Round Ripon Ultra

Saturday 7 October 2023

9 am start, Studley Rodger Nr Ripon

I arrived early in an attempt not to get bogged in in the parking field, I was 4th car in and got bogged in, thanks to the other drivers for giving me a shove.

I walked down and registered. It was a real social occasion,  so many members of local run clubs.

My Brooks Cascadia looked pristine at the race brief, though not for too long.

We gathered in the road for the start, I was too far forward, we ran for the gate out of the village and stopped to wait turn to manoeuvre the kissing gate. The path across the fields is narrow so I felt propelled forwards and when I got a fly in my eye, I dared not stop for holding folk up so rubbed my eye as I ran. 

As we got to the road, crossing assisted by Hayley and Martin, there was room for people to spread out and soon I was being passed by a constant stream of runners. 

I slowed on the river path and up to the farm, Again I was passed by many runners in the section to North Stainley.

Approaching Middle Parks Farm I prepared myself for the battle with the cattle. There are always cattle between Middle Parks Farm and North Parks Farm. James was behind me and warned me the cattle would be there, I went between the farms with James and fortunately, the cattle showed no interest in us. 

I arrived at Slenningford Mill (CP1 7.5 miles) feeling good, that was the easiest section complete. I set off for Masham quickly, no hanging around the aid station, even though they had chocolate, I took a few pieces and left. The River Ure was roaring by.

Into the woods, muddy, rooty and autumnal, this section I find tricky, so I slowed. Across the fields to Mickley. In Mickley I walked to take on board food ready for the challenge to come. A tarmac hill lead to a descent into the woods. Here began the mudfest my shoes were now definitely not pristine now.

Slippy descents and ascents, tree roots, broken bridges and steams to cross, always keeping the river to the right, until passing through the stone gateposts, gate and fences long gone.

One of my favourite views from the bench over towards Masham.

All through the woods, since before Mickley, I had an itch arm. It now developed to show an insect bite. I normally carry hydrocortisone in my pack, but had forgotten to put some in. I hoped the chemist would be open in Masham.

I was relieved to find the chemist open and purchased some hydrocortisone. I applied the cream on the way to CP 2 (16 miles). I refilled my water at the checkpoint and took a piece of chocolate shortbread. I set of down the lane eating it. This is a short section of farmers fields and road. I was crossing a sheep field and a sheep was attacking a mat, tied to the gate, really ramming it. I finally shoo ed it away and got through the gate. I turned to re fasten the gate and spotted a sports watch on the ground, fortunately not in the sheep side, That sheep may have eaten it or trampled it into the ground. I took the watch with me, texting race director James to say I had it in case anyone reported to lost.

The cream was working on my arm and it was less itchy.

I love the views in this area, the hike up to the Bivouac looks over to Fearby and it was a lovely clear day.

I wasted no time at The Bivouac (CP3 20 miles). I handed the watch in, and someone claimed it. I refilled my bottles. It was warm and windy so I was dehydrating quickly. I was drinking so much more than usual. A field descent is followed by another long hike up. Up Ilton Bank which feels way steeper than 12%.

Opposite the bus shelter I left the road and headed cross country. I had seen no other runners ahead since I left Masham. As I got to the grouse butts I saw people ahead. Slowly I gained on one person, I caught him on the road and passed by, soon I came across 2 more runners, I worked on catching and passing them whilst on the road before the next muddy moor section. I passed them and descended to the moor, hanging onto trees. It was nice to see someone had cut a path across the moor. 

Crossing the beck I did not dare hop across the rocks and chose to wade through instead. The climb up the other side was the muddiest and slippiest I have ever experienced.

The sighting tower is a welcome sight, I know there is a mudddy farm to pass through, but the next section is not too bad underfoot.

The paths to the Crack Pots Trail had been improved, that was a pleasant surprise.

Heading up the lane.from where the Drovers Inn used to be to the moor,I mentally prepared for a battle with the cattle, last year there were loads of cattle on the moor including a huge bull. The sign was on the gate. But it looked like most of the area had been reseeded.

