Sugar Loaf Fell Race

Sore feet from the OMM but with magic Compeed all would be well!
A slow jog up the lane wasn’t a good sign – pain in the calf and on those pesky blisters. Still – no harm in trying.
I found myself near the front at the start so got pushed up the hill. The first section is leafy tarmac – so steep that for safety reasons they don’t allow fell runners to race down it! A few managed to sort of run up it – but not many.
I made a forceful start with simple tactics – go as fast as I could all the way. It seemed to work as I overtook a few of my normal targets on the rough track. I kept ahead of some of them as it steepened to the summit but was overtaken by Nikki and Esther – both running well. I tried my best to keep them in my sights.
The simmit was gained in about 31 minutes, then began the blast down the hill. The 2 girls stayed ahead, and I managed to keep just in front of Neil.
I had a good descent – gaining a bit on the rougher stuff but not enough leg speed on the smooth ground. I was pleased to take the little climb on the way back at a run / shuffle and even gained some time on those round me.
Finishing in about 52 minutes I was well pleased – faster than last year and I had a good run then.
I collapsed in a heap at the finish and then the searing pain as I hobbled down the lane. I took my shoes off which improved things. What a wimp! If a drug company could isolate the stuff that enables you to run a sprint finish and only feel the pain afterwards I am sure it would make a million. But it’s free while you are running.
Good day for me.
Ahead of Sue but not by much. She wasn’t far behind and had suffered a fall resulting in bruised chest and shoulder.
Decided against the cross country the next day – lets get these feet sorted.
See last year’s report

OMM 2009

Well, I’m back and really happy to have completed this year’s event. Many thanks for the superb organisation and to Andy Creber who was the planner for the standard courses. The terrain was “challenging”. Great if you like tussocks and bog holes.
The event does seem to have reacted to the bad press from last year’s event See my entry from the aftermath. See also the press report from the organisers of the 2008 event, though this might get updated. Still, what about this year?
The event took place in the Elan Valley. Not true high mountains, little over 650 metres, but wild nonetheless. The valley is a water catchment area, and the 2 days made me realise why. Although not much rain over the weekend there was lots of bogs about and the route took us on a tour of the best the area had to offer.
The Chepstow Harriers contingent were out in force.
Gerry & Sue Ashton 39th, Matthew & Vanessa Lawson 29th, Esther Barrett & Bill a superb 7th on the shortest C course.
Andy Stott and Steve Caldwell 18th, Niki Morgan and Rick 202nd and Paul Murrin a great 3rd on the medium score.
Ivan Teed with another bloke 82nd on the B course.
I think Andy Blackmore was there as well.
The wider family were represented with Dave C and another bloke 24th on the B course, and my neice’s husband Steve winning the Medium Score. Also my brother John and his wife were helping in the start / finish team.
Sue is normally a faster and stronger runner than me, but this time she was returning from a long period without training and still having knee problems. It was my job to look after her as best as I could. This meant carrying more of the communal gear, and pushing her into finishing as quickly as we could. Years of experience with her told me that to push was the best thing. She told someone at the end that we could have been quicker but “Gerry kept on stopping for me to catch up”. I thought I had blown it when about 3 km from the day 1 finish I had that unmistakable feeling of a blister going critical. We still managed a good pace to the finish, but once the adrenaline wore off I found walking very difficult. Day 2 looked in doubt. In the morning I applied compeed to both feet, strapping the worst injury with a bandage to help hold it in place. Against all experience and expectations they stayed put for the whole of day 2. We were happy with our runs, all things considered. The day 2 terrain being so much better than day 1 and the sun shining at the finish helped with this feeling.
Both Matthew & Vanessa and Esther and Bill were in the chasing start (being within an hour of the leaders time). This meant an early start and some real navigation. (For Sue & I there was little real navigation needed – though I made sure I kept in contact with the map). Having to think as well as run is inevitably slower – though I could complain about trying to overtake on the boggy tracks this doesn’t take into account the leaders who have no boggy tracks to follow. All credit to Esther & Bill with there great result and to Matthew & Vanessa who beat us as well.
This evening I still think that the OMM is a great event but at the wrong time of the year. Saunders entries are appearing soon. If my feet stop hurting then I might just consider applying.

