Sarah's Blog of Running

Directionally challenged

2012-02-02T22:23:00.000Z

Lovely run tonight up Moel Siabod in perfect snow conditions. The moon was trying to shine through the clouds but not quite enough for us to agree which peak was which, the mountains faintly glowing in the distance with their coverage of snow but difficult to pick out.

Top run - cheers guys.

Winter wonderland

2012-02-01T11:31:00.000Z

It's been so nice to sneak in a bit of winter! At the same time we finally have the sun back in Nant Peris!!

Foel Goch run

2012-01-31T13:56:00.003Z

Iain and I did a nice loop in the snow over Foel Goch this morning. Felt a bit sore from my tumble down the stairs last night** but otherwise just happy to be getting over the chest cold.

Nice to have a bit more of winter... not sure how long the snow will last but seems like ice may be forming nicely... chance of some climbs later in the week?

**was taking the washing downstairs and dropped a sock, stood on it and slipped - fell down the entire flight but just a bit black and blue thank goodness - typical of me - did a solo mountain run at nice in snow and ice conditions last night with no issues then do that!

Solo night run up a snowy mountain

2012-01-30T20:38:00.000Z

Had a fab day enjoying Snowdonia - spent the morning at Lion Rock with Libby Peter and one of her clients doing a refresher for his SPA, then the afternoon at the climbing wall where Libby taught us drills and techniques for improving climbing techniques.

I was half tempted not to join them for the wall session as the day was so beautiful and I fancied a run up in the snow, but I was so glad I went to the afternoon session! Libby is an amazing teacher and we picked up so much - I could immediately feel my climbing technique improve.

After the sessions I rushed back home to get the snow and mountain fix regardless - so I had a coffee and one of my prototype cookies (think I've now perfected the recipe), then kitted up and did a solo night run up to Y Garn summit with little Bella.

It was so beautiful up there just me and my doggie. Very cold and some deep snow drifts but otherwise it was largely scoured and provided great running.

Clearing the cold

2012-01-28T12:27:00.000Z

I've been pestered by a chest cold the last 10 days or so which has limited my running to steady slow sessions until I clear the junk off my lungs. Today, however, was the first day that I began to feel a bit better. and the stunning weather helped.

Ended up having a fab day running the Moel Eilio ridge and Cynghorion with Libby, running into Emily along the way. Finished the day with a session at the Beacon then drink at the Heights. Feeling better already!

Snow line night run

2012-01-26T00:30:00.000Z

Managed to get up to the snowline on Moel Wnion for our Thursday Night run from Rachub. Lovely evening and not so cold... David had a very bright torch!

Arrochar Alps race recce

2012-01-16T11:48:00.000Z

I was feeling pretty knackered after the weekends climbing but managed a good 18 mile run reccying part of the Arrochar Alps race. Conditions on the summits were pretty grim - very very cold and sheet ice. Ran this as a billy-no-mates as didn't manage to convince anyone to bunk off work on a Monday and get frozen! Lovely day out finished with a very quick and cold dip in Loch Lomond!

Winter climbing on the Ben

2012-01-15T10:36:00.000Z

Fabulous weekend climbing Green Gully and Comb Gully with Natalie and Ali. Big few days including having to take Bella for a 5 mile run when we got back from the climb Saturday afternoon!

Night run-scramble

2012-01-12T23:46:00.001Z

The horrid weather this morning abated allowing a lovely evening run over the Nantlle Ridge tonight - the scramble was a bit slow as the rock was both greasy and icy! We finished off the run by reccying the descent from Y Garn for the Paddy Buckley.

mountain recovery

2012-01-10T00:25:00.000Z

I've been training mostly on the road the last few days so it was nice to have a steady run up Y Garn this evening with Bella - beautiful light.

Moel Cynghorion Night Run

2012-01-05T23:08:00.002Z

Very breezy conditions for our run over Cynghorion tonight. The run up to Bwlch Maesgym was helped by having the wind behind us, but the relative shelter as we looped around the back of the peak via the Ranger Path to Bwlch Cwm Brwynog lulled us into a false sense of security! On the summit we were met with driving rain and winds strong enough to blow us around quite a bit! Great run!

Back to the track!

2012-01-05T11:30:00.000Z

First track session of the year today at lunchtime with Johnny.

It was good to get the legs ticking over and I felt quite strong despite the miles in my legs the past few weeks.

Luckily the high winds and driving rain in Nant Peris were left in Nant Peris.

Now I remember!

2012-01-02T23:18:00.000Z

I've just got back from a week in Tenerife, where the weather was sublime! I must admit the drive back home was hard and I wished I was still on holiday... not helped by the driving rain and generally bleak conditions in Snowdonia... however all it took was a quick blast up Elidir with Libby today to remind me what I love about this place!

Pics of Tenerife coming soon...

Tenerife - Run 4

2011-12-30T16:15:00.000Z

Last full day on Tenerife - Helen and I had planned to run up El Teide but poor Hels woke with a stinking headache and feeling fluey, so I left Hels and Alys to enjoy a day taking the cable car up the volcano, dropping me off at Cruz del Carmen on the way.

I had planned a 24km run that took me at first through green bushland on gentle trails, leading towards Chinamada where there was a fabulous lookout to enjoy a snack. From there I looped around to Taborno and headed towards Roque Taborno - an impressive rocky stack that looked out towards the Atlantic.

The paths had been easy underfoot until now - but as I neared the peak the terrain turned interesting and the path obscure - where after a few false leads I picked up some vague green dots that marked a route climbing over a rocky ridge. This lead me to the most beautiful secluded spot to enjoy yet another snack - and a bit of a lie down in the sun enjoying the remoteness.

From here I had planned to try out another of the vaguely marked paths on the map to descend down to Playa del Tamadite. Consistent with the other trails, the route was marked by a warning and led me on a rough overgrown and unstable path down a steep gully. Once down there I felt committed and slightly vulnerable in the gorge, watching storm clouds roll in from the ocean and wandering about flash floods...

Anyway - the storms stayed out to sea and soon I was at the black sand beach, trying to locate the path that cut around the steep peaks to get back towards Taganana.

Interestingly this section, once picked up, was well marked, and apart from a short section to negotiate through large cacti, the coastal path was clear and good underfoot.

This section was just absolutely lovely. No other words for it. It was perfect running and just amazing scenery. Perfect end to the holiday.... but a bit tired after a good few days of running.

Tenerife - run 3

2011-12-29T15:20:00.000Z

Today Helen and I headed off to a new area for a good 2 hour strong-paced run through the forests in the Orotava area. The trails were well marked and perfect running, where after a fast-paced warm up on a flattish track we attacked a steep but runable switch-backing ascent of 600m to join the balcony path that contours under M. Crucita.

We stopped off for a coffee on the way back and managed to catch the sunset from the apartment - catching up with Alys who had had a well needed chill out day. Fabulous times.

Tenerife - Run 2

2011-12-28T13:18:00.000Z

Day 2 and yet another perfect weather day - hot but not too hot - perfect running conditions really.

Helen and Alys were enjoying the morning at the apartment so i set off on a 5 hour run to check out some more of the trails in the area. After yesterday's experience I wanted to see how the trails marked on the map varied with regard to ease of navigation and extent to which they were overgrown.

I decided to ascend via a vague path from Almaciga up towards El Pijaral - a 855m climb up an at first arid and eroded ridge, scraping my legs alot of the way through thick sharp vegetation and brambles. As I got higher the route appeared to contour through dense lush vegetation - the track becoming uncertain but occasionally marked by some faded red dots on the odd rock or tree.

