worlds problems and just get down to what I see as the most basic form of human movement, running. I was across the scree slopes fairly quickly and found the snow covering the rocks helping me to run over them more efficiently. The ice axe was out now and I was climbing fast and up into the first rock sections. The snow covering the rocks seemed to hide the handholds but I discovered my momentum enabled be to glide over these sections, which in summer months are easy jug holds, a few slips here and there was quickly stopped by the axe and onwards and upwards towards the distant voices I climbed.

The easy section before the climbing…

Start of the good stuff…

Now onto the climbing sections I caught up with a group of 4 who were all roped up with the relevant safety equipment… This always gives my confidence a knock as I second guess myself and start to think maybe I’m climbing too light. But once committed I find any negative thoughts will always result in serious injury, so block them out and climb on I tell myself. I was up past them before I knew it and then onto the untouched snow and ice of the route, I definitely feel addicted to the sensation you get when you know its only you that has been on a route and the sense of going into “uncharted waters” as such, its the feel of adventure and excitement it gives me and the little fear it creates. I was just focused on climbing safe but fast and before long I was high above the group and looking back down on them… It was a nice feeling to see them following my route in the snow and over the rocks, I hoped the reassurance it gave them was needed.

Looking down on the group of 4 climbers…

Moving fast I was soon approaching the crux (the most difficult section of a climbing route) and begun my mental preparation as in winter conditions it may be a little harder then usual. I easily climb this in the summer as the section gives 2 options -, the “corner” and the “crack” the latter being more challenging.

The Crux – Showing the Corner option on the right and Crack up the centre, The wider crack is where the fall occurred…

Ideally as it was my first winter ascent I should of opted for the tried and tested corner option but me being me I decided to push myself and go for the crack. Without pausing for thought I attacked the crack without stopping for breath and jammed the ice axe in and pulled, relying on strength more then not technique… this being my first mistake, I pulled and pushed and the grip on the shoes dug in well, scraping away snow I could see the holds needed to reach the top ledge. Once I was 2/3’s of the way up the crack it then opens out and I found jamming the ice axe into this a little difficult. Once in I twisted it slightly and felt it bite, I pulled hard and then felt for a foot hold and attempted to bring my right hand up and around to reach the ledge to finish the move… Then a scrape of metal on rock and a loud shout of “s@*t” and I was falling backwards. It isn’t a long fall but i had enough time to think of the gully which is off to the left of this section and i screamed at myself to come up with a plan. if I fell in that direction with no plan then id more then likely continue this fall a couple of hundred feet to the bottom. Luckily enough for me I hit the ledge and rolled but unluckily for me was I twisted my left ankle and the pain shot up through my leg. Initially thinking it was a break I settled myself down and relaxed, laying in the snow I calmed myself and hatched a plan of action, I could feel the ankle tighten with swelling but I still had mobility in the joint. Having broke my ankles a few times I knew the worst thing that someone could do was to sit still and let the swelling take hold, I had to get it moving quick even though it hurt. I set off climbing and decided to work a route around the crux, limping and climbing is hard work but I was soon onto the last sections of climbing, this section is where I feel its the hardest – as you can see the huge drops either side if the knife edge ridge and the huge exposure that comes with it. The last few moves were covered in snow and gusts of wind hit buffeted me, It felt very intimidating. I felt a slight smile spread across my face, “I’m in a sticky spot and injured with no way out unless I climb it”… This is what I was searching for… I climbed and soon I was past it and onto the last snow slope upto the summit.

“Summit Selfie” but in pain…

I had to cut short the planned climbing for the rest of the day as I was intending on crossing the valley and trying a route up Nethermost Cove to Striding Edge and along to Hellvelyn,but this will have to wait until another day maybe. The route was fun yet challenging but I would highly recommend this to anyone to try in the summer as its very climbable, but in the winter maybe pair up incase of a fall.

