The Bob Graham Round was eight months ago.
I have already started to forget some of the details although whenever I read my account it brings it all back to me. This Blog would not be complete without the opportunity to look back on the event.
It was not all plain sailing in the time afterwards.
After my initial excitement at successfully completing the round I enjoyed a very pleasant and relaxing week in the Lakes on holiday. I did some gentle cycling, I had a few beers and I did a very pleasant and slow walk of the Kentmere Horseshoe. I listened to some jazz and I enjoyed walking round Keswick aimlessly and had a picnic in the sun on top of Latrigg. I stayed with a friend in Lancaster and had a good few days catching up on old times - all idyllic.
It was wonderful to have slayed the dragon which had been the Bob Graham. I returned to the Isle of Wight and went to the Rock festival and had a few more beers.
I was looking through my diary planning things for the rest of the year when I noticed the blocked out weekend for the weekend of 21st June. This was when I had initially planned to do the round and I had taken a day of holiday to make it a long weekend and the B and B was booked.
A nasty little gremlin in my mind started wondering if I could do the round again - this time with the Dark Peak Fellrunners BG machine. I realised that less than a month after my previous effort it was being, to put it mildly, optimistic but it did seem to be an opportunity not to be missed.
I contacted their organiser and got a very positive reception although he did say that I would have to make up my mind before hand whether I was going to support their attempt or have a go myself. I was amazed again at yet another example of the fell running community going out of their way to help out a fellow runner. I agonised for about a week over what to do and eventually realised that the point of doing the round in the first place was partly to get it out of my system and that to take it on again was not logical and would maybe diminish what I had already acheived. I also realised that my main motivation was to get membership of the Bob Graham Round Club and that if I had really cared about that I should have organised a supported effort in the first place. I had made the decision to do a self contained round for the reasons I have already outlined and I should be happy with my decision.
I let the Dark Peak Guys know that I would be happy to support a leg but that I would not be having an attempt myself.
I went up to the Lakes and joined in the festivities at the start of the Dark Peak attempt. The atmosphere was great and we set off on a beautiful summers evening as I had said I would do the (easy) first leg. I really enjoyed doing this leg. There was no pressure, I was not having to worry about the route or the best lines. In fact coming off Great Calva they took a line through the heather which I definitely didn't approve of - but hey it didnt matter to me. I have a feeling I may have been a bit of a bore going on about the round I had done 4 weeks before but it was so good to be in the company of those who understood what the round was all about that it was difficult not talk about it at least a bit.
We kept together for most of the first section although there were gaps appearing going up the back of Blencathra. The guy whose pack I was carrying was one of the faster ones so I kept towards the front and we got down to Threkeld in about 3 hours 50 minutes and it seemed to be over so suddenly. I was tempted for a small amount of time to do another leg but there were plenty supporters for the next leg and I remembered the pubs in Keswick were still open so I cheered the contenders on their way and accepted a lift back to Keswick.
The next day the weather had broken big time - it had been forecast. It was driving horizontal rain - typical Lakes. I spent the day walking on the lake shore and visited Honister slate mine and had a pancake in the coffee shop. I had no regrets about not being on the fells but I turned up at the Moot Hall to welcome in the successful survivors. Most finished successfully despite the weather - about 12 out of 14 from memory which was a pretty good effort especially the way the weather had changed from about halfway round. I enjoyed being a small part of this effort and it definitely helped draw a line under the Bob Graham for me.
I had got a very terse reply from the secretary of the Bob Graham Club when I had written applying for membership. I figured that as most of my round - well half of it - had been witnessed they might take my word for the rest of it. I know there are countless stories of people getting seperated from their support for some of the time and thought they might take a similar stance on my round. In fact the reply simply pointed me in the direction of the rules which said something like 'solo or unsupported rounds are not recognised'. Fair enough - rules are rules but I thought they might have offered some small measure of congratulation or even have been interested in an account of my round 'for the records'.
After the weekend was over I decided that I ought to get back into road running.
I was fit and so I wanted to do a marathon to try to get a qualifying time for the London marathon (for my age group 3 hours 15 minutes). This had to be done before the closing date in September and after trawling the internet I found only one event - the Faversham marathon - in England.
I was lucky to get my application accepted for this as it was a limited entry.
I had 5 weeks to train for it and found out it was a very strange 40 lap race round the local park.
I soon discovered that all my hard won fell hardness was not that good on the road. My legs did not seem to have the springyness they needed to cope with the repetitive pounding from the asphalt and it became obvious that the distance was going to be a problem. On the day it was an event with fantastic atmosphere but the little hill at the end of the park was about 40 feet high and multiplied by 40 times represented quite an obstacle. At about 20 miles I was leading the race and keeping up to schedule but then in the heat it all unravelled very quickly and I ended up 4th and 10 minutes outside my target. No London marathon for 2009 this gave me a new target to try to get into London 2010.
Since then my running has been very mixed. I have managed a couple of half decent 10k times (around 39 minutes), a decent 5 mile time (30 minutes), and some dodgy half marathons (94 mins - 87 mins). There has been no real consistency to my running and I have been plagued by injury (torn hamstring, sore back, shin splints, weak ankle and achilles tendonitis) and more recently 3 colds in January alone.
In short I have found it harder to get back to road running than I found it to change to long distance fell running.
Despite all this I wouldn't change anything - the build up,training and completion of the Bob Graham were incredibly satisfying.
I think those who know me are probably very grateful that the subject comes up fairly infrequently now rather than it being the constant enduring topic of the moment that it once was.
I feel an inner tranquillity where there was previously a nagging urgency reminding me of unfinished business.
So what next?
Well this year I am planning on doing the Stratford Marathon with the intention of qualifying for the London Marathon next year. I want to continue working at road running to see if I can still manage a few more Personal Best times. I don't yet have another big project but I would like to do something hard but perhaps less directly competitive. A long distance walk might be ideal - perhaps the Appalachian trail in the USA or one of the walks across the Pyrennees from coast to coast.
This is my last entry to this Blog - any suggestions?
Monday 2 February 2009
Tuesday 3 June 2008
The full round
23/5/8
I got away from work in good time. Catching the 1800 ferry from Fishbourne to Portsmouth and I had a remarkably smooth journey up to Keswick. It seemed as if most of the half term/ bank holiday traffic had got away before me and the reported delays on the roads did not materialise. I arrived in Keswick at about midnight and fell asleep in the B and B almost immediately.
24/5/8
I was up at about 0830 and enjoyed a full English cooked breakfast. I had sorted out my fell kit before I left but I still had to get some provisions - food and water for the road crossings. Once I had done this I drove to the necessary road crossings to put supplies in place. I ended up at Newlands Church mid afternoon where I enjoyed a picnic in the sun. It was a beautiful day and the fells looked magnificent in the sunshine with the odd white cloud. It was fine in the valley but it was obviously windy on top. As I looked at Dale Head, Hindsgarth and Robinson I imagined crossing these fells and descending to Little Town at the end of my round and how satisfying it would be.
I drove back to Keswick and the B and B and rechecked my kit, ate some more and finally went to bed for a sleep at about 1900.
25/5/8
The alarm woke me at midnight and I had a text from Roger offering me support and ending "stay focussed and enjoy it". This came at just the right time and his words stayed with me throughout the day. When I have done hard things before I have been aware of how quickly things can go wrong if you lose focus. It is very easy to do as fatigue, hunger and cold set in. As importantly though – I have sometimes been so caught up in a task that I have forgotten to enjoy it. In retrospect I have regretted that I had not relaxed and enjoyed myself more at the time. I determined then that no matter what the outcome I would savour each moment of the round – I really had a very special opportunity. I dressed in my fell clothes and donned my pack. I was ready for the off.
The weather forecast was much as it had been for the previous few days - clear skies, coolish but with a strong easterly wind.
On arrival at the Moot Hall I was pleasantly surprised to see 3 others - Patrick from Gloucestershire on a 23 and a half hour schedule and his 2 pacers – both called Dave. We introduced ourselves and I asked if he wanted me to keep out of his way. He was very friendly and suggested we keep together if possible.
Suddenly it was one oclock and we were off. I cut straight through the first gennel and arrived in the car park just before them. I was checking my watch and –bang-I was down having tripped over a kerbstone. One minute into the round and I had drawn blood with a graze on my hand –brilliant! I had to laugh at the stupidity of it and at least the rest of me was intact. We jogged together across Fitz Park and along the road but when we got to the track and path up to Latrigg, Pat and team just kept jogging. This surprised me as I was used to walking all this (gentle) uphill section and had always found that to be plenty for a 23 1/2 hour schedule. I was in a quandary because although I wanted to start slowly I also wanted to stay with the others-at least for the night section. I still had a hope that if I could stay with them then my attempt would be witnessed –making me eligible for the BGR 24 hour club. I decided to keep them in sight as I am at my strongest up hill and I thought I might close up on them as things got steeper. By the time we were at Latrigg car park I was only about 50m behind and I caught it all up because Pat had to stop twice to vomit. Not a great start for him I thought but he explained that he was fine but had just eaten too much before the start. We jogged to the foot of Jenkin Hill and I was chatting to Patrick as we climbed at a fast but not uncomfortable pace. About halfway up we looked round to see that we were leaving his pacers behind - not good. As we continued the wind was increasing in strength and we started to get into the clag. Dave 1 caught up and reported that Dave 2 was struggling with the pace. I felt fine but I knew we were way under 23 ½ hour schedule so perhaps it was a bit tough on Dave 2 who would have been expecting a gentler start. Patrick asked Dave 1 to hang back and tell Dave 2 to head back to Keswick as he didn’t know the route and the weather was getting pretty bad. He did this and with a big effort caught us up again just before the first false summit cairn. As we got up there the wind really started howling and visibility all but vanished. When I was behind the others I could only see the light from their head torches for about 5m before they vanished. We found the summit which was a relief and I noticed only 72 minutes on the clock. This was about quarter of an hour quicker than I had planned but at that point I was just glad not to be on my own.