As I picked my way through the lush thick forest I was constantly having to retrace my steps after losing the route, then just committing to a better looking trod... at anyrate - I eventually reached a more obvious track and a junction to a well established path, which if I was correct should lead me towards the road that heads to Chamorga. I was a little bit relieved to see the road. This route was a fantastic remote-feeling option but be prepared to add to the leg scratches and be able to navigate with a good degree of confidence!

From the road i picked up the obvious path that runs along the ridge, taking a quick diversion to Chinobre summit. From there I rejoined the route Helen and I had taken the previous day, but instead descended down to Faro de Anaga on what was a rough but fantastic path.

As I took the rough coastal path back towards our little apartment it was lovely to run into Helen, who had nipped out for a nice coastal run.

By the time we got back to the apartment I was ready to eat anything in sight, having only survived on an almond cookie that we had grabbed in the cafe that morning.

Top run top day.

Tenerife Run 1

2011-12-27T12:26:00.000Z

First full day in Tenerife - we headed straight up to the Anaga area and settled into a fantastic little apartment in Roque de las Bodegas, then Helen and I set out for a 3 hour run up over Roque lcoso to Montana Tafada, dropping down to the coast via a very dodgy eroded and overgrown path (no shorts skirts for me after today - legs look like they've been scratched by feral cats) - we managed to make it to a more obvious track along the coast before it got too dark which was a slight relief - good adventure tho :-)

Christmas pig out justification

2011-12-25T10:14:00.000Z

Lovely atmospheric blast up to the base of the Black Ladder from Rachub to work up an appetite for Christmas dinner.

Ben's Wintery Run-scramble

2011-12-22T09:24:00.000Z

The conditions have been pretty mild here which has meant the snow and ice has largely dissapeared. Overall dissapointing given last years November/december! However - it did mean that I could take Ben on a run-scramble, a session I had advised may not be possible in winter.

We did a lovely loop over Moel Siabod via Daear Ddu Ridge - nice steady pace in around 1hr45min.

Ben's Xmas training runs

2011-12-21T22:59:00.000Z

Excellent session today with Ben doing a well-paced mountain run over Moel Eilio. As usual Ben stuck in and matched my pace, managing to run up the entire ridge to the summit. Fantastic effort! Weather conditions fairly breezy and very clagged in!

Morning blasts

2011-12-19T09:16:00.000Z

Lovely run with Libby this morning on the PYG track - Miners track loop. Very icy on the path.

Snowy Moel Eilio run

2011-12-18T09:08:00.000Z

Lovely atmospheric solo run over Moel Eilio in the snow... and wind!

TNR low level run

2011-12-15T09:27:00.000Z

Weather was a bit bleak so we stuck to a nice low level run on trails to stride out on.

Early morning phone calls

2011-12-10T09:26:00.001Z

Just picked Iain up. He'd decided to pull the pin after not being able to keep food down over the Carneddau section, and this, coupled with the intense cold and ice and snow conditions underfoot then bitterly cold but unfrozen bog at lower levels made the next few sections not a good idea unless he could manage to eat/not vommit.

Bloody good effort to run through the night in the conditions we have at the moment. He did a fantastic pace over the Glyders (3hr45min). Great recce anyway. Its no easy feat, that's for sure. But as Iain said - it's a winter round - its not supposed to be easy.

Winter night running

2011-12-09T00:14:00.000Z

Just got back from a few hours running on the Glyders (its now midnight).

Lovely night - conditions not too bad but the rock is very icy on the summits and a dusting of snow complicating things abit.

I had set off with Iain, who is doing his winter Paddy Buckley! I wanted an excuse for a moonlight run so tagged along up over Elidir Fach, Elidir Fawr and Mynydd Perfedd, leaving him to continue up over Foel Goch and onwards, as I dropped down back to Nant Peris (half wishing I was continuing on as my route now put me face on to driving sleet!).

Good luck to Iain - Great effort on his part - its proper winter conditions right now.

Monday Morning Mountain run

2011-12-05T12:11:00.001Z

Did a quick blast up to Snowdon Summit this morning with Bella and Fly before breakfast (well - late breakfast at 9:30am after spending 15mins in the shower to warm up).

At around 500m we hit the snow line - a good splattering of graupel interspersed with sheets of ice - only to be endured for a short period before reaching a nice covering of soft snow.The strong westerlies had stripped a fair bit but there were still fairly large drifts to break through. On climbing up past the "Killer Convex" there were large snow drifts forming on the path but some sections above the path had fairly large ice sheets so it could get pretty serious up there.

The MWIS forcast has suggested freezing level at 550m and temperatures of -2C above 900m (but will feel as cold as minus 17C directly in the wind - forecast for 35 to 40mph and gusts 55mph) - this felt pretty spot on, except the gusts probably no more than 40 at that stage in the morning. Above Allt Goch we were getting hit by strong wind gusts that pelted us with balled snow - on the summit the wind chill was pretty mean - my hands, despite being clad in thick gloves, had completely gone and my right eyeball felt frozen!

Still it was beautiful up there. So nice to kick into snow!

A quick pic with the dogs sheltering under the cairn then it was a fast run down for a hot shower and massive bowl of porridge.

Technology tantrums

2011-12-04T11:23:00.000Z

I've had a frustrating few weeks with computer crashes and internet issues, so apologies for the lack of posts lately.Here's a few pics below of some lovely evening and night runs.

Thanks heaps to Gary for turning up for the Thursday night run this week - he and Amber have been our most avid attendants and it was great to have the company.

Straight out the door

2011-12-03T11:32:00.000Z

Weather has been pretty grim here lately, with most runs fighting against driving horizontal rain, however today a brief spell of relatively nice weather allowed me to garb my kit, scoot out the door and do a nice 1hr30min run up over Elidir.

Photoshoot with Lukasz Warzecha

2011-11-26T14:55:00.001Z

This last week I spent a few days with Lukasz Warzecha who was keen to photograph some fell running, particularly capturing the Snowdon Horseshoe.

Lukasz's photos are beautifully shot, as you can see from the image above (I love this photo!), and what's more I suspect he's a natural fell runner! I tend to naturally break into a run when descending off the hill, and often have to check myself when with walking companions, however I was pleasantly surprised to see Lukasz trotting down after me! Good effort.

Have a look at Lukasz's website to see the full showcase of his stunning images: Lukasz Warzecha.

Wet and Windy TNR

2011-11-24T14:27:00.000Z

Yet another popular Thursday Night Run in the Rhosgad special edition series, led by Math Roberts. Last year we enjoyed a windy 6.5 miles, and this year there was no exception with gusts sufficient to blow us over (me mostly) and driving horizontal rain.

With an excellent turn out of 7 runners and 4 dogs, the popularity of these special runs is driven primarily by Math's expert knowledge of Rhosgadfan and the enthusiasm with which he imparts that knowledge throughout the run. An extremely enlightening training night as long as you can keep up with him!

Well done to Sticky (Twiggy) for coping fantastically with the heather, bog, wet rock and Math's pace over the 9.6 miles. Excellent effort for his first night run.

Cheers Math!

Photo above: Math (red gloved) describing something interesting about Rhosgad.