Pinnacle Ridge Snow Covered…

Hope you enjoy the route and wish you all a “Happy New Year” and all the best for 2015… Maybe set this route for a challenge this coming year, Feel free to contact me if you want any route notes or advice.

Mountain Running Where Most Rock Climb… (WARNING – Do Not Try Unless An Experienced Climber)

I noticed a post recently on-line via the “Trail Running Magazine” (Superb magazine for all things off road running) Facebook page, which was asking readers to describe a favourite mountain running route. This got me thinking, through my regular visits to the Lake District for training runs I had discovered a very fun climb which I made into a run, and over a period of researching where it actually was, I found that most on-line information was vague… So hence my blog, I finally located the climb known as Pinnacle Ridge – which is classed the Lake Districts toughest scramble, to give you a breakdown of the classification for this it is labelled as a Grade 3 Scramble – This type of scramble may involve making moves on steep rock in very exposed situations. All but experienced climbers might prefer the protection of a rope in some places. Occasional moves of Moderate rock climbing standard may be encountered. The ability to abseil may be useful if a retreat has to be made.” Grade 3 rock-scrambles are effectively Moderate Climbs, and we treat them as such using ropes and relevant climbing gear. After many ascents of this route I felt very confident that I could run it or climb it as fast as possible without any ropes and solo (on my own) and further I could actually link it up to another good climb known as Striding Edge – Grade 1/2 Scramble. 

Lake District…

The route I love to run is a bit of a mix of other routes I’ve now actually discovered (there’s me thinking I’ve made this up all myself), these include the Pinnacle Ridge Climb, Grisedale Fell Race, Small section of Bob Graham Round leg 2 and to finish the Striding Edge Climb. In total I have clocked this route at around 14 miles depending on route selection on ascents and descents as some do not have any trails marked. 

Route Map Of Whole Route

Starting in Patterdale you head out on roads and take the Grisedale path from the bridge located near the Mountain Rescue post on the edge of Lake Ulswater (great place to dip after the run). Heading out into the valley follow the trail due South West and naturally head up the valley. Previously I tried to research the climb (first part of our run) and I found very little information out in the world of blogs or youtube, so key markers are when running you finally come to a small building and barn complex on your left, as you head past this you come to a prominent gate. Look left here and you will see a wood-line and to the right hand side boundary of this wood a small grass trail, take this trail and start your ascent up via a zig zagging grass path. This can be where most become lost as it can be confusing if heavy rain but stick to the principle of if its steep then keep heading upwards. The next marker is where the ground gradually plateaus out and a small stream becomes very small and disappears, this is where you need to cross over and head back on your South Westerly bearing, you will notice a small grass / rocky trail. 

Grisedale Valley Back To Ulswater…

Run along this trail which is small and can be technical until you cross over one scree field, on reaching the second scree field you need to head left and start ascending from the slight plateau feature and climb again. This time stick to the left hand side of the scree and follow the loose rock until you hit the base of the sheer rock face. This is where you will start the ascent of Pinnacle Ridge, the key to identifying the start is a trail will take to you to the base and a prominent rock will stick out of the rock face above you.. known as the “cannon”. Initially the climbing can be done quick and is very basic stuff, you can cut a zig-zag path up to speed things up and be careful for loose hand holds, but most are classed as “jug” type holds and perfect for fast moving if your confident. 

Its approximately 2/3 of the way up you will come to some exposed areas of the route with a fairly big drop down either side. I will mention here if you commit from this point it will be difficult to down climb and abseiling will be required to escape. After a few moves you hit a ledge… 

Resting on the “ledge” before committing to the climbing section…

From this point on you will have a “moderate rock climb section” to complete where it is advised to rope up for protection if you don’t feel you can solo climb. I find that speed and confidence here helps and fast climbing is a must, some great views around the lakes can be taken in once your on the ridge summit of the climb and it will get the heart and blood pumping as your very exposed and a fall will certainly hurt if not result in serious injury. 

