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.

Support for Neil and Rans BG attempts.

28th July 2007

33 miles 14,000 ft

This was going to be a long day. My plan was to support Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Neil Shepard on their joint BG attempts. I was going to support Ran on leg 2 (Threlkeld - Dunmail Raise). Then support Neil on leg 4 and leg 5 (Wasdale - Keswick). Luckily I had Ken and his wife Angela to kind of support me on my half B.G.

Meeting Ran for the first time was great. I had read a lot of his books and admired his sense of adventure and his inner toughness. After setting off with him for Clough Head I quickly realised that this was not his type of terrain. He was a touch on the slow side for a sub 24 hour round. After talking to him he informed us that due to an underlying heart condition he had to keep his effort within bounds, and that he wasn't too bothered with a sub 24 hour round.

The rest of the Helvellyn ridge was at a comfortable pace and the weather was a bit blustery with times of little visibility. It didn't bother me as I know knew this leg very well. I felt confident navigating and for once never made an error. We took a few photos. I couldnt resist a photo opportunity with one of the worlds great adventurers. Descending into Dunmail Raise I knew that a sub 24 hour round wasn't on for Ran but he knew that and persevered all the way to Honister before deciding that he did not want to carry on. I think it was a decision made more out of sympathy for the support, and that he could have continued but it would have took a long time. Maybe a total time of 28 hours or so.

By contrast Neil was flying. He decided to do a 45 at 45. Not one that is done very often. But in the spirit of Bobs original round. Bob did his origianal round to celebrate 42 years. I made the trip to Wasdale, from Dunmail, not as I had hoped to. Sleeping in the back of a car chauffeured by Ken was the original plan. Instead I did Ali a favour and drove his car around from Dunmail.

A quick bite to eat in the Wasdale Head Inn and not too much later Neil arrived ahead of time. We stormed through all of leg 4. I was even starting to feel jaded by Great Gable. But the weather was good and that kept the spirits up. He was so quick that Wynn and the rest of his support had not made it from Wasdale after attending to Ran. So I quickly got out our chair for Neil to rest his legs, and fed him what we had. Wynn did turn up eventually to see us off.

We set off on leg 5 like a migrating tribe. He had support all over the place. But it was a joyous victory leg, he was so far up on schedule that it was only a matter of how much time we would get to spend in a Keswick pub. It was a perfect sunset as we approached the summit of the final peak Robinson. We took some group photos. One of which ended up in an edition of the Fell runner magazine. Then ran off Robinson and down the track to stair. A quick change to road shoes and we raced off for Keswick. It was a fantastic effort by Neil, 45 peaks in 21 hours 49 mins. A few beers later Ken, Angela and a very tired I, set off for home.