We set off over the other side of the summit heading down to the col but it didn’t seem right. It was very hard to communicate in the wind but the other 2 had GPS and shortly confirmed that we were too far left. We started contouring right with Pat leading and me just clinging onto the light of his head torch. After a couple of minutes I looked round and Dave had vanished. I followed Pat on until we got to the fence overlooking Hare Crag. We crossed the fence with Pat noticing the absent Dave ‘Great now I’ve lost both my pacers’. As we started descending it still felt wrong-too steep and shaly and I thought we were too far right. Sure enough the GPS confirmed this and so we worked our way left again through deep heather. Pat was still running but I felt I was using too much energy for so early in the round so I walked and let him go. As we got down, the clag cleared and we soon found the line on Hare Crag. Pat was visible about 400m ahead of me. Out of the gloom I saw a second torch and guessed (correctly as it turned out) that Dave had found his way down on a better and faster line.
I made my way down to the path and bridge below Hare Crag and then followed the fence posts up Great Calva. These still had reflective tape on them which made navigation very easy. I caught Pat and Dave up a little on the ascent but was still about 200m behind them at the summit. Pat and I passed as he made his way back to the first (false) summit on Great Calva. I crossed the fence at the summit and cut diagonally across the hill to join the fence as it descended towards the river Caldew. Following the fence down to the gate I went through, followed a slight trod through the heather and then descended to the stream which feeds into the Caldew. I planned on this route because I knew it well and it seemed to be simple to do in the dark. In the past I had found it to be very wet but on this occasion it was easy and dry underfoot. I followed the line of the stream then a small section across heather and through to the river Caldew. I was not looking forward to this but the river was as low as I have seen it. I used stepping stones and a big jump at the end and found myself on the other side with dry feet - a real bonus.
There were 3 groups of lights ahead of me going up Mungrisdale Common and I wasn't sure what was happening. I caught up the first light which was Dave and he said Pat was ahead but that there was another group doing a round as well.
I went ahead of Dave who was feeling it a bit and found an ok route up Blencathra. I went a bit left at one stage and had to contour back but I was fine under the screes and arrived on the summit in good visibility and with early daylight. The descent of Hall's Fell ridge was very straight forward - dry underfoot - but I still took it steadily and carefully. It seemed no time at all and I had crossed the main road at Threlkeld and I was amongst a mass of contenders, pacers and road support. There was a really good atmosphere - everyone was friendly and helpful - I felt adopted.
I knew I was ahead of schedule but I felt fine and had not pushed. I was very happy with the way things were going. I didn't want to hang around though and still thought I might be able to keep with Pat who left for the second leg shortly after I had arrived. I ate a sandwich and a rice pudding, drank 500ml of lucozade sport, changed my socks, topped up my water bladder and got more food for the leg - I was off after 7 minutes. Patrick's Pacers for the leg were driven along the track to the farm to catch him up and he was some distance ahead of me by the time I started up Clough Head. Not so far ahead though were another two and I caught them just before the summit. John was doing a 51 at 51 round after having missed out on 50 at 50 last year. His pacer was Pete and they were from Romsey and Southampton - a real day for the Southerners. He had started at 0015 and was going well. They welcomed me along with them. Visibility was improving by now - superb except on the tops. It was still very windy and extremely so on the tops and other exposed places. I was recording the times for the summits and was aware that we were doing well but the pace was comfortable. I did not specifically look at my route card to check progress as it just didn't seem necessary. We chatted as we went along and this leg was an entirely enjoyable experience in good company and with wonderful views. We had a laugh on Helvellyn as I had always thought the trig point was the official summit but John and Pete had their eye on me as they pointed out the large cairn on the edge by the shelter. The same thing happened later on Dollywaggon as I had never even noticed the large cairn on the edge overlooking the valley.
John took us on the direct descent from Dollywaggon down to the tarn outlet and then straight up Fairfield which was a new route for me and one which I really enjoyed. I dont know if it is any faster than round the back of the tarn and then up and back on Fairfield but it seems more elegant and more of a continuous line.
A pattern was emerging where I was slightly faster up hill but they were faster down - it seemed to balance out well though and I found it fairly easy to keep with them.
On the summit of Fairfield the wind was a real hooligan. I looked round for the other two to see them being physically lifted off their feet and thrown sideways in one viscious gust. The wind was making progress a struggle at times - not only did it throw your body off line but even as you went to place each foot it would blow the foot into a slightly different position which would make it feel like you were landing awkwardly. I could tell that the ligaments supporting my knees were getting a bit too much of a stretching and were a bit sore from these unaccustomed movements.
John asked me how I was and I said fine but I felt a bit 'wobbly' trying to explain this instability which was worse for me on the rocky descents. He said he just felt battered by the wind and there is no doubt it was battle.
Despite this we were doing well as we went down Fairfield but we were amazed to see Pat coming up with one pacer. He was agitated as he had lost his dog and spent 20 minutes looking for it before giving up and carrying on. Dogs are fantastic support on the fells but you really have to be able to trust them as they can become a liability.
We got up and down Seat Sandal in good order and found the classic line down to Dunmail Raise. Again there was a fantastic reception and more good news - Pat's dog had been found and was standing wagging its tail (looking maybe a little contrite) on a very short lead.
I only took an 11 minute break because I wanted to leave with John and I was feeling good. I had a sandwich, rice pudding, pint of milk, 500ml lucozade sport and a change of socks. I knew we were up on schedule by about an hour but I wasnt really worrying about time. I was already focussed on the next crucial leg.
We got up Steel Fell and Calf Crag easily enough with John's new pacers Christine and ..... There was a good atmosphere and lots of chat. It had really warmed up by now and the wind had relented a little as well - a great day to be on the fells. I thought of my recce 3 weeks before when I had been with the Macclesfield Harriers guys and I had gone all the way to Keswick. I managed to convince myself that I didnt feel that much different to how I had done then. I was certainly very positive about getting to the finish.
Going up Sergeant Man we were caught up by Pat and his new team Helen, Brown Dog and one other. They were moving really well. I stayed with them for a while as I still had hope of all my peaks being witnessed but I was just starting a bit of a tough patch. It became clear fairly soon that I was working quite hard to keep with them and as uphill is my strong suit I knew that I would be dropped on the descent. A shame but I needed to conserve energy for later in the round. I let them go again but I was still ahead of John and team so I just kept going on my own in sight of and between both groups. High Raise and Thunacar Knott came and went without incident but I was definitely having a rough patch. No big deal - I just slowed a bit, ate and drank some more and waited for the energy levels to be restored. I slowed just at the summit of Thunacar Knott so that John caught me and we wished each other luck as he set off for Pavey Ark whilst I set off for Harrison Stickle. It was a lovely day for the Langdales and I really enjoyed Harrison and Pike O Stickle on my own now really for the first time. I had enjoyed being with the others but there is something wonderful too about the solitude of the mountains. Going to Pike O Stickle I did not follow the paved path across the head of Dungeon Gill but instead cut the corner across the grassy ground to the right. This was a short cut shown to me by the Macc Harriers guys from 3 weeks before and at the time it seemed to shave 30 seconds or so off the time. I used it because the ground was so dry and it joined the path again further up the hill. I dont know if it would be worth it in the wet.
From Pike O Stickle I followed the path to Martcrag Moor and then cut across straight down the hill over the stream and up the other side using Billy Blands traverse under the crags to reach the high ground before Rossett Pike. I then went round the back of the ridge before finally climbing the summit. By now I was feeling better again and I exchanged pleasantries on the top with some walkers who were taking advantage of the stunning views. My knees were feeling sore and I thought this was due to the buffeting by the wind.
I was slightly apprehensive about Bowfell as I still didnt really know the correct line. I had done it enough to know that as long as I was careful I could probably climb my way out of trouble. From Rossett Gill I started the climbing traverse and followed the cairns diagonally up. Whenever the line became unclear I always took the higher option and I sort of improvised my way up. As visibility was so good I had a fairly good idea of where I was aiming and before too long I emerged on the summit ridge in the correct place. I am sure I still didnt take exactly the right line but it worked out ok in the end and I was triumphant and relieved when I got to the summit in very strong winds again.
Coming off the summit I kept leftish and soon picked up a track (again shown to me by Macc Harriers) used in one of the fell races down to Esk Hause.
Esk Pike and Great End were a bit of a slog especially in the fierce winds but I met and hailed plenty of other walkers who were also enjoying the spectacular views so I had plenty of company.
On top of Ill Crag I met a potential BGer who was out reccying and when I told him I was doing mine he was very supportive. I picked my way carefully up and down Broad Crag - staying focussed because I didnt want a mishap on the rocks. It was all very dry though so no real problem. I struggled a bit on the stony descent to the Col before Scafell Pike and from then on that was to be the pattern of the day. My knees just felt unhappy on the stony descents and so I felt I had to be ultra cautious (and slow).
Scafell Pike was seething with people as befitted a pleasant bank holiday weekend but I just logged the summit and moved on down to Mickledore.
At Broad Stand I had been offered the use of a rope by the other teams but I have not done it before and did not think that was the right time for my first go. Besides which I could see a team ascending as I got there so there would have been time lost while they moved through and then I roped up. I do not know which team it was as Pat must have been miles ahead of me by then and I had not seen John pass me. I suppose he must have done maybe coming down from Scafell Pike. I went up Lord's Rake and West Wall traverse on my own and it was very straightforward. Partly because it was drier and also simply because I didnt have anyone kicking stuff down on to me or blocking the route. I was still feeling very good on the ascents and so I made up most of the time I had lost by being a bit feeble coming down to Mickledore. It was a good feeling being on top of Scafell as I had been concerned about the 3rd leg because I was least familiar with it. I now felt I was moving back into known territory.
