Moss the Motivator

Ilkley Moor Fell Race AS, 5m/1260ft

It's not the first time I've had reason to be grateful to Steve Moss for getting me off my a**e and prompting me to do something, that (a) I enjoy, and (b) ought to be doing more of. There is just something about his enthusiasm for the sport that wakes up my competitive spirit, and makes me want to get out there and grab a piece of the action.

So, after welching on the Yorkshire XC the previous day (heavy cold, and lack of fitness) I donned the Inov8's and joined Steve for a run on the great icy wastes of Ilkley Moor. 

Right from the start we knew it was going to be tough, because under the snow, was a layer of ice in many places, and it was extremely slippy. I lost count of the number of times I fell in the race, but only one headlong dive gave me an injury where I cracked my kneecap on a stone, leaving a crimson blood trail don my right shin.

The course was well-marshalled, but difficult to race on, as there was a lot of single file with limited passing opportunities mainly due to the conditions. I wasn't so bothered, because I knew I was way behind my best form, and was just glad to be out there. 

Both Steve and I thought that it was a long 5 miles, but maybe in my case that's something to to with my current fitness level. We had a bit of a laugh at the finish, since it was the first time we've raced together where I've been the one covered in blood and not Steve, and I was threatening to steal his crown.

Times were roughly 57 mins for me, and just over the hour for Steve.

Thanks for the motivation Steve, I owe you a beer for that! (just the one mind)

New Years Day 2010 - Giants Tooth Fell Race

Giant's Tooth Fell Race CS, 3m/400ft

There are other ways to celebrate your birthday, and clear a hangover, but I like this one. There is usually a pretty good turnout for this race, and there seemed to be more than ever this year. The number of Spen runners was up this year too, with Michael making a welcome return, and Tim making his first appearance in this race.

The weather was good, although it was pretty difficult underfoot because of all the snow. In places, it was like runnign on polished glass, whereas in others, it was quite heavy going. I suspected times would not be as fast as last year, and in my own case that prophecy was true.

I was a bit worried about Matthew getting the better of me, since I'd had trouble closing him down at the club handicap a couple of weeks back, and was just recovering from a mother of a cold that I'd had over the Christmas break, so wasn't feeling at my best. however, I managed to overtake him before we got to the first stile, and didn't look back until we were climbing up through the woods before making the run-in to the finish. I could see that he was not too far behind me, but I had a comfortable enough gap to know that I'd managed to hold him off for this year at least.

I think my time was about a minute down on the previous year, which I can attribute to the conditions, and being a bit under-the-weather. Matthew was pretty pleased with his run, Michael looked suitably uncomfortable at the end, having made the same mistake as me in conveniently forgetting about one of the hills. Tim claimed not to have enjoyed it too much, so we'll see if he's there next year!

Calderdale Way Leg 4

Really pleased with the time that me and Jeff did. Was tough and Jeff murdered me on the last hill.
Bring on next year. Here are some photos I have found

Calderdale Way Relay - Leg 2

Same leg as last year for me, but this time partnered by Gerard Skippings, who was making his fell running debut. Gerard had been kicking by butt over the cross country and on the track for the past few weeks, but I had a feeling that I would be more than a match for him on the fells, so I was confident that it wasn't going to be me who was going to suffer the most (hehe).

Gerard was a bit nervous, which can often be the case when you try something new, and are not sure what you are up against, but he survived the experience in one piece (although he said he wanted to kill me, can you believe?), and I was really pleased with our time of 1:12:03, which was almost 2 minutes faster than Gareth and I had done in 2008.

Thoroughly enjoyed the day, and Gerard should be proud of himself for putting in such a good first performance.

Well done to everyone else who took part, and thanks to Captain Patchett for the organisational stuff.