Terrain on the lower sections of the climb and easy going…

Once over the meat of the climb it is a slight hill to the summit and I always find this section the most fun as you emerge from a route that most walkers think is crazy and you join a trail most trodden by fellow Lake District lovers… I enjoy the look from people who stop and stare “where the hell did you come from and your just in shorts with no rope”. 

                            Route Climbed In Red…

In the above image, as best as I can I have marked the route to the summit with the approach to the start, the key indicator is the second prominent cut into the face is the right hand border for the climb. On the summit you then have some really good trail running down to the tarn at Grisedale. This is fast and very fun with a great way to train descending. Once at the tarn you can replenish water then start the ascent via running up-to Dollywagon Pike and onto some peaks such as High Crag, Nethermost Pike and finish at the summit of Helvellyn, making up a small section of the BGR Leg 2. It’s here where the route will become very busy with walkers, I find the transition from climbing the Pinnacle solo then bursting into the packed summit of a well visited mountain summit very nice and refreshing. 

The next section will involve some very fun ridge line running but it can be hairy due to the business of the route and you will enjoy the looks of amazement from walkers and climbers alike, who are obviously frustrated that you can run this while they are on bums or all fours… 

                                   Striding Edge…

After the fun of Striding Edge which is very runnable you will then be onto the last section… this is from Hole in Wall and down the valley path which descends to the bridge over the Grisedale beck and the road where we started the run. This path is fun and fast but after already climbing and running an approx distance of 12 to 13 miles, you need to stay focused as a trip or fall can be painful. This last section is good running and excellent trail but not very wide so keep your eyes peeled for those walkers but many different options are available and some may find running on the grass easier. The finish is along the road and in the car park opposite the White Lion pub in Patterdale – which is a great spot to stop refuel and I highly recommend a naked dip in Lake Ulswater. 

In total I have the route as 14.7 miles and over 6 mountain peaks the highest being Helvellyn at approx 2,800 ft… Climbs are Grade 3 scramble with a small section of Moderate rock climbing and also a Grade 1/2 ridge-line scramble which is runnable.

I hope you enjoy the post and feel free to message and let me know how you get on with the route… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berghaus Trail Chase (Struggling to compete after injury)

After a tough period of injury and not being able to run at all for a 2 month period, it was a tough decision to run in this event as I’m not the best person when just making up the numbers. The injury i received at the Bupa / Karrimor Trail Race in Keswick where i won was a tear to the soleus muscle, a very difficult period of recovery has followed but during this i have taken a positive, this being Aquarunning. I strongly advise anyone to try this, whether it be post injury or even to add to your weekly training regime and a great tool to increase mileage with no impact related niggles, another area its good for is to improve running form and technique.

The inaugural Berghaus Trail Chase took place in the North York Moors National Park and judging by the flurry of social media comment since then, it was big success!

Shane Ohly, the Race Director for Berghaus Trail Chase had this to say, “The Berghaus Trail Chase™ concept is innovative and looks to bridge the gap between trail races, multi-day races and navigational events. First, competitors are issued with a map but the routes are fully marked; this enables competitors to make the step towards navigational racing without it being a requirement. Secondly, the competitors are eased into the two-day format as we transport up to 15kg of camping and overnight kit for each of them; this means that the runners remain fast and light for maximum trail running enjoyment. Third, and most importantly, is the concept of the ‘Chase’ itself – by starting the competitors on the second day, in the exact order and time difference that they finished the first day, we create an exciting and exhilarating finale to the weekend”.

Competitors could choose between three different courses, which were colour coded like ski pistes. On the first day the Black course was 32.8km, the Red Course was 25.3km and the Blue course was 16.6km, with all three courses starting from different locations and converging on the same Overnight Camp at Chop Gate. On day two the Black and Red courses set off from Chop Gate with 21.3km and 17.4km to complete respectively. The Blue course competitors had a short bus ride and then a lovely 10.1km run into the Event Centre finish near Osmotherley, where the Black and Red courses also finished.