The descent to Wasdale took me ages. I had run out of water so stopped at the spring halfway down the grass slopes and I kept on the grass and avoided the screes. I was just not moving downhill very well and I lost 12 minutes on this one descent. I wasn't worried though as overall I felt quite strong and I still had 53 minutes in hand on the schedule after a decent 17 minute stop at Wasdale. John had appeared behind me on the descent to Wasdale. He caught me towards the bottom (had my Lords Rake really beaten his Broad Stand?) and was a minute ahead of me by the carpark. He looked to be going well. He started up Yewbarrow a bit ahead of me but I hoped to link up with him again on the ascent. We followed the line of the stream and I caught them just before the square boulder at the foot of the screes. We had a discussion about the line which they thought I would know well from my recce 3 weeks before. Unfortunately I was not that confident but I thought it was right of the lower screes and left of the upper ones.
When I got to the upper screes I was seduced by a diagonal path which took me nicely to the top of the steep stuff but then I realised was too far to the right of the summit. I have taken this line before and wasnt that bothered myself but I felt bad that I might have led the others on an imperfect route. Anyway after Yewbarrow I went down to the col between the two summits and started on the classic line diagonally down and across the scree to Dore Head. Halfway along though I dropped directly down to the valley floor on a grassy rake because I was still struggling with stony descents. I saw John and team moving well on the scree above me but once I got on the grass at the bottom I was outpacing them. I then cut the corner a bit at Dore Head so I was about 400m ahead of them as I started up Red Pike. I thought I heard a shout and when I turned round I saw John's pacers running back towards where he was sitting or lying down just before Dore Head. There was nothing I could do so I carried on climbing and eventually I saw them continuing to climb behind me. I made reasonable time on the climb and ended up on schedule. It seemd now that I was losing time on the downhill but just about pulling it back on the uphill. I kept hoping to see John come past me on one of the descents but it never happened and I did not see him again. I hoped he had been able to pass me without me seeing him but I fear he may not have completed the round.
I loved the little dash out to Steeple and back and I felt good on the climb up to Pillar even though I had been slow descending. I had kept on the more grassy bit off to the right of the ridge. It was hard work getting down to Blacksail with sore knees but I really enjoyed the ascent of Kirk Fell - climbing up to the left of the red gully (another Macc Harriers contribution - thank you). I caught two walkers with huge packs at the top of the gully and we walked together for a while as we went up the shallow ascent towards the summit. We exchanged pleasantries about routes etc and especially about the wind which was howling again on top of Kirk Fell. I told them I was heading over Great Gable and down into Honister but I didnt tell them where I had come from that day - I don't now why not but it just didn't seem appropriate. They were planning to camp on top and finish the horseshoe the next day. I am sure they had a very adventurous if not battered night with that wind.
I struggled again during the descent from Kirk Fell but I was now full of confidence about getting in in under 24 hours. I still had plenty of energy for the climbs and the remaining summits were starting to dwindle in number. I had made good time up Great Gable and was pretty much on schedule for the leg. It was about 1930 and a beautiful evening even though the wind was still doing terrible things. I stayed focussed and took stock - I was still over 3/4 of an hour up on schedule with no more difficult ascents. I still had to do 2 or 3 difficult descents and a long road run. I wanted to make as much as I could of the remaining daylight but really it was only injury that would stop me now so I determined to be extra careful.
I took the standard route off Great Gable which is harder than going straight off the top and contouring round to Wind Gap but it is better marked and I knew it better. I climbed up to Green Gable without problem and then ticked off Brandreth and Grey Knotts without much difficulty and roughly on schedule. The descent to Honister was awkward even though I found the right line. I kept going steadily and dropped 9 minutes by the time I arrived at the nearly deserted car park. I had rice pudding, a drink and topped up with supplies for an 8 minute stop. The shortened break meant that I had gained most of the time I had lost on the descent.
It would have been lovely to stop at Honister - I had had a great day out and I was starting to get tired. I knew though that I could and would keep going and I was really looking forward to completing the round. I determined to plod on and make as much of the remaining daylight as I could. It was still a lovely evening and I really did enjoy taking in Dale Head and Hindsgarth both on schedule.
Coming down Hindsgarth saw me going slowly again but I did ok going up to Robinson and I arrived on the last summit triumphant as darkness started to move in. I had just under 3 hours to get back to the Moot Hall and I knew it was in the bag if I was sensible and avoided injury. Headtorch on I started a very gentle descent of Robinson - contouring down from the second cairn aiming for the gap between the 2 sets of rocks. This is where the path for Newlands Church starts. I could still see the valley floor and thought it would be prudent to lose height as my main priority. I got it a bit wrong and descended too much too early. I ended up having to contour round very low down before I found the path and I had forgotten how steep and rocky it was at the beginning. Later on it flattens and smooths out and I made better progress. It still took me the best part of an hour to get to Newlands church though.
I changed socks and into my road shoes, had a big feed and drink, discarded my rucksack and set off on the road run back to Keswick. I had an hour and 50 minutes left for this and was still thinking 'stay focussed and enjoy'. I decided to jog very easily- no heroics were needed. It was very pleasant and mesmeric to be jogging through the cool night air. It seemed an irony that I had come from a mainly road running background, trained hard for the fells but now was in a position where success depended on my road running. Time passed very easily on this final jog. I walked the steeper ups but otherwise just kept a slow even pace. I exchanged pleasantries with some pub goers at Swinside: 'Are you training for the Bob Graham?' 'No I am doing it!' 'GO ON MATE - WELL DONE!' This brought a smile to my face as I had said much the same to a successful contender last year at roughly the same place when I was on my way to retrieve some kit I had left by the roadside during a recce.
A thousand thoughts filled my mind as I made my way to Portinscale - memories of training runs and dreams of this very moment being among them. Soon I was crossing the footbridge and then jogging along the path across the fields to Keswick. I turned right into the main road and across the roundabout (no cars). I was on the final cobbled straight up to the Moot Hall.
I had planned to continue my sedate jog up to the steps - I had plenty of time - but in the excitement I couldnt help opening my stride and finishing at 10k pace. It felt wonderful - probably because I was using muscles I hadnt used all day! Applause rang out from ahead.
I threw one hand in the air and touched the Moot Hall at 0015 - it had taken me 23 hours and 15 minutes to return to my starting point and successfully complete the Bob Graham round. I was congratulated by a crowd of two people (one passing and one from road support earlier in the day) and had photos taken - which I am promised via email. I was very touched to have a reception comittee as I had anticipated during planning the possibility of arriving on my own.
I stood for a few minutes savouring the experience and then made my way back to the B and B for a shower, a glass of milk and a good nights sleep.
I slept surprisingly well and woke at 0830 for breakfast. 'Did you manage your walk?' the landlady asked me 'yes' I replied proudly '23 hours 15 minutes'. 'Oh well done congratulations ' she said.
Oh and the breakfast? - It tasted really great!
Pat finished successfully in 21 hours and 51 minutes - an awesome effort especially as he was plagued by enteral problems throughout and he lost 20 minutes looking for his dog.
I still don't know about John - I hope he made it but if not then better luck next time - he is a very strong guy.
I got away from work in good time. Catching the 1800 ferry from Fishbourne to Portsmouth and I had a remarkably smooth journey up to Keswick. It seemed as if most of the half term/ bank holiday traffic had got away before me and the reported delays on the roads did not materialise. I arrived in Keswick at about midnight and fell asleep in the B and B almost immediately.
24/5/8
I was up at about 0830 and enjoyed a full English cooked breakfast. I had sorted out my fell kit before I left but I still had to get some provisions - food and water for the road crossings. Once I had done this I drove to the necessary road crossings to put supplies in place. I ended up at Newlands Church mid afternoon where I enjoyed a picnic in the sun. It was a beautiful day and the fells looked magnificent in the sunshine with the odd white cloud. It was fine in the valley but it was obviously windy on top. As I looked at Dale Head, Hindsgarth and Robinson I imagined crossing these fells and descending to Little Town at the end of my round and how satisfying it would be.
I drove back to Keswick and the B and B and rechecked my kit, ate some more and finally went to bed for a sleep at about 1900.
25/5/8
The alarm woke me at midnight and I had a text from Roger offering me support and ending "stay focussed and enjoy it". This came at just the right time and his words stayed with me throughout the day. When I have done hard things before I have been aware of how quickly things can go wrong if you lose focus. It is very easy to do as fatigue, hunger and cold set in. As importantly though – I have sometimes been so caught up in a task that I have forgotten to enjoy it. In retrospect I have regretted that I had not relaxed and enjoyed myself more at the time. I determined then that no matter what the outcome I would savour each moment of the round – I really had a very special opportunity. I dressed in my fell clothes and donned my pack. I was ready for the off.
The weather forecast was much as it had been for the previous few days - clear skies, coolish but with a strong easterly wind.
On arrival at the Moot Hall I was pleasantly surprised to see 3 others - Patrick from Gloucestershire on a 23 and a half hour schedule and his 2 pacers – both called Dave. We introduced ourselves and I asked if he wanted me to keep out of his way. He was very friendly and suggested we keep together if possible.
