Bratislava Half Marathon - 6th April 2014

Except, I didn't win, I came 146th.

After a slow winter on the running front, the idea was to get back into it by doing a marathon. What a rather optimistic idea, considering I have never ran that distance, especially on a road. So the marathon idea was out the window thinking i had missed the entry deadline, nothing like the entry on the day in many fell races. The Wednesday prior, after a few investigative phone calls, there was a slight chance i could still enter but I settled for the half marathon. The Friday before I ran to register and when inquiring about space they said they were full but asked where I was from. On answering the UK they, said, 'Well..... maybe we can fit you in.' Going to register I clocked up about 10k and the carbo-loading and the rest began.

Sunday morning came soon enough, after a movie day on Saturday and i ate at about 08:30, thinking it was early enough, but lining up at 09:50 i was still feeling a bit full. Well a quick hello to someone I knew on the start line discussing time we were wishing to achieve. I just knew my target was 1:45 because that's the category i had picked. I had previously ran with Peter in the Student race in November and he guessed I would probably do a sub 1:30. I haven't done that much road racing so concentrating on pacing and using sub times is all new to me.
So we began and i proudly show off the Bowland Fell Runners vest to all the sidelining photographers, thinking if they knew what 'fells' were they would think i was at the wrong event. 

Orange and green.

Due to my last minute preparations and underestimation on the amount of runners running, i ended up a good distance from the start line. Therefore, I was stuck in a compact bunch of runners, just behind the 4 hour pacemakers. With some impressive overtaking maneuvers completed I found a rhythm of about 4 minute kilometers and slowly caught up with the faster marathon pacemakers, first the 3:45 and then by about 6km the 3:30's and by 14 km i had caught the 3:00 pacemakers, and made an effort to get in front of them to push me along. I stayed infront for about 5km before dropping behind them and slowing to around 4:15 minute kms. By this time some mental maths had suggested if i kept a good pace now i would make the sub 1:30. And i did, I finished in 1:28:07. This has opened a new window of races, and intend on doing a full marathon before the year is out.

Paddy

Studentsky Beh - Students Run Bratislava

The to commemorate the International day for Students on the 17th of November, a run is organised in Bratislava. The run signifies the running the students had to make from police and military personal after a peaceful demonstration turned nasty in 1989. The demonstrators were themselves celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International day for Students and used it was an opportunity to voice their displeasure with the communist party of Czechoslovakia. The demonstration, starting in Bratislava marched to Prague picking up numbers on the way until mass demonstrations sparked what was to develop into the Velvet Revolution.

The 12.5 km route passes many current University faculty buildings and spans the river Danube twice crossing both the Stary and Lafranconi bridges.

Studentsky Beh Route 2013

A cloudy start to the day turned bright and sunny with a slight chilly breeze blowing in from the Austrian border in the west.
The later start of 11 I'm sure was appreciated by many of the student runners.
My quick start was a bit too quick and I found myself at 18kmph according to my watch so slowed it down and found my rhythm once at the river. I had aimed to finish under the hour as a ballpark figure due to my inexperience in roadraces. By the first bridge at 5k I had slowed a little reflecting the lack of any training since the summer. A warm tea was questioned but welcomed as a drink at the halfway station and I found a pace with a guy in red, this helped the focus on the otherwise boring(it was flat) stretch along the river embankment. Some calculations at this point pretty much confirmed my planned time, as long as I didn't mess up. After the second bridge, at around 10k I started to feel a bit weak but kept at it uphill(slightly) to hold my position across the line.

Start Most - Old Bridge

I finished in 52.29. Just under 10 mins behind the winner, he was giving it some. Coming in 37th of a field of 312.

I hope I will not get swept into a hobby of road running with the ridiculous amount of warm clothing and gadgets plugged into everywhere.

Until I find some cross-country races or even a fell race, they will have to suffice.

Paddy Walsh

Bowland Fell Runners–The North Wales Contingent (Not Yiannas or Declan)

Whilst living in north wales over the last year I have been completing several races, sporting the Bowland Vest. This blog entry acts as a rough guide to what I’ve been up to.