Calderdale Way Relay 13 Dec 2009

Buying a pair of trail shoes and running up Beamsley Beacon during October half-term somehow made me think I could be a fell runner- how wrong I was!! Even 2 cross countries this winter didn't prepare me sufficiently for leg 3 of the relay. Asking for the shortest leg unfortunately also gave me me the steepest leg and I was left puffing away and walking quite a bit as I struggled to get up that damned mountain (officially a steep hill) from Todmorden. Poor Ryan Dransfield had to keep waiting for me and I couldn't stop saying sorry for slowing him down!! Anyway once we did make it to the top, the downhill section was great. Unfortunately there was more uphill to come and my 85kgs struggled to make it. Nevertheless I did get to the end in under 48 minutes, which was my target, and we didn't drop too many places, so pleased with the time. Thanks to Ryan for perservering with me and my whinging, and to Michael for the transportation and support at the end. I believe we came 51st overall which I think is very respectable, so well done to all and also to Gareth for co-ordinating it all. Hope you all have a good Christmas and all the best for the New Year: keep on running!! PS Kevin O: I think you and Ryan should do leg 3 next year, you'll be up that mountain in no time!!

The Cop Hill Fell Race

It has been a while since I've done a blog , but today I thought I would have a bash at the cop hill, my way of getting back into it not having run really since the Robin hood marathon ,
I set off at the back of the field and as we got going wondered why I was putting myself through it,the conditions were muddy and cold ,my legs felt like lead but I kept going although it felt slow , making my way down the cop I was slipping so held onto the tape, don't ask why! for some reason I thought the tape would somehow stop this , joking with the marshal who said it was my very own stair lift, I picked up the pace heading for the second lap with stopping to re tie my shoes and a couple of breathers I was thinking what a crap run I was having time wise ,I was surprised to find that I was actually nearly 3Min's faster , coming in in a time of 64.05.

Whernside Fell Race

Postman called to day and left me one suspicious parcel in my mail box (could it be the medical kit ordered for my chickens some weeks ago or just another mail order package for Sandras expanding wardrobe), No it was a kind letter from the wernside fell race anouncing that although we didn't stay for the presentation i had won 3rd vets place and they had posted it forth -with.
This prom ted me to write a short account of this very well organized race, as chris as said this race starts with 5miles of uphill but the views are great.The first part once you get out of the field is road and reminded me of the start to the james herriot 1/2 marathon still took my time settling in to the climb to come which is part of the fellsman but in contrast to that the sun was shinning down on us as we entered the moors and the climb i started to feel confident of finishing in good form the ground around hear is very boggy but once you reach the approach to the peak it seems to get easy and it becomes easy to run up to the trig point, the down hill is great and you hit the road and on to the lane then its climbing all the way up to great coomb, from hear you have some great views of the dent valley. The next part is all down hill with the finish coming into view when you get past flinters gill, The last field ,and I could see Chris waiting for me and shouting encouraging remarks(well that's what I thought he was saying) age dose funny things to your hearing.

Whernside Fell Race

Whernside Fell Race BM, 12.1m/2972ft

My fell running guru and mentor Steve Moss convinced me at fairly short notice that this was a race not to be missed by enthusing about the great run-in to the finish area and all-round good course. Despite some misgivings that I was stepping up the distance a bit too quick, I decided to give a go.

The weather was glorious, no need for multiple layers, or long sleeves today! For £5 entry fee we received a full colour marked map of the route, and some excellent organisation and great marshalling. Most of the route itself was unmarked, but there was good visibility, and it was quite easy to follow.

The first half of the race was climbing, climbing and more climbing, finally reaching the summit of Whernside, where I looked at my watch and saw that it was just under the hour, That's a lot of uphill. I'd employed my tactic of walk 50 steps, run 50 steps and pretty much kept pace with those around me who were running it all. I wish I could run it all, but I can't and just have to do what works for me.

Approaching the Whernside summit from the North, the route then goes over a stile and drops down the west face for a fast and steep descent. Here I was able to gain back a good few places by using the well known "disengage brain" mode, and running like hell, but I slowed up on reaching the road, and was back into the run-walk again for the climb up Great Coum.

Once the summit of Great Coum had been reached, it was downhill almost the whole way to the finish, and Steve was dead right about the last mile or so, where the finish was constantly in sight, and the ground underfoot was good. Racing into the finish, I just managed to dip under two hours with a time of 1:59:03 (unofficial) and Steve came in a few minutes later, knees bleeding (deja vu) at around 2:12.

Great race, thoroughly recommended!

4 peaks, but not a Viking in sight!