There were no cattle, I left the moor to the checkpoint at High Skelding (CP4 28 miles)

I refilled my water bottles and set off, just over 10km to go. I passed a couple more runners. The point where the route leaves the road to go to Eavestone Lakes was unclear due to forestry work. Fortunately I knew the route. 

In the woods as I ran round the lake, it was good to see some old fallen trees removed. The boat house is in a poor state though. The lake looked beautiful n the late afternoon light. The climb up from the lake was beastly, muddy and tree rooty, I was glad to see the stile at the top. 

More wet feet as I passed through fields and another muddy farm. I was getting anxious about the cattle in the fields approaching Sawley. I had just passed 2 runners, I could wait for them if they were there. I was relieved to get through the fields easily as there were no cows. No battle with the cattle today. % km to go, mainly downhill. There were young pheasant everywhere in Spa Gill Woods. I more hill to climb.

The best sight on the whole race. 1.2 downhill miles to the finish.

Great familiar view, is that runners ahead?

Possibly, wonder if I can catch them.

No chance of catching them but I closed the gap.

As always I was relieved to finish. It was good to refuel on Caroline and Jane’s apple sponge and custard and a coffee whilst I caught up with friends. 

It had been a good day out, lovely seeing Mary and Joanne supporting around the course.

Time 8 hours 22 min 16 sec

Overall 76/105

F23/40

F50 10/13

Thanks to James and his team of volunteers who made it possible for us to have our fun.

And that’s it for another year

I got out of the car park field without issue.

All my Round Ripon Ultra Results

And as for that bite, it was still swelling at bedtime even after the hydrocortisone and anti histamine. 

 

 

13 valleys Ultra, Keswick to Keswick via all 13 valleys of the Lake District 29/09/23 - 02/09/23

I have been nervous about this event for a while. I knew it would be difficult, starting at 6 pm on the Friday and going into the first night at around 1 hour into the race. I have not really done any running on the Lakeland Fells but thought that Race Across Scotland would be good preparation.

I entered about a year ago, at that point there was no route, I seem to think that it would be marked and that I had 48 hours. I was mistaken, the route was unmarked and I had 45 hours to complete the 180 km course, which became 182.58 km. The kit list was massive and they said if it was going to be cold we had to carry an extra 2 warm layers, if it was going to be warm, we had to carry another litre of fluid, on top of the litre we were already carrying.

There is a 7 Valleys (110 km ) 5 valleys (55km)  and 2 Valleys (20 km) event too. The 7 Valleys and 5 Valleys had to carry the same kit as the 13 Valleys.

Billy and I had booked our usual guest house in Keswick, Billy would meet me at 4 of the checkpoints. Supporters were not allowed at most checkpoints. 

I packed my kit, my race vest was fit to burst, it weighed so much. We drove to Keswick and went straight to the Theatre By The Lake to register. I went through kit check and struggled to get all my kit back in. Billy suggested we just bought a bigger pack. We went to Cotswold and bought a bright yellow Ultimate Direction 20 litre Fast pack. It had no bottles with it and my Salomon ones were too tall, Cotswold did not have the bottles. So we traipsed around town to find some, eventually getting 2 OMM bottles from Kong, that fitted.

We went back to the guest house and repacked my bags. Everything fitted and was accessible.

 Then we found out that cold weather kit was required, 2 more warm tops. 

The pack was so heavy but everyone else was in the same boat.

We walked back to the start area at Crow Park to wait for the 6pm start. It was nice to catch up with the runners that I already knew, Victoria, Sean, Andy and Kev. Also Laura who was doing the 7 Valleys starting at Ambleside at 6 am Saturday. 

We gathered in the start area, the compare introduced some of the runners who were taking part.

They counted down and we were off, as is usual, I was soon at the back of the pack. There had been 96 on the start list, there did not seem that many runners. I had to run a bit quicker than I would like, but I wanted to keep people in sight as long as possible. 