Weekend racing

2011-11-20T09:24:00.000Z

Saturday I awoke with legs still tired but was keen for the Penmaenmawr Fell Race regardless.
I've been racing well the last 5 weeks, winning my last 2 races (Great Whernside and Wadsworth Half Trog) (and also positioning well among the men) and having a really good performance on the Run Of the Mill in Scotland, so I knew I was in form but that my legs were starting to feel it.

The race is an undulating, boggy fast and furious 10 miles, so its a stride out most of the way. I felt heavy legged from the start but still very strong. It was almost a good reminder that sometimes things don't feel great but you have to try and push on regardless. I had to stop from moaning to myself that my legs felt like springs on Whernside a few weeks back, so why so hard today? At the end of the day, I should be expecting to feel tired after the last few weeks so I just got on with it. I had reached an acceptance that if I couldn't manage a good time then I was either just a bit knackered from racing or perhaps had lost a bit of fitness from easing off a bit a few weeks back (or both!).

Despite the tired legs I had a really good run, coming first lady and 11th overall in 1:22:17 (a new record). So that's a hat-trick now - yay. I'm just riding the wave while I'm on it.On a even more positive note this was the first race in months that I did not have pain in my piriformis (Thanks Zac for the physio this week!).

Photos by Al Tye

Report on MST

East Tryfan

2011-11-15T22:00:00.000Z

Stunning morning soloing a few classic rock routes on the east face of Tryfan with Libby, then a fast training run up through the quarries in the evening.

Short blast

2011-11-14T18:50:00.001Z

Quick blast over Alltwen, Penmaen-bach and Conwy mountain from Sychnant Pass - the nicest little loop with fabulous views.

Weekend racing and FRA presentation night

2011-11-13T18:00:00.001Z

Great weekend - headed up to Calder Valley for the FRA presentation to receive my bronze medal for the Brits and squeezed in a race at the same time.

Entertaining report by Fell Running Briefs

Report on MST

Eilio Full Moon Night Run

2011-11-11T13:16:00.004Z

Stunning conditions last night for our 8 mile run over Moel Eilio. Great turn out with 7 runners and 3 dogs - conditions were quite mild and almost bright enough with the full moon to not need torches.

Cwm Pennant loop

2011-11-06T22:14:00.003Z

Gorgeous weather today for a long 17 mile solo run down cwm Pennant then back up over the Hebog ridge.

Re-inspired

2011-11-05T19:30:00.005Z

Had a fabulous afternoon today - definitely needed as I felt I didn't get a chance to get out much this last week and was feeling a bit uninspired - so best way is to hang out with two cool chicks (Libby and Nats) and go for a run-scramble.

Weather has been amazing. We set off from Pen-y-gwryd bathed in sunshine and although we descended into cloud to do a scramble on Tryfan's east ridge, it was beautifully atmospheric. Then it was up over Bristly ridge to run over the Glyders to Pen Y Pass cafe for coffee and cake (yum), followed by a quick trot down the relatively new path that avoids the road back to the car.

Great Whernside Fell Race

2011-10-29T19:25:00.001+01:00

Managed to fit in a short fell race on the trip home from Scotland. I'd really enjoyed running around Kettlewell over the FRA relays weekend and knew the descent suited me - even though it was way too short for my style! Felt really good and had a great race, coming in first lady and 23 seconds off the record. Fabulous race.

http://fellrunningbriefs.blogspot.com/2011/10/great-whernside-fell-race-29-october.html

http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2011/10/31/weekend-round-up/

Run of the Mill Race and reccies

2011-10-25T12:44:00.006+01:00

I've been up in Scotland for a few days. Raced Run of the Mill race on Sunday - fab course - very runnable and an amazing last descent. Had a great race - felt good but again struggled a bit on the uphills with the glutes but I think I'm getting the niggle slowly sorted.

Yesterday I got out in typical Scottish weather and ran up to the Cobbler then reccied the final descent for the Arochar Alps fell race. Pea soup above ~500m and soggy conditions, however the 80mph winds forecast were not apparent - was perhaps gusting 40 on the tops resulting in a bit of wind chill but otherwise quite mild conditions. Rock on the top was lethal - really slippy.

What to do when the electricity guys turn the power off...

2011-10-20T12:29:00.002+01:00

Desk work was hampered today as there was some work being done on the power lines outside the house. Great excuse to head out and do a quick climb with Libby in the pass (Flying Buttress done as roped but moving together). The weather wasn't what was advertised - a few specks of rain and a cold breeze, but it was lovely anyway and we were moving fast so didn't notice the cold.

After the climb I headed off for a good training run up Elidir and the Glyders with the dogs. By the time I got home the workmen were packing up... time to get some work done !

Richard's Guided Run and Navigation Training

2011-10-19T23:08:00.005+01:00

Wintery conditions today for Richards 3hour run over Snowdon then Moel Eilio. Sub zero temperatures and a light snow shower greeted us on Snowdon summit, then a bit of sunshine lulled us into a false sense of security as we ran the roller coaster ridge up to Eilio - only to be lashed with graupel. Lovely run regardless.

The afternoon was spent doing navigation training, where it turned out Richards skills were quite advanced he just lacked a little confidence.

Recharging

2011-10-11T21:28:00.002+01:00

This last week or so I've been running steadily every day but have eased back a bit to recharge.

I was starting to feel a bit burnt out and injury prone. This year has been great in many ways, but I have struggled a little with taking too much on and over cooking it at times. I've had a few injury problems but actually managed to run and train well through them so that's actually been ok and I've learnt alot. However funnily enough perhaps one of the problems is that I haven't been forced to take time off through injury or sickness, so haven't really recharged this year.

So today I didn't run... but I did have an excellent day out in soaking wet windy weather on Idwal Slabs with Libby and Bruce. Finally got my head around climbing in the rain!

Copa Cerrig (Rocky Tops)

2011-10-06T10:48:00.008+01:00

A few weeks back I was involved with a fabulous new route in the fast-and-light style of running merged with climbing and scrambling with Libby Peter and Ali Thomas. Article on the event by Libby will be in November's Climb magazine!

Fabulous day out with the girls and many thanks to Arc'teryx for sponsoring us!

Cheers also to Garry Smith for his support and documenting the event and Calum Muskett for taking pics on the Ogwen climb section.

Paul's Run-Scramble

2011-10-05T16:06:00.002+01:00

Glad we took advantage of the good weather yesterday - today is pretty miserable!

Got out in the afternoon and took Paul on a run-scramble over Y Gribin. Fab afternoon.

Snowdon Horseshoe Womens record

2011-10-01T20:45:00.017+01:00

I've been waiting a while to have a crack at a fast attempt of the Snowdon Horseshoe. Conditions needed to be right, my fitness and injury free status needed to be suitable and I was travelling alot or doing other races so the window was becoming smaller and smaller...

I'd been training as much as I could after getting the International Snowdon Race out of the way! (All blog posts leading up to and including this event are labelled here) and I was starting to feel fit and ready... and then the bad weather came!

Then the Indian summer this week gave me hope. A full 5 days of no rain and strong warm winds were drying out the rock - however that same wind was causing some problems - with gusts of 60 mph on the tops it wasn't ideal to run over Crib Goch!

Today the winds had eased enough that it was my last chance... the weather is due to deteriorate again.

I set off from the center of Pen Y Pass carpark at 4:30pm, cheered on by a bunch of guys acting as my start witnesses. I set off probably too fast, quickly feeling the lactic burn in my legs as I neared Bwlch y moch. However I was feeling good and fought on up to the steep crags at Crib Gochs base, knowing that the scrambling would allow me some recovery. Soon I was on the ridge proper and I felt invigorated by the anticipation of running over the knife edge.

