Escape from the Fog!

Well I'd be a fool not to take advantage of the most settled spell of weather we've had in months. For once it's possible to plan ahead and make arrangments without having to worry. Since visiting my brother in Cardiff, the wind that plagued our walk in the Brecon Beacons has eased, giving way to calm. The downside to this has been some fog. New Years Eve started off very cold with freezing fog in Manchester..which lingered all day. Not that it bothered me one bit, because my brother Jim and I set off early to North Wales.
View from Plas Y Brenin over the frozen lake towards Snowdon

The fog stayed with us all the way through Cheshire and we didn't shake it off till we reached the coast. From then on it was dazzling...all day. We parked up by Plas Y Brenin, with a cold frosty minus 4 C down by the frozen lake. Early in the day the view towards Snowdon from here is always impressive. We spent quite a while taking snaps here and in the surrounding woodlands, which had been transformed into a bejewelled Winter wonderland.
Llyn Y Foel which sits nicely in the Cwm below Moel Siabod..iced over and rumbling!

It would have been so easy to stay in the valley along the partially frozen Ogwen. The cold air felt so clean and there was just not a breath of wind..perfect calm and serenity. Glancing up Moel Siabod, the climb for the day looked, steep and distant and totally un-necessary. However we slowly left the forest and focused on the climb.
Spectacular views and a little exposure on the ridge Daier Ddu looking back down to the lake

I really like this mountain. Moel Siabod stands alone and is quite centrally located within the park, with views from its peak possibly the best of any. It has interesting ridges with a lovely lake in the glacial Cwm, with perilously steep sides. Very impressive but easily attainable for most people. However to reach the best ridge which is approached from the East, a fearsome bog must be crossed. This bog is also possibly haunted by a friendly ghost in the form of an old woman. I was walking here previuosly with a friend whose footwear was going to be a serious issue crossing. The woman appeared suddenly and we chatted. Given her frailty and ordinary cothing, I was surprised that she'd come so high..it's a steep rocky climb. She told us that her husband had died and his ashes were scattered on the lake..she visits daily in his memory. So I asked her how she crosses the bog..daily? We followed her instructions and crossed with barely a splash. Looked back to wave, but she'd disappeared...as we climbed higher we kept looking, but there was no sight of her. She can't have moved that quickly....very mysterious!
Jim posing on the summit accompanied by a parrot!!

Which brings me back to why we decided to come this way today. The bog was frozen solid!! Ha! Even better and strangely, the air temperature was rising well above zero here. We sat by Llyn Y Foel for quite a while. The frozen surface every so often gave a resounding rumble and crack, increased and concentrated by the amphitheatre like surroundings. The water level was draining slowly below the lake and the ice was trying its best to follow, with impressive sounds.
We tried a couple of things but Jim got the best results for a quick descent on the ice!

Eventually we started the engaging climb of the East ridge, known as Daier Ddu. By staying to the right there's easy scrambling with lofty views back tothe lake below, whilst further round to the left things are easier on grassy slopes. We took our time and enjoyed the company of fellow walkers ranging from hardened mountain men to family groups spanning generations. All the time marvelling in the uniqe conditions which were making this a day to remember.
Fairytale Winter wonderland return to the valley..how are some trees white and others not touched..magic!

We found the top and admired the all round view. Which, though not disappointing, couldn't match the magic of the frozen lake and the amazing conditions of the ridge climb. The flip side of Moel Siabod is grassy and domed, with hardly a hint of the rocky ridges of the South. We did however make the most of the icy conditions in trying a few novel ways of descending. For my efforts I have a bruised elbow and had a very soggy cold bottom. Jim made good use of his pack as a makeshift tobogan! All this reminded me that it has been years since we had ice like this..and what fun!

Beacon n Eggs !

Mark, one of my two older brothers lives just North of Cardiff, South Wales, in a lovely little village. At short notice I'd arranged a visit and on early Saturday morning found myself struggling to get myself on the road early to beat the traffic. Luckily Mark texted me late the night before saying a good hearty breakfast awaited my arrival. So it was with this thought that I managed to summon enough...just enough energy to go...
Bleak aspect to the relentless climb to Corn Du...the picture doesn't do the cold wind any justice!

My efforts were well rewarded by a swift effortless drive and a timely arrival! Breakfast was every bit as good as I'd hoped, bacon, eggs, beans n toast. Just the kind of stuff to base a good day out on. Not far North of Cardiff is the Brecon Beacons National Park. This was on Marks suggestion where we drove, with the idea to walk to the highest peak in Southern Britain, Pen Y Fan. What a great way to spend a day!
Final frenzy to the summit of Corn Du with a hint of the mist to come on Pen Y Fan to the right..