A couple of miles in, there was a jacket on the floor in the woods. Others were running past it. I looked as if had just fallen. I stopped and picked it up, the bulging pockets probably contained gloves and hat, as that is what I do. The jacket was highly likely to be one of the runners’. So I carried it with me as I ran to catch sight of the other runners. Once they were back in sight I messaged Billy to say I had a size 12 blue montane Via jacket and could he let the race crew know, Then the owner could wait for me to get to Honister with it. There was a point where I lost sight of the runners ahead again, I passed through a gate and onto a road. The there was a van there, the lady said that other runners had gone back onto the track. I went back, I could see no path. 

It was still light at this point, the runners behind caught up and said the path was by the wall. You would never have known, it was so overgrown, I was bent double at times, and soon it got dark under the tree canopy but soon we emerged onto wet boggy ground, no more dry feet. As it came in dark I was soon on my own again but gently gaining on the lights ahead. It was Andy and Kev, I had been behind them when the path had disappeared. It was good to have caught back up. Soon we caught up with 2 ladies, I asked if one had lost a jacket, they checked and were shocked to realise it was gone. I returned it and ran on. It was nice not to be carrying something. 

I stuck with Andy and Kev and we approached lights, We thought it was a caravan park, we carried on past the Honister mine buildings and then realised we had passed the checkpoint. We turned round and went back. There was nothing I fancied at that moment so I went to See Billy at the van. I had a drink and got some food. People were leaving the checkpoint, Billy wanted me to leave with them. We were about 40 min ahead of cut off. 

I could see the lights trailing ahead and above me, I stopped and put my jacket on, it was likely to be cold up there. The climb went on for ever, not overly steep, but long, as we went over the top, the trail turned to shale, that rolled underfoot. I took my time and the others started to pull away, but I couldn’t rush, my left calf was threatening to cramp. I could see lights across the valley, again high up, so knew another climb was coming. As the decent became les technical, I started to catch up the others, the 2 ladies and Andy and Kev. We passed inches from the heads of some huge cattle that were laying by the path. Scary moment. We crossed the valley and started to ascend, the 2 ladies and Andy started to pull away using their walking poles. Kev got his out and I decided I would too. By the time I had wriggled them out of my pack and put them together, the others had gone and I was alone again. The path was clear though and I could follow the line on my watch. It felt such a long climb again, once at the top, the descent was not as steep, I could still see lights in the distance and jogged and hiked on, I was melting in my coat though. The full moon was bright and the air was mild, because I was working I was too warm. I was relieved to get to the Black Sail aid station. Andy, Kev and the ladies were just leaving. I stripped off my jacket, refilled my bottles, drank flat cola, had half a banana and some ready salted crisps to help stop my leg going into cramp. It was so good to take off my pack to put my jacket away. I struggled back into it and set off, following the lights. 

Soon the path became unclear, I followed the line on my watch and clambered up some rocks. There were some footprints on it so I knew it was right. At the top, however, there was no clue as to where to go next. I went left a bit, right a bit, towards the roaring river for a bit. Then I spotted lights, I aimed for them and then realised that I was heading back to the aid station. I went back looking for a path. A man caught up, together we worked out the route. Occasionally it would rain a bit, but it came to nothing, but hid the foot prints on the rocks that I had been using. Suddenly there was a marshal at the top of the hill, It was good to know we were on the right route. The track headed down and I moved away from the other runner. My head torch battery started to fail, I knew I could not be far from the next aid station and with great relief there was a load of lights and as I got nearer I could see the 13 valleys banner. I went to the loo, changed my battery, the other runner arrived and after some food, I set off, leaving him to his brew. I was 30 min ahead of cut off and the man and I were the last runners. There were 4 trackers and DNF tags on the table. 

