Support for Duncans Aborted Paddy Buckley Atempt

24th May 2008
18 miles 10,000 ft

Earlier in the year I had ear marked this as a possible date for my attempt on the Paddy Buckley round. Due to injury, lack of training and recceing I decided it would be better to spend my birthday helping Duncan Elliott with his attempt.

I decided to use it as a camping recce trip. So went down 2 days before and on the first day I drove from Llanberis to Capel Curig and from here ran to the start of what would be my leg 4, Carneddau. I then ran over Pen yr Ole Wen and the rest of the Carneddau, the weather deteriorated into low cloud, wind and rain. But it was still a good learning experience. Getting on the correct sides of ridges makes a big difference to the speed that you can cover this ground.

After a days rest Bill joined me that evening at the camp and joined me in Llanberis for an Indian meal and some beers. The next day we had breakfast in the Pinacle Cafe with a very nervous Duncan Elliott. The weather looked good and the sun was shining, as we all entered the Cafe for Breakfast. Duncan and his pacers prepared themselves ready for his leg 1. (this would be the end of my run) Capel Curig to Aberglaslyn via Rhosydd Quarry. They set off at 11:00hrs for the first peak Carnedd Moel Siabod. I was to join him at Aberglaslyn in about 6 hours time, so Bill and I enjoyed a coffee whilst sat outside the Cafe, and mused at the chances of success. We were all hopeful, but at this point the weather looked set and favourable. This would change.

After whiling away the hours at Llanberis campsite Bill and I made the journey to Aberglaslyn. This would be good training for my attempt, as this is were my attempt would start. I was set to do this leg to Pont cae'r-gors and then carry on (Bill would also join us here) to Llanberis. Earlier than expected Duncan's pacers tuned up and not far behind he came in. 6 hours 18 minutes was probably a bit fast, even though it was his first leg in daylight. A quick bite to eat and we were off. Me as the official photographer/water carrier.

I worried a bit when Duncan mentioned that the wind was strong on the tops. But we changed the subject and made our way up through the woods and onto Bryn Banog. The day was still very clear and sunny but the wind was fairly strong at this point, and quite cool. We started up the next peak, Hebog, and Duncan told us that the food wasn't digesting well. He sat down. We encouraged him along and he gradually picked up again. Steady progress was made over the humps and bumps of the ridge. Kevin guided well in nice clear conditions and Neil and I kept Duncan motivated and eating. We kept good pace and Yiannis helped out with Wayne by guiding us through the remaining 1/4 of the route, with copious amounts of water. All the while I was doing my paparazzi impression. Duncan desended Y Garn well and my concerns disappeared. I ran off on the flat part to put in Duncan's food order, and give myself more time to sort myself out at the road crossing.

Bill and Alan Duncan joined us and we set off for Craig Wen. I forgot my gloves and ran back to retrieve them, this was a good move. We seamed to labour up to the summit but we still gained 2 minutes on his schedule so things weren't looking too bad. He was still 1/2 hour up at this point. The light faded and going across the ridge proved testing as the wind picked up. We reached Yr Aran and descend via a steep rocky gully much to the dismay of Duncan. By the time we started up the long drag to Tregalan we had to don the head-torches. The wind now seamed to get ever stronger and Duncan voiced his displeasure at the buffeting he was getting. Part way up and Duncan had it in his mind to quit, no matter how we tried to change this, he was adamant. I told him that we had to, at least make it over Snowdon and down the other side to where Wynn, Steve and the rest of the support would be waiting. Eventually he listened and got up. The ridge to the top of Snowdon is quite exposed in parts, with significant drops to either side. It was difficult to make progress and at times Iwe were knocked backwards and sidewards by 50 mph gusts. Duncan wasn't happy and voiced his concerns about the danger levels. But we eventually made it.

Alan Duncan and I decided to head off up on to Carnedd ugain and hope Duncan followed. He didn't I shouted "you're going the wrong way!" he replied with I'm done, well words to that effect anyway. From here the decent off Snowdon started badly as we descended down towards Moel Cynghorion. We back tracked and then got the correct route down the tourist track. The wind was very cold and at least gale force. I was glad to be descending and getting out of the wind. It was worth it as at the car park in Llanberis coffee and Cakes courtesy of Wynn were laid on.