I started off my year here in September based out of Dinorwic, next to the slate quarries at Llanberis. My first race being one I had completed the years before and as a champs race it was a busy one.

Moel Wnion (A race to blow off the summer cobwebs (busy summer job, not much training))

The fell running bug had struck and the following weekend saw the completion of half of the Pedol Peris or the Llanberis Horseshoe. I thought about doing the full 17mile round but went for the 8.5miles instead, just to stretch the legs.

Notice the jammy sibling, whom i recently got into fell running, went a beat me.

 

The first height gain onto Elidir Fawr winds up through the deserted slate quarries.

 

 

 

After the initial hit of fell running in North wales I got out training and using the rapidly shortening days I kept it up for a bit. Before I knew it was getting dark quite early and it was time to get the head torch and road shoes out for a spot of Street league orienteering with Eryri Orienteers.

Following the surprise of winning the first race I thought I may as-well have ago at some of the others.

After mentioning my involvement with South Ribble’s street league I got roped into organising the Llanberis event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, back to fell running.

A busy winter at work meant I wasn’t getting any races done until Eryri’s Tuesday night series kicked off in April. A full series of ten races are open to all with competitors having to complete 4 to get a series score. Due to the lack of winter running I started off with a result not to shout off the roof about.

The races following the format of (get in as much height as possible within the shortest time and before the sun goes down) are quite addictive and I seem to be getting better at them.

Foel Lus

Pen Dinas

Abergwyngregyn

Great Orme

Penmaenmawr (3 Hills)

Here are several Photos of me sporting that Bowland Vest.

Penmaenmawr (3 Hills)

                                                        Moel Eilio                                         Moel Eilio

   Penmaenmawr- 3 Hills

                                 

                              Pen Dinas (Climb)

 

Pen Dinas (Descent) Much more enjoyable.

 

 

 

Unfortunately I have left Wales now and am currently living in Europe for the next year. But I do intend on racing over here so it won’t be the last you see of the vest.

Snakes, Ladders and Tunnels, Dinorwic Slate Quarries

It has been far too long since I posted here so thought the new one better be a good'n.

Snakes and Ladders (and Tunnels)

A very optimistic weekend was planned to go and do some winter routes, but the snow  unfortunately melted before the plan was actioned so an alternative was needed.

We (Louis Duggan and Myself) had both chatted about doing Snakes, Ladders, and Tunnels, for a while, waiting for the weather to be pants. So on the grey, cold windy Sunday morning we set off from the Bus Stop in Dinorwic and headed for the quarry.  

Trespassers will be shot (with a lens)

 
Following the directions from a couple of internet sources we made are way behind Dali's Hole and into the first tunnel, to discover California. 

Overlooking California Bay, past Guillotine Block

 It was in the first bay of California, that the sense of scale, danger and adventure really starts to hit home, as the safety of having Llanberis and the horizon in view gets stolen from sight. 


Another tunnel (pictured) continues into the greater area of California home to the infamous chain. 


 
Decades gone by but the tests of time are no match for the industrial ingenuity of some of the old metal working in this quarry, the sheer weight of the snaking linkster permits it from its rapid decline to the slatey depths below. To instill confidence in any climbers, some old cord is tied in place to prevent any practical jokers, sliding the chain over it's over secure holdings.

Three Spikes of Relief

BombProof

A moment of panic set in when we realised the HMS karabiners we brought had gates slightly too small to fit around the links of the chain. We were planning a via-ferrata style ascent and using cows-tails to clip in on the ascent. Instead Louis braved it and led the chain using two quick-draws as protection. Although it was advised we used climbing shoes for the hobble up the chain we braved it in mountain boots and struggled to gain height. Once Louis had found the "Rhythm of the Chain" he made good progress and arranged a belay on the one peg which was advised against. Backed up with a cam this was still, to say the least, a bit dodge. 

A beastly haul up the snake we had safely passed the first of many ironmongery inclines of the day and continued back to Dali's hole.

Found It

Our trusty blog report of the route, had purposely been vague at the whereabouts of the next tunnel, to prevent any 'muggles' exploiting this playground. After a lengthy search and a couple of slate surfing moments we stumbled upon the small and awkward tunnel entrance, which led us to Tasmania.