It was fairly windy but there were no unexpected gusts and I skipped across the rock, the familiar grippiness that had welcomed me on training runs weeks previously before all this bad weather gave me fresh confidance. A small trip gave me a breif heart-in-the-mouth moment but soon I was on the summit. I tapped the rock and raced on.

The reccying of the section to Carnedd Ugain paid off and I managed to get all the good lines - however I did ease off a bit too much on this section and was relatively slow on this leg. By the time I had got to the summit I started to build in again, and after patting the summit cairn I strode out towards Snowdon. The summit was busy and I caused a little confusion as I raced up, tapped the summit cairn then immediately dropped down off the steep nose towards Lliwedd.

At this stage I began to suffer a little with cramp in my right thigh, however it soon eased and I was soon striding out along the Watkins path and scrambling up to Lliwedd's west peak. Running on I gained the east peak, confirming my time with a walker on the summit, then skipped off to find the grassy gully I had sussed out weeks earlier. I managed a fairly good line but, as I had done in my reccies, dropped too low, having to climb slightly to reach the stone pile that marks the steep descent down to Llyn Llydaw. This was my only nav error, and a pretty minor one really.

The rock was good and before I knew it I was skipping over the flagstones, past groups of walkers who thankfully got out of my way well before I reached them. The hardest part was the lung-bursting final section along the miners path, through the gate to the carpark center - all in 1:43:20!

I was really pleased with this - I had hoped to do sub 2 hours and felt I could manage 1:45 based on my reccies and Es's splits. I think I may be able to just squeeze under 1:40 but that would be it.

Splits:

Pen Y Pass: 0 (start time 4:30pm)

Crib Goch: 0:31:42

Crib Y Ddysgl: 0:49:55

Snowdon: 0:58:15

Lliwedd W Summit: 1:18:25

Lliwedd E Summit: 1:20:00

Pen Y Pass: 1:43:20

As far as i can find out this is the fastest time by a woman - if anyone has done it faster or knows of someone who has can you please contact me.

The record for the men is a blistering 1:25:08 by Es Tresidder - read his account on his blog:

http://www.es-on-ice.co.uk/news/show/75

If you have done the horseshoe and want to log your time, contact Phil to be included on his site:

http://www.blueribbonrun.co.uk/timetable.html

Route profile below.

Wild swim #27 - Llyn Idwal solo sans wetsuit

2011-09-30T22:34:00.008+01:00

It's always nice when you get to a stage in a new sport/activity where you have worked through the period where you could potentially kill yourself (i.e. not because it's really dangerous, because it's not, but more because you are trying new things but haven't quite figured out what is safely do-able and therefore could do something silly...).

I feel like I have finally gained enough understanding on my own limitations and ability to start developing more into this wild swimming stuff.

Last year I started wild swimming with my mate Jenny. I must admit, there were some swims where I was just a little more than apprehensive:

the fear of the stinging tight-chested shock of very cold water and how it would affect my asthma;
how long could I last before I became unable to function due to hypothermia (determined by getting to that state on Llyn Cwellyn);
how to get safe post-swim when emerging already dangerously cold - especially when in remote high level mountain areas when the weather is less than desirable;
the sudden onset of deep-water heebeegeebees (usually engulfing you when you are in the middle of the lake);
learning the reeds that won't entangle you and the mud that won't trap you;
and a random fear of water monsters....

The combination of all those experiences and working through the fear (often with the support and encouragement of your swimming partner) is what makes it so satisfying when you can finally head off on the spur of the moment and just do a swim on your own.

And so today, unable to get hold of Jenny, I took off for my 2nd solo wild swim to the Ogwen valley with Bella and Fly and trotted up to Llyn Idwal. Starting from the beach I donned swimmers and goggles and jumped straight in - the depth quickly became amenable to freestyle and off I went, Bella jumping in after me and Fly running around the edge. The water was very very cold but the suns rays where on my back. There was a steady breeze which caused small waves to lap against me. Nearing the far side (around 700m swim distance) I knew I was getting very cold, so on the return I made sure I was close enough to the shore just incase I got into trouble. Bella was a bit of a pain on the way back trying to dive on my hand to chase the splashes. It wasn't until I told her off that I realised my speech was affected and that I was close to being dangerously cold. However - from experience I knew I was a way off being completely unable to swim so just relaxed into returning to the beach, weirdly enjoying the sensation.

At the end of the swim I had my usual uncontrollable shiver but the deep chill persisted until I got home to have a shower and warm drink and food. I think my one mistake was not taking a flask of hot drink and food for swims of this length (1.4km distance) - but I think if I'd had a decent run around after this may have sorted me out too.

Nantlle Ridge solo run

2011-09-29T22:17:00.002+01:00

The days are getting shorter! Lucky I packed my Petzl e lite as it was getting dark by the time I reached Y Garn.

Cold water therapy - Wild Swim #26 - Llyn Y Cwn

2011-09-28T19:40:00.001+01:00

The weather was sublime so I decided to try my first solo run-swim. I ran up Cwm Padrig from the Llanberis Path and was roasting hot by the time I reached Llyn y Cwn. Quickly donning swimmers I eased into the very cold water and swam across it's length, with Glyder Fawr looming above.

The lake was beautiful and deep, with a nice variety of vegetation coming into view from the depths as I neared the far edge. On the swim back I couldn't help but dive down and explore the lake bed - which totally freaked Bella out who was swimming with me (Fly ran around the edge).

I exited to be dried by a strong warm wind, then quickly got my running kit on and ran back home feeling very much better than I did before I set off.

Pat's training runs

2011-09-28T10:40:00.001+01:00

Pat was lucky with the weather for her week of training. We did a variety of runs including a grassy fell run, a well-paced trail run through picturesque forests, a rocky trail run in the Ogwen Valley coupled with a fartlek session on the road, then her final run was a 13 mile hilly road run on the picturesque minor roads around Llanberis.

Grigne Sky Race

2011-09-19T11:07:00.003+01:00

Spent the weekend over in Italy for the Grigne Sky Race. What a fabulous place and the race course is amazing - really inspiring mountain terrain.

There was a great turn out from the UK, with Noel, Ali, Tom, Sam, Kat, Ross and Roxy all making it just a great weekend.

Unfortunately the torrential rain and thunderstorms on the day of the race meant that the course had to be shortened (don't really want to be on an exposed ridge holding a via ferrata line with that around!), but actually it was a blessing in disguise for me. I suffered on the day still struggling with recovering from the injury from last weekend and although I managed to drag myself around the shortened course I was cramping and couldn't run uphill. Despite this I really enjoyed it and was pleased to just get round.

Everyone else had a great run - congrats Tom for winning the race! http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2011/09/19/owens-takes-first-sws-win-in-italy/

and to Ali who was 5th lady in the half marathon.

The next day the weather turned sublime. Tom and I walked up to the highest peak, Grigna Settentrionale, and checked out the descent for the race - very worthwhile recce.

Thanks heaps to Luigi, the race organiser, for being such a great host, and for Cesare and his wife for giving me a lift from the airport. Definitely on for this one next year!

Paddy Buckley Reccying

2011-09-14T23:14:00.000+01:00

Peter was visiting Snowdonia to get some Paddy Buckley reccying in - living in Singapore he wanted to make the most of his time so I showed him the best line up through the quarries to Elidir Fach and Fawr. Lucky to have great weather!