I haven't walked in this range before and hadn't realised how accessible the almost twin peaks of Corn Du and Pen Y Fan are to the A470 road. We started close to the Storey Arms, just South of a small wood, along with many other walkers. Despite the clear blue sky and wall to wall sunshine, the most noticeable thing was the icy Easterly wind, which was blowing relentlessly into our faces. Bracing against this and pushing hard up a fair slope brought us sight of Corn Du. From here summit fever took hold and we soon found ourselves glorying in the achievement and celebrating by taking lots of pics of each other and getting very cold hands.
Mark, racing ahead for a closer inspection of Fan Y Big!

Pen Y Fan is barely more than a good stones throw away from Corn Du and our next peak. Up till now the sky was cloudless. Then almost as though to make things more interesting, a cold mist descended and Pen Y Fan hid...not to re-appear all day. Moody mountain! Once on the top, we did get fleeting glimpses of its North escarpment face, plunging vertically at first, in shadow and all frosty and foreboding. Exposed and cold we descended a little and found a spot out of the wind for a snack and time to decide our next move.
Looking back across to Cribyn, the North face all cold and still frosty.

Looking East, the next peak, Cribyn looked temptingly close and beyond the interestingly named Fan Y Big was definitely worth a visit. Maybe my map reading is a little rusty and perhaps my legs not quite as well used to hills recently. But the steep grassy descents and climbs between these summits really made for a testing time. Nonetheless enjoyable and the views worthwhile. Mark did really well. I'm far more accustomed to slogging up and down hills, yet he kept on going...showing more than just physical strength, as the last climb was hard.
Delightful Wild Welsh ponies, seemingly oblivious to the cold and poor grazing.

With the Winter sun lowering and shadows lengthening, the constant cold was now feeling all the keener. We retraced our steps and now made our way back. We timed our return to the car park exactly to make our rendezvous precisely for a drive back home with that glow that comes as circulation returns. Made all the easier by that dozy feeling and anticipation of a big pan of curry on the stove and steaming piles of rice!

Kauto Star..??

Boxing Day and a chance to ride. Beautiful cool clear weather and I had a plan for something a little different. I spent yesterday like many other people, eating and drinking and watching far too much tv! I really seem to have lost the knack of eating three Christmas dinners though. Anyway sunshine and blue sky soon had me up and about today.
Not quite Kauto Star...Heather today happy to be going out.

I've not kept up to date with Heather's progress here recently, I'll try and fill in some gaps soon. But essentially, she's living out, un-stabled 24/7. This has both advantages and drawbacks, but I'm keen to try and adapt to anything thrown my way. Over the holidays many of the other school horses have been turned out as well, and I half expected some trouble in the field today. Last Winter it was when all the "hooligans" were out that Heather got kicked. Fortunately I found her safe, stood in the deepest mud where the others probably wouldn't go. Not doing much to help her Mud Fever, but that's another story!
Down the lane from the yard as on so many other days...but never with such a shadow!

Soon brushed off the worst of the mud and tacked up. The wind, well breeze had picked up from the East and I was surprised how cold it was, despite the sun. I almost changed my original plan and decided to stay safe in the back outdoor school. There have been a couple of accidents out and about with riders falling and I was all too aware that there'd be plenty of walkers cyclists and loose dogs around...plus I had little light road work in mind.hence my hi-viz tabard.
87 South Drive....the house where I grew up and never in my most imaginative thoughts, dreamt I'd ride here on horseback!

So off down the lane with the sun on our backs. Quickly over the green bridge to the other side of the river. I wanted to hack over to Chorltonville and ride past the house where I grew up and where I re-settled until recently. Most people I grew up with or knew there have moved away, but I really secretly hoped to surprise an old friend...no one there would know me on horseback!
Lovely hacking through Chorlton Ees and somehow managing to find the place to ourselves.

Heather behaved impeccably all the way. We even managed to dodge a big ride from another yard..some ten or more horses heading for a pub. We didn't trample any children or kick any dogs and she stopped and waited and moved on when asked...very good horse. We went past the old house and continued down memory lane and though I was concentrating on riding I was feeling quite proud. We didn't see any familiar faces but I was pleased to be heading back to the yard without any problems...we were quite a distance away.
Urban contrast! Heather judging the graffiti under the M60 motorway..

On the way back we headed through Chorlton Ees. I really love riding through the woods there and as we were homeward bound, Heather had that extra spring in her step. Strangely enough she had her only spook of the day here....at a little girls pink bike! Blowing and snorting. It was at this point that one of the many friendly walkers we passed today commented on Heather's resemblance to a famous race horse, Kauto Star! After another such comment later on I decided to find out more...Yes at a quick glance and it seems her race double did quite well today...so that's two happy horses. As we returned to the yard, I turned round to see who was trotting so quickly behind us. A riderless horse with stirrups banging and reins flapping...rider was later found safe!