Suddenly it was one oclock and we were off. I cut straight through the first gennel and arrived in the car park just before them. I was checking my watch and –bang-I was down having tripped over a kerbstone. One minute into the round and I had drawn blood with a graze on my hand –brilliant! I had to laugh at the stupidity of it and at least the rest of me was intact. We jogged together across Fitz Park and along the road but when we got to the track and path up to Latrigg, Pat and team just kept jogging. This surprised me as I was used to walking all this (gentle) uphill section and had always found that to be plenty for a 23 1/2 hour schedule. I was in a quandary because although I wanted to start slowly I also wanted to stay with the others-at least for the night section. I still had a hope that if I could stay with them then my attempt would be witnessed –making me eligible for the BGR 24 hour club. I decided to keep them in sight as I am at my strongest up hill and I thought I might close up on them as things got steeper. By the time we were at Latrigg car park I was only about 50m behind and I caught it all up because Pat had to stop twice to vomit. Not a great start for him I thought but he explained that he was fine but had just eaten too much before the start. We jogged to the foot of Jenkin Hill and I was chatting to Patrick as we climbed at a fast but not uncomfortable pace. About halfway up we looked round to see that we were leaving his pacers behind - not good. As we continued the wind was increasing in strength and we started to get into the clag. Dave 1 caught up and reported that Dave 2 was struggling with the pace. I felt fine but I knew we were way under 23 ½ hour schedule so perhaps it was a bit tough on Dave 2 who would have been expecting a gentler start. Patrick asked Dave 1 to hang back and tell Dave 2 to head back to Keswick as he didn’t know the route and the weather was getting pretty bad. He did this and with a big effort caught us up again just before the first false summit cairn. As we got up there the wind really started howling and visibility all but vanished. When I was behind the others I could only see the light from their head torches for about 5m before they vanished. We found the summit which was a relief and I noticed only 72 minutes on the clock. This was about quarter of an hour quicker than I had planned but at that point I was just glad not to be on my own.
We set off over the other side of the summit heading down to the col but it didn’t seem right. It was very hard to communicate in the wind but the other 2 had GPS and shortly confirmed that we were too far left. We started contouring right with Pat leading and me just clinging onto the light of his head torch. After a couple of minutes I looked round and Dave had vanished. I followed Pat on until we got to the fence overlooking Hare Crag. We crossed the fence with Pat noticing the absent Dave ‘Great now I’ve lost both my pacers’. As we started descending it still felt wrong-too steep and shaly and I thought we were too far right. Sure enough the GPS confirmed this and so we worked our way left again through deep heather. Pat was still running but I felt I was using too much energy for so early in the round so I walked and let him go. As we got down, the clag cleared and we soon found the line on Hare Crag. Pat was visible about 400m ahead of me. Out of the gloom I saw a second torch and guessed (correctly as it turned out) that Dave had found his way down on a better and faster line.
I made my way down to the path and bridge below Hare Crag and then followed the fence posts up Great Calva. These still had reflective tape on them which made navigation very easy. I caught Pat and Dave up a little on the ascent but was still about 200m behind them at the summit. Pat and I passed as he made his way back to the first (false) summit on Great Calva. I crossed the fence at the summit and cut diagonally across the hill to join the fence as it descended towards the river Caldew. Following the fence down to the gate I went through, followed a slight trod through the heather and then descended to the stream which feeds into the Caldew. I planned on this route because I knew it well and it seemed to be simple to do in the dark. In the past I had found it to be very wet but on this occasion it was easy and dry underfoot. I followed the line of the stream then a small section across heather and through to the river Caldew. I was not looking forward to this but the river was as low as I have seen it. I used stepping stones and a big jump at the end and found myself on the other side with dry feet - a real bonus.
There were 3 groups of lights ahead of me going up Mungrisdale Common and I wasn't sure what was happening. I caught up the first light which was Dave and he said Pat was ahead but that there was another group doing a round as well.
I went ahead of Dave who was feeling it a bit and found an ok route up Blencathra. I went a bit left at one stage and had to contour back but I was fine under the screes and arrived on the summit in good visibility and with early daylight. The descent of Hall's Fell ridge was very straight forward - dry underfoot - but I still took it steadily and carefully. It seemed no time at all and I had crossed the main road at Threlkeld and I was amongst a mass of contenders, pacers and road support. There was a really good atmosphere - everyone was friendly and helpful - I felt adopted.
I knew I was ahead of schedule but I felt fine and had not pushed. I was very happy with the way things were going. I didn't want to hang around though and still thought I might be able to keep with Pat who left for the second leg shortly after I had arrived. I ate a sandwich and a rice pudding, drank 500ml of lucozade sport, changed my socks, topped up my water bladder and got more food for the leg - I was off after 7 minutes. Patrick's Pacers for the leg were driven along the track to the farm to catch him up and he was some distance ahead of me by the time I started up Clough Head. Not so far ahead though were another two and I caught them just before the summit. John was doing a 51 at 51 round after having missed out on 50 at 50 last year. His pacer was Pete and they were from Romsey and Southampton - a real day for the Southerners. He had started at 0015 and was going well. They welcomed me along with them. Visibility was improving by now - superb except on the tops. It was still very windy and extremely so on the tops and other exposed places. I was recording the times for the summits and was aware that we were doing well but the pace was comfortable. I did not specifically look at my route card to check progress as it just didn't seem necessary. We chatted as we went along and this leg was an entirely enjoyable experience in good company and with wonderful views. We had a laugh on Helvellyn as I had always thought the trig point was the official summit but John and Pete had their eye on me as they pointed out the large cairn on the edge by the shelter. The same thing happened later on Dollywaggon as I had never even noticed the large cairn on the edge overlooking the valley.
John took us on the direct descent from Dollywaggon down to the tarn outlet and then straight up Fairfield which was a new route for me and one which I really enjoyed. I dont know if it is any faster than round the back of the tarn and then up and back on Fairfield but it seems more elegant and more of a continuous line.
A pattern was emerging where I was slightly faster up hill but they were faster down - it seemed to balance out well though and I found it fairly easy to keep with them.
On the summit of Fairfield the wind was a real hooligan. I looked round for the other two to see them being physically lifted off their feet and thrown sideways in one viscious gust. The wind was making progress a struggle at times - not only did it throw your body off line but even as you went to place each foot it would blow the foot into a slightly different position which would make it feel like you were landing awkwardly. I could tell that the ligaments supporting my knees were getting a bit too much of a stretching and were a bit sore from these unaccustomed movements.
John asked me how I was and I said fine but I felt a bit 'wobbly' trying to explain this instability which was worse for me on the rocky descents. He said he just felt battered by the wind and there is no doubt it was battle.
Despite this we were doing well as we went down Fairfield but we were amazed to see Pat coming up with one pacer. He was agitated as he had lost his dog and spent 20 minutes looking for it before giving up and carrying on. Dogs are fantastic support on the fells but you really have to be able to trust them as they can become a liability.
We got up and down Seat Sandal in good order and found the classic line down to Dunmail Raise. Again there was a fantastic reception and more good news - Pat's dog had been found and was standing wagging its tail (looking maybe a little contrite) on a very short lead.
I only took an 11 minute break because I wanted to leave with John and I was feeling good. I had a sandwich, rice pudding, pint of milk, 500ml lucozade sport and a change of socks. I knew we were up on schedule by about an hour but I wasnt really worrying about time. I was already focussed on the next crucial leg.
We got up Steel Fell and Calf Crag easily enough with John's new pacers Christine and ..... There was a good atmosphere and lots of chat. It had really warmed up by now and the wind had relented a little as well - a great day to be on the fells. I thought of my recce 3 weeks before when I had been with the Macclesfield Harriers guys and I had gone all the way to Keswick. I managed to convince myself that I didnt feel that much different to how I had done then. I was certainly very positive about getting to the finish.
Going up Sergeant Man we were caught up by Pat and his new team Helen, Brown Dog and one other. They were moving really well. I stayed with them for a while as I still had hope of all my peaks being witnessed but I was just starting a bit of a tough patch. It became clear fairly soon that I was working quite hard to keep with them and as uphill is my strong suit I knew that I would be dropped on the descent. A shame but I needed to conserve energy for later in the round. I let them go again but I was still ahead of John and team so I just kept going on my own in sight of and between both groups. High Raise and Thunacar Knott came and went without incident but I was definitely having a rough patch. No big deal - I just slowed a bit, ate and drank some more and waited for the energy levels to be restored. I slowed just at the summit of Thunacar Knott so that John caught me and we wished each other luck as he set off for Pavey Ark whilst I set off for Harrison Stickle. It was a lovely day for the Langdales and I really enjoyed Harrison and Pike O Stickle on my own now really for the first time. I had enjoyed being with the others but there is something wonderful too about the solitude of the mountains. Going to Pike O Stickle I did not follow the paved path across the head of Dungeon Gill but instead cut the corner across the grassy ground to the right. This was a short cut shown to me by the Macc Harriers guys from 3 weeks before and at the time it seemed to shave 30 seconds or so off the time. I used it because the ground was so dry and it joined the path again further up the hill. I dont know if it would be worth it in the wet.
From Pike O Stickle I followed the path to Martcrag Moor and then cut across straight down the hill over the stream and up the other side using Billy Blands traverse under the crags to reach the high ground before Rossett Pike. I then went round the back of the ridge before finally climbing the summit. By now I was feeling better again and I exchanged pleasantries on the top with some walkers who were taking advantage of the stunning views. My knees were feeling sore and I thought this was due to the buffeting by the wind.
I was slightly apprehensive about Bowfell as I still didnt really know the correct line. I had done it enough to know that as long as I was careful I could probably climb my way out of trouble. From Rossett Gill I started the climbing traverse and followed the cairns diagonally up. Whenever the line became unclear I always took the higher option and I sort of improvised my way up. As visibility was so good I had a fairly good idea of where I was aiming and before too long I emerged on the summit ridge in the correct place. I am sure I still didnt take exactly the right line but it worked out ok in the end and I was triumphant and relieved when I got to the summit in very strong winds again.
Coming off the summit I kept leftish and soon picked up a track (again shown to me by Macc Harriers) used in one of the fell races down to Esk Hause.
Esk Pike and Great End were a bit of a slog especially in the fierce winds but I met and hailed plenty of other walkers who were also enjoying the spectacular views so I had plenty of company.
On top of Ill Crag I met a potential BGer who was out reccying and when I told him I was doing mine he was very supportive. I picked my way carefully up and down Broad Crag - staying focussed because I didnt want a mishap on the rocks. It was all very dry though so no real problem. I struggled a bit on the stony descent to the Col before Scafell Pike and from then on that was to be the pattern of the day. My knees just felt unhappy on the stony descents and so I felt I had to be ultra cautious (and slow).