This next section had no big climbs, I hoped to make up some time, the section started flattish and was soon on road, i could see lights across the road and assumed it was runners. Soon i was back on trail and heading upwards. The lights were on a different trail to me. The paths were like streams, my feet always wet, but it was not cold, I missed the point where the route left the nice track. When I realised, I set off cross country to get back on track. I was following the line, but the route was in distinct and I kept losing it, but occasionally I would see a footprint on a rock. Soon I was wading through wetlands aiming for the top of a lake. On route, off route. The runner behind was catching up, following the light on the back of my pack. I crossed the river and set off uphill, ahead there were cattle laying each side of the track with 1 standing guard, I had to go through, I walked slowly, looking at the ground ahead and quietly thanking the cows for letting me through. I made it and pushed on, jogging along the track until I was faced with more cattle. The guard one was moving. I could nod approach, I aimed around the little herd looking at the line on my watch, I was off track again, I walked through the grass, bushes and bogs, getting back on track. The other runner, Colin caught up, we worked the route out together as we had earlier in the evening after Black Sail. Annoyingly we soon found ourself back on the good track. The route turned down and I broke away again, It seemed Colin’s strength was ups and mine was downs. I kept checking back to see he was still nearby, knowing there was no one else behind us. I reached the Eskdale Aid station a few minutes ahead of Collin. I had some rice pudding and bread. A few cups of flat cola and set off again. I knew Colin would catch up on the climb.

I found out that the route had changed due to weather. The organisers had sent a new GPX . I had no way to upload it onto my watch and no signal for OS maps. It was on the 5 Valleys route though, so I assumed it would be signed from that point.

I tagged on to 2 other runners leaving Eskdale. One was pretty good at navigating so we were making good progress. As the climb started, I thought they would pull away, but I kept up. We came across another runner who was unwell, dizzy, and cold. We held him up whilst he got his insulated layer on and had some nutrition, I managed to get a signal on my phone and phoned the control centre. I could hear them but they could not hear me. I ended the call and texted, staying in the same spot, not wanting to lose signal. I was starting to get a little chilly and thought about putting my coat back on, The runner felt he could get down off the hill, so I let control know we were making our way down. As soon as we were moving, I warmed back up pretty quickly. Soon the runner was feeling better and one of the other guys started to struggle with tiredness. Colin caught us and over took us, He said that he had fallen, but sorted himself out.

Our progress was steady but we would struggle to get to Coniston by 08:15. At the start of the last climb, we could not find the path. There was a gate, but no path, just a raging river to cross. We looked up and down stream and in the end we went back to the bottom of the hill crossed at a bridge and set off the last 4 miles to Coniston. We now knew we could not make it in time, we worked our hardest though to get back as soon as we could. At last we could descend, the views were stunning, a long wide path leading us down.

 Once in the town we missed the turn and headed up the wrong street. We soon got back on track however, making it to the boat house at 09:50. We knew it was over for us. Colin was there too. They sent transport to return us to Keswick, But I got Billy to collect me. 

The organisers have been in touch today and offered me a free place next year as I was timed out whilst helping another runner.

The organisers have put out a survey and are listening to feedback. I think this was a massive learning curve for them and that next year there will be changes.

96 were entered

68 started

26 finished 

 See York Run York, Turpin Challenge 6 hour run. 16/09/2023

I entered this run as an endurance challenge, how many laps could I manage within 6 hours.

I drove over to York and it started to rain. I looked at as much of the course as I could see, it was grass so I put on my Brooks Cascadia. 

We gathered at the start,  there were not lots of runners. The race director mentioned people who would be running the 100 + miles for the See York Run York events and we set of, People were reluctant to be at the front on the start line and that is where I ended up, not for long, as most of the runners came sprinting past me in the first few yards. The grassy route soon gave way to hard surfaces as we crossed the race track. The majority of the route was hard surface, there was about a kilometre in the woods of mud and tree roots and a little incline. After 2 laps my feet were sore in the Cascadias so I changed into an old pace of Brooks Calderas, a hybrid shoe, my feet instantly felt lighter and legs les achy. I felt I was running ok, there were less and les runners on route as people reached their own personal targets. I had hoped for 7 laps (30 miles). At the end of 6 I was tiring but had plenty of time for another lap. I had to walk a bit on this one, when I finished I had 10 minutes left of the 6 hours and could have gone for another, but it was getting chilly , I knew the lap would be slow and I had completed my target, so I stopped and enjoyed some of the cake at the finish line.