The vast expanse of Australia looms over and the levels of the popular climbing slabs stand boldly proud. The oil drum glacier spreads up the back wall smoothing a gap between the sharp faces either side. Far up to the right the walls of the East Braich stare down on us mere mortals, ready to tackle its rusty veins. A steep scramble us loose scree brings us the small quarry of Vilcabamba where the emergence of green life is evident, and a glimmer of environmental hope shines through the wasted plateau.

And there it is the first of the ladder, hiding on the back wall, leaning lazily leftwards following years of quarry men fast-tracking the levels on it's feeble frame.
A weak looking chain supporting it disappears behind a bush hiding, hopefully, its true anchor.

The next three levels, house many retired huts and sheds, with varying purposes, from cabans to cutting and tileing to tolieting. Remains of the huge pulleys and cables hang suspended, shrouded in states of age. The levels life lines, worsensed by exposure, are clinging tightly to the steep sides, held together by rusty rungs and bent beams, all for the safety of their willing wanderers.  

The Zodiacal Zig-Zag

Onwards and upwards past the Botany bay, G'Day Arete and Far out levels transported us to another era, finding old quarrymens coats and boots (what was left of them, turns out some had been burnt by some flaming fools). 
 

In the Caban

We had spent a good 45 minutes having lunch in Tasmania and the clock was ticking towards 3 o'clock rapidly. Surprised to find out we were only half way gave us a kick up the arse and we stopped dawdling and went to find the lost world.

 A gaping hole partly carpeted with a rhododendron blanket appears as you approach the quarry top. It's whereabouts vaguely described we eventually found the abseiled anchors and proceeded into the abyss below.

The Lost World

The Abseil into the Lost World

As we descended into the jungle canopy we stumbled upon an unofficial bothy hosing some old machinery and signs of more modern inhabitance. 

The Jungle Bothy 4 *

 Bashing through the rhody bushes and through a small tunnel we arrived at Mordor, with dwarves tunnels disappearing in every which way.

The quarry areas are named after places the quarrymen wished they were other than in the grey wasteland and names such as Serengeti, Australia and California. Mordor and the Lost World don't seem to follow this ruling. 

Mordor

Around a thin ledge and up a ladder (complete with manky rope to replace the missing rungs) brings you into the Khyber pass. A short walk over to Twll Mawr (Big hole) draws you up a final ladder and over to the final element of the day.

(We had partially been pre-warned not to do it, and seen many reports of groups doing the whole S+L+T course but then skipping the bridge but we were there and it seemed a fitting finish to the day, if it were to be our demise, at least it would have been in style)

As we approached the 'Bridge of Death' a hail shower fell, so we sought shelter in a nearby hut and psyched up for the challenge, emptying water bottles and removing potential hooking accessories from our harnesses. 
And so it was, time to do the bridge. Louis went first as he is heavier (and if it held him, i would be OK). Starting off slow, he soon found his rhythm again and he made progress slowing for the bowing centre. He made it, which meant it was on me now. It felt exposed, with the blowing wind and i made my way across with the now failing light.
Louis attempted to scare me whilst halfway, by chucking a large block below the bridge but I was too focussed to succumb to his immature tomfoolery. And then it was done, i had made it too, a deep breath and it was over. 

  
 We had conquered the snake long ago, climbed the ladders and developed night vision in the tunnels.

Snakes, ladders and tunnels. Done.



     



   