Scafell Pike was seething with people as befitted a pleasant bank holiday weekend but I just logged the summit and moved on down to Mickledore.
At Broad Stand I had been offered the use of a rope by the other teams but I have not done it before and did not think that was the right time for my first go. Besides which I could see a team ascending as I got there so there would have been time lost while they moved through and then I roped up. I do not know which team it was as Pat must have been miles ahead of me by then and I had not seen John pass me. I suppose he must have done maybe coming down from Scafell Pike. I went up Lord's Rake and West Wall traverse on my own and it was very straightforward. Partly because it was drier and also simply because I didnt have anyone kicking stuff down on to me or blocking the route. I was still feeling very good on the ascents and so I made up most of the time I had lost by being a bit feeble coming down to Mickledore. It was a good feeling being on top of Scafell as I had been concerned about the 3rd leg because I was least familiar with it. I now felt I was moving back into known territory.
The descent to Wasdale took me ages. I had run out of water so stopped at the spring halfway down the grass slopes and I kept on the grass and avoided the screes. I was just not moving downhill very well and I lost 12 minutes on this one descent. I wasn't worried though as overall I felt quite strong and I still had 53 minutes in hand on the schedule after a decent 17 minute stop at Wasdale. John had appeared behind me on the descent to Wasdale. He caught me towards the bottom (had my Lords Rake really beaten his Broad Stand?) and was a minute ahead of me by the carpark. He looked to be going well. He started up Yewbarrow a bit ahead of me but I hoped to link up with him again on the ascent. We followed the line of the stream and I caught them just before the square boulder at the foot of the screes. We had a discussion about the line which they thought I would know well from my recce 3 weeks before. Unfortunately I was not that confident but I thought it was right of the lower screes and left of the upper ones.
When I got to the upper screes I was seduced by a diagonal path which took me nicely to the top of the steep stuff but then I realised was too far to the right of the summit. I have taken this line before and wasnt that bothered myself but I felt bad that I might have led the others on an imperfect route. Anyway after Yewbarrow I went down to the col between the two summits and started on the classic line diagonally down and across the scree to Dore Head. Halfway along though I dropped directly down to the valley floor on a grassy rake because I was still struggling with stony descents. I saw John and team moving well on the scree above me but once I got on the grass at the bottom I was outpacing them. I then cut the corner a bit at Dore Head so I was about 400m ahead of them as I started up Red Pike. I thought I heard a shout and when I turned round I saw John's pacers running back towards where he was sitting or lying down just before Dore Head. There was nothing I could do so I carried on climbing and eventually I saw them continuing to climb behind me. I made reasonable time on the climb and ended up on schedule. It seemd now that I was losing time on the downhill but just about pulling it back on the uphill. I kept hoping to see John come past me on one of the descents but it never happened and I did not see him again. I hoped he had been able to pass me without me seeing him but I fear he may not have completed the round.
I loved the little dash out to Steeple and back and I felt good on the climb up to Pillar even though I had been slow descending. I had kept on the more grassy bit off to the right of the ridge. It was hard work getting down to Blacksail with sore knees but I really enjoyed the ascent of Kirk Fell - climbing up to the left of the red gully (another Macc Harriers contribution - thank you). I caught two walkers with huge packs at the top of the gully and we walked together for a while as we went up the shallow ascent towards the summit. We exchanged pleasantries about routes etc and especially about the wind which was howling again on top of Kirk Fell. I told them I was heading over Great Gable and down into Honister but I didnt tell them where I had come from that day - I don't now why not but it just didn't seem appropriate. They were planning to camp on top and finish the horseshoe the next day. I am sure they had a very adventurous if not battered night with that wind.
I struggled again during the descent from Kirk Fell but I was now full of confidence about getting in in under 24 hours. I still had plenty of energy for the climbs and the remaining summits were starting to dwindle in number. I had made good time up Great Gable and was pretty much on schedule for the leg. It was about 1930 and a beautiful evening even though the wind was still doing terrible things. I stayed focussed and took stock - I was still over 3/4 of an hour up on schedule with no more difficult ascents. I still had to do 2 or 3 difficult descents and a long road run. I wanted to make as much as I could of the remaining daylight but really it was only injury that would stop me now so I determined to be extra careful.
I took the standard route off Great Gable which is harder than going straight off the top and contouring round to Wind Gap but it is better marked and I knew it better. I climbed up to Green Gable without problem and then ticked off Brandreth and Grey Knotts without much difficulty and roughly on schedule. The descent to Honister was awkward even though I found the right line. I kept going steadily and dropped 9 minutes by the time I arrived at the nearly deserted car park. I had rice pudding, a drink and topped up with supplies for an 8 minute stop. The shortened break meant that I had gained most of the time I had lost on the descent.
It would have been lovely to stop at Honister - I had had a great day out and I was starting to get tired. I knew though that I could and would keep going and I was really looking forward to completing the round. I determined to plod on and make as much of the remaining daylight as I could. It was still a lovely evening and I really did enjoy taking in Dale Head and Hindsgarth both on schedule.
Coming down Hindsgarth saw me going slowly again but I did ok going up to Robinson and I arrived on the last summit triumphant as darkness started to move in. I had just under 3 hours to get back to the Moot Hall and I knew it was in the bag if I was sensible and avoided injury. Headtorch on I started a very gentle descent of Robinson - contouring down from the second cairn aiming for the gap between the 2 sets of rocks. This is where the path for Newlands Church starts. I could still see the valley floor and thought it would be prudent to lose height as my main priority. I got it a bit wrong and descended too much too early. I ended up having to contour round very low down before I found the path and I had forgotten how steep and rocky it was at the beginning. Later on it flattens and smooths out and I made better progress. It still took me the best part of an hour to get to Newlands church though.
I changed socks and into my road shoes, had a big feed and drink, discarded my rucksack and set off on the road run back to Keswick. I had an hour and 50 minutes left for this and was still thinking 'stay focussed and enjoy'. I decided to jog very easily- no heroics were needed. It was very pleasant and mesmeric to be jogging through the cool night air. It seemed an irony that I had come from a mainly road running background, trained hard for the fells but now was in a position where success depended on my road running. Time passed very easily on this final jog. I walked the steeper ups but otherwise just kept a slow even pace. I exchanged pleasantries with some pub goers at Swinside: 'Are you training for the Bob Graham?' 'No I am doing it!' 'GO ON MATE - WELL DONE!' This brought a smile to my face as I had said much the same to a successful contender last year at roughly the same place when I was on my way to retrieve some kit I had left by the roadside during a recce.
A thousand thoughts filled my mind as I made my way to Portinscale - memories of training runs and dreams of this very moment being among them. Soon I was crossing the footbridge and then jogging along the path across the fields to Keswick. I turned right into the main road and across the roundabout (no cars). I was on the final cobbled straight up to the Moot Hall.
I had planned to continue my sedate jog up to the steps - I had plenty of time - but in the excitement I couldnt help opening my stride and finishing at 10k pace. It felt wonderful - probably because I was using muscles I hadnt used all day! Applause rang out from ahead.
I threw one hand in the air and touched the Moot Hall at 0015 - it had taken me 23 hours and 15 minutes to return to my starting point and successfully complete the Bob Graham round. I was congratulated by a crowd of two people (one passing and one from road support earlier in the day) and had photos taken - which I am promised via email. I was very touched to have a reception comittee as I had anticipated during planning the possibility of arriving on my own.
I stood for a few minutes savouring the experience and then made my way back to the B and B for a shower, a glass of milk and a good nights sleep.
I slept surprisingly well and woke at 0830 for breakfast. 'Did you manage your walk?' the landlady asked me 'yes' I replied proudly '23 hours 15 minutes'. 'Oh well done congratulations ' she said.
Oh and the breakfast? - It tasted really great!
Pat finished successfully in 21 hours and 51 minutes - an awesome effort especially as he was plagued by enteral problems throughout and he lost 20 minutes looking for his dog.
I still don't know about John - I hope he made it but if not then better luck next time - he is a very strong guy.
Wednesday 28 May 2008
Times for the round
These were my actual times for the round. I was aiming for the standard 23 and a half hour round and for comparison the various splits are readily available on the web. (See the Bob Wightman link on this blog)
The first time given is that for each section and the second time is the time (BST) that I arrived at each location.
Wightplodder Bob Graham Round
Date 25th May 2008
Sunrise:4.47 Sunset:21.12
Start time 01:00
Schedule time 23:32
Actual Time 23:15
Stage hh:mm BST Time
START - MOOT HALL 01:00
SKIDDAW 1:12 02:12
GREAT CALVA 0:47 02:59
BLENCATHRA 1:03 04:02
THRELKELD (Arr) 0:33 04:34
Stage time 3:35
THRELKELD (Rest / Dep) 0:07 04:41
CLOUGH HEAD 0:46 05:27
GREAT DODD 0:28 05:54
WATSON'S DODD 0:09 06:03
STYBARROW DODD 0:10 06:13
RAISE 0:15 06:29
WHITE SIDE 0:07 06:36
HELVELLYN LOW MAN 0:13 06:49
HELVELLYN 0:06 06:55
NETHERMOST PIKE 0:09 07:05
DOLLYWAGON PIKE 0:12 07:17
FAIRFIELD 0:37 07:54
SEAT SANDAL 0:23 08:17
DUNMAIL (Arr) 0:18 08:34
Stage time 4:01
DUNMAIL (Rest / Dep) 0:11 08:45
STEEL FELL 0:24 09:07
CALF CRAG 0:21 09:30
SERGEANT MAN 0:34 10:04
HIGH RAISE 0:10 10:13
THUNACAR KNOTT 0:15 10:28
HARRISON STICKLE 0:10 10:38
PIKE O'STICKLE 0:14 10:52
ROSSET PIKE 0:46 11:38
BOWFELL 0:36 12:14
ESK PIKE 0:24 12:38
GREAT END 0:23 13:01
ILL CRAG 0:14 13:16
BROAD CRAG 0:11 13:28
SCAFELL PIKE 0:15 13:41
SCAFELL 0:35 14:16
WASDALE (Arr) 0:47 15:04
Stage time 6:30
WASDALE (Rest / Dep) 0:17 15:20
YEWBARROW 0:48 16:09
RED PIKE 0:50 16:59
STEEPLE 0:21 17:20
PILLAR 0:35 17:54
KIRK FELL 0:56 18:50
GREAT GABLE 0:42 19:32
GREEN GABLE 0:18 19:50
BRANDRETH 0:17 20:08
GREY KNOTTS 0:10 20:18
HONISTER (Arr) 0:22 20:40
Stage time 5:36
HONISTER (Rest / Dep) 0:08 20:48
DALE HEAD 0:34 21:22
HINDSCARTH 0:20 21:42
ROBINSON 0:29 22:11
L/H SNAB FARM (Arr) 0:58 23:09
SNAB FARM (Change/ Dep) 0:05 23:14
MOOT HALL KESWICK 1:01 0:15
Stage time 3:35
Total time 23:15
The first time given is that for each section and the second time is the time (BST) that I arrived at each location.