Pain in the bum

2011-09-11T18:00:00.005+01:00

I've just returned home after a week in Scotland.

Yesterday I raced the last of the British Champs races at the Devil's Beef Tub - a course that I must admit I was not that inspired for... what miss-judgement! The location was lovely and the race so rough and nasty it was just a great laugh... except when my butt went into severe cramp...

Having raced the Ben the previous weekend (but stopping mid race to help an injured runner) I followed the week by staying up in Scotland and getting loads of training in (posts to follow). I had experienced bad cramp in my legs after resuming the Ben race and was having a few minor back issues in the training runs thereafter, but all in all I was feeling strong. As such I was happy to be coming in not rested for the Beef Tub, thinking it short enough (2 miles!) that I felt i could just wing it on tired legs (yet another miss-judgement! Its tussocky, boggy and horrendously steep).

The ladies race started with a bit of banter and lots of discussion on the best line up through the first patch of dense bracken. Then we were off. I managed a fairly good line and popped out on the horrendously steep slope on all fours, climbing next to Pippa. At this stage we were all laughing at the fight through the undergrowth, then got our heads down and got on with it. Running along the ridge I felt OK, just sitting in expecting to be able to gain advantage on the steep last descent (yet again, another miss-judgement! I usually rely on the descent but it was so steep that even a good descender would struggle).

After rounding the cairn and striding out to pick up pace on the brief plateau I was suddenly met with scarily steep wet grass. With my momentum and false assurance that the grip on my shoes would match the terrain, I landed fair on my arse and propelled down the slope out of control. At this stage it was funny, quickly making ground on Lou and passing Anne. However when I eventually manged to stop and start running my glutes and hamstrings went into severe spasm.

I have never experienced cramp pain like it - turns out it was Piriformis Syndrome - "You can irritate your piriformis by falling on your butt and having a direct blow". It was definitely irritated - the pain radiating up my back and down my legs was agonising - I kept hobbling down but lost a place to Anne as she skipped past.

I was deteriorating rapidly. My left leg had now become non-responsive and the pain in my butt was worsening to the point that I didn't know if I could keep moving. There was nothing left but to just sit down and slide down the hill. On reaching the bottom I then had the problem of dragging myself along the last section to the finish.

I was hobbling at this stage and could see Lou gaining, so just dug in and sprinted to the tape finish and collapsed (making lots of pathetic sounds - sorry for that - but trust me i was in a world of hurt - on learning more about the syndrome it causes pressure on the sciatic nerve)...

... but turned out I was 50cm from the actual flag finish.

And here is where fell running is so great. Lou raced in and dragged me over the finish and made sure I was placed ahead of her. How amazing is that! She could have just trotted past as I lay there and taken the place! This act is even more important given that Lou and I were vying for 3rd place in the Brits! Her kind act puts us both as equal 3rd. She then looked after me as I lay in a patch of sheep poo, unable to move.

At this stage the pressure on the sciatic nerve had meant I had no control over my legs and I couldn't move. Lou and Jackie and a few others were helping me stretch out the legs to try and get some movement, which resulted in me swearing my head off but it had to be done. Then Pippa (the star), burst in, flipped me over and dug her elbows into my butt - releasing the piriformis enough that it relieved some of the pain and allowed some movement. Slowly I was able to be helped up.

Thankyou everyone that helped - and sorry I cried and swore and was a bit of a girl.

After having struggled with injury pain and asmtha over my last few races, with the exception of the Ben, where I was getting on top of these problems and feeling good but stopped to help someone else's pain, it was so nice to be looked after in return.

Report on the winners on MST

Check out Fell Running Briefs for the goss

Ballachulish munros

2011-09-04T13:42:00.005+01:00

My legs were not too bad given that I only raced half the descent on the Ben and the weather too nice not to do something. I was spending a few days with Jackie and Lloyd and we planned a run over the two munros behind Ballachulish.

Absolutely stunning peaks.

Evening run-scramble recovery run

2011-08-31T22:26:00.002+01:00

Lovely evening with Ali and Libby. After this morning's run with Ben it was nice to have a steady social run enjoying the amazing evening light. We set of from Pen Y Pass and ran around to meet Garry at the base of Clogwyn y Person Arête, where Garry took some more photos for his scrambling book.

Again - great opportunity to cement in my mind those best lines on Crib y Ddysgl.

Thanks heaps to Arc'teryx for our new kit!

Ben's Run-Scramble

2011-08-31T11:40:00.000+01:00

With some nice weather for a change it was a good chance for Ben to get in a good run-scramble. We did a good quad-killing run up the steps to Llyn Bochlwyd, then did the Grade 1 scamble up Y Gribin to finish down the devils kitchen. Ben has been working hard matching the pace I've been setting, which hasn't been exactly kind! Well done again Ben.

Ben's Training Run - day 2

2011-08-30T21:50:00.003+01:00

Nice 1hr48min trail run today for Ben's training. Conversational pace today but kept a steady pace. Well done Ben. Nice retro bumbag, by the way. Where did you get that from?

Ben's Training Run - day 1

2011-08-29T16:59:00.002+01:00

Fast, quad trashing training run for Ben today over the roller coaster ride that includes Moel Eilio, Foel Goch and Moel Cynghorion. Excellent effort by Ben (I had to work quite hard to keep infront of him!!!).

How to run in the mountains - day 2

2011-08-28T23:05:00.000+01:00

Much nicer weather today! Excellent conditions for the guys to test their new route planning and navigation skills. Well done guys!

How to run in the mountains - day 1

2011-08-27T18:54:00.004+01:00

The weather was not exactly kind to us today - so well done to Lucy, Kelly, Jerry, Jenny and Donald for putting up with the driving rain during both the morning run and afternoon navigation sessions. Fingers crossed for better weather for your route-planning session tomorrow!

Sunset runs are back

2011-08-25T22:53:00.001+01:00

Suddenly noticed how quickly we are loosing the light at the moment. We enjoyed a sunset at the end of our run over Drum tonight. Soon be torches time.

Excellent turn out for the run, Gary making sure he didn't miss it despite a slight injury at Tryfan Downhill race the night before, and Leo providing a steady stream of humor throughout the run.

Bristly Ridge Run-Scramble

2011-08-25T10:46:00.004+01:00

Got up early this morning and did a fantastic run-scramble over Bristly Ridge with Libby. Absolutely great way to clear the head - great mates and great running! We were feeling very smug running down off the mountain as everyone else is starting to head up.

Coastal running

2011-08-22T10:36:00.000+01:00

Stunning run over Gyrn Goch this morning.

Route recces

2011-08-21T22:00:00.001+01:00

Had a day out reccying routes along the taith Ardudwy way. Weather turned lovely after an initial claggy period.

Monday's Gribbin Run

2011-08-19T23:30:00.005+01:00

Few pics of Monday's run up the Gribbin to Lliwedd with Libby while Garry took photos for his scrambling book. Stunning morning. Practiced the best lines of Lliwedd but unfortunately had a wee slip on a greasy rock and bounced down on my left butt cheek so been running with a bit of pain this week. Realise how much you need your glutes when you do that! Ended the morning with a yummy coffee at Pen Y Pass cafe.

Sean's Evening Run

2011-08-19T22:07:00.000+01:00

Great blast with Sean tonight over Foel Goch. The strong headwind leading up to bwlch Maesgym was challenging! Great fun!