Marathon Mayhem and Personal Victory

So finally the time had come. The weather was every bit worse than the forecast. Or so it seemed to me and probably the best part of the 1500 or so fellow competitors. The wind was funnelling straight down the Pass of Llanberis, carrying a sharp steady rain, from Pen Y Pass, four miles up the valley. Gusts were strong enough to knock runners sideways and large people were useful to hide behind! The gradient isn't really that steep but steady, though today it was tough and I was conscious of starting comfortably. I was a little disappointed that it took 39 minutes to reach the top of the climb.
Minutes before the start at Nant Peris, with the climb up to Pen Y Pass in the background

A change of direction and now downhill. I found it difficult to find a good rhythm and I was worried about my left knee. I was cold and soaked to the skin. We were now running on roads still open to traffic which made for an unwelcome distraction and I was trying hard to relax. After only 7 miles my left knee pain began! At least I now had something to focus on...
Moments after finishing the 2008 Snowdonia Marathon....and taking tightly fitting cap off!

Beddgelert is at 12 miles and had good cheering crowds outside warm cosy pubs...and the start of a steady climb up towards Rhyd Ddu, where a year ago I'd stood watching this very race. My knee was not getting any worse and I'd kept myself well hydrated and fuelled. People infront of me now seemed to be slowing. At 13 miles I glanced at the time 1:56. I realised that my dream of finishing in under four hours was probably out of reach...if only the weather was kinder! Somehow or other I was now starting to eat up runners and my confidence started to rise. Somewhere at about 17 miles my race number which had been flapping annoyingly on it's two remaining safety pins, finally ripped free in a very strong gust. In a field near Betws Garmon there is a sheep now sporting number 754.
Timer and T-shirt!!

At 21 miles is the so called Welsh Wall...the climb up from the village of Waunfawr to the exposed tops leading over and down to the finish at Llanberis. Had I gone too fast in the last few miles? Something inside me said under four hours...But I was now confronted with everyone infront of me walking!! Surely this was wrong. I was not sure what to do as this was the only part of the course I knew nothing about...apart from its notoriety. So I kept up a steady slow jog. I was hurting yes..but no worse than in my training on the Orme. Then I saw the way down to the finish...steep. Great, I had the legs and the head for this. This is my kind of ground. This part of the course is on rough track, muddy and rocky. I descended like a madman...the gale force wind now pushing from behind, the rain couldn't keep up!! Fantastic...a glance at the time and I knew I was in! I sprinted over the line with the broadest smile that hid the tears as every possible emotion burst out at once. For a moment I was totally overwhelmed...this was a mammoth achievement. I finished 347th out of 1500 in 3 hours and 56 minutes...with legs to spare!!

Countdown to the crunch..

This will be my last update on my on going training, simply because the race is this Saturday at 1030!
Following my last update my mood was upbeat and confident, despite hurting myself on my 21 miler. However only a couple of days later I aggravated an old back injury, which was uncomfortable enough to almost stop me running for two weeks. With some careful stretches and lots of hot baths..and cold beer, I nursed my self fit enough to get on my feet again.

Evenings are dark and leaves are falling..my two month old shoes smell like a cat's peed in them...and have they lost their spring?

So last week I decided to get one last long run on the Orme under my belt to hopefully boost my confidence back up. I wanted to make sure I still could make some sort of distance, but was very aware that any injury now could impact the big day itself. I completed three circuits, sixteen miles. I ran defensively...what almost felt slowly, but trying to remain as relaxed as I could. I only dropped a minute each time round but felt so much happier in myself. I also managed to stave off the stiffness I'm prone to, in my neck and shoulders by periodicly letting my arms flop by my side as I ran. There is always a down side though. At thirteen miles my left knee began to complain....not good news. At the end I was okay and my knee was fine later, but I know it would have got progressively worse.

I've done my shopping and will use all this lot to some extent on the day...not forgetting plasters, of course..

My race number is 754. Jos has promised to drive me there on Saturday morning and help pick up what's left of me at the end. I'm looking ahead at the weather forecast and hoping for a nice day. Though it looks like it's going to be windy...just hope it's not raining too! This is after all reputadly the toughest marathon on the calendar...I'm starting to understand why! I know I've got the stamina and strength to finish...I don't know if my knee will hold up, I'm hoping for the best!

Running Madness..

