Three hours to go

I'm in Skipton drinking coffee with Andrew. We have around three hours to go before heading up to Keswick

Because of my upcoming operation I am determined to succeed this time. The surgeon is number 800 on the BG completion list and I want to get on there with him. I want to do it for everyone who has helped and supported me too

I just need to get going now and am really looking forward to leg 1 with Yiannis and the crew!

Limbo

I've spent this weekend in limbo as I've been searching for a navigator for leg 2 of my BGR. Weekends are never a good time for finding people as they are generally too busy making the most of the countryside. With only a few days to go before I start my journey northwards and lose internet access I've been a bit anxious. Patience, patience!

This morning I took Sam out for our run along the cliff tops to Branscombe. He's having a niggle with his knee and had to turn back part way through. I continued alone and found myself mulling over troubles better left buried. It made for a rather sombre outing but the sun was out and the wind was up so a few cobwebs were blown away.

I've taken two days off work to travel and recover; a three day week means I'm going to be a very busy girl between now and BGR attempt 2.

Hard to stomach

Sadly my BGR attempt was scuppered by vile stomach bug. I had to bail out half way round leg two after completing leg one under schedule. I was unable to keep any solids or fluids in and was in real trouble.

My crew did their job superbly; they got me off the hill safely, and back to my accommodation.

I would like to thank everyone who has been involved directly and indirectly and for their continuing support.

The focus now is very much on another attempt. I've spent the last two days putting together a team and again am lucky to have a really strong one. Thanks to you all for signing up.

Setting off

Just a quick post as I'm late leaving thanks to a challenging day in the office.

My bags are packed and assembled ready to load into the car. Just a few last minute emails to send and I'll be on my way.

Next time I post on here I will have made my BGR attempt.

I'm looking forward to leaving my troubles behind for what promises to be a very special day in the Lakes.

Thanks to everyone who has assisted me, encouraged me, given advice, and signed up to help.

Counting down

This morning I took Sam for a run out to Branscombe. We went early and enjoyed a mostly dry and quite blustery outing.

Sam's joining me for the Saunders Mountain Marathon at the beginning of July so he needs to be getting some decent training in. I have to recover from my BGR adventure and be in a fit state to be able to try and keep up with him.

I have three days left at work before I head north for an early start to the weekend. I'm looking forward to assembling supplies, getting my bags packed and putting the final logistical touches in place.

I can't wait to stand for a moment or two at the green door then get started.

The Final Push

The journey north went much better than expected. I joined the M1 at about 9:30 p.m. to a rush hour traffic volume but it was moving well and I arrived in Yorkshire in good spirits.

We made an early start on Good Friday and headed up to my favourite stomping ground in Upper Wharfedale for a long hilly run. The weather was glorious; dry and sunny and we had one of the best days out in the Dales to date. We varied the route adding an extra climb out of Starbotton up to Buckden Pike and down into Buckden village. It would’ve been rude not to call in at the village tea shop, the cheese and tomato toasties went down well. We followed the Wharfe along the Dales Way back to the car. I haven’t walked this section before and was surprised by the grandeur of the parkland and ancient trees.

In the afternoon it was warm enough to sit at the back of the house and enjoy the sun. Andrew has a bird feeding station which has attracted a great number of visitors recently. We’ve been startled by the rate the food has been disappearing; a fair amount ends up on the floor where the chaffinches dunnocks and blackbirds feed. I was delighted when I spotted Mrs Mallard and seven tiny ducklings waddling down the driveway to feed on the spilt seeds. She had four yellow ducklings and three brown and yellow spotted ones; I’m fairly certain she is the same proud Mum who brought her new family to see me by the pond last time I was at Andrew’s.

Saturday was spent getting ready for our visit to the cottage at Cockley Beck and travelling there. Mrs Mallard and her brood arrived at breakfast time minus one brown duckling. I noticed she was struggling to swallow something so we put the bird drinking bath on the ground for her. As soon as we were out of the way all six ducklings clambered into the dish filling it completely!

We booked the cottage late last year as a base for a last big training push before the BG and for a holiday. I wanted to return during the lambing season and we’d been assured by Sandra who rents out the cottage, that there would be pet lambs to feed during our visit.

I’ve been suffering from stress and anxiety for many weeks caused by pressures at work and health issues. I’ve been relying increasingly on the weekends away visiting my family and Andrew, and finding respite in the peace and beauty of the countryside and from the exercise from my BG training. I badly needed a holiday.

This was our third visit and on arrival the cottage it felt like home. We moved in and sat out a brief shower (as it happened, the only rain we saw all week) then headed out for a stroll down the lane to stretch our legs and check on the lambing progress. Lambing had only just begun and the fields were full of expectant ewes. It couldn’t have been a nicer start to the week as we were treated to the sight of a brand new lamb, eyes still closed and still covered in mucus stood on wobbly legs being washed by one proud ewe. By the end of the week most of the ewes had lambs and it became a bit of a ritual to stroll down the lane each evening and check on them.

We’d planned three days of training at the beginning of the week which would take in all of leg three in sections then a rest day on Wednesday.