Dales runner 40 2nd of September 2023

When I entered this race at the beginning of the year, it was part of a series. The Dales runner 20 the Dales runner 30 and the Dales runner 40 The first race in the series, in March, the DR20, was postponed due to poor weather and rescheduled for the 12th of August which meant I couldn't do it as I was running across Scotland. I did however complete the Dales runner 30 which was 30 kilometres from Muker, But I couldn't complete the series.

The DR 40 starts at Semerwater And is actually 42 kilometres. When I entered it, I always knew it was close to the end of race across Scotland but I thought I'd be recovered.

I got a lift with Louise who was going to be marshalling as the Dales runner organisers like to encourage car sharing. I had been running well, I'd had 10 days off running since the end of right across Scotland then I had done a social club run from Ripon Cathedral to York Minster which was 30 miles and felt good and I had also run with Ripon Runners and Bedale and Aiskew Runners as well as doing my hill training so I felt that I could complete the course in about 6 hours.

The organisers had said that people who were steadier runners could start half an hour earlier, I debated in my head if that was me, my friends James and Chris both faster than me decided to start at 9:30. As I was filling in the back of my race number most people we're opting for the 9:30 start I didn't want to be last from the start and hold people up so I too opted for the 9:30 start.

It was a warm day and a nice uphill start to warm the legs up. I was right at the back of the group, but I wasn't worried because of the people who would be setting off half an hour later. At the top of the hill generally comes the good bit, the rundown it was rough under foot awful bouldery limestone stuff that they put on these lanes and tracks in the Dales the stones were rolling under my feet and the lovely rundown became more of a walk. I was passed by the lead runners of the 10:00 group. At the first checkpoint I grabbed a macaroon I didn't need to top up my water as it was still quite full and set up on a lovely road downhill then into fields, fields with cattle. More walking, it was starting to warm up now and my legs were feeling empty, I started a run walk strategy run the downs and flats walk the ups. The DR 40 is a beautiful route, running alongside babbling brooks crossing stepping stones trekking through bogs (OK the last bits not so beautiful). At 10 miles I saw Louise, I hoped she wouldn't have too long to wait for me to complete the whole route. Checkpoint 2 had cheese and pineapple on sticks this was inspired, on a hot day the salt on the cheese sweet of the pineapple was perfect. I set off uphill munching away three pieces. Stuck the sticks into my back pocket and cracked on with the rest of the route. There was quite a bit of road on this section which was quite nice but my legs were empty and I had to keep walking, but I could see runners ahead and felt as long as I could see them, I wasn't too far behind and now I had lost sight of the sweeps. After the road section came the bo Igs, running round them jumping over them climbing out of them but there was always more of them. This was the toughest section; it was working its way uphill towards checkpoint 3 but it was hard work in the heat. Finally at the top of the hill a good hard surface even though I couldn't run much I could hike pretty fast. It was good to reach checkpoint 3 I topped up my bottles drank some squash and ate some melon. This was the last checkpoint and ahead it was a good section of road, I hiked and jogged along, every step being a step closer to finish. Suddenly over a wall I could see semerwater, the end was in view. A marshall stood in the lane had the lovely job of sending runners away from the finish line back off road and along trails up and down hills I finally got back on the lane again which I crossed. It now felt like I was on the way back, more boggy bits, more ups, more downs. One of the fields was full of long grass it was very difficult going through the grass and the thistles downhill quite slippy, I didn't know what was underneath the long grass, one lady came running past me very confident on the rough ground, I walked.

Only a couple of miles to go little bit of road a little bit of fields and some stiles. Working the logistics out of stiles at this point was a nightmare turning around like a cat working out what foot to put where, just tired. Finally got onto a bit of road the marshall directed me to the finish, 7 hours and 5 minutes quite a lot slower than I planned luckily Louise had entertained herself paddle-boarding onSsemerwater whilst waiting for me.

I had a hot drink and a big chunk of cake, I checked my carshare raffle ticket and I had a winner, “what’s the prize?” “A race” last thing I wanted at that moment, but we’ll see.The cake and coffee perked me up and we set off home I was shattered, I definitely have not recovered from race across  Scotland

. 