Clogwyn Mannod Thursday Night Run

2011-08-18T22:12:00.004+01:00

Stunning evening run enjoyed with Gary, Sioban, Leo and Neil as well as Amber, Bella and Fly of course.

Brocken Spectre on Snowdon

2011-08-17T22:44:00.005+01:00

What a fabulous evening run. Set of for a solo run with the dogs up the Gribbin then the Watkins to Snowdon summit to recce the descent off Snowdon for the horseshoe. I was in a bit of a rush so almost didn't bother going up to the cairn but something drew me up there... and this is what I was rewarded with! It lasted about 30 seconds and came back twice! Goes to show you should never take things for granted - I'll always make sure I bag the summit from now on, even though I'm up there so often!

Wild swims #22-#25 - in the Moelwyns

2011-08-14T21:31:00.005+01:00

Jenny and I wanted to take advantage of the small window of decent weather predicted, however on waking to do my pre-swimming run the conditions were not that inviting for a day of lake bagging. As is usually the case, on returning from my run it stopped raining and started looking brighter.

We set off around midday from the Nantgwynant side of the moelwyns, heading up first to Llyn Edno, where we arrived to have the suns rays warming us as we changed into our swimmers.

This was a beautiful, deep proper swim of around 340m. The water, however, was significantly colder than our swim a few weeks prior.

Next we headed up over to the Llynnau' r Cwn, to swim the 3 attractive pools nestled within the contours - all 2000 footers which was a bonus. All 3 are around 100m in length so we did them as there-and-back swims.

We started with the highest and most eastern pool, which was just a beautiful little dip. Stunning aspect and deep with very little plant life to tackle. I was stating to get a little chilled at this stage.

I'll just mention at this stage that Bella has been swimming many of the lakes with us. Fly runs around the edge (she's just not that into swimming) but she does have a little project of paddling on the lake edge, diving down and picking up big stones and putting them on the bank.

The second pool was also nice but filled with quite a bit of plant life, most of which obscured my vision with fronds of bright green strips on the return lap and required removing from my goggles at the end. By the end of this one I had a bout of uncontrollable shivers.

The final of the 3 was the least quality swim. Despite it's stunning location it was the most shallow and also required a belly crawl over stinky mud on the western side to touch the bank. By the end of this swim I was getting dangerously cold and had the longest uncontrollable shiver after getting out that I have yet experienced (with the exception of Cwellyn). However, after donning enough kit to keep me happy in full winter conditions, a nice warm flask of coffee and some chocolate, I was feeling better. But that was it for me!

Jenny, however, managed to continue on to swim the 340m meter length of Llyn yr Adar, while I walked around the shore to provide her towel and clothes to save the run back around the edge. It was actually nice to see what it looked like to view a swimmer in these remote lakes, peacefully gliding through the water (with the exception of the rather obnoxious sea-gulls that kept swooping her on passing their island!).

I learnt quite a few lessons today on what I could tolerate and what was enjoyable. For me, the state of cold that I was reduced to on the 4th lake was sufficient to question whether I would get into a dangerous state on the next rather long swim, which logically needed to be done across the middle, where you are 100m from the shore. I also needed to consider the remote location and the need to keep yourself in good faculties to navigate etc. I think the multi-lake days are possible for me, but only where the final lakes are small and manageable.

All in all a top day out.

Wild swim #21 - Llyn Lockwood

2011-08-12T16:50:00.003+01:00

Rather a bleak weather day but perfect for ticking off Llyn Lockwood - a rather reedy, muddy lake that had plumes of methane erupted mud to swim through.

Yes - a bit yuk - but a swim nethertheless, and deep enough on the NE side to allow some freestyle. The SW end however is a belly crawl over stinky slimey mud, most of which we found in our swimmers when we later removed them.

Thursday Night Run - Pyg Track Miners track

2011-08-11T22:34:00.005+01:00

Gary and I had a good training session, working hard on the run up to the fingerstone, then a good stride out back along the Miners Track to Pen Y Pass. Weather still a bit grim!

Tom's UTMB training - day 2

2011-08-08T22:32:00.003+01:00

The weather was not exactly kind to us today, the view at the end (photo above) one of the only moments we were not encased in thick clag! Considering the driving rain and at times 35 mph winds, we did well to stick out a 7 hour run covering 33km and 2300m ascent on very slimy rocky terrain. Tom maintained excellent humour throughout. Really enjoyed the day's work. Good luck Tom in two weeks!

Tom's UTMB training

2011-08-07T21:32:00.004+01:00

Tom is doing the UTMB race in 2 weeks and wanted some long training runs with some big ascents and descents. Today we did a 6 1/2 hour loop that incorporated the Glyders and Snowdon massif, totaling around 29.5km and 2580m ascent/descent, which Tom managed comfortably. Tomorrow will be a loop from the Ogwen valley.

The non-swimmables

2011-08-06T18:08:00.001+01:00

There are around 250 lakes in Snowdonia... but as Jenny and I are starting to discover in our little project to swim all of them (a swim counting as a complete length of the longest part of the lake), some of them are not swimmable.

A few are completely dried up, while others are just boggy marshes, however we were surprised at the lake that sits under Moel Wnion. Anticipating a nice dip we were presented with thick vegetation. We might come back in winter and see if it's a swim then, but for today I just stood in and iced my legs to get the recovery from yesterday as the next 2 days I'm taking Tom on a few 7-8hr mountain runs.

Joe's Welsh 3000ers

2011-08-05T22:20:00.000+01:00

A challenging but rewarding day out with Joe, Martin, Dec, Simon and Will on their Welsh 3000ers attempt. Thanks for being a great bunch with excellent humour, and working well as a team dealing with the various challenges presented.

Valley to valley

2011-08-04T22:05:00.001+01:00

A Thursday night run with a difference. I have a 3000ers event starting 3:45am tommorrow so I was stationing our support vehicle at Ogwen, then meeting up with the more experienced TNR crew to run up over Y Garn then into the next valley down to home in Nant Peris. Dan and Kate joined me on the valley to valley run, while Matt and Johnny joined us on the run up, then left to continue their run over Mynydd Perfedd and Carnedd Y Filiast.

Clogwyn y Person Arête - Run-Scramble

2011-08-03T23:12:00.002+01:00

Excellent evening. Did my first E1 on-sight on Holyhead mountain (Breaking the Barrier), then Libby suggested a run-scramble, so we headed off to Pen Y Pass and did a lovely loop that incorporated the Grade 3 scramble Clogwyn y Person Arête. Absolutely stunning.

We descended down to Bwlch Coch which gave me a chance to check out more of the best lines for the Snowdon Horseshoe - sometimes its good to do a route in the reverse as you can pick a better option not apparent from the usual perspective.

Got it done in a nice neat 2 hours then home to walk some grumpy dogs!

Snowdon Lliwedd recce... sort of

2011-08-01T23:09:00.005+01:00

Ran up Snowdon via the Pyg track/miners track this evening with the intention of reccying the line off Snowdon towards Lliwedd - however the pea soup and my forgetting my map (woops) meant I had to stick on the ridge rather than potentially veer too far south and end up having to hitch back from Nantgwynant! Anyway, I was actually really enjoying the rough ridge run, except when the cloud lifted and the big obvious track down to my right came into view!