Viking Chase Fell Race BM, 8m/1500ft

Slowly I'm starting to get back into my running after the summer lay-off. Although still suffering from some lack of motivation, I'm gradually getting the better of it, and this week I returned to the fells following Matthew on the final round of the FRA Junior Championships.

This was my second outing at this race, as I also did it in 2008, when we had glorious sunshine, and this year we were lucky once more, and there was no question about stripping down to just the the vest (shorts also of course). I remember from last year, I was a bit unhappy with my run, as I'd faded badly at the end, but with my lack of training over the summer, my expectations of doing much better were realistic.

The race is run at Carlton Bank in North Yorkshire, and takes in 4 peaks on the Cleveland Way. The start is uphill, and follows a loop around and over the first peak before descending towards the HQ and finish area, then past the spectators, and more or less in a straight line over the next 3 peaks. It basically follows the Cleveland Way track on the way out, then a contour alongside the final 3 peaks through a forest on the return. The descents are tricky, those sort of "steps" cut into the stone, but hard to descend at speed, and the final 3 miles is very much a lot of short sharp up and downs which really break the rhythm.

Today was one of my good days descending-wise, and I was able to make up ground on all the descents, however, as expected, I faded badly towards the end, and lost a couple of places, and quite a bit of time. The distance was just a bit far for me at this point, and my legs felt battered at the end (a sign of some good descending usually). But overall I was pleased, because my time was approximately 2 minutes faster than the previous year at 1:15:12 (unofficially)

Sedbergh Hills

Hi readers good to have a report for you, this race is very tough and the weather didn't help. With lashings of rain and wind, a race of 14 miles with 6000ft ascent and navigation. Sunday started with the wait for transport and having to endure Roberts driving with him unable to see further than his speedometer and he can talk for England, still a ride is a ride As we passed through Ingleton the rain started and the mist came in .This race is an English champs so there were plenty of runners hoping to do well. We (that is Steven Hemingway, Mark, Robert, Naz and myself) set off into the mist a short bit on the road and then up hill to Arant Haw at 600ft then left down to Chapel Beck at this point you climb up to Castle Knotts with a long contour round Brown Moor and Fellhead. By this stage I was completely done in and feasting on gels when Steve passed me going like a steam engine, still running when every body else was walking (I swear he is not human and mountain goat comes to mind) Past check point 3 you climb up to Docker Knot at 530ft then down to the river for a good soaking and up to Simon's seat at 585ft and 1/2 way. This was when I checked with my watch and realised that I was doing about 4 miles per hour, just above walking speed, and it was going to be a long day. The next hill was going to be a struggle as we had to get up the calf at 676 ft so I thought i would just enjoy it wet through and hungry. Once you get to Rig Top at 675 and Calder's at 674ft it could be said that it is all down hill from there. The descent from Winder is very steep and takes it out of your quads. The finish is always in sight as you drift down hill in a daze. The car park is like an oasis with drinks and a welcoming smile from Robert who got timed out at the first check point. Steven H finished 1st in three hours 15 myself in 3:45, and the winners time was 2h 20min. We had a long wait for Mark who took a wrong turn adding 20 min's to his time but Naz came in having completed the course in 5 hours plus.

Darwen Gala Fell Race - back in action!

Darwen Gala Fell Race AS, 3.7m/930ft

Like Steve Moss, I've been struggling with motivation for a couple of months. In my case, it's been mainly due to work-related issues, but the effect has been the same, I just haven't been running! I found that whenever I tried, I just didn't have the mental capacity to "override" when the training got tough, and without that, there's little point in bothering. However, I did get out on a training run earlier in the week whilst in Wales on holiday, and found myself enjoying it, for all the right reasons. So when Saturday came, and it was time to go to Darwen for round 5 of the English Junior Fell Championship series, I was a little less apprehensive about entering the senior race and beginning my latest "comeback"

After a week in Wales where the weather was windy and pretty gloomy most days, it was a pleasant surprise to be blessed with glorious sunshine. Although this was described as a category A fell race, in my book it could only be described as a trail race at best, all runnable. Not really my sort of course, as I prefer some tough terrain to slow down the faster runners and give me more opportunity to play on my strengths. But since I'd done almost zero training for the last 4 or 5 weeks, I didn't have any high expectations in any case.