 Dales runner 40 2nd of September 2023

When I entered this race at the beginning of the year, it was part of a series. The Dales runner 20 the Dales runner 30 and the Dales runner 40 The first race in the series, in March, the DR20, was postponed due to poor weather and rescheduled for the 12th of August which meant I couldn't do it as I was running across Scotland. I did however complete the Dales runner 30 which was 30 kilometres from Muker, But I couldn't complete the series.

The DR 40 starts at Semerwater And is actually 42 kilometres. When I entered it, I always knew it was close to the end of race across Scotland but I thought I'd be recovered.

I got a lift with Louise who was going to be marshalling as the Dales runner organisers like to encourage car sharing. I had been running well, I'd had 10 days off running since the end of right across Scotland then I had done a social club run from Ripon Cathedral to York Minster which was 30 miles and felt good and I had also run with Ripon Runners and Bedale and Aiskew Runners as well as doing my hill training so I felt that I could complete the course in about 6 hours.

The organisers had said that people who were steadier runners could start half an hour earlier, I debated in my head if that was me, my friends James and Chris both faster than me decided to start at 9:30. As I was filling in the back of my race number most people we're opting for the 9:30 start I didn't want to be last from the start and hold people up so I too opted for the 9:30 start.

It was a warm day and a nice uphill start to warm the legs up. I was right at the back of the group, but I wasn't worried because of the people who would be setting off half an hour later. At the top of the hill generally comes the good bit, the rundown it was rough under foot awful bouldery limestone stuff that they put on these lanes and tracks in the Dales the stones were rolling under my feet and the lovely rundown became more of a walk. I was passed by the lead runners of the 10:00 group. At the first checkpoint I grabbed a macaroon I didn't need to top up my water as it was still quite full and set up on a lovely road downhill then into fields, fields with cattle. More walking, it was starting to warm up now and my legs were feeling empty, I started a run walk strategy run the downs and flats walk the ups. The DR 40 is a beautiful route, running alongside babbling brooks crossing stepping stones trekking through bogs (OK the last bits not so beautiful). At 10 miles I saw Louise, I hoped she wouldn't have too long to wait for me to complete the whole route. Checkpoint 2 had cheese and pineapple on sticks this was inspired, on a hot day the salt on the cheese sweet of the pineapple was perfect. I set off uphill munching away three pieces. Stuck the sticks into my back pocket and cracked on with the rest of the route. There was quite a bit of road on this section which was quite nice but my legs were empty and I had to keep walking, but I could see runners ahead and felt as long as I could see them, I wasn't too far behind and now I had lost sight of the sweeps. After the road section came the bo Igs, running round them jumping over them climbing out of them but there was always more of them. This was the toughest section; it was working its way uphill towards checkpoint 3 but it was hard work in the heat. Finally at the top of the hill a good hard surface even though I couldn't run much I could hike pretty fast. It was good to reach checkpoint 3 I topped up my bottles drank some squash and ate some melon. This was the last checkpoint and ahead it was a good section of road, I hiked and jogged along, every step being a step closer to finish. Suddenly over a wall I could see semerwater, the end was in view. A marshall stood in the lane had the lovely job of sending runners away from the finish line back off road and along trails up and down hills I finally got back on the lane again which I crossed. It now felt like I was on the way back, more boggy bits, more ups, more downs. One of the fields was full of long grass it was very difficult going through the grass and the thistles downhill quite slippy, I didn't know what was underneath the long grass, one lady came running past me very confident on the rough ground, I walked.

Only a couple of miles to go little bit of road a little bit of fields and some stiles. Working the logistics out of stiles at this point was a nightmare turning around like a cat working out what foot to put where, just tired. Finally got onto a bit of road the marshall directed me to the finish, 7 hours and 5 minutes quite a lot slower than I planned luckily Louise had entertained herself paddle-boarding onSsemerwater whilst waiting for me.

I had a hot drink and a big chunk of cake, I checked my carshare raffle ticket and I had a winner, “what’s the prize?” “A race” last thing I wanted at that moment, but we’ll see.The cake and coffee perked me up and we set off home I was shattered, I definitely have not recovered from race across Scotland.