Anyway, no problem, I still had the descent off Lliwedd to practice and I have the lines sussed for that one now, map or no map. I met up with Garry near the summit and he took a few pics for his book, then I practiced the descent.

Crib Goch and Garnedd Ugain best lines

2011-07-30T23:02:00.003+01:00

After a pleasant morning wild swimming, it was time for a hard training session. Noel, Rory and I checked out the fastest lines from Pen Y Pass, over Crib Goch to the fingerstone, then back down the miners track with a good stride out at the end.

The rock was lovely and dry so I practiced running across Crib Goch - stopping to take photos of Rory and Noel scrambling ahead... and ignoring Noel's well intentioned nagging :-)

It's amazing how different the ridge feels in good weather and dry conditions. There is no way I would run across it when it's wet or greasy!

Wild swims #16-#20 - in the Moelwyns

2011-07-30T20:36:00.005+01:00

Gorgeous morning for a few hours lake bagging. Jenny and I started from Croesor and headed up the valley first to check out Llyn Croeser (which is completely silted over), then over to Clogwyn Brith, where we were treated to the most adorable little swim there-and-back in Llyn Clogwyn-brith (photo below) in the nuddy (naughty)...

Over to Llyn Cwm-corsiog, we endured a shallow swim over mud and masses of vegetation along it's 270m length (not in the nuddy as had to run back around the edge to our gear and didn't want to traumatise some poor sod out for Paddy Buckley training)...

...then to the Llynnau Diffwys (photo below). We did the most northern lake first, then ran over the small mound separating the two lakes to swim the next. These lakes were mostly shallow, providing opportunity for breaststroke only. It was not exactly pleasant to look down into the black gooey water. Dense with slime it looked as if it could be bottomless if it wasnt for the fact your knees would scrape against the sometimes muddy, sometimes sharp rocky base! Despite this, these two were a bit of fun. By now I was starting to get fairly cold (we were only wearing swimmers), so I did a fast run back over the spongy grass to our gear and changed quickly to warm up. Must say, the run in bare feet was delightful!

The final lake was a potentially long swim along the length of Llyn Cwm-y-foel, however on looking down to the lake on the approach it was evident that a good 250m of the northern end was completely silted over/dried up. However, the deeper end near the dam wall did provide a lovely 200m swim, able to be done freestyle, in clear but brownish water. A really lovely spot and nice finish to the day.

Rachub TNR

2011-07-28T21:18:00.000+01:00

Lovely run from Rachub over David's local training run route. Cloudy but very warm and muggy.

Lliwedd recce

2011-07-26T22:28:00.001+01:00

Stunning evening run up Lliwedd, then checking the fastest descent down to Pen Y Pass.

Snowdon International

2011-07-23T19:01:00.000+01:00

Great event as usual - fabulous atmosphere.

Iain had a stormer coming in 24th overall in 1:16:20.

I am still struggling with my foot issues. The right foot toes went into severe cramp again and necessitated my having to remove my shoe just after half-way house to stretch the toes back out. The bonus was that I manged to prevent an asthma attack, realising that it was the crouching down to sort the foot that caused the breathing difficulties at Ras Y Aran. So I stood back up, took a few puffs of my inhaler, then squatted back down without bending over to remove the shoe and relieve the cramp.

It was about a minutes delay but worth it, the cramp subsided and I set off at a good pace, building into the climb nicely. Unfortunately there was a bit of a stuff up on the summit, with runners ascending under the hour but over 55min not allowed to take the much faster descent down the railway line. Despite this I had a good descent and came in at a respectable 1:28:20 and 8th international.

Amazing finish by Andi - fantastic to watch on SC4

http://www.s4c.co.uk/clic/c_level2.shtml?programme_id=499410345

Helping out on Elidir race

2011-07-16T17:50:00.002+01:00

Weather started out a bit yuk today. Iain was up at 2am helping Craig out on his Paddy Buckley then we both headed of this afternoon to help marshal on Elidir race, where the conditions improved.

Was supposed to be working this evening doing some guiding but the client had to pull out, so now I get to have a nice meal at Pizza and a Pint!

Tregalan Thursday Night Run

2011-07-14T13:37:00.001+01:00

Definitely made the most of the weather today. I sat at Rhyd Ddu carpark waiting to see if there was anyone keen for the run, but feeling a little tired after a 3 hour guided run in the morning then a wild swim... however really glad Siobhan and Leo turned up.

We decided on running a loop that passes over the often neglected little peak of Tregalan (931m) as Leo and Siobhan hadn't run it before. Lovely evening. Ended up doing a good pace up to Bwlch-Cwm Llan, but the legs were tired for the steep climb up to the peak. Good descent tho. Excellent run.

Wild swim #14 & #15 - Llynnau Cwm Silyn

2011-07-14T13:01:00.006+01:00

Right. That's it. I'm getting a waterproof camera. Llynnau Cwm Silyn's twin lakes are absolutely beautiful. Jenny and I kitted up between the two lakes, deciding on swimmers rather than wetsuit, and walked to the NW end of the larger lake, swimming along it's length, then headed straight to the smaller lake nestled in the cwm and swam across and back.

The two lakes were quite different. The first was cold but pleasantly so. The colour was greenish and visibility excellent, with flowing fronds of weeds to swim through. The second lake was gob smacking. It was much colder in getting in, and my attention was first drawn to the same water plants that needed navigating through in the very clear but yellowish-tinged water. However looking further ahead I was awestruck by a vivid aqua blue, almost unnatural, in the deeper water. As we swam across, rays of sunlight filtered down to a seemingly bottomless depth, however soon large boulders appeared as we approached the far side, coated with what looked like giant flesh-toned stockings with big holes ripped in them. Very surreal. At the far end we discovered a warm patch of water, which I was hesitant to leave, the comparative chill of the water we needed to swim back through resulting in my usual uncontrollable shiver on exiting, but the sun quickly warmed us up.

Very special set of lakes... then it was off the Rhyd ddu to meet up for the Thursday Night Run...

Jackie's Snowdon Run

2011-07-14T12:25:00.000+01:00

Stunning weather for Jackie's run up Snowdon then back via Cynghorion. Visiting from America, Jackie was lucky to have the conditions and she did an excellent time up to the summit, given this was her first big mountain run.

Then it was off to meet up with Jenny for a wild swim...

Racing and guiding

2011-07-11T10:36:00.006+01:00

Busy weekend racing at Ras Y Aran, then it was up at 3am on Sunday to take a group over the Welsh 3000ers.

Ras Y Aran had a great turn out - I had a nightmare on the climb - my left foot was manageable but my calves tightened again and I now had severe cramp in my toes on my right foot!!!

I tried to put up with it for half the climb but it was almost impossible to bounce off my forefoot - so I stopped, took the shoe off and stretched out my foot - this seemed to work and I set off, only to almost immediately have a tightening of the chest and a resultant asthma attack.

Thankyou so much to the guys that stopped their race to help me - it felt like an age before I could calm down enough to use my inhaler but these guys calmed me down. I took a few puffs and sat down for a few minutes then started off again, however I was scared of another attack. It was the lovely Becky Law, even coming back a few yards to check I was OK, to make me think I shouldn't give up.

So I steadily set off again, slowly building the pace as I grew confident that I wouldn't have another attack. I ended up having a decent descent and think I squeezed in top 10 in the womens. I had another attack at the finish - I really need to sort this out - I think it's partly due to anxiety but may be related to low iron aswell... Anyway - hate to moan but I hardly ever write about the bad races and probably should. Despite all this I haven't been training consistently enough lately and my fitness has definitely dropped, so even without the problems I don't think I would have had a brilliant performance. Only one solution to that...