A steady climb through the Bold Venture Park, took us up the summit at Darwen Tower, then dropping back down to loop around Darwen Moor, then climbing again before dropping back down through the park to the finish. A pretty uneventful race except for me tripping on the moor, and almost unbelivably falling face first into one of the very few muddy pools on the course (at least it was soft!). I was pleased to finish ahead of some of the runners who have been round and about me earlier in the season, although some were definitely closer to me than they would have been a few months back.

My time - unofficially 31:17, and I'm glad to be back!



Those are not black eyes, it's mud!

Round Hill

Round Hill Fell Race CM, 9m/1100ft

Hi folks, seems along time since I did any blogging or running, but after the poor do at the LAMM I felt a little down (most people who know me might be a little surprised) But after a good Saunders, coming third vets team with a great partner, it was time to rethink why I actually did run. I came to the conclusion (that most of you know) that I am just a pot chaser and that is what motivates me. To run and not improve on the last outing can be quite demoralising, so with that in mind I set about retiring from this mad round- about. Just fancy not running round the streets half naked and getting wet through and cold and instead having time to read and laze about at tea time. What's that? It's the telephone! "Hi Paul - what can I do for you?" "We are doing the round hill on Sunday and we thought you might want to come along"

Well 8-45 and I was waiting to get going. Race start 11:00. 1/2 mile to start, good field of about 145-160 runners. This is one of those moorland runs of 9 miles 1200ft and quite runnable (so I was told at the start). Off we went with Naz in is best position of the day, at the front with the rest of us behind (Hemmingway, Paul Hoodless and Robert) The start is track for about the first 1 1/2 miles leading out to some of the boggiest grass and heather I have seen for a long time. Having passed Naz in the first 10 metres it was time to concentrate on running steady, as I had not trained for two weeks (and boy did I feel it later as we clambered up to the top of the hill) The downhill was great, I felt free and it reminded me of another reason for running! As the course wore on more & more reasons came to mind for doing this sport, so to all those out there who need some inspiration to run again I say "JUST GO DO IT"! My time was 1h 20 with Steven Hemingway next, then Paul both within 5 min of my time. Robert managed to pass Naz as well leaving him to bring up thr rear. sorry about some of the missing letters but my keyboard keeps obliterating them.

Ingleborough 2009

Then there were 4

After the magnificent Spen turnout in 2008 is was a surprise that there were only 4 out this year. I wasn't feeling very fit but it's become a yearly ritual now. Weather was ideal although I was mindful of the heavy rain that we had had.

I started steady and as usual tried to run as far as possible before breaking into the walk, I was amazed that I was still running at the 'Les's rivine'. At this point I was right with Frank and was careful not to pass him. As we reached the walking point (the first steep and Frank's tradition best bit) he started to pull away. I tried to keep a high cadence but Franks strength began to tell.

At the top though (which is always further away than you remember) Frank was only 45s ahead so I knew he was in my pocket! As the descent started it was at least as treacherous as usual. Wet and slippy at the top. I passed Frank as soon as we got onto the rocky track and had a fast run down. Finished in 1.03 which was pleasing. Frank was 2 mins back. Skip Donahue has finised a minute or so before me and Chris King came in with a PB of 1.10

http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results/race09/09_ingleborough.html

Bring on 2010

2009 Kintail - Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon

After last year's Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon, I vowed never to do the 'B' category ever again. We were last out of the teams who actually managed to complete the course and I was suffering from heat exhaustion. However, I found myself yet again driving up to Scotland to put myself through 45km of pain and midges and the forecast was not good with wintry showers and strong winds predicted. It was either that or more DIY at home so no contest really. The heavy showers soon cleared though on the Friday night and the wind kept the midges at bay so things were improving already.

The event this year was being held around the Kintail mountains on the Skye Road. Saturday morning was slightly overcast but OK. I was racing with my usual LAMM partner, Kev and we had late 9.30am start. I met Steve Moss at the event centre who was also running the 'B' course with Alan Greenwood.