Wightplodder Bob Graham Round
Date 25th May 2008
Sunrise:4.47 Sunset:21.12
Start time 01:00
Schedule time 23:32
Actual Time 23:15
Stage hh:mm BST Time
START - MOOT HALL 01:00
SKIDDAW 1:12 02:12
GREAT CALVA 0:47 02:59
BLENCATHRA 1:03 04:02
THRELKELD (Arr) 0:33 04:34
Stage time 3:35
THRELKELD (Rest / Dep) 0:07 04:41
CLOUGH HEAD 0:46 05:27
GREAT DODD 0:28 05:54
WATSON'S DODD 0:09 06:03
STYBARROW DODD 0:10 06:13
RAISE 0:15 06:29
WHITE SIDE 0:07 06:36
HELVELLYN LOW MAN 0:13 06:49
HELVELLYN 0:06 06:55
NETHERMOST PIKE 0:09 07:05
DOLLYWAGON PIKE 0:12 07:17
FAIRFIELD 0:37 07:54
SEAT SANDAL 0:23 08:17
DUNMAIL (Arr) 0:18 08:34
Stage time 4:01
DUNMAIL (Rest / Dep) 0:11 08:45
STEEL FELL 0:24 09:07
CALF CRAG 0:21 09:30
SERGEANT MAN 0:34 10:04
HIGH RAISE 0:10 10:13
THUNACAR KNOTT 0:15 10:28
HARRISON STICKLE 0:10 10:38
PIKE O'STICKLE 0:14 10:52
ROSSET PIKE 0:46 11:38
BOWFELL 0:36 12:14
ESK PIKE 0:24 12:38
GREAT END 0:23 13:01
ILL CRAG 0:14 13:16
BROAD CRAG 0:11 13:28
SCAFELL PIKE 0:15 13:41
SCAFELL 0:35 14:16
WASDALE (Arr) 0:47 15:04
Stage time 6:30
WASDALE (Rest / Dep) 0:17 15:20
YEWBARROW 0:48 16:09
RED PIKE 0:50 16:59
STEEPLE 0:21 17:20
PILLAR 0:35 17:54
KIRK FELL 0:56 18:50
GREAT GABLE 0:42 19:32
GREEN GABLE 0:18 19:50
BRANDRETH 0:17 20:08
GREY KNOTTS 0:10 20:18
HONISTER (Arr) 0:22 20:40
Stage time 5:36
HONISTER (Rest / Dep) 0:08 20:48
DALE HEAD 0:34 21:22
HINDSCARTH 0:20 21:42
ROBINSON 0:29 22:11
L/H SNAB FARM (Arr) 0:58 23:09
SNAB FARM (Change/ Dep) 0:05 23:14
MOOT HALL KESWICK 1:01 0:15
Stage time 3:35
Total time 23:15
Kit List
This is a bit sad but I always found it interesting to know what kit people were using although it is a very individual thing.
I wanted to keep to the absolute minimum of weight but still be safe and have everything I needed. I tested myself and fully laden I was about 4 minutes per hour slower than I was without the kit. (About 1 and a half hours in 24 hours)
My pack weighed 3 kg and contained the following:
Black Diamond Flash rucksack 230g Possibly a bit flimsy for fell running it is the lightest pack I could find and it worked for me. It was comfy, could take all I needed and cost about £30. Highly recommended if you are on your own. I saved it for the Lakes and on most of my practice runs I used a heavier but stronger Berghaus 'Bladdered' which was about 500g. I also had a small hydration pack from Tesco which was £10 including a 1.5 litre bladder and only weighed about 400g. This was a good 1st reserve if needed. They could all hold about 10 - 12 litres of volume.
Platypus hoser 2L water bladder 120g: I had several for practice runs but I felt the lightest and best was this one. It did need to be replaced after a few months use but it sealed reliably. I had a camelback which was good but heavier and my Tesco one kept breaking and leaking at the screw cap.
I tried drinking bottles but felt I lost time faffing around with them and taking them in and out of the rucksack and that they were less comfortable to run with. This is the only piece of kit where I went for something slightly heavier because I thought it would save time in the long run.
Water: 2L 2000g Obviously as each leg progressed this weight decreased. On the third leg it went too quickly and I was looking for water on the run but for the rest it was fine along with what I drank during the rests.
Waterproof - Haglof Oz Pullover 175g This was an unbeleivably light and effective piece of kit - the lightest I could find. I saved it for Lakeland runs and the event itself as it is understandibly slightly flimsy. It is very expensive - over £100 but I thought it was well worth it.
Windproof: Montane Jetstream pertex Jacket 85g £45 This was another star item and I wore it all the time on the day. It makes a huge difference when the wind is blowing and weighs next to nothing. I kept it for best and had a pertex quantum jacket (bit heavier 100g and flappier in the wind) which I picked up in a sale for £10 and I wore on most of my runs.
Gloves 25g Just lightweight microfibre ones although when practicing in the snow earlier in the year I used heavier windproof ones.
Berghaus micro fibre hat 30g This was fine and there are lots of lightweight hat options.
Whistle 25g
Compass 10g
Map 50g I used the Harvey mountain map and (very sad) cut it to include only the BG route. It is 1/40,000 scale and is waterproof. On the day I didnt look at it once as I knew the route. On the practice runs and at home I used the bigger Harvey mountain maps as they had slightly more detail.
Money, Credit card,route card,pencil 35g I wanted all these items. The route card was written on waterproof paper which was the back of a number from a road race I had been in.
It is quite hard to cut to size but very hard wearing and survived several good soakings in practice.
Mobile Phone 60g I bought a lightweight cheapo one for £10
Headtorch 75g I had a Petzl LED one but had one from B&Q for £10 as a reserve and it seemed pretty good too.
Glasses 10g Needed for reading I got a cheap plastic pair £10
Loo roll a few sheets just in case!
Food 300g A mixture of stuff each leg that I thought would keep me going. Obviously very personal but this seemed to me to be about the right amount of calories to go with what I was having during the breaks. I included some savoury salty snacks - cheezy biscuity things. I tried to keep away from too much sugar and chocolate but carried some of that with flapjack, fig roll etc.
All this adds up to about 3,250g but most of the time I was wearing some of it and at the end of each leg the weight was considerably less when the water had been drunk. Of course each leg starts with a big climb and I always had the pleasure of a full pack for that!
I ran in Walsh pb trainers, synthetic socks from Decathlon, synthetic pants and Ron Hill tracksters. On top I had a running t shirt and a capilene long sleeve thermal shirt over the top of it. I tend to be on the cold side so I usually wore clothes from my pack too.
I didnt take a survival bag and maybe I should have done - I just made the decision that what I had would have to be enough.
On my wrist I wore a luxury item - A suunto Observer watch. I found it a wonderful piece of kit and stored all my split times on the stop watch, used the compass as a quick reference, stored altimeter readings at the summits and used the readings to help with navigation. It also had an alarm which woke me before I had to set off.
I wanted to keep to the absolute minimum of weight but still be safe and have everything I needed. I tested myself and fully laden I was about 4 minutes per hour slower than I was without the kit. (About 1 and a half hours in 24 hours)
My pack weighed 3 kg and contained the following:
Black Diamond Flash rucksack 230g Possibly a bit flimsy for fell running it is the lightest pack I could find and it worked for me. It was comfy, could take all I needed and cost about £30. Highly recommended if you are on your own. I saved it for the Lakes and on most of my practice runs I used a heavier but stronger Berghaus 'Bladdered' which was about 500g. I also had a small hydration pack from Tesco which was £10 including a 1.5 litre bladder and only weighed about 400g. This was a good 1st reserve if needed. They could all hold about 10 - 12 litres of volume.
Platypus hoser 2L water bladder 120g: I had several for practice runs but I felt the lightest and best was this one. It did need to be replaced after a few months use but it sealed reliably. I had a camelback which was good but heavier and my Tesco one kept breaking and leaking at the screw cap.
I tried drinking bottles but felt I lost time faffing around with them and taking them in and out of the rucksack and that they were less comfortable to run with. This is the only piece of kit where I went for something slightly heavier because I thought it would save time in the long run.
Water: 2L 2000g Obviously as each leg progressed this weight decreased. On the third leg it went too quickly and I was looking for water on the run but for the rest it was fine along with what I drank during the rests.
Waterproof - Haglof Oz Pullover 175g This was an unbeleivably light and effective piece of kit - the lightest I could find. I saved it for Lakeland runs and the event itself as it is understandibly slightly flimsy. It is very expensive - over £100 but I thought it was well worth it.