      Compulsory kit during the race

In hindsight, due the fact I was post injury and I’ve only actually ran on four separate occasions with all being very short distance sessions or races, I really should of selected a course with lesser mileage. However, me being a great believer of emotion over sense, I decided to do the “Black” course and I was aiming to be a top 3 finish. We set off from Hutton Le Hole and break away group of three formed, me, Duncan Archer (DFR runner and elite mountain marathon runner) and Charlie Sharpe (Team 9 bar athlete and recent 2nd place at the Lakeland 100). Although running with two amazing athletes I really felt the distance and terrain would suit me and that speed would come into play, with this belief I decided to crank the pace up and see what happened. Soon I was running alone and felt good… “how long will this last I asked myself”, Hoping i could build a healthy lead then hang on into the overnight spot, then i could maybe be in contention for a top 3 finish. Then Duncan got a alongside and looked strong, we chatted for a few miles before he opened up a gap and was gone…

      2nd place and feeling good…

Renowned Ultra Running photojournalist Ian Corless from TalkUltra was at the event and he managed to capture the above image. At this point which was roughly 12 miles into the race i started to ascend out of a valley and the lack of mileage and running started to show, with no strength on the ascents i worked hard to maintain my 2nd place and tried to make up any lost time on the flat or descents. The concern was the descending tracks seemed to be very difficult to see as overgrown bracken and heather interfered, so i couldn’t maintain my speed set at the start, in no time Charlie was level and cruised past looking very strong. I managed to keep him sight for the next 3 miles but i could just tell i had no pace left in me and it was a case of trying to hang on until the overnight spot and try and stay in contention for the 2nd days running. Then one by one runners passed me, with Martin Indge (Berghuas Trail Running Team) and Steve Coates (Recent wins on the Hardmoor series) catching up and we ran together for a short period. At this point i was struggling to maintain any sort of pace and niggles had started due to the lack of strength in the legs. Now back in 5th place and hanging on for dear life i tried to keep running, luckily i managed to keep 5th and 12 minutes behind 3rd place i was hopeful for the next days racing.

This hope started to disappear as the left knee started to swell as i sorted my kit out, deep down i knew it would be difficult to run in the morning and the top 3 finish was over. I would be lucky to finish at all but me being the forever optimist i just ignored it and kept telling myself i would get fit on the course as the race went on. This attitude is definitely something unique to mountain and ultra runners as im sure you wouldn’t hear Mo Farrah say “im not fit but by lap 7 im hoping i will be”.

Overnight camp site… Please note everyone’s tents!

Ignoring my rapidly swelling knee, i set about getting comfortable and making food and as i cast my eyes around the field i noted all the very organised people with support persons with big tents, chairs, blow up beds and so on. Me being me, i decided to travel light, and rolled out my sleeping bag, bivvy and made some noodles for tea.

My overnight bivvy site…

After many looks from competitors and event staff i got cosy and drifted of to sleep only to be woken at 2am with a huge downpour of rain, and yes… i got soaked. Up early as i was drenched i started to pack up and got ready for my start time of 7:34am. The event theme was a chase for the 2nd day, so 1st place set of at 7am with 2nd and so on setting off in order of finish, this would create a race and chase feel with some excitement. I was ignoring my knee and just staying positive, telling myself it would be ok if i just got running. As soon as i started i lasted 200m and couldn’t run any more, shooting pains in the knee. I was on a mud track going up hill and decided to turn back, after 10m i talked myself out of giving up and started to run… then again turned back to jack it in. This back and forth dance lasted the next 10 mins with me talking to myself out in the open. I finally managed to overcome the negative thoughts and got on with trying to run the last part of the race. This may seem crazy to people who think its silly to carry on injured but for me a i took a lot from this, if i want to be successful at ultrarunning i feel i have to be able to conquer scenarios like this as during any big race i will always get a niggle or pain. On i went and i managed to block out the pain and even get some running in, albeit 2 miles running then a good rub of the knee then running again. Then the next challenge popped up and in front of me was a middle age man bent double going uphill against the strong wind, with him was his sheep dog. I got closer and knew due to the high winds he may not hear my on purpose loud breathing, done to let him know i was coming and allow him time to move. So i pushed to one side and ran past, then the sheep dog which was startled by this leapt towards me with a wide mouth and clamped its jaws tight around a certain sensitive area. I screamed but knew if i stopped the knee would cease and it took me ages to get running… so on i went ignoring it and feeling my groin for blood.