Hogweed Muggles

Magic or no magic? No sign of Dumbledore or the Weasleys.
At short notice I decided to follow Grubby’s lead and head into the English countryside for this multi-terrain event. There were a few different routes on offer and we both decided to go for the Mimsy Muddle – the middle distance (or was it the longest course for wimps). It was advertised as 10.9 miles with a tempting 1000ft of climb.
Registering I took a look at the footwear the other runners were wearing. A bit of a mix but a high proportion of dazzling white – indicating clean, smooth terrain or a bunch or roadie amateurs. One or two of the fitter looking had more serious shoes so I decided on my knackered Walshes as a good compromise. Grubby was in his Inov8’s but like me had no real idea of the terrain.
The start was not chaotic, just a bit relaxed. The long route went off first and we followed 5 minutes later with a run down a nice grassy valley. Little in the way of mud. This nice descent went on for a good mile and eventually led to a road. I felt a bit girly with Andy running on my shoulder all the while and we joked about finishing hand in hand!
We were getting a bit worried with no climb in the first few miles but then they found one for us. A good farm track that just got steeper and steeper. It was close to being runnable but just tipped over the edge for me – surprisingly also for Andy and I gained a few metres on him. Soon enough though he was back on my shoulder.
A mix of grass, path and track led us back to familiar ground. That first valley we dropped down was indeed now uphill, and looking back at the route in the comfort of home I see it was a different valley. It felt the same to me.
They managed to find a sting in the tail with a steep field to gasp up not far from the finish. Again I managed to gain a few metres, and again he managed to once again get back to my left shoulder (always my left shoulder?). He did have the courtesy not to try to outsprint me at the finish and no – we didn’t finish hand in hand!
A short walk back to the HQ for a drink. I bought Andy some squash and Matthew still owes me £1.50 from the Mendip Muddle.
All finished and back home for a bath before lunchtime.
Not a classic but good enough and well marshalled.

OMM Preparation

The OMM is getting close. Time to look at the kit list and see what we need, find the odd bits and pieces hidden in strange places round the house, and even the odd new purchase.
On strong recommendation Sue & I decided to move up from the bubblewrap to one of those new-fangled balloon beds. We ordered it on Monday and it was on the doorstep today – 2 days is good service. They don’t look particularly high tech, but as suggested on the website you are paying for the idea and the simple design. Can’t complain I guess. Having inflated a balloon I would expect it to be robust enough. The weight is very impressive. I should provide feedback after the event.
I have heard that Ivan has “given up” on the balloon bed and that he will be going for the space blanket option.
There is a question in my mind regarding the bivvi bag or space blanket. This is compulsory despite each team having a tent. It makes the point that the bag must be heavy duty – whatever that means. I have a thin & light space blanket and am tempted to take that. I note that an advert from Pete Bland to the OMM competitors included a space blanket but not a heavy bivvy bag.
Now an update from Andy C – one of the OMM planners – “The rules have been changed such that a bivvy bag is needed. However, these rules are not being applied this year. Therefore, a standard, unaltered Space blanket is acceptable. Should you wish to use a bivvy bag, there is not yet a decision as to whether or not it must be the heavyweight orange variety, or the lightweight clear one. OMM Marshals are given a clear one which suggests the direction the decision will go. However, if a query arises at the kit check it will be referred to both the Controller and myself to resolve.”
A visit to the OMM site with the rules update suggests that you can get away with a space blanket this year. Having hunted for, and failed to find my light-weight bivvy bags (I’m sure I lent one to someone – was it at the Saunder’s?) I have ordered 2 expensive lightweight reflective bags from Up and Running. Expensive but I expect they will last forever, particularly if not used! I hope we will be not only compliant but safe as well.
I have just about finished the packing. Sue & I have split the load unevenly – more in proportion to body weight. This means I am taking the tent and the cooking stuff, Sue all her own personal stuff plus the food. With the forecast being wet on day 1 and good on day 2 but quite mild I have decided upon easy to dry clothing for the first day with not too much emphasis on warmth for the event.
We have not gone superlight – probably the biggest luxury is more than enough food.
Look for the write-up of the event.

Mendip Muddle

Right Legs

Wrong shoes

Great race!

The Muddle is one of those classic races if you get the right conditions and the right frame of mind. Today we had the right conditions – rain, mud and wind. Team Chepstow were up to the challenge, with Niki, Matthew & Gerry ably supported by the team manager and limo provider for the day – Andy C. Meeting at the leisure centre Andy refused the offer of a road map to find the muddy field in the back of beyond and navigated there flawlessly whilst telling us about his disastrous orienteering, with a map, the day before. The closer we got, the wetter it became. Surprisingly the car park was busy, with more than 250 other nutters.

As in past years the organisation was superb. Me taking over Andy’s entry was fuss free and done with a smile and the many marshals round the course all seemed happy despite the weather.

Too cold and wet for a warm up (it was warmer inside and then huddling up with others at the start – 3 of us trying to shelter under Andy’s girlie umbrella.
The start was the usual Muddle muddle. There are a few opportunities to use the alternative overtaking manoeuvres. As Andy has taught us, overtaking is not just about running faster, it requires nimble footwork, use of elbows, some flexibility with the route (e.g. through hedges rather than through gates) whilst risking the odd slip and slide. It was in this section, perhaps during one of Niki’s nanoseconds of zen-like calm that I managed to get ahead of her. I knew from her recent form that she would fight back.