At the appointed time, we collected our maps and then found that we would be taken by coach about 15km away to a start at Cluanie Inn. The first checkpoint was close but the next was some distance away with a Munro mountain in the way. Ascending the mountain, I noticed that there was a second Munro on the same ridge. This would mean that there would be a track along the ridge although nothing was shown on the map. Most teams were dropping straight down into the valley and contouring around the hill but we decided to use the track on the ridge and we made good time. There was however a bit of winter snow still left which made the traverse a bit chilly. We found the second checkpoint easily by descending onto it rather than contouring round to it.

Between the second and third checkpoints, we caught up with Steve and Alan and stayed with them for a few km before losing them when we decided to take a different route down to check point number four. Checkpoint 4 to 5 was a long way but easy to navigate and then there was only a few km left to the finish. Kev by this point had really started to struggle because of a knee injury from last year. We managed to keep a reasonable pace tho’ and finished Day 1 in 7 hrs 22 min. More importantly, the breeze was still keeping the midges away so the mid-camp was much better than expected.

Some quarrying was required to excavate boulders to create a flatish area to pitch the tent. A pot noodle then coos-cous then custard and cake with several brews along the way sorted the food issue. I was too tired to do much else so got into my sleeping bag about 9pm and slept right through until the traditional bagpiper alarm at 5.15 am. This is a truly horrible way to wake up. If he had come much closer to our tent I'd have done some mischief to his bagpipe with a tent peg.

Day 2 dawned bright with only a few clouds, ideal for running over the hills. The finish at the event centre was south of the mid-camp so the organisers sent us north to the first checkpoint. No chance of an easy day then. We found checkpoint 1 without difficulty and then a short climb took us up onto a ridge and on to checkpoint 2. Checkpoint 2 was located on a knoll at the base of a cliff which meant that we would have to scramble down the cliff, dip the dibber thing and then climb back up again before heading onward to checkpoint 3. On the way we found a load of rucksacks strewn all over the moor where competitors had abandoned their packs to head down the cliff and the back up again. I found running with my pack off for a while was as good as a rest.

Checkpoint 3 was a long way off but mainly downhill so not too tiring. I found a deer antler on the way and strapped it to my pack as a souvenir. The spikes sticking out behind me made it a bit dangerous for anyone to come too close but I now had an emergence brake if I slipped downhill on my back.

There was now only one long climb up to Checkpoint 4 and then another 5km back to the finish. Kev’s knee was now giving him serious gyp so the going was steady but a bit slow. The sun was also now beating down and a quick paddle in the odd stream to cool off tired feet was bliss. The finish line was a welcome sight and we were pleased to finish in a total time of 14 hrs 22 min in 65th place out of 113 teams. That’s our best placed finish on the ‘B’ course to date.

I really enjoyed this year’s LAMM and reckon that a top-half finish is feasible next year. Hang on, this is the first time I’ve finished one event and can’t wait until next one! It would seem I’ve finally lost my marbles.

Chris King

Fellsman 2009

Hi to every one.It's taken me a while to put ink to paper, normally I can't wait to put down the successes of my challenges on the blog. You will see that this was not quite the success I had hoped for. As the planning for this event started last year with a possibility of entering a team and been able to stay together for the whole event with the team pulling us through the night on this tough part of the course. Some long training runs took place in order to do the full distance with a lot of help from Chris and some of the others from spen who were using this for the three peaks race (and I hope it helped) Friday night was the time to get every thing in order and check the kit, as on this event they are very keen and check ever one before you get your tally.

Sat morn was a dash to the start as I had forgotten that the check-in is before 8:00am, long queues, as we waited to register with lots of chat as to how we were all going to do (this could be a time to say that I was on my own again as none of the team managed to make the event).

Two mins to go and the field was buzzing with 381 entrants, off went the horn and as the field split in two some going the traditional way and others picking up on the shorter way to the road to ascend Ingleborough. My tactics if you can have any on a 61 mile trek was to try to maintain 4 miles an hour for the first 20 and re-assess later.

The weather report was for stay dry till lunch with some wintry showers in the afternoon drying up towards evening . On leaving Dent, after a good meal of baked beans and soup it looked like we were in for some harsh weather as we climbed up to Fleetmoss, and true to form down came the hail stones, and the wind picked up to drive them on. Lots of people took the shelter of the wall to don all their extra clothes and water-proofs. The pull to get to Stone Houses to get warm and some of that famous spaghetti was all that kept most of us going.