 Berghaus Trail Chase Route’s

The last days running was excellent for speed, with some fast winding trails and long gradual descents, perfect running for me and i was gutted i wasn’t fit prior to starting this event. I have taken positives from the race and managed to finally master my fuelling for long runs and felt good for it, my plan was 1 energy gel every 20 mins after 1 hours running and to keep this up throughout. I finished hobbling but smiling and a 6th place. I would be lying if i was fully happy with this but i finished and learnt a few lessons which i will take into my next big event.

      Home and family time…

And finally it was time to head home, one of the challenges i faced on the adventure was the feeling i had of homesickness, with my new family addition, Ethan Beech, i found that i spent the whole time worrying or thinking about him and my wife. This i feel brings a added challenge to any extreme events and definitely plays on the mind. Hopefully i can use this and turn it into a positive, taking strength from them both and push harder so i don’t let anyone down and also making a list of times on mountain races so he can one day have a go at beating me.

Lastly, a huge thank you to my wife Catherine and son Ethan, as without them i wouldn’t be as happy or as strong as i am… Oh and the balls are ok 😉

Berghaus Trail Running Team Selection 2014

Berghaus Trail Running Team Selection 2014

(Lake District – Hellvelyn)

After a very busy couple of weeks for myself, the arrival of my new baby boy and getting informed i had been selected to represent the North East region at upcoming Fellrunning national inter counties champs. I needed some time for myself and an excuse to just get out in the mountains and enjoy running again, without the stress of racing and no sleep.

Me and My Son (Ethan David Beech – Future Fellrunning Champ)

So it was of to the Berghaus Trail Running Team Selection, Arriving the YHA Hellvelyn gave me a chance to see area of the Lakes that i have never ran or been to in the past, so I was itching to get out on the hills and run like an excited puppy dog, but first the main reason I was here.

*All pictures courtesy of the Trail Running Team Facebook Page 

YHA Hellvelyn

The trail running weekend ran by Freestack and Berghaus, its a get together of like minded people all hoping to learn new skills and meet new people, with the added bonus of possibly being selected to go to Chamonix, in the Alps, for a trail running training camp with the Berghaus and Freestak team, something I feel would be an excellent opportunity and a great chance to get some quality training in.

The weekend was planned out as follows:

Day 1

• Introductions – Very witty and easy to get on with guy from Freestack (Simon) this immediately put me at ease, as I sensed a similar sense of humour as myself, i.e always trying to be funny but failing and a similar height to me 😉
• TORQ Presentation – Nutritional advice from a scientific type fellow, I found this very, very useful information as i always seem to struggle post 2 hours running, for some excellent info on TORQ products follow the link http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/
• Berghaus Presentation – David Coombes, who i have recently had some communication with and it was nice to put a face to the name and some Berghaus athletes going over some super lightweight products, follow the link for more info http://store.berghaus.com/search/vapourlight
• Run – A nice easy run out to Red tarn and back with the group, was fun and managed to stretch the legs a bit, more of a social run out.
• Inspirational Talks – Steve Birkenshaw (all time hero) and Helene Whittacker
•  Another Run – More fun and a good chance to see Hellvelyn with a good group of runners.

Day 2

•  Med Distance Run – This was more like it and a chance to test out the TORQ Nutrition, more information to follow on this.