Anyway - the 3000ers event was great fun, but I really felt for James and Richard, who both, due to various injury problems, struggled on the climbs and descents and had to pull out at Ogwen. Well done to Nick, Rob and Peter for completing the event, reaching the final summit of Foel Fras at 8:28pm.

Self diagnosis...

2011-07-08T15:54:00.005+01:00

For once my googling and resultant self diagnosed injury recovery plan seems to have worked! After some severe foot pain following the race in Slovenia (http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.com/2011/06/world-long-distance-mountain-running.html) I had feared the worst and thought I had developed a stress fracture... but now i think not.

Interestingly, I could run as long as I kept on my forefoot, but walking was absolute agony. Unfortunately I was travelling alot and couldn't see my physio, hence the self diagnosis, however the classic symptoms of worsened pain in the mornings and tight calves was consistent with Plantar Fasciitis. I worked hard on stretching, self massage (the stick and foam roller) and icing the underside of my foot and continued to run (having spoken to other people that have had it, the problem is not solved by resting but by addressing tight calves which are large contributors). Touch wood I am almost now pain free!

Little mid-week evening break

2011-07-07T23:38:00.003+01:00

Lovely evening last night - Iain and I took off in the camper van to the very furthest tip of the Llyn Peninsula, did a lovely 8 mile run then camped overnight after managing to get the BBQ done before the torrential downpour!

Chevy Chase Fell Race

2011-07-03T16:51:00.000+01:00

Fabulous weekend up in Northumberland. Picked up Iain from a remote train station as he traveled back from his week racing in the 3 Peaks Yacht race, then met up with a bunch of mates at the bunkhouse. I didn't race but instead ran 10 miles of the course, getting back in time to see Math and Iain racing in to take 1st and 2nd with a second between them! News on Eryri Harriers website.

That afternoon we went climbing, then more climbing the next day and a lovely swim at the beautiful beaches. Really impressed with the area.

Thursday night run - Y Garn

2011-06-30T23:23:00.003+01:00

Stunning evening tonight and good turnout for our run over Y Garn from Ogwen cottage.

Meanwhile Iain is travelling back from Scotland after an awesome week racing in the Three Peaks Yacht Race. Still catching up on blogging my end, after Slovenia then a rushed trip to Turin...

World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge - Slovenia

2011-06-20T09:20:00.000+01:00

Iain and I have just returned from Slovenia, both racing for Wales in the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge in Slovenia.

The race was stunning - a tough 37.5km and 2500m ascent/2800m descent. Conditions in the morning were cool with light rain, but soon into the race it turned hot and humid.

This was probably a race where I have learnt the most in terms of mental toughness.

I had gone into the race with a good attitude despite the fact that I had not exactly rested. The usual late notification of selection meant that work I had already committed to had to be done: 3 days mountain guiding work on the Tuesday (6hrs on Snowdon), Wed (9hrs on Glyders) and Thursday (8hrs on Carneddau) and with only the travel to Slovenia on the Friday as rest. Despite this I was not overly perturbed. The work was walking, and I knew my endurance fitness could cope with this in my legs - I expected to feel a bit heavy-legged in the race but didn't expect it to affect my pace that much.

What I had not anticipated was the agonizing calf cramp within 10 min of the race start. I have had this type of cramp a few times before on training runs and usually a quick stretch, ease off and it goes away. However this did not happen. I hobbled up the entire first 1000m of ascent in agony - the bases of my feet becoming completely numb by the time I reached the top. The next massive descent from 1760m to 360m altitude was steady as I had very poor stability and was rolling over on my ankles alot - but slowly the calves recovered. Thankfully by the next big climb (around 1200m ascent) I was able to work hard, the cramping having subsided. The final descent was fast, however I was now experiencing agonizing pain on the underside of my left foot (later diagnosed as plantar fasciitis). I ignored this and had a very good descent to finish is a respectable position of 12th in the womens.

After analysing what happened, I think that the 3 big mountain days walking with a heavy pack put alot of strain on my calves that I am not used to (I'm more used to running not walking). What I should have done was a few quick running bursts and calf stretched to keep the calves more responsive to my running needs - a lesson well learnt.

At any rate, it was a fabulous trip with some outstanding performances from the UK runners.

The sunday after the race, Iain and I hired some mountain bikes and enjoyed 3 hours out exploring the area - our only regret was me ordering what I thought was buckwheat pancakes at this remote little shack and it turned out to be buckwheat fried in pig fat with more pig fat cracking on top. To make matters worse the guy who made it kept hovering over us asking if we liked it so we had to eat it all. Felt a bit ill on the cycle back!

Race webite: http://www.wmra.gm4o.si/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=66&lang=en

Molly's Mountaineers - Day 3

2011-06-16T22:40:00.001+01:00

Well done guys! Successful completion of the Carneddau 3000ers today.

Molly's Mountaineers - Day 2

2011-06-15T18:48:00.000+01:00

A tough day for the guys - challenging weather and THAT climb up Elidir! Good effort guys for sticking in and with no complaints! Tomorrow the Carneddau.

Molly's Mountaineers - Day 1

2011-06-14T23:00:00.000+01:00

Fantastic weather for Andy and his team on Day 1 of their Welsh 3000ers challenge to raise money for Sense: Molly's Mountaineers

Well done guys! Glyders tomorrow !

Carneddau and Glyders

2011-06-11T22:54:00.001+01:00

While Iain raced at Foel Fras (gaining 3rd place), I set of from Aber and ran back home to Nant Peris over the Carneddau and Glyders. Beautiful day. (photos in reverse order of run)

Wild swim #13 - The Blue Lagoon

2011-06-10T11:10:00.001+01:00

I've been getting in the water a fair bit over the last few months but only as dips and hadn't 'bagged' a lake proper for a while (i.e. swam the full length). Despite snow on Snowdon earlier in the day, the afternoon was stunning and Jenny and I had a relatively warm there-and-back swim along the length of a small lake in the Gwydyr Forest (220m length).

The lake is border-line swimmable - more like a mud paddle - but good fun. Bella did the entire swim with us while Fly ran around the edge.

Elidir Thursday evening run

2011-06-09T23:43:00.001+01:00

Lovely run over Elidir and Mynydd Perfedd with Iain, Garry, Johnny and Arwel.

Ridge Running

2011-06-06T22:45:00.005+01:00

Beautiful evening tonight working with Garry Smith from www.gethigh.co.uk

Garry is writing a new scrambling book for Snowdonia and wanted pictures of runners running the more runnable ones.

It was also a great opportunity to practice running over knife edge ridges... I'm thinking about having a crack at the Snowdon Horseshoe womans record this year...

Check out some of Garry's beautiful images on his website: http://gethigh.co.uk/gallery_alpine.html

Ant's PB Round

2011-06-05T15:23:00.004+01:00

I was up at 1am this morning to meet up at the Glyders-leg-start-point to help Ant out on his Paddy Buckley Round. Iain had already run with him over the Snowdon leg. We set off at around 2am. Iain, myself, Jon and Clive and of course Ant. We had a lovely sunrise on Mynydd Perfedd, with the clouds folding down the side of Y Garn. Very atmospheric.

We each got a little medal as a supporter which was sweet. Iain has put a report on the Eryri website

Well done Ant!