The weather settled to cold & breezy for the rest of the way to Fleetmoss, and at the time I was glad to get there well on time before pairing up took place (but later to regret being early) and for it to get to dark. The trek across Fleetmoss was very difficult after the rain and sleet, made even worse by the falling darkness and I was beginning to regret being on my own, but made it to Middle Tong in good time. To get to the next check-point proved to be my downfall. On getting to the mire over the fence and straight into a boggy swamp up to my waist in the pitch dark.When I got out my tactic was to follow the fence, cross over and find the lane and Hells Gap. I followed the wrong fence and ended up at Cray missing Hells Gap.

If any one asks me why I didn't go back up, I still couldn't reason it out and as I decided to carry on my mind was set. The rest was just a matter of staying grouped and getting back to Grassington which I achieved in 17h 32 mins.

I hope this helps any one considering this event or any other distance over the marathon that no matter that you know the course always check your direction.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR.

Conquering the Matterhorn

Shutlingsloe Fell Race, AS, 2m/900ft

OK, not the actual 'Matterhorn', but the Shutlingsloe, which is nicknamed the 'Matterhorn of Cheshire'. From some angles, it does bear a very slight resemblance, but not from the direction you run at it. This race is not a particular favourite of mine, it's too short for my liking, and I never get that comfortable feeling where you get into a flow after a few miles. This is just 2 miles of real hard work, much of it hands-on-knees. But it is a classic fell race, and very popular and well organised.

Matthew and Sarah were running in the English championship series here as they did last year, and I entered the open race to get a run-out myself. The race starts heading down a field, then crosses a stream, climbs steeply through a Bluebell wood and follows a path up to the summit. Initially the path is tarmac for perhaps 400 yards, then it's onto a well worn path up the fell side. Once at the top you round the trig point, then you are free to choose your own route back down. The general consensus amongst the U16/U18's who had run the same course earlier was that the best route choice was to run along the ridge for a few metres, and go wide down the fell side where it's most runnable. In fact this was exactly what I did last year, and I found it to be a good choice then.

It's steep going down, and there were a couple of casualties, but I managed to stay upright in the main until I reached the Bluebell woods prior to re-crossing the stream, there I slid down most of it on my backside. Finally, its a climb back up the field which is a real drag, and then a traditional touching of the wall at the top to finish.

I was a bit complacent, and took it for granted that I would beat my 2008 time, since I've been doing that all season, but when I stopped my watch I was about 9 seconds slower. I don't think I tried hard enough today (shame on me) because I'm in bettter shape this year. I promise it won't happen again!

epilogue
Funny, 22:10 only got me 40th from 88 last year, but 22:17 was good enough for 29th from 103 this year. I think the overall standard has dropped generally this year, which is inevitable, because the numbers are definitely up in the majority of races.

Spen Results
29 Chris Jones 22:17

103 finishers

Full Results Here

MOUNT FAMINE (R). AS. 5m/1850'.

The Struggle

Although not part of my plans, Frank tempted me into this Peak district classic. Only 5 miles but 1850ft of climbing. That means no flat bits.

The start is unusual in that eveyone lines up on a track and the race starts sideways straight up a hilly wood side. Its straight up for about 200m and then climbs steadily to a ridge. I see that Frank is ahead but feel too tired already to be bothered. Then follows the usual leg ache, the walking when you think you should be running, the old (well older) men passing you. A steep climb takes you to Mount Famine Top. Then guess what, yes, you come back down again. Then you go back up again (via the back of it). My speciality on Fell runs is the flat bits. This had none. The final 3/4 of a mile descent is not as steep so I came into my own and made some places. Not enough to catch Frank but an enjoyable day out and another classic ticked off.

Frank - 1hr 48s
Gareth - 1 hr 2 min 2s

Bunny Run Relays

3 leg relay 1.5 miles/leg

Howling gales and driving rain met the Jones family team as we got to Haworth for the final Bunny race of 2009. The team consisted of Chris, Matthew and Sarah, who was coming up for her first Bunny experience.