Bill and I walked up to the campsite at 02:30 in the morning to end a good day for us. But a very disappointing day for Duncan. His prayers were most certainly not answered! All that night the wind did not relent, if anything it got stronger. On reflection I don't think the round was achievable, in a reasonable time. The wind would have took a lot out of Duncan and made it a very long round indeed. That would also depend on weather he could have negotiated the very strong wind on the Glyders at all. Given the conditions I think Duncan made the wise choice. Next time the weather will be better. It couldn't be worse!

Recce of Paddy Buckley Leg 3 Llanberis to Llyn Ogwen

10th May 2008

15 miles 7,800 ft

This was part of my preperation for my upcoming atempt on the Paddy Buckley round. It was good training for me, and good hill work for Will and Ian for their upcoming Bob Graham rounds. Not useful for learning their route, but I reminded them that they may find this useful one day when, sorry I meen if, they have a go.

The day started off by the long drive down to Llanberis, we were in seperate cars, as I was camping over that night. On arrival in Llanberis I quickly pitched my ravers tent (dont ask). We then drove to the car park in Llanberis. The mist seamed to be clearing as we went up the start of the miners path. we went wrong here and missed the right turn. After a short detour we were back on track. We managed the ridge from the Elidirs along to the Glyders without misshap, and all the while the clouds were clearing. I neglected to ware a hat and eat enough, something I would pay for later.We paused after Glyder Fawr to take some photos on the cantilever stone. Then raced over to Tryfan. We then did a partial decsent to the Llyn Idwal tarn and then headed for the pass of Devils Kitchen. We planned to go over the pass and down the other side to Gwastadnant. Then run back down the road to Llanberis. Half way up the climb I ran out of fuel. I was struggling to move more the 40 foot at a time. It felt like I was high up on Everest. I forced some energy bar down, and told Ian I may take a while. After a very slow ascent and painful stitch ridden descent over the other side we hit the road. Ian and Will disapeared as I feebley ran and walked all the way to Llanberis, tail firmly fixed between the legs. This was not good for my confidence. I got a lift off them back up to the campsite, as soon as my bum hit the back seat my legs cramped, not nice. The evening however was beautiful. A couple of beers helped with getting rid of the aches and pains. I reminiced on the day reminding myself that I did not ware a cap, and I did not eat anything like enough, and that theses were the reasons for my demise. Not my lack of fitness.

The London Marathon 2008 (100 years of the marathon distance)

13th April 2008

26 miles 365 yds

Four years had passed since my first London Marathon. So I felt wiser, if not massively fitter, than my first effort. In the lead up injuries had held my training back and knocked my confidence somewhat. So I set my self a target finishing time of 3 ½ hours, and hoped I was capable of it.

After the usual mix of transport, a walk from my London Hotel then a tube train followed by an over ground train and a longish walk, I arrived at Greenwich Park and 1 of the 3 start areas. As is customary I frantically sorted my kit out along with 1000s of other runners.
In what seamed like no time at all it was 9:45am and the long queue of runners set off with me being much further forward in the line than 4 years ago. I learned from my frustrations of not being able to run at my own pace that year due to the vast amounts of slow runners blocking my way. My strategy worked and I managed to set off at my own pace and run as fast as I could, with none of the excuses of my last effort.

After settling into a nice rhythm I soon noted the Maasai warriors running alongside with shields and arrows raised, amongst many other costumed charity runners. Borat, just about dressed, in a green leotard got loud cheers as did the guy that was constantly juggling 3 balls.
The crowds were fantastic and even a downpour 1 hour in, after a sunny warm start didn’t dampen their cheers, it did however come as a welcome relief for 10 minutes for all us runners. The drummers under the bridges and music blaring out of the pubs was also a big hit, and the runners in front trying to do the YMCA dance whilst running was further amusement.
Getting towards the end (23 miles) running down the embankment I started to feel tired but at this point I realised that I could possibly beat my PB of 3.22.16 so I pushed on and ran hard. It worked and I set a new PB of 3.21.58, a much better time than I thought I could do and 15 minutes better than my thwarted 2004 effort. I collected my medal very satisfied with a really enjoyable run.