Windproof: Montane Jetstream pertex Jacket 85g £45 This was another star item and I wore it all the time on the day. It makes a huge difference when the wind is blowing and weighs next to nothing. I kept it for best and had a pertex quantum jacket (bit heavier 100g and flappier in the wind) which I picked up in a sale for £10 and I wore on most of my runs.
Gloves 25g Just lightweight microfibre ones although when practicing in the snow earlier in the year I used heavier windproof ones.
Berghaus micro fibre hat 30g This was fine and there are lots of lightweight hat options.
Whistle 25g
Compass 10g
Map 50g I used the Harvey mountain map and (very sad) cut it to include only the BG route. It is 1/40,000 scale and is waterproof. On the day I didnt look at it once as I knew the route. On the practice runs and at home I used the bigger Harvey mountain maps as they had slightly more detail.
Money, Credit card,route card,pencil 35g I wanted all these items. The route card was written on waterproof paper which was the back of a number from a road race I had been in.
It is quite hard to cut to size but very hard wearing and survived several good soakings in practice.
Mobile Phone 60g I bought a lightweight cheapo one for £10
Headtorch 75g I had a Petzl LED one but had one from B&Q for £10 as a reserve and it seemed pretty good too.
Glasses 10g Needed for reading I got a cheap plastic pair £10
Loo roll a few sheets just in case!
Food 300g A mixture of stuff each leg that I thought would keep me going. Obviously very personal but this seemed to me to be about the right amount of calories to go with what I was having during the breaks. I included some savoury salty snacks - cheezy biscuity things. I tried to keep away from too much sugar and chocolate but carried some of that with flapjack, fig roll etc.
All this adds up to about 3,250g but most of the time I was wearing some of it and at the end of each leg the weight was considerably less when the water had been drunk. Of course each leg starts with a big climb and I always had the pleasure of a full pack for that!
I ran in Walsh pb trainers, synthetic socks from Decathlon, synthetic pants and Ron Hill tracksters. On top I had a running t shirt and a capilene long sleeve thermal shirt over the top of it. I tend to be on the cold side so I usually wore clothes from my pack too.
I didnt take a survival bag and maybe I should have done - I just made the decision that what I had would have to be enough.
On my wrist I wore a luxury item - A suunto Observer watch. I found it a wonderful piece of kit and stored all my split times on the stop watch, used the compass as a quick reference, stored altimeter readings at the summits and used the readings to help with navigation. It also had an alarm which woke me before I had to set off.
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Success! Completed Bob Graham Round in 23 hours and 15 minutes
I have done it. At 0015 on Monday I arrived back at the Moot Hall after a wonderful and very testing day out on the fells and having completed the Bob Graham Round.
I am not sure it has really sunk in - even after two nights of dreaming about it but I am really thrilled by the experience and the outcome.
I have been for a gentle bike ride today and the legs are starting to settle down. I have just had a celebratory glass of wine at a friends house in Lancaster where I am writing this blog.
I am still on holiday this week in the Lakes and will post a detailed description of the round when I get back next week but briefly: I was quick (unintentionally) on the first 2 legs and then lost a bit of time on the next 2. On the last leg I was pretty tired and I lost nearly half an hour coming off Robinson before managing a gentle jog/shuffle back to the Moot Hall.
I was not on my own all day as another contender (Patrick from Gloucestershire) started his round at the same time as me and we stayed together until the top of Great Calva and then with one of his pacers up Blencathra.
The second leg I was with John who started at 0015 on an attempt of 51 at 51 and I stayed with him until he turned off to do Pavey Ark after Thunacar Knott on leg 3. I saw him and his crew intermittently until we climbed Yewbarrow but he fell behind going up Red Pike and I didnt see him after that.
I don't think he can have completed unless he overtook me without my seeing him but Patrick came home in a very impressive 21 hours and 51 minutes so congratulations to him. Thanks to both of them and their support teams who gave me great support on the fells and to everyone who helped me at the road crossings.
Full report to follow when I get back next week from what will now be my very relaxing holiday in the Lakes.
I am not sure it has really sunk in - even after two nights of dreaming about it but I am really thrilled by the experience and the outcome.
I have been for a gentle bike ride today and the legs are starting to settle down. I have just had a celebratory glass of wine at a friends house in Lancaster where I am writing this blog.
I am still on holiday this week in the Lakes and will post a detailed description of the round when I get back next week but briefly: I was quick (unintentionally) on the first 2 legs and then lost a bit of time on the next 2. On the last leg I was pretty tired and I lost nearly half an hour coming off Robinson before managing a gentle jog/shuffle back to the Moot Hall.
I was not on my own all day as another contender (Patrick from Gloucestershire) started his round at the same time as me and we stayed together until the top of Great Calva and then with one of his pacers up Blencathra.
The second leg I was with John who started at 0015 on an attempt of 51 at 51 and I stayed with him until he turned off to do Pavey Ark after Thunacar Knott on leg 3. I saw him and his crew intermittently until we climbed Yewbarrow but he fell behind going up Red Pike and I didnt see him after that.
I don't think he can have completed unless he overtook me without my seeing him but Patrick came home in a very impressive 21 hours and 51 minutes so congratulations to him. Thanks to both of them and their support teams who gave me great support on the fells and to everyone who helped me at the road crossings.
Full report to follow when I get back next week from what will now be my very relaxing holiday in the Lakes.
Thursday 22 May 2008
Ready for the off
This project has been going now all this year, I have been thinking about it for over a year and it has been in the background for over ten years.
It is now the eve of my departure for the Lakes (after work tomorrow) and I am filled with a mixture of emotions.
I am excited by the prospect of testing myself properly on the Bob Graham Round and the opportunity to get this thing out of my system. I am looking forward to an absolutely awesome day in the fells and to the sheer magnitude of what is before me. I have grown to love the mountains of Cumbria and the splendour of the scenary of the Lakes. With each visit I have made I have discovered more about this wonderful terrain and grown to like it more and more.
When I started out on this journey I was scared of the heights and cowed by the ruggedness of the land but through practice and training I feel not only at ease but I enjoy being in these wild places.
I am amazed at how my body has adapted to the demands I have made of it. Outings which a year ago would have been possible only with a big effort now seem to be easily within my grasp.
I don't know how much of this is necessary, or how much it is an inevitable part of training but I do know that the nature of the Bob Graham Challenge has changed in my mind.
When I started it seemed to me it was a case of stubbornly keeping going as my body and legs fell apart around me. I thought all I needed was enough determination to keep going for the 24 hours and that would see me through.
In retrospect I am not sure whether I would ever have had that much determination because fundimentally you do have to have a bare minimum of physical capability. Although I was fit I don't think I had enough fell experience for my legs to be able to provide what was being asked of them - they would have reached a point where there really was not enough left in the tank to generate the energy required to get round in 24 hours. If it was a case of simply keeping going until the end of the round regardless of the time taken then I think that would be possible as I am sure that the mind can drive the body on well beyond what would normally be regarded as its limits.
This is why for me it is so important to do this thing in under 24 hours. Although it is a random (ish) time limit - the 24 hour mark does celebrate the inauguration of the round and it defines and lays down the challenge ahead. Without this challenge I would be left with a very pleasant and wonderful walk but no motivation to do it at any pace in particular. It would be easier and in many ways all the pleasanter for the relaxed approach but it would lose one of its dimensions as a challenge.
Having heard of, read about, witnessed and met people who have done this challenge has motivated a competitive side of me to do it myself. There are many things in the world out there that are challenging and spectacular which I would love to do and may be lucky enough to have a go at one day but the Bob Graham some how got under my skin as a challenge that I really wanted to do.
It may stem from my first naiive acquaintances with it. That was a time when I did not really understand the challenge and in some way I committed myself to it psychologically without knowing what was involved. After that stubborness and determination to finish what I had started took over.
Another reason that it became what has been described elsewhere as a 'quiet obsession' may be to do with the fact that it is a challenge so close to my own personal mental and physical limits. Like the sub 3 hour marathon which had taunted me for even longer I felt that it should be possible if I were to be properly prepared. Part of the challenge though was working out exactly what 'properly prepared' was - a very personal thing.
As I write this of course I still don't know if I am yet ready to fully answer this question but I have at least documented my attempt so that any others in a similar position may have the benefit of my experience whatever the result.
As well as the excitement and anticipation there is some fear. I am afraid of the huge effort that will be involved, I am afraid of spending 24 hours on the fells on my own, I am afraid of the natural dangers of the remote mountains and above all perhaps I am afraid of failure. I think this can be used positively as it can be very motivating and it is a natural emotion.
It has been said that to even consider the possibility of failure is a guarantee of it happening and although I do not accept this it may be true.
I call it realism and believe that I have done the preparation for a successful round but that there is always an element of uncertainty. What I am certain about though is that I shall be giving everything I possibly can to lead to a sub 24 hour round and I will be helped by the many people who have sent me their best wishes for the day.
This week I have really rested. I did a 1 hour gentle run on Tuesday night and I did a 20 minute gentle jog tonight This is extreme tapering and it makes you feel terrible - the body justs rebels at the inactivity but I am hoping the rest will mean that my muscles and physiology are in tip top condition on Sunday.
I am not back for over a week now but I shall update this Blog as soon as I can!
It is now the eve of my departure for the Lakes (after work tomorrow) and I am filled with a mixture of emotions.
I am excited by the prospect of testing myself properly on the Bob Graham Round and the opportunity to get this thing out of my system. I am looking forward to an absolutely awesome day in the fells and to the sheer magnitude of what is before me. I have grown to love the mountains of Cumbria and the splendour of the scenary of the Lakes. With each visit I have made I have discovered more about this wonderful terrain and grown to like it more and more.
When I started out on this journey I was scared of the heights and cowed by the ruggedness of the land but through practice and training I feel not only at ease but I enjoy being in these wild places.
I am amazed at how my body has adapted to the demands I have made of it. Outings which a year ago would have been possible only with a big effort now seem to be easily within my grasp.
