The Helen Windsor 10k

Wednesday 7th July

A breezy night in Stainland saw the turnout of 8 Senior members of Spenborough for the Helen Windsor 10k.

An impressive 200 local runners lined up, also having to juggle between the cycle race flying round at what seemed 40mph.

Kevin "the race machine" Ogden flying the flag for Spenborough at what seemed 41mph finished in a very respectable 3rd place (35 mins) having to compete with a host of top runners that turned up, including the likes of Pierson, Crowther and Whitworth!

Gerrad Skippins was second home in an excellent 14th postition in 38 mins 56 secs. Gerrad is going from strength to strength right now. Keep it up!

Oliver Carter 49th back, third home in 44.20, but refused all samples of a drugs test after this impressive time and knocking 6 1/2 mins from last year. Keep off the ale.

Vet 60 Graham Walsh in 60th place was next for Spen in 45.44.

Mick Howard 69th in 46.26.

Emma Maguire - first female vet 40 back in a smashing time of 47.33 coming home in 77th.

Jackie Carter 50.59, nearly 3 mins slower than last year in 109th, followed by Liz Bottomley in 54.27 which she is she is slight dissapointed with but has had back problems, or so she says ;)

Taking in to account this isn't a PB course and it was a little breezy we can all knock 4 mins off our times.

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

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.

Netherthong 10K

I did this race back in 2004, about a year after I‘d started running. I’d previously done the Abbey Dash and Wakefield 10K, both fairly flat, and finished them in around 46 minutes. Netherthong however is quite a hilly course, and I ended up recording my Personal Worst of 52:53.

So I thought it was about time I gave it another shot. The only other Spen runner that I could see was Dan Stewart, who finished last years race in an impressive 4th place, although due to some injury concerns he was not expecting to improve on that this year. My main aim was to stay under 50 minutes but was hoping for around 47 or 48.

The race starts with a fairly steady climb. I went through the first mile in 8:11 which was a bit worrying as I knew the worst bit of this hill was still to come, however I was hopeful that if I could keep a decent pace on the downhills I could make it up.

My recollection of the course was that there was a long climb at the start, followed by a long down hill section, then a steep climb in the last mile to the finish. Unfortunately the middle section was a bit more ‘undulating’ than I’d remembered.

As we went through the 5 mile marker I could hear people finishing being announced over the tannoy. Then we started the final climb which became quite steep as we approached the village.

I finished around 48:25 by my watch which I was quite happy with, and Dan was equally pleased to finish unscathed about a minute down on last years time.

Overall I’d say this is good, well organized race in a really pleasant location. Well worth doing if you fancy a challenging run out, but not one for chasing a PB.

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!

Jackie's Nottingham Marathon blog

Not being satisfied with just the one blog, Jackie creates an entirely new one for every race she enters, and has asked me to post a link to her dedicated Nottingham Marathon blog here, so here it is...

Jackie's Robin Hood Marathon Blog

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)

lake distric mountain trial

Hi everybody! For anyone thinking about starting to race mm, this is the one to start you off. This year the venue was Eskdale and the weather was wall to wall sunshine in a splendid lakeland setting, with mountains galore, lots of boggy ground, heather and bracken. I had an over-night stay at the very good youth hostel, with a good evening meal laid on. Out of the window on the lawn, was the starting gate for all catorgories. The mens 16 miler looked awsome, and the ladies course although only 2 miles longer than the short course (designed for us oldies) looked to be, on the map, more than 15 miles and several 100 ft more climbing. An 8:45 start and 1/2 mile run to get the map, and I was off first check point some 5 kilometres away, and one of those silly re-entrants. The first kilometre was just a boggy uphill to get you nice and wet, and warmed up to 19 degrees. Already going past Stoney Tarn as a first route check, then navigate over to High Scarfe Crags looking on the North East side for the re-entrant. Lucky for us it was manned, and easily found when you are in close. This took 1h 8mins. Second check was to be 2 kilometres away and involved some steep descent. A lot of climbing up to 550 ft to the summit third check took us over the steeple and Hard Knot to a tarn check point 3 time of 2h 10 mins in total. Check point 4 was 4kilometress away, taking us over Harter Fell and to Crook Crag to a knoll ch 4 in 1h. A good route choice helped me knock of 20 minutes on most other runners (must be getting good at this). To get to last checkpoint - 5, took me 34mins with a some good descending skills of sliding down on ones bum, the last run in was on track and lanes. Overall time 3h 55 mins, and possibly third vet over 60. This is a very well organised event with lots of help on offer if you should need it and a welcome meal at the finish. The sport indent timing gives you your result when you finish.