Sunday: The first half of leg three with an out and back route from Dunmail Raise as far as Rossett Pike.

Monday: From Wasdale to Mickledore via Hollow Stones, up to Scafell and back to Wasdale. The plan was to choose a route from Scafell Pike to Scafell. There are three routes generally used by BG contenders; Foxes Tarn, Lords Rake and Broad Stand. Also to include some steep climbing and descending on scree and rocky ground.

Tuesday: From the cottage over to Langdale via Wrynose, up Rossett Gill to join the BG route below Bow Fell, then leaving the BG route at Scafell and returning to the cottage via Slight Side and Moasdale. The section from Wrynose to Langdale passes between Red Tarn and Pike O’ Blisco, with a long descent to Stool End by Oxendale.

We woke on Sunday morning to bright sunshine and the sounds of lambs. We drove to Dunmail via Langdale as this is a particularly beautiful route through alpine scenery with the rugged fells as a backdrop. We left early to avoid the bank holiday traffic and were rewarded as the warm orange glow of the morning sunshine lit the landscape to perfection. We got off to a good start as we ascended Steel Fell strongly and well inside schedule. At this point we should have put the watch away as I became increasingly obsessed with the time and forgot to enjoy the running. On the return we chose a route avoiding the peaks which took us through grassy terrain over the shoulder of High Raise. It was hot and heavy going so we stopped for a dip in a beck, and filled our bottles with the cold water; this would be an ideal spot for a summer bivvy.

On Monday we met Paul in Wasdale. He’d joined us to help with our route choice up Scafell and had brought gear to rope Broad Stand; it’s an easy scramble for a seasoned climber such as Paul but with a dangerous drop, hence the need for the rope. Above the roped section of Broad Stand are some sloping rock shelves with a huge drop below. Lords Rake has a tough scree ascent with a perched boulder at the top which will eventually fall, although the odds of this happening in my lifetime are pretty remote. We’ve chosen the Foxes Tarn route as the safest all weather option. I found the day challenging but very rewarding as by the end I was able to run downhill on scree and had made the necessary route choices. Thanks to Paul for a great day out; we enjoyed the company and appreciated his time and patience.

On Tuesday Andrew set off up Wrynose like a rocket and I struggled to keep up initially. It was sunny but there was a strong wind blowing down the valley. We’d arranged to meet Ian (Fellgazelle) in Langdale and were concerned about arriving late, but after such a good start there was plenty of time to ease off and enjoy the lovely views of the Langdale Pikes. Having met Ian as planned we set off up Rossett. We bumped into Rachael from Bingley Harriers as we neared the top. She was suffering from a virus and had abandoned her run as she was feeling unwell. Rachael is an inspiration and has completed many long distance challenges including the BG; despite her present condition she gave encouragement and wished me luck with my attempt. One of the most memorable things about the BG training for me will be the people I’ve met at events and on the hill and the friends I’ve made along the way.

From the top of Rossett we climbed well up the rakes to Bow Fell. The route from there is rocky and we were able to find some good lines between us. It was really useful to be able to compare notes with Ian and split up to see which were the quickest routes up and off some of the more rocky peaks. On the final climb from Broad Crag Col up to Scafell Pike Ian and Andrew called me over to climb up a central path but I’d already dropped down to the start of a scree path which I’d earmarked as my chosen route. I retorted ‘well I’ve started now’….this caused some amusement for a few lads close by who commented ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish’. The rat bags raced up that climb and left me for standing despite my best efforts to beat them and prove them wrong! I was handed some chocolate as consolation and a peace offering at the top!

Monday’s efforts were proven as I ran off Scafell Pike onto Mickledore, and straight down the screes on the Eskdale side with confidence, not stopping until I’d begun the ascent to Foxes Tarn. Happy days! From Scafell the route over Slight Side was mostly grassy and downhill and we all enjoyed the easy descent. The head of Moasdale is beautiful, remote and quiet. The view of the Scafell ridge from Lingcove Beck is stunning as the rock towers above giving a feeling of awe. We had two miles left on runnable grass and trails and finished this racing back to the cottage. Ian stayed for a bite to eat which rounded the day off nicely. I did switch off for a while as the guys chat turned to East Midlands footie; yawn yawn!!!

Wednesday was my birthday which is why we’d planned a day off. The wind had dropped and we were able to sit out in the sun and enjoy a lazy morning chatting and watching the birds in the cottage garden. Sandra took us down to the farm for lamb feeding as promised. She had two tiny Herdwick lambs (one male and one female) tucked away in a barn waiting for their lunch. The lambs were surprisingly strong and wiry, but were very tame and I was able to hold one as I fed it from the bottle. It was a lovely treat.

We went to the Newfield Inn at Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley for lunch. It was warm and sunny and we ate in the garden. The portions were generous and the food tasty. The bar has a Walna Scar slate floor which has a striped grain through it making it highly attractive. It’s well worth looking out for. We stopped on the way back to the cottage and climbed an inviting looking rock for a cheeky post lunch snooze in the sun.

