Training Log Archive: olsoran

Had wanted to do this one for a good while. Was a bit worried about it as knew I clearly hadn't done enough for such a long tough race but what the heck.

Snow on the tops, what looked like quite a bit of it. Mudclaws or Race Ultras? Opted for the former. Probably a good choice.

Field of 800; hang back at the start for obvious reasons and don't want to go too hard up Penyghent. Great shouts from Chloe and Bex on the uphill track out of Horton. Settle in.

Into the snow and great to see Jack, D, Murray and Doug all in the top 15 as they pass, already on their way down. Shout at them. Then Penyghent is sorted without too many problems. Dark clouds masking Whernside and the next climb, looking such a long way away.

The long run across to High Birkwith and then Ribblehead pass pretty uneventfully though and then more good encouragement from H & C as the uphill begins again. Cross a stream and queue for a stile for a couple of minutes. Down a gel. 18k and halfway and all good so far. Single file up the steep climb in a lot of snow. Get the jacket on early as strong hail comes on. Top out right at the cairn. That's nice.

Dont enjoy the long run down the ridge in and out of the sponsored walkers and then carefully pick a way down the stony but muddy steps on the steeper section down to Bruntscar. Push on to Hill Inn and accept the offer of some jelly babies. Still feeling ok. Pleased so far.

Strong on the Ingleborough climb but held up by others struggling up the narrow stony path. A short run up the ridge to the cairn and then turn for Horton. Latch onto a lady in the Newcastle United colours of Trawden going at a fair lick and try and keep pace. It's still a long way back and after a couple of k she gets away. Stumble a few times on the rocky path. Others had said this bit is long...it was..and suddenly struggling but at least no cramp. Finally though a short climb, through a gate, then someone's garden, under the road and there's the field. Bex and Chloe shouting again. Done.

That'll do. Great to finally run this one. 468th.
Nice to see Jack, Murray, Duncan and Doug in 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th and a great effort and result for HBT taking the team prize in such an iconic race. Nice one guys. (Sorry to miss your prize giving but yes, the hot tub, 20 mins up the road, was waiting).

Penyghent 45.46
High Birkwith 1.23.49 (38.03)
Ribblehead 1.54.41 (30.52)
Whernside 2.43.49 (49.08)
Hill Inn 3.13.40 (29.51)
Ingleborough 3.58.49 (45.09)
Horton 4.44.50 (46.01)

C • Hope you enjoyed the hot tub! 2

Gentle loops around Torqu, Craigmore and Marywell. Feeling more rested although the shovelling of many stones didnt go unnoticed.

Balnagowan loop with BP and the academy folk. 11 out today. Brisk it was too with the 9 who did the longer loop. A bit more bounce in the legs today.

Jiggered today big time.