After last weeks 16 miler round the Great Orme, I'd already decided that this was the perfect spot for my continued training..and especially my sternest test, a 21 mile run. There are many schools of thought regarding training for a marathon. I happen to believe in laying down hard mileage to get used to the punishment, both physical and mental, which will make or break a good run on the day.
My running companions for a while...

So this week I got up even earlier and drove to Wales through mist and fog, to find blue skies and sunshine! Still a nice coolness to the morning as I set off running through Llandudno, from West Shore. The smell of full English, or perhaps Welsh breakfasts was wafting from every hotel and B 'n' B and the sun reflected off the sea past Little Orme across the bay. This felt more like a holiday.
Setting a cracking pace...which I just couldn't match!

The idea was to run four circuits, which would total just over 21 miles. To keep things interesting I alternated my direction, first anti-clockwise to give a longer slower ascent, with a steep descent...to the other way round with a sharp climb and gentle roll down through town. So for my first circuit I enjoyed the splendid sea views and relaxed into a nice stride, which took just forty five minutes..bang on the pace I intended.
Just over 3 hours for just over 21 miles on undulating road...I'm quite pleased and know I can't go any faster. If I can match this pace in the race I'll be very happy!

Curiously there don't seem to be any other people using this area to run. Plenty of walkers and a few cyclists, but I was alone. The final circuit was my undoing. I'd just changed direction, so had hammered my legs down the steeper descent above Llys Helig, and was now climbing the same slope. I made the top by the cafe but the energy had gone from my legs and each stride seemed to jar through to my bones. This was now very tough..even on the level ground. Almost unbelievably I also got stung by a wasp that got down my left shoe?? If I hadn't been the furthest from the car, I think I'd have used this as an excuse to stop...but had to keep going. Every ounce of me was hurting and it was such a relief to finally, what felt like stumble back to the car through town. Despite feeling so slow on this last round, my time only suffered by just two minutes when compared with the previous. So that's it now...till the race I will not go any further, distance wise. I will treat the downhill sections with a little more caution. It took some Ibuprofen and a days rest till my knees were happy again. But I'm generally pleased...no other aches or pain.

Burghley X-Country Day

For quite a number of years I've watched the BBC TV coverage of the Burghley Horse Trials. The bravery and courage of riders and horses competing through the rolling countryside over impossibly sized obstacles, makes this a thrilling spectacle! So at last I was making the trip down to see all the action first hand..
One of the first riders to to finish the course comes home through fence 32 infront of Burghley House

This Summer's weather has again been trying its worst to spoil things. So after the the last few days rain, I wasn't sure if the cross country would go ahead. However almost miraculously Saturday was relatively bright and dry, as things go! We arrived in good time and spent little time queuing, and found ourselves parked quite close to the heart of things!
Belgian rider Karin Donkers jumps fence 30 The Flower Frame

There's a huge tented shopping area and I did have a small list of items to look for. But the crowds were busy and the place was so muddy that in reality I would be wasting my time. Plus I had that impatient anticipation of the event to come that shopping was really the last thing I could focus on! I did notice though, that there were several icecream vans with no custom...something which I remedied through the day!
After a fast down hill gallop it all went horribly wrong as Sparrow Hall takes off vertically and too early falling on the fence throwing Marie Ryan over onto her back!

Just before the start time of eleven, we met up, all too briefly with Debbie, a very good friend, who goes to Burghley every year for the whole four days. She showed us the scoreboard and the course secretaries tent, where we obtained a list of the running order and riders. By now it was time to start and the crowds were excitedly gathering at the course sides to see the competition unfold.
Sparrow Hall still panicked by the fall and having a leg trapped in his reins...

We watched the first couple of riders off from the start before beginning to walk round the course in reverse...as the majority seemed to be doing the opposite! This plan failed because the sheer numbers of people made every fence crowded..but it was always easy to get a view. What a tremendous feeling to be so close to the horses galloping by at a thumping speed, at barely arms length! Just as sobering, seeing a horse clip an obstacle and hear the resounding crack of hoof against wood and the inevitable topple and spill. We saw a couple of falls and plenty of near misses. We cheered as a crowd on valiant efforts and the feeling was ecstatic! What a brilliant place to be...what a fantastic competition!
Nicola Wilson on Opposition Buzz flying over the impossibly vast fence 19, the Cottesmore Leap..

Though the ground stayed in remarkably good condition, the heavy going obviously took its toll on many horses...some finishing..just, but plenty being retired. We managed to get round and see almost every fence. However just as I thought I had all day to continue enjoying the competition, the commentator announced only a handful of riders to run! The day finished with a heavy shower as we watched William Fox-Pitt on Tamarillo almost stumble at the sharp drop of the Leaf Pit, before recovering to post the best time of the day! Eventual winners of the competition.