Yorkshire six stage road relay championship

For the first time in a few years the Spenborough men manage to turn out a team for the annual Don Valley event.

Looking at the entry list it was disappointing to see so few teams entered (18) and we knew it was going to be a long hard afternoon as only the top teams were there.

Dave Lane got us off to a decent start coming in at around 14th (23:54).

Ryan Dransfield followed on the second leg on his first outing for the senior team (24:11) only slipping a couple of place.

Next Dan Stewart a last minute repacement (thanks again Dan) ran an excellent leg on return from injury (24:01)

Chris Jones put in a strong performance running at a pace well above expected finishing in 26:12.
Unfortunately as the afternoon wore on we appeared to be slipping backwards as incomplete teams dropped out.

Gareth Patchett took up the challenge on the penultimate leg scything through the field (well passing one person!) and running a fantastic time of 24:55. Well beyond expectations, especially after a heavy night on the beer.

I finished off on the last leg with one of my worst recent performances - outside 28 min but managed to hold position so we finished one place from the back. Probably about 14th.

Overall a positive performance and nice to see Spen start turning teams out again. Especially as so many other races were on the same day.

Thanks also to Kevin Ogden for coming down and supporting after competing in the Spen 10k that morning.

The Reindeer Romp Relays

There was a massive turnout tonight, with 37 teams taking part , it was also a new course due to rd works , as always a fast start down the track then right on the road as the left turn past the farm house was closed ] i thought we were doing it in reverse but we did a left into a corn field which brought us out on the rutted path just before the wooded section up to this point i was running well [my little legs were going so fast they were in front of me] with the relay you miss the hill out taking a left round the edge of another corn field though its not as steep as normal its quite a pull my lungs were fit to burst I'm sure" my team was Oliver carter leg 1 14.42, new girl sue pimley just over 16 mins leg 2, with myself leg 3 15.12 mick Howard ran well in just over 14 mins , I prefer this new course its more runnable

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!

The saddleworth 6

After a phone call from James asking if I was doing the race(which I had forgotten about) and wondered if I should or should not, due to the fact I had done a track session of 5x1500 the previous night and the fact that I have an head injury. Well it was either a 10 mile run or a 6 mile race. So I found myself on the start line. This race is two laps with a hilly section between 1-2miles and 3-4 other than that it felt flat and fast. The conditions were warm and humid. I set off at a steady pace or so I thought but got off to the first mile in 7.10 minutes with my legs feeling like two led weights and wondering what I was doing struggling up the hill. Though its not what I call a proper, when it's just a pull really, I missed the second mile marker, got to mile 3 in 22.50 so I was quite pleased and now I was starting to feel better and I actually felt better on the hill the second lap and caught up and passed four runners that had passed me on the hill the first lap. Fourth mile is just around the bend at the top and that was 30.32 felling ok and encouraging Mel Sykes to stick with me and to work together to try and catch Geoff Taylor, although we had picked up the pace I was not impressed to see 38 and a half minuets on my watch at five mile, and then I realised that last years time 44.47 wasn't achievable. But with Geoff getting closer and Mel right behind me I kept trying, that last mile always seems a long one, didn't pass Geoff but finished right behind him in 45.58. On reflection, poor time. But half a stone heavier and a track session...I think I did well. After a couple of days rest I'll be ready for the 22 mile planned for Sunday. Jackie Carter P.S. Is the hard work paying off? I'm not sure yet but I will keep you updated on that after the marathon. The lucazade caffeine boost drink I took an hour before the race does work as I was still up at two am, and I felt I could have gone for a run then so maybe I should have drank it at lunchtime. P.P.S. Oh a nice surprise was that I've got 2nd v45 prize.