Recce of Bob Graham Round for Will and Ians Attempts leg 1

10th Feb 2008

16 miles 5,600 ft

Will, Ian and I planned this as 1 of many recces we would do prior to their B.G, and as general training for my Paddy Buckley attempt. Bill joined us at Keswick and we all jogged to the Moot Hall to start the leg from its traditional start point.

It was a beautiful start to the day, a crisp clear winters day with little wind. This was good as it would give Ian and Will a good look at the route, as this was a leg that were not familiar with. I took my camera and took some great photos of the surrounding vista. We ran the leg at a good pace Over the 3 large summits of Skiddaw, Great Calva and Blencathra. On Blencathra we decided to chose different descent lines. Bill and Will went the steep route via Middle tongue, and Ian and I were supposed to go via Doddick Fell. I say supposed to, because we missed the right turn and ended up going almost to Scales Farm on Scales Fell. I realised this too late and all we could do is cut back through towards Goat Craggs and run along the valley bottom. Needless to say we lost the ,unofficial, race down.

Reunited at Gategill we ran back to Keswick via the old railway line. Will and I ran strong and Ian and Bill weren't too far behind. It was a good training day we had about 3 hours 45 mins on the hill and another 40 mins continuous running on the flat.

Christmas on the Fells 2007

23rd Dec 2007

12 miles 5,500 ft

The original idea for this was to do the first 2 legs of a clockwise Bob Graham round. Starting at the Moot Hall Keswick and finishing at Dunmail Raise. With a bad weather forecast this plan got changed to just doing leg 2 Threlkeld to Dunmail raise. All the arrangements were made using the FRA (Fell Runners association) websites forum.

The drive up with Will and Ian was in pleasant weather. It looked like the forecast might be wrong. We all met at the lane which start leg 2. Soon after we were off. All in various Christmas outfits some with a full outfit, and some like myself with just a festive hat on. Bill joined us part way up Clough Head and we all kept quite a nice pace going. It was a breezy day with a few threatening clouds in the distance. It was clear but increasingly cold all the way to Whiteside Bank. Then the weather got more severe.

On our way to Helvellyn the clouds came down and the wind increased it was now very cold. Maybe -20, with the wind chill. My hands were numb and by the time we headed off Helvellyn for Nethermost I realised that my clothing was not sufficient for these arctic conditions. We all ran down the track that misses out Nethermost and when we got level with Dollywaggon, at the old steel fence post, we had a group discussion as to weather to miss out Fairfield and Seat Sandal and go down via Raise Beck. We decided that like most of the ground so far, Raise Beck would be iced and so would be very difficult. We dismissed Fairfield and went with my suggestion of still going up and over Seat Sandal from the side to get out of the wind and warm up again.

This worked and running off the other side to Dunmail Raise, although still bitingly cold, seamed a lot more pleasant. On reaching Dunmail a few of us including Will and Ian decided that as we had cut the route short we would ascend Steel Fell, as they would soon do on there Bob Graham Rounds next summer. As it was, in parts, iced on the way up we decided to descend the long way via Steel end. We then ran around the base by the road to finish an adventurous day on the Fells. I think I gained the feeling in the ends of my fingers when I was about half way back to Lancaster.

Dinner : The Bob Graham Round

13th October 2007

Anyone who completes the Bob Graham round, as Bob did, in under 24 hours is invited to a Bob Graham dinner. This is to receive a certificate and formally accept your inscription into the Bob Graham 24 hour club. The event is held biennially at the Shap Wells Hotel in shap.

I took along my friend Mark, whom formed half of my excellent road support on the round, his girlfriend Pam, and my mother and sister. Joan and Diane. We all enjoyed the evening, the meal was good and seeing everyone merrily receiving the spoils of there hard work was very humbling. After previously reading about his devotion to recording and supporting Bob Graham Rounds, I took great pride in receiving my certificate from Fred Rodgerson. The evening continued with a dance and a few a beers. It was a great evening and one which I am glad that I will be invited to attend, as all members are, in 2 years time.