Near to the start of the race we were told that the longer first leg was to be cut short because the extra loop was too muddy. This meant that we were all doing the same distance. So, we picked up the egg and a very cold Chris went to line up for the first leg. 12 minutes later Sarah set off and then it was my turn.

After waiting quite a long time in the quarry where you start I thought the wind had died down a bit. As soon as I got out of the quarry I was nearly blown back down again. I knew I was going to have fun. I seemed to be having a good run and I felt alright. Then, at about half way round, the rain turned to hail and the run became painful in more than one way. When I was finally near the the end and I turned to face the wind again, my cheeks were inflating with air.

Overall I had a good run and my Dad also had a great run. Sarah didn't enjoy the race much but did well for her first Bunny.

Spen Results
35 JONESEY'S JOGGERS 43.06

Leg 1: 21 CHRIS JONES   12.49
Leg 2: 41 SARAH JONES   16.59
Leg 3: 23 MATTHEW JONES 13.18

61 Teams

Full Results Here

Coiners Fell Race

It's always good to hear good race info after the event (if only Chris had mentioned the stile after 500 metres) Waiting at the stile was like a toilet queue at the three peaks, maybe he had a plan. Still I got off to a reasonable start (saving myself for the biggy this weekend where I will line up with a full field of hopefuls in the Fellsman long distance ultra at 61 miles.) Chris seems to have covered the race very well, and its nice to read someone's view of the same race. The race is well marked out and well organised, but if you do it next year it's a long walk uphill from the car park
at the community centre. The finish is one for the downhillers with lots of soft boggy mud and peat to get caught up in.

If you fancy this type of run I can recommend the Hutton Roof on May 23rd or the Austwick Amble on Bank Holiday May 25th. Both have a small gala and are only 7-8 miles long.

A restful day at the bar

Steve & Chris battle the Swamp Monsters!

Coiners Fell Race (BM, 7 miles, 1100ft)

After watching the 2nd in the FRA English Junior Championship series in the morning, and gradually freezing to death, I was wrapped in my waterproof wondering why I'd paid my entry fee. So I was greatly pleased to see Steve Moss bounding across the field towards me, all ready to go. After sheltering by the tents for a while, it was soon time to line up at the start. This was my second outing at this race, having run here first in 2008, but for Steve it was a new race. At the time I ran it last year, it was the boggiest race I'd ever run, but I think I've had a couple of races that surpassed it since. I had a feeling that based on recent form, there was a chance I could dip under the hour, since last time I'd finished in 1:01:27.

It's important to get off to a good start in this race, as after a short run down a lane there is a stile where there tends to be a big queue before climbing up through some woods onto the tops. I had maybe 6 or 7 people queuing before me going up, but the further back you are the worse it tends to get. Out onto the climb, and I was going OK, but was still the first to start walking, I few passed me, but I knew that at the top it crossed a stile onto a lane where a flat section would enable me to pick up the pace.

Heading up the second climb to Stoodley Pike, I started to feel more comfortable and passed a few runners. Rounding the monument, and starting the descent, I saw Steve on his way up, but not too far behind, but now we were onto the fast part of the course, where it's difficult to make up places. I was caught and passed by the ace V60 runner from Dark Peak - Dave Tait at the next stile, and was then chasing a small group down through a wooded section before dropping down to the next section.

Then we reached the bog! The swamp monsters were out in force, sucking your legs down and refusing to let go. I could hear cries and curses from behind as I trudged my way through. Finally reaching a murky pool where I took lead from the runner in front of me and just went straight through. The swamp was easily up to my shorts, but the alternative routes hadn't looked much better.

Once out I was onto the narrow sheep track and some fairly steep drops through heather where I went over on my right ankle, but not too serious. Finally reaching the top of the start field, and a short fast run along a track before a steep descent of the field to the finish. There were a bunch of us within a few seconds at the line, and a quick glance at my watch showed me that I had made it under the hour with a time of 59:11. Job done!

Very shortly afterwards, I saw Steve descending the field and into the finish. We chatted with runners around the finish area before heading back to the car park. A good race, and one I'd recommend, made all the better by having some good company. I have to say that I enjoy it far more when there are team-mates around.

Spen Results
44 Chris Jones V45 0:59:11
58 Steven Moss V60 1:02:27

129 finishers

Full results here