Surprisingly for me the climbs were on my side. The descents, usually good for me were a bit of a glissade. The rocky climbs needed so much concentration I forgot it was tiring and the longer grassy climbs always seemed to have someone in front of me with a bulls-eye on their back – I can take him!

At about 5 miles Niki came past me. I felt right on the limit (any faster and I would end up slower if you get my drift), and she glided past, seemingly without effort. I managed to track her for the rest of the race. Occasionally I got up close – only 10m behind at the end of the last climb. When she started reaching into the back of her lycra’s I thought perhaps she had lost concentration, but out came a gel. It wasn’t the sign of weakness that, if I waere competitive I would have welcomed. Instead she gained a glucose energy burst that I couldn’t match. I chased her down the hill and into the finish. I would like to say it was gallantry that let her win – but on the day she was better than me, though only just.

The Team Chepstow was all there at the finish. The order as predicted. Matthew’s 20^th place another excellent result. Niki was well pleased with her time and I felt great – possibly my best race of the year. Just a bit quicker than last year (2008 – 2:17:06; 2009 1:50:43).

Time to change and into the centre for a nice coffee and a slab of chocolate cake (Matthew still owes me £1.50) and a bit of a wait for the presentation. Results were published on the day and now available on their website .

Niki was presented with the only trophy, and a membership of a gym which she traded in for 3 bottles of beer. What a girl!

Thanks to Andy and the rest of the crew for a good day out. And to Niki for her posting on the Chepstow Blog.

Ps We think Helen Fines broke the course record – a great result considering the conditions.

Black Mountains Fell Race

How did I do? – Good result for me.
How did I feel I did? – A bit disappointed compared with the good race on the Stretton Skyline.
It was a glorious day, a bit chilly at first, tempting me to run in a long sleeved vest – a mistake. As soon as the race started the sun came out and the temperature went up. At the start I was surrounded by Chepstow Harriers. I think there were more than 20 of us form a total field of about 70. Id did feel a bit busy but I can’t say I was held up anywhere.
The first climb was steady. I went into a walk early on, aware that there were many more miles to go. I soon realised that I wasn’t on top form but hoped things would improve.
From Pen Cerrig Calch I kept a steady pace along the ridge. I was just behind Dick Finch at the diagonal descent to the stream from Pen Twyn Glas, and followed his line quite steeply down to get the sheep track close to the valley floor. This didn’t involve much extra climb and was quite good running.
I took a diagonal line for the wall corner and crossed the stream close to the obvious stream junction. The climb up Pen y Gadair Fawr (2nd highest in the Black Mountains) was a killer. This left hand side route had some better terrain, but the steepness near the top is really tough. I found I was suffering.
Running from the summit I felt nauseous and was suffering from some stomach pain (perhaps the Jelly Babies and the hot weather didn’t agree with me). The descent should be great, but for me was just a slow jog. It was on this section that I lost sight of Dick and Vanessa.
The climb up Chwarel y Fan was torture. I was surprised that I caught up Luke and Mark and just before the top, Andy Stott. It wasn’t only me who was suffering!
James was marshalling with his bad knee and he seemed to have adopted a dog? Just a few words to him then with Luke and Mark we jogged slowly along the ridge. I kept as staedy a pace as I could and somehow lost the two of them (Mark subsequently retired). The drop down from Bal Mawr was surprisingly well defined, except I arrived at the forest unsure as to which way to turn. My left turn decision worked and with perhaps too much caution I found the taped route down through the forest.
Up the other side I changed directly into as fast a walk as I could manage. I was then cought and overtaken by Lou, and soon after Luke reappeared. I reckon he had no real idea of the route so he stuck with me and we even managed to break into a jog for small sections.
Crug Mawr was very welcome. I expected only a couple of miles from here and at 3h40 I hoped to beat the 4 hour target. It was in fact 2.5miles and the extra length made all the difference. I ran almost every step on the descent, apart from the nasty climb at the end and finished in 4h 3m 37s. Not the last of the Harriers but beaten soundly by Matthew, Steve Caldwell, Mark English, Niki, Esther, Vanessa, Lou and Dick (apologies for any I have missed!).

Gerry finishing

Total distance according to the Garmin is 27.5km and 1630m.
Reviewing things the next day, I am happier with my run, but must do better!

Race Profile

Sugar Loaf

I know I should have been over in the Black Mountains perfecting my route for the race next weekend but went to Sugar Loaf instead. It was closer and shorter, and I had done a 2 hour run yesterday (The Monmouth 2 hills route, Buckholt and Kymin giving 500m climb and about 11 miles).
Sue is still suffering with her knee so we weren’t expecting a lung buster. Starting at the school / leisure centre we took the race route up over the Deri then up the ridge to the summit. The descent was down the adjacent ridge with a short road section back to the start. All in all, 11.6km and 600m climb.
We walked the steep parts of the climb and Sue managed a passable imitation of a run along the ridge. We also made good time on the descent. Total time 1h30m so not too bad!
A good jaunt followed by a short steep cycle ride when we got home.