Support for Leigh's Joss Naylor Challenge

22nd Sept 2007
9.5 miles 5,500 ft

The Joss Naylor Challenge is an age based long distance Fell challenge. The age category for Leigh 50-60, meant he had 12 hours to complete the run. It is a linear route going roughly from the North East lakes, starting at Pooley Bridge, to the South East Lakes finishing in Wasdale at Greendale Bridge. The route traverses all the significant mountain tops on this line giving statistics of 32 miles and 14,000 ft. I had some time earlier agreed to assist Leigh on his atempt and agreed to meet him on his final leg, starting at Sty Head.

I parked in Wasdale and walked up to Sty Head. It is a walk of about an hour. On the way up I felt ill and had to take an impromptu toilet break on the side of Great Gable. This is something I always try and avoid but the desperate need to go was overwhelming and would be a pre-cursor to how I would feel later on in the day. I arrived at Stye head after my "comfort break" to meet Richard Mellon, he was the other helper on this section. Then to my surprise Joss Naylor arrived, we exchanged a few brief words and he carefully made off for Esk Hause to finish his walk, and probably spot Leigh coming off Great End.

Before long Leigh arrived, I was expecting him to take a break, but he took 1 swig of water then carried on. So Richard and I bounded off and tried to catch him as he made a rapid ascent of Great Gable. On the way up he was talking about beating Nick Hewitt's record (a fellow Bowland runner). It looked like he had every chance. However Im glad he slowed down a touch by the top; a chance for me to get my breath back.

We traversed Kirk Fell, Pillar and Steeple at a good pace. But by the time we got to Haycock I was feeling it. I knew now that I may have trouble keeping up. I struggled to keep up, up Seatallan and descending to the col I was losing ground and feeling rough. They disappeared inexorably into the distance on the way up Middle Fell. I struggled up feeling that I was going backwards. I think I left all my energy at home, or on the side of Great Gable. Leigh had increased the pace but normally I would keep up. Even meeting Ian Roberts on the descent, and him relieving me of my rucksack didn't make a difference I still couldn't catch them. So unfortunately I could not witness Leigh breaking the record.

I struggled down and eventually reached the gathering crowd of support to congratulate Leigh on a fine effort. I also noted that for the second time of the day I was in the presence of a hero of mine. Iron Joss was their to congratulate Leigh on completing his round.

On the way home I felt rough and had to pull over in the car to make another "comfort break". This wasn't my day, I think I had a stomach bug which stripped me of my energy. Never mind it was good to help for at least part of the record anyway.

The Ian Hodgson Relay

7th Sept 2007
Leg 3 the short one about 4.5 miles and 1,450 ft

I would not normally be invited to take part in this event. Only the A teams take part in this relay. Normally in fell relays e.g. Calderdale Way, Mary Townly Loop there are B and even C teams. Due to illness and injury, the A team was short of runners, so I was asked to take part. Naturally I jumped at the chance.

I did leg 3 with Mike Meadowcroft. This is a short sharp incline followed by a flat-ish run over the top and a nice run down to patterdale. We both ran pretty well and only dropped a couple of places. It was good fun to compete in the relay. Watching Sean and Mike come home in 12th place hours after doing our leg was good, as I don’t normally stay to see the finish. A beer and chat in the local was a nice way to end a great day. I savoured the experience, as I knew this could be my last I.H. Relay for a few years. Unless I get considerably faster in races!

Aborted Paddy Buckley Round 11th Aug 2007

11th Aug 2007
82% Covered approx 55 miles 23,000 ft

After completing the Bob Graham Round, I spent a while trying to figure out what was next. I eventually decided on doing the “big 3”. The Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and the Charlie Ramsay's round.

I was asked to help out with Alan Duncan’s attempt which was scheduled for August 11th. I decided to do the first 3 legs and have my first look at the Paddy Buckley round for the following year.(starting at Pont cae'r-gors and finishing at Capel Curig). In the intervening weeks I decided to have a go at it myself. Without the pressure of it being my round, and the only problem being to keep up, I felt relaxed about the idea. I set off for Wales on a sunny Friday evening, with one of the helpers, Chris Reade, as a passenger.