OMM 28th-30th October 2011 - Breadalbane, Perthshire, Scotland

So it has been a busy two weeks, first with the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) in Scotland. The event area, Breadelbane, covered the mountainous terrain between Loch Tay and Earn. It was my first mountain marathon and also a first for my team partner, my brother James. As it was our first one we didn't want it to be too difficult but we wanted a good level of challenge so we decided on the 'C' course. This course is a transition between a linear, (where the checkpoints are given in a set order) and score, (where the course is decided upon starting incorporating differing value checkpoints). So we had 5 linear and then had to choose four out of six checkpoints and results would be based solely on time. We started off fast and were knocking off several checkpoints and what seemed like we were overtaking lots of other C course pairs. Some very effective nav and we avoided some easy mistakes which several others had made. Between our 6th and eighth checkpoints we started to slow, perhaps as a lack of food and water intake throughout the morning. The thick fog on the tops added a biting cold wind and a visibility down to 10m. We picked up in the afternoon once we got a bit more warm and out of the fog. We finished the first day in 6 hours and 39 minutes in 36th position. The second day started off cold and damp and we woke to the sound of the piper on the video. Again we set off fast and learnt from the first day to get enough food and drink in regularly. We held a steady pace for the rest of the day with the same format of a few linear checkpoints and then deciding our own. Slowing towards the last couple of checkpoints before I got a sudden burst of energy as we got the the bottleneck of the last 3 checkpoints and several other pairs of all the courses followed the same route to the finish. We finished in a total time of 13 hours and 50 minutes in 36th position out of 103+/- who started. Overall, several lessons were learnt, navigation was tested, equipment reached its limit but it was fun, we took in a little bit of the Scottish scenery. Until next year.

SROC Street League Event 1 - Bolton-le-Sands and Carnforth

Event Map

Last night's event sparked the 2011/12 winter night street league series for South Ribble Orienteering Club with an event the furthest North of the 10 event league in Carnforth. Participants have the option to run for either 40,60 or 75 mins to gather as many of the checkpoints as possible. Points are awarded for correctly marked answers of the various items of street furniture used. Lamp posts, telegraph poles, fire hydrants are the usual items used but past events and last nights conjure up more exciting clues such as 'How many horses on sign?', 'Time of the evening service?' or 'Year of school opening?' to prompt further inspection upon arrival at the control site. I decided to run for 75 mins after checking the area map and there being a large gap in between the two towns. I started off fast tailing Dave Hargreaves and found a short cut through a school field to get a number of the scout group and continued overtaking a pair at the electricity sub station. I got a bit ahead of myself and found out once on the canal heading south I couldn't get off where i wanted to so had to extend further round, wasting valuable time. Which brings me on to the next issue, my watch didn't seem to have started when I set off and I had no idea what time it was to work out when I needed to be back. In my slight detour, Dave had over taken me again and I was left trailing him again, until he went to get a control off this circular route and i headed out west on the coastal path to pick up numbers 45 and 61. After this swing out route i decided i had best check what time it was and was ready to ask the next person i saw, well there was nobody. I decide to nip up to number 40 and then head back towards the pub to check the time but got distracted and headed north again to pick up 49 and 58, it was here I asked a man for the time, I think he was rather bewildered as I came out of nowhere shining my head torch at him. I worked out I had 24 minutes to get back so I carried on north and picked off several points taking as far up as number 30 at Tescos. After the final sweep to 51 I jumped back onto the canal to head back with what I thought was 4 minutes to get back. The canal plan was soon out the window due to my head torch's weakness and got on the road, got my head down and just paced out. I calculated it was 6 minutes late but turns out it was just one. It was a good event for the start of the league and a few silly mistakes to be fixed and I'll be biting the heels of the weekly winners, well I'll try.
Full series information available at, South Ribble Orienteering Club Street League

Open Adventure - Haglöfs Open 5 Staveley

This week has been a week of both recovery and reflection. 
I woke up early to get in my huge bowl of porridge and left towards Garstang for my very kind offer of a lift from Heather Jackson. This is the third Open 5 race I have done since last years Slaidburn and Grizedale events so there was plenty to talk about on the way.

Again I was renting a bike and had to wait until 10am for Wheelbase to open so went to register and took on some more food and drink. The last few days saw the hot spell, but this morning definitely showed it was October in the U.K., overcast with a drizzly rain. 

I decided to bike first like I have done on the last two events, perhaps I should experiment with this for the next race in Shropshire. Open 5's are score type events so the route is decided by the individual, with checkpoints being worth different amounts. The values of the checkpoints are discovered on starting but you can study the map from registration. 

High Borrans OEC

I set off north from the start aiming for checkpoint 16 after finding out number 17 was a no control and worth nothing. This was a long stretch up a road so I used this time to look at the map and plan my route a bit more. After some stretches along tracks and bridleways I 'punched' number 16 