Hyde Park 5K #2 2009

After a bit of gentle persuasion from Tim (or it may have been me persuading Tim?), decided to have a go at the 2nd Hyde Park 5K. My training seemed to have stagnated a bit so I thought this might be a bit of a test to tell me how well my recovery was going. The weather was nigh on perfect - warm, humid and still. As I arrived I met up with the ex Spen stalwart Steve Carter and we warmed up together. He's recently had a minor operation and wasn't sure what sort of shape he was in but there were several of his new colleagues from Keighley & Craven running. They were using the race as a time trial for selections for the Yorkshire Vets relay in September so he was obviously hoping for the best.

The first 1K is mostly down hill and I got off to a good start clocking 3-33. Not sure if its just me but when I do this the cup always looks half full. Rather than think I might have gone off too quick I thought that I must be feeling good and on for a good time. I've run this race quite a few times and I always play this silly game with myself. Its a 3 lap course and I always tell myself its only 2. Don't ask me why, but I always do it. By the end of the second lap I was flagging but consistently running 4 minute Ks. The 3rd lap was a real struggle and I had to work really hard to keep going. It did cross my mind to walk for a bit which I know is ridiculous but these were the negative thoughts I was fighting. I persevered and eventually got onto the flat run in for the last few hundred yards to the finish. One of the marshalls then shouted "come on Spen, they are all catching you" but I had nothing left for the "sprint" finish. 5 yards from the line someone overtook me and I was bit dismayed to see it was Steve Carter. From all his time at Spen, one of the many virtues Steve may of had, you would not have put sprint finishing amongst them!

Well done Steve, must be all that altitude training at Keighley paying off.

I finished in 19-34 which is ~15 seconds slower than my best Esholt time this year. Everyone is quick to tell me how much harder the Hyde Parks are vs Esholt so I'm prepared to believe this and convince myself I'm making progress.


PS I can't fault the new sponsors of this race, its not every race you get a bottle of beer for finishing.

PPS I haven't seen the results yet but I don't think any juniors beat me.

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.

Pudsey 10k

Not one for a PB

After success at Ingleborough, my colleagues at work persuaded me to do this one. Never done it before so hey, why not?

I know the course well due to early years of horses, then MTB combined with training over this area with the great Jamie Warburton. Therefore I knew what to expect. I was surprised that I was the only spen runner at the start (where were the ever present race machines??).

Anyway I did OK with 43.53 which got me 41st out of 400 and only a minute or so behind Karen Pickles.

The results are here

http://www.ukresults.net/2009/pudsey10k.html


Oh and I got stung by a wasp in the face. My face is now numb down one half and apparently I can do a really good Geoff Boycott impression!

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

The Trunce

With Ingleborough just days away I decided to start training. I thought a race would be a good way of getting in a good session and since my colleagues at work have been dying to have a go at beating me this seemed like a good adventure (its also on my way home). I consulted the Richard Lee book of "Races where you can be sure no one will know you" (note not the recently released "When will I realise no one cares!") and it was rated thus;

1) Distance away (2*) - only 40mins away. High risk of someone being there
2) Obscurity (2*) - some people have heard of it
3) Terrain (1*) - only one short section of road.

Oh well, decided to do it anyway. Its quite a tough 4 miles. Undulating and some narrow trails. 3 river crossings too. Quite please with my 30.50 time. Try for sub 30 next time. Bring on Ingleborough

http://undeadmonkey.org.uk/trunce/index.php

PS - Chris King did it too. Richard was right.

Joe Percy 10k

Monday nights race was the Joe Percy 10k.

A team of 10 Spen runners braved warm but damp conditions to do this hilly 10k. The race was run from a small cricket club in the village of Farnley Tyas. We only just managed to get the 10 runners needed to qualify for a team. At £3.00 entry fee one cannot grumble in these 'credit crunch times'

I really enjoyed the run as the last few weeks have been pretty laid back training wise. Even some top runners turned up on the night -namely Andrew Pearson(Longwood) and Matthew Pierson(Holmfirth). It was another case of man versus machine(kevin), and I lost out to the 'machine' once again. I did feel the strength returning and I was closing the gap on the second lap

I didn't stay to find out the results, but will probably find out in due course. My time was 36-06.

Thanks to those that helped - Jackie and others.