We had a nap at Pont cae'r-gors, then at around 22:00hrs we introduced ourselves to the other helpers. At this point we noticed some head torches on Craig Wen, we would later discover that this was Bill Williamson, on his 2nd leg with Iain Ridgeway, on what was to be his successful round. After a couple of group photos, at 23:30hrs we headed off for the first peak, Craig Wen.
I was literally guided around the first section to Llanberis, as I was the rest of the route. I had no idea where I was going and totally trusted Alan Duncan and his helpers. Around about Moel Ellio I noticed that at times Alan was going so fast I was struggling to keep my effort within the comfort zone, and at other times I was waiting for him. This was down to the cold that he had already mentioned before the start.

A quick stop at Llanberis and a strange early morning chat with Bill. He told me that he had, had a hard time keeping up with Iain as he had been with him since his start point of Aberglaslyn, and alone with him since Pont cae'r-gors. I would find later that he was also going at a rapid pace, 21 30mins for his round. We headed off up to the Elidirs and and Alan struggled up the inclines. This was the first time that Alan complained of his cold sweats and his need to dig in at times. We carried on with Alan going fast then slow until half way along the Boundary ridge. By now the time was 13:30 pm and we were with Rob Woodall, Ray Baines and Neil Shepard. We were a good way into the round, and Rob mentioned splitting up. This had been mentioned much earlier in the day, but I was reluctant as this was Alan Duncans round. I knew that splitting up would take some of the support away from him. But Rob said that at we were loosing time and that to have any chance of getting in under 24 hours we would have to start moving faster. He asked me the question, just as we were pulling away from Alan, "do you think you can go any faster?" I knew what the question meant and after a while I replied yes. He then shouted to Alan Duncan, Ray Baines and Neil Shepard. Alan Duncan Replied, "carry on". So we did. We went at a fairly good pace and, instead of continuously loosing time, we started to gain bits here and there on the 23 hour schedule. At the quarry Yiannis met us and told Huw and Moo to join us on the Moelwyns. This lifted spirits, as it was like a mobile karaoke session, they were singing all the way. We ran well and I felt good until coming off cnicht I felt pains in my left knee. I would later learn that this was an ITB strain (3 weeks off running afterwards). As we approached Aberglaslyn, on the long run off Cnicht the clouds seamed to close in from nowhere (see the 2 photos taken 10 mins apart). By the time we reached Aberglaslyn it had started to rain.


I ate a tin of Rice pudding whilst being instructed by Wynn to dig in. Wynn patched my feet up, and I was off. A quick calculation told me I had 4 hours 19 mins to complete the route inside 24 hours. I knew it would be tight. With darkness coming early due to the thick clouds, visibility worsening and the wind picking up, it was looking unlikely. We headed up through the shelter of Aberglaslyn woods. Then on reaching the open ground, and the full force of the elements, we ground to a halt. The map came out as Duncan and Lawrie puzzled over the route. We thought that we had made a catastrophic mistake, we had actually made an error that, had we known, would only have cost about 10 mins. After a while of feeling cold in the wind and rain I called off my attempt. We returned down through the woods. They both felt guilty about the error, and were still puzzled as to what they had done wrong. (we had turned up through the woods too early) I told them that the attempt failed because of me. I did not put the ground work in that is needed, like I did for the BG and took a chance on being guided around. I was the one to blame for not knowing the route.

When we got back to Wynn at the car (only 10 mins away) we explained, and waited in worsening weather for Alan Duncan to arrive. After a while (about 10 mins I think) he arrived and although he felt rough and the weather was turning nasty he vowed to continue. He did and that night the weather was awful. Back at the bunkhouses I counted my blessings at having, decided to leave the round as unfinished business. The rain and wind was serious in the valley. God knows how bad it was on the tops. Alan braved all this to finish in about 27 ish hours. Reports the next day confirmed that it was every bit as bad as I imagined. It was a truly heroic effort by him, and a fantastic effort by those guys that helped him on that last leg.

Travelling back home the next day I reminiscing about the "if onlys". But I vowed to do the ground work and visit Wales frequently in the intervening months prior to my next attempt next summer.