I don't know how much of this is necessary, or how much it is an inevitable part of training but I do know that the nature of the Bob Graham Challenge has changed in my mind.
When I started it seemed to me it was a case of stubbornly keeping going as my body and legs fell apart around me. I thought all I needed was enough determination to keep going for the 24 hours and that would see me through.
In retrospect I am not sure whether I would ever have had that much determination because fundimentally you do have to have a bare minimum of physical capability. Although I was fit I don't think I had enough fell experience for my legs to be able to provide what was being asked of them - they would have reached a point where there really was not enough left in the tank to generate the energy required to get round in 24 hours. If it was a case of simply keeping going until the end of the round regardless of the time taken then I think that would be possible as I am sure that the mind can drive the body on well beyond what would normally be regarded as its limits.
This is why for me it is so important to do this thing in under 24 hours. Although it is a random (ish) time limit - the 24 hour mark does celebrate the inauguration of the round and it defines and lays down the challenge ahead. Without this challenge I would be left with a very pleasant and wonderful walk but no motivation to do it at any pace in particular. It would be easier and in many ways all the pleasanter for the relaxed approach but it would lose one of its dimensions as a challenge.
Having heard of, read about, witnessed and met people who have done this challenge has motivated a competitive side of me to do it myself. There are many things in the world out there that are challenging and spectacular which I would love to do and may be lucky enough to have a go at one day but the Bob Graham some how got under my skin as a challenge that I really wanted to do.
It may stem from my first naiive acquaintances with it. That was a time when I did not really understand the challenge and in some way I committed myself to it psychologically without knowing what was involved. After that stubborness and determination to finish what I had started took over.
Another reason that it became what has been described elsewhere as a 'quiet obsession' may be to do with the fact that it is a challenge so close to my own personal mental and physical limits. Like the sub 3 hour marathon which had taunted me for even longer I felt that it should be possible if I were to be properly prepared. Part of the challenge though was working out exactly what 'properly prepared' was - a very personal thing.
As I write this of course I still don't know if I am yet ready to fully answer this question but I have at least documented my attempt so that any others in a similar position may have the benefit of my experience whatever the result.
As well as the excitement and anticipation there is some fear. I am afraid of the huge effort that will be involved, I am afraid of spending 24 hours on the fells on my own, I am afraid of the natural dangers of the remote mountains and above all perhaps I am afraid of failure. I think this can be used positively as it can be very motivating and it is a natural emotion.
It has been said that to even consider the possibility of failure is a guarantee of it happening and although I do not accept this it may be true.
I call it realism and believe that I have done the preparation for a successful round but that there is always an element of uncertainty. What I am certain about though is that I shall be giving everything I possibly can to lead to a sub 24 hour round and I will be helped by the many people who have sent me their best wishes for the day.
This week I have really rested. I did a 1 hour gentle run on Tuesday night and I did a 20 minute gentle jog tonight This is extreme tapering and it makes you feel terrible - the body justs rebels at the inactivity but I am hoping the rest will mean that my muscles and physiology are in tip top condition on Sunday.
I am not back for over a week now but I shall update this Blog as soon as I can!
Sunday 18 May 2008
New plan and tapering for the big day
Having got back from the Lakes at the beginning of May I had mixed feelings. I was very pleased with how well I had been going when I did 3 legs of the BGR in one day and felt that there was more in the tank. I was disappointed not to be able to finish the other 2 sections at the end of the weekend and that I finished the weekend with a nasty tummy bug and feeling pretty knackered.
I had 3 days rest though and then went for a trial run to test myself. Although I still didn't feel 100% I ended up doing the best (only by a few seconds) run I had done over 6 laps of my 3 mile hilly course getting in just under 3 hours. This was a further confidence booster that I took as a good omen and decided that I would do a standard week of training and follow this by 2 weeks of tapering.
I now had brought my Bob Graham Round date forward by 3 weeks to 25th May 2008.
Since taking the decision I have felt really excited and good about the commitment and the fact that after a long time of waiting I am going to get a really good go at the challenge.
I have a whole week off on holiday that week and originally had planned to walk part of the south west peninsula coast path with a friend and would have treated that as a start to my tapering phase. Unfortunately due to work commitments my friend was unable to make it and so then I had planned to do some gentle walking in the Lake District instead.
When I felt so good at my last visit to the Lakes I felt that my fitness was unlikely to improve substantially with 2 or 3 extra weeks training and that I was as ready as I needed to be. To continue to push with more training would just invite the possibility of injury.
I think a large part of success in the BGR is about things beyond training and pure fitness. Whilst I might have got better familiarity with the route from an extra weeks reccying - motivation and mental toughness coupled with weather conditions, avoiding injury and ill health, and staying well hydrated and properly nourished on the day are all more important in terms of a successful outcome. As I now have a few days in which to select the best conditions I hope that I am able to optomise all these factors.
In short - I am ready.
I am watching the weather forecasts avidly hoping that conditons will be suitable on the 25th. Ideal would be overcast and cool with good visibility, little wind and no rain. A slowly building but not fully stablished high pressure area would do nicely - typical end of May conditions but we all know how unpredictable the Lakes weather can be.
Am I fully commited as advocated in Richard Askwith's excellent 'Feet in the Clouds'?
I am in some ways - when I get on the fells I will give it my all although I will still have one eye on safety. Before I get to the fells though I will stay flexible. So if there is a storm forecast I shall be waiting for a better opportunity - this is an advantage of a self contained attempt.
I think that I am nearly resigned to the fact that I will not be eligible to join the Bob Graham Club. It is possible that a group may start at the exact same time as I do but the chances of this happening are fairly remote and even if they did, they might not want me tagging along or we would most likely be travelling at different speeds.
I am a bit sad about this as I think it would be a wonderful club to be a member of and it undoubtedly contains some amazing characters.
The main aim though is for me to complete my Bob Graham Round successfully after all this time and effort.
Week 19 5-11/5/08
Monday Rest (ill)
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Rest
Thursday 18 miles x6 250m hill circuits 2 hrs 59 mins 1500m ascent
Friday 6 miles x2 250m hill circuits 59 mins 500m ascent
Saturday 12 miles x4 250m hill circuits 2 hrs 4 mins 1000m ascent
Sunday Alton 10 mile road race hilly 71.26 ?400m ascent
Total 4 runs, 46 miles, 3400m 10,940 feet ascent
Week 20 12-17/5/08
Monday 18 miles x6 250m hill circuits 3 hrs 24 mins 1500m ascent
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Rest
Thursday 6 miles x6 65m hills 68.30 475m ascent
Friday Rest
Saturday Rest
Sunday Rest
Total 2 runs, 24 miles, 1975m 6560 feet
I had 3 days rest though and then went for a trial run to test myself. Although I still didn't feel 100% I ended up doing the best (only by a few seconds) run I had done over 6 laps of my 3 mile hilly course getting in just under 3 hours. This was a further confidence booster that I took as a good omen and decided that I would do a standard week of training and follow this by 2 weeks of tapering.
I now had brought my Bob Graham Round date forward by 3 weeks to 25th May 2008.
Since taking the decision I have felt really excited and good about the commitment and the fact that after a long time of waiting I am going to get a really good go at the challenge.
I have a whole week off on holiday that week and originally had planned to walk part of the south west peninsula coast path with a friend and would have treated that as a start to my tapering phase. Unfortunately due to work commitments my friend was unable to make it and so then I had planned to do some gentle walking in the Lake District instead.
When I felt so good at my last visit to the Lakes I felt that my fitness was unlikely to improve substantially with 2 or 3 extra weeks training and that I was as ready as I needed to be. To continue to push with more training would just invite the possibility of injury.
I think a large part of success in the BGR is about things beyond training and pure fitness. Whilst I might have got better familiarity with the route from an extra weeks reccying - motivation and mental toughness coupled with weather conditions, avoiding injury and ill health, and staying well hydrated and properly nourished on the day are all more important in terms of a successful outcome. As I now have a few days in which to select the best conditions I hope that I am able to optomise all these factors.
In short - I am ready.
I am watching the weather forecasts avidly hoping that conditons will be suitable on the 25th. Ideal would be overcast and cool with good visibility, little wind and no rain. A slowly building but not fully stablished high pressure area would do nicely - typical end of May conditions but we all know how unpredictable the Lakes weather can be.
Am I fully commited as advocated in Richard Askwith's excellent 'Feet in the Clouds'?
I am in some ways - when I get on the fells I will give it my all although I will still have one eye on safety. Before I get to the fells though I will stay flexible. So if there is a storm forecast I shall be waiting for a better opportunity - this is an advantage of a self contained attempt.
I think that I am nearly resigned to the fact that I will not be eligible to join the Bob Graham Club. It is possible that a group may start at the exact same time as I do but the chances of this happening are fairly remote and even if they did, they might not want me tagging along or we would most likely be travelling at different speeds.
I am a bit sad about this as I think it would be a wonderful club to be a member of and it undoubtedly contains some amazing characters.
The main aim though is for me to complete my Bob Graham Round successfully after all this time and effort.
Week 19 5-11/5/08
Monday Rest (ill)
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Rest
Thursday 18 miles x6 250m hill circuits 2 hrs 59 mins 1500m ascent
Friday 6 miles x2 250m hill circuits 59 mins 500m ascent
Saturday 12 miles x4 250m hill circuits 2 hrs 4 mins 1000m ascent
Sunday Alton 10 mile road race hilly 71.26 ?400m ascent
Total 4 runs, 46 miles, 3400m 10,940 feet ascent
Week 20 12-17/5/08
Monday 18 miles x6 250m hill circuits 3 hrs 24 mins 1500m ascent
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Rest
Thursday 6 miles x6 65m hills 68.30 475m ascent
Friday Rest
Saturday Rest
Sunday Rest
Total 2 runs, 24 miles, 1975m 6560 feet
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