Stretton Skyline Fell Race

I had been looking forward to this race as I was feeling reasonably fit, and had a good run at The Beast (see previous post). My preparation was, for me, quite thorough. I had decided what to wear the evening before (trail shoes and warm weather kit). I even prepared my Isostar and had my bag packed.
Sue unfortunately is still suffering with her knee / leg so was frustrated, but decided to come along and do some active spectating.
The day was warm but never really hot. There were a few times, mainly on the climbs where sweat in the eyes was a problem, and a few times where the weather was overcast giving in all a good running environment. The terrain was good, all runnable with no tricky bits that had any real impact.
I set off at a steady pace, determined to run my own race. My target was sub 4 hours (last year I did 4h 4m). The holiday in the Alps gave me confidence for the hills. As in all such events you quickly establish a few competitors in your view. One was a local guy who I chased down the first hill and finally overtook on the last descent. These runners give you a focus and target.
I took a full cup of water at each drinks station. There were 5 of these but a long gap – the last 10k with none. I carried a bottle of water round with me and used it on this last stretch, halfway up the last climb. This and 2 fruit pastilles per climb kept me on song.
I had enough energy to run the closing stages, though the last climb (incidentally the longest) was somewhat slower than the others.
I was surprised to see Andy Blackmore near the top of Lawley – he didn’t look like he was having a good day!. I tracked him down, overtaking him just before the road crossing. He finished a few minutes after me, collapsing in a heap. I didn’t see Matthew – he was 9th overall – a great performance. Colin Prosser & Dick Finch ran round together and seemed in good shape approaching Lawley.
My time was sub 3h 40m. I was well pleased! It’s not often you can cut 24minutes of a race time!
Picture of me. Many thanks to the photographer.
Link to race website. Many thanks to the organisers.
Next big one to worry about is the Black Mountains in 2 weeks time.

The Beast – Poole ac

Today I was back to running with a good tough race down in Dorset, from Corfe Castle. The race was one of the Chepstow Harriers club championship events but either the nature of the beast (sorry!) or the distance put many people off. There were only 11 there so good points for those chasing glory.
The event was run by Poole Athletic Club and is obviously a popular event with 501 finishers. The downside to the popularity was the long wait at a number of stiles. I timed perhaps the worst with me stationary for 56 seconds.
The course was great. An initial loop – I guess essential to try to ease congestion on the stiles, then a trog up and down towards the coast. Once you got to the sea the views were superb.
The tough bits, the claim to fame, were 2 climbs on the coast path with lots of steps. The first of these also had a steep descent as an introduction.
With my alpine training and too little running I found the climbs a welcome interlude (it still hurt!) but felt slow on the flat running. The steep descent was good for me with a narrow strip of grass allowing me to overtake at least 20 people.
I was very pleased with my run. It took me 1h 57m 31s for what the Garmin clocked as 12.3 miles and 500m climb. (The Garmin reports me stationary for 6 minutes but I don’t think it was that bad)
I was beaten by Dick, Lou and Niki, but was ahead of Andy C, Neil and Vanessa.
Definitely happy with the result and worth the effort.
See also the Chepstow Blog

Black Mountains – Upper Llanbedr Horseshoe

Sue and I have been trying to find a new route for a fell race, and had thought of a shortened Black Mountains route as a possibility. The full route starts and finishes in Llanbedr, a small village up a valley from Crickhowell. It takes in Pen Cerrig Calch, Pen y Gadair Fawr, Chwarel y Fan and a few others just for good measure.

Our route started a few miles north of Llanbedr at Cwm Farm (SO325237). Dropping down to cross the river then up through the forestry it headed NE to the ridge, then along to Pen Twyn Mawr. There was a long but not too steep climb, except near the end, to Pen y Gadair Fawr. From here we headed NW to Waun Fach. This is the only hill I know where the summit is in a depression below the surrounding ground! a little bowl of mud with a weathered concrete block at its centre. A strange summit for the highest peak in the Black Mountains. From here it was a good run down the ridge to the col then a small climb onto a southerly ridge taking in Mynydd Llysiau & Pen Twyn Glas. This was a superb ridge for running, hardly a break in our pace until we got down to the farming level and had to negotiate with a herd of bullocks to get onto a muddy lane down to the road.

Apart from Waun Fach we saw hardly anyone, a group of 3 walkers when we were on our way up, and the same group just before we finished.

It was a good route, but the lack of parking and the awkward length probably preclude it as a fell race.

20km 800m 2h 52m