We had champagne in the evening and were about ready for bed when our friends Linda and Jackie arrived after a long day out in the hills. Linda is joining me for the BG attempt and we’d arranged to meet up for a recce of leg one with Yiannis the following morning.

Thursday was the highlight of the week and felt like the culmination of all of my training and preparations. Yiannis is a very experienced fellrunner and knows the BG route intimately; he devised and fine tuned the parachute route off Blencathra. He’s the only person to have completed a sub 24 hour 60 at 60 extended BG round. He will be navigating legs one and four on the day of my round and I consider it a real honour to have him involved.

I hadn’t expected to be nervous for a social recce so was a little surprised to find myself struggling to eat breakfast. We previously ran this leg in very wet conditions about a month ago and although I’d had a great day out and enjoyed the route, I had struggled with the final descent into Threlkeld off Blencathra. I’d set myself the task to make the parachute descent with Yiannis and time it to see if I could get within the scheduled time.

Linda wanted to try the route off Doddick Fell, so Andrew knowing it well, took her and Jackie leaving me with Yiannis.

Yiannis gave me some wise words at the start of the descent. He said run as quickly as you can but comfortably so you won’t risk a fall; or words to that effect. I set my watch and followed him down the hill. 23 minutes and 30 seconds later we arrived at the car. I couldn’t believe how well it had gone; I’d almost halved my previous time and was about six minutes under schedule. Yiannis and I sat down in the shade and were chatting and taking bets on how long it would take the others to arrive.

Afterwards Andrew said we were sitting there looking like a pair of Cheshire cats that had stolen all the cream. I guess that’s pretty much how we felt. What a transformation; I’m now looking forward to my round.

A test or two

After my disappointing loss of nerve on Blencathra last weekend it was clear to me that a big effort would be required to restore confidence for tackling the rougher steeper lakeland slopes. The reccee of the BGR leg four scheduled for Saturday would be good practise and a test.

Andrew and I met Linda and Geoff at Honister. It was a lovely sunny morning, and marked the start of the sun cream and ice cream season for me! We set off at a steady pace climbing over to Great Gable, skirting round it and dropping down into Wasdale on Moses Trod (Leg four starts in Wasdale and ends at Honister Pass).

Moses Trod was the first (and unexpected) challenge for me. It was narrow, steep, clung to the side of the mountain with a drop off to the side and was covered in loose gravel and rock fragments. I struggled down it as best as I could manage at the head of the group, trying to take Linda's advice and trust my studs but quietly grateful that the trod wasn't a feature of the round. Mayhem seemed to break loose just as I was approaching a walker who had stopped to one side making room for us to pass. All I remember is seeing a look of horror on his face, hearing a warning, and noise from behind that sounded like Linda must have tripped and be falling; I expected to be catapulted off the mountain by an impact from behind. I took a step sideways to try and escape whatever calamity was occurring behind me but as I did so I was hit on the ankle bone by a falling piece of rock. It turned out that I'd dislodged some loose rock and gravel causing a mini (very mini) avalanche to start. Linda had tried to kick or step on the piece of rock to save me but it had evaded her attempt, took a curve and headed straight for me. The rest of the descent was taken on extra wobbly legs with one stop for a bit of cringing as the pain hit me, feeling similar in scale to a badly stubbed toe post marathon. As a precaution to stop any swelling I took some ibuprofen and made use of a stream for icing. The pain quickly subsided to a dull ache and I was ready to proceed with the recce.

The rest of the day went smoothly enough and although I was slower than the others on the more exposed steep ground I was able to make good progress. In an odd sort of way I think the incident in the morning helped me; I'd had a scare and nothing terrible had happened. I felt strong and confident on the ascents. Great Gable and Steeple are probably the most exposed sections and these passed without fuss.

Andrew and I paid our respects to the Dog n Gun and Lakeland Spice in the evening. I was mentally and physically tired and needed an early night. I fell into a deep untroubled sleep.

To be continued....! Leg 2 on Sunday.

I've been through a busy spell and have had to let my blog take a back seat for a while. I'll recap Sunday's run as best I can from my poor memory!

Andrew and I had planned to recce the second half of the BGR leg two as an out and back from Dunmail. The weather was good; sunny and hot, as I recall applying plenty of sun cream. We took a line straight up Dollywagon Pike across grassland and a large boggy area, which was heavy going but we found a good fast flowing spring to dip water from which refreshed us nicely.

Along the way we met some lads with mountain bikes. How anyone can cycle over the terrain with steep technical ascents and descents and enjoy it, I'll never know. We sat down and watched them descend off one of the peaks, I forget which, we'd run down it but it looked pretty suicidal for a bike to me!

My strongest memories of the day are the route from the summit of Dollywagon Pike, via Fairfield, Seat Sandal and back down to Dunmail. This section offers some significant descents and climbs in a concentrated area and Andrew and I attacked it with enthusiasm. We raced up Fairfield, Andrew taking the tourist track, me taking a more direct but steeper line to see which was the quickest. The direct line came out tops and we made use of it on the descent too.

We took a line off the side of Seat Sandall far too early and dropped down on very steep grass, leaving us with a stony and not very pleasant track to finish the descent on; oops!