Introductions 

After a brief chat we all piled into a small room and had our pictures taken, and the intro began with some excellent information from Simon (Freestak) and more about last years training camp. This got me very excited at the thought of going to the Alps, as its always been a dream of mine. I especially like the style of running that i call “where climbing and running gets confused”, basically i like to run up mountains where some people may want to climb, the more risky the better. So to get a chance to see the Alps and where some of the greats from the mountain running world have been, would be a dream come true.

Presentation – Steve Birkenshaw

The weekend was planned out with the obvious excitement in the air and i began to think how i could get selected, as no obvious method to score or win was apparent, this confused me ha-ha. Sooooo, i just decided to let be what will be and enjoy myself in one of my favorite places in the world, the Lakes.

TORQ Presentation

This was a area where i felt i could learn the most, as I’ve only been running for a 2 year period and my very quick move from road to mountains and a dabble with Ultrarunning, i always struggle when the distance increases. My method of a sandwich before and then run until i blow up doesn’t seem to be the trend with all the successful runners.

We where shown data demonstrating the best methods to take on fuel during running and when to take it, all a huge eye opener to me, the idea of taking a energy supplement every 20 mins was crazy to me, but the science proved it worked. Some excellent gel and drink products were available with some very interesting choices, this i was keen to try as in past i could never stomach any gel, as a recent race is evidence, i went from 2nd place after 8 miles to 7th at 13 miles all because a gel made me vomit.

For more information follow the link: http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/

Berghaus Presentation

Introduction by David Coombes who I’ve harassed in the past via email for support on ideas and running, some great background surrounding the recent Ultimate Trail Project by Philippe and Anna Gatta and the Himalayas adventure.

The Ultimate Trail – Himalayas Trail Run

A truly inspiring adventure of risk and danger, this got me thinking, hmmmm maybe i could have a go at this is Berghaus felt like helping… We then had a superb talk about the new Berghuas product available after this adventure and how the design was fit for purpose. I also like kit to be light as it enables me to carry less and run faster over exposed mountain areas or have a longer period out running. The vapour light series was something i really liked and when handling the equipment, it was excellent.

Vapour Smock

Vapour Hyper Therm Jacket

Kit Packed Down

The new Berghaus kit is excellent and will be a new purchase for me soon, and i can see the benefits already with weight and reliability but still high performance. It also goes hand in hand with my view on mountain running, as many summits as possible as fast as possible in all weathers….

Running

We now met and went for a short run, which was up to Red Tarn in the Hellvelyn horseshoe, some good trails and uphill sections soon spread everyone out and it was nice to get into smaller groups and chat.  Everyone had a varied knowledge when it came to mountain running and some people experiencing this type of running for the first time, so it was nice to pass on tips and hints about ascending and descending. I managed to naturally find myself out front and running with Steve, which brought some memories back from a fell race where me and Steve were racing at the sharp end and i managed to pip him on the last 100m to win, i was wondering if he remembered me, but i decided on not mentioning if i wanted any chance of getting selected for the team.

Trail Running

It was a nice warm up leading upto the tarn, and seeing the great Hellvelyn again got me excited to do some ridge-line running, one of my favorite runs is to run the grade 2 scramble along the striding edge to the summit then the fast edgey descent down the grade 1 scramble of swirral edge. We were waiting round for the rest of the team to catch up and true to form, the great Steve Birkenshaw decided to lead a charge into the tarn, of course, not to follow may give the wrong impression, so in i went. Now, me being a bit smaller then most, i was a bit wary of going in deep, but unknown to me there was a ledge and drop off, and my intention of just going waist deep soon fell apart and in i went and under completely. Obviously, i gave the impression it was all planned and once i managed to catch my breathe, i was straight out, freeeeeezing.

Mid Run Dip

After a nice descent back down to the YHA, and me and Steve having a bit of a feel of each others downhill technique, this could of turned into a race i feel but i think Steve was polite and held back… I however let go and decided to enjoy myself, not getting much of a chance to be in the mountains i was determined to enjoy it as much as possible.

We then had a bit of a debrief and then Steve was keen for another run, i was finding it hard to hide my excitement and off we went, now… this is where my excitement got the better of me and the intended route Steve wanted to go on soon changed, as i set off and decided to just go for it and enjoy the running and not really think too much about the whole selection thing… i just wanted to run ha-ha. Before i knew it i was out on my own and a excellent ascending path, winding its way up the hill, head down and ensuring my hill climbing technique was tight… my hips straight and square, no slumping or dumping and short and sharp steps in time with my breathing, then just focus on step by step and work hard. Before i knew i was at the top and checking behind me i was alone, time to wait and see where everyone was, soon the group caught up and we decided head out in the direction of Helvellyn, and off we went…  A nice ascent up-to a undulating wide ridge-line, i just enjoyed the views and ran, some off-trail running soon popped up and the fells opened up and a nice windy exposed climb gave some amazing views of Hellvelyn. I was again out on my own but the momentum soon grew and i was back doing what i do best, running the mountains as fast as i possiblE, ensuring every step i take is the fastest i am capable of at that moment, I’ve never understood the whole pacing thing and slowing yourself down to hit a target time, i just run as hard as i can for as long as i can and see what happens, running should be as fast as you can to enjoy the speed and pain.

Day 2 – Run 

We all met for 9am the following morning and another long run was planned, a possible 3 hours out in the mountains, this i was looking forward too. We headed back up-to Red Tarn, and then a quick jaunt up Swirall edge, i love this style of running, so once again, off i went out front and enjoyed the running. It was also nice to see people enjoying the mountain running as some trail or road runners were present and it was a first, i could hear the excitement as all got a exposure to what i feel mountain running is about… I have have my own style that id like to share and i call it “where climbing and running gets confused”, i love to run where most people would say its safe to climb or scramble with ropes or protection, i really like the freedom of running something very technical and overcoming that attitude of “you cant run that”. We had a slight taste of that today and it was a huge kick for me to seeing people enjoying it, hmmmm got me thinking, would be nice to share my other favorite running route of “Pinnacle Ridge”.

We headed out over Hellvelyn again and ran well over towards a section of the Bob Graham Round, something on my list to tick off this year, so it was nice to run it with Steve and see where and what trails he takes, making mental notes for future reference. One thing i did notice from Steve and something i will take away with me, that’s where i use the already in place trails, SB takes the most direct route down, whether that’s grass, fell or heavy going, he heads straight down, this i feel saves time when going for a fast BGR.

A few more headed back via the valley leading to Patterdale, whilst we all headed up-to St Sunday Carg, i was looking forward to this descent as its long and a nice trail, with the odd tricky section, it was now while i was following SB across some off-trail running i turned my ankle, from previous experience, i knew what the best thing to do was, and that’s just keep running, stopping just allows it too stiffen. Running off the niggle, we started the descent, and i was trying hold back, not wanting people thinking that i was trying to race to front to show im a fairly good runner, but i do find it harder to run slow downhill, so i had to let go, i soon forgot about everyone else once i was enjoying the descent, the jumps, and skips and speed, the usual walkers moving out the way as you race past and you hear them say “nutter”.

Once back at the YHA, we all had a dip in the stream to cool down and it allowed my ankle to stop the swelling, it was then that Steve came up, i got a chance to shake his hand and say “thankyou,” and he said “no thankyou, you have pushed me on both the runs”, unknown to him, this is the greatest complement i have been given by anyone to date, as i look upto SB and his current project of running the Wainwrights in record time has relight a fire inside me to go out and seek a tough challenge myself. I have had a sense since when small child that i would one day be the first person to do something, so i am always looking for new challenges.

Berghaus Athlete Steve Birkenshaw (left) Dave Beech – Me (right)

For more information on Steve’s upcoming challenge, click the link and follow the address: http://stevebirkinshaw-wainwright2014.blogspot.co.uk/

A huge thank-you to Berghaus, Freestack, TORQ, and all the guys and girls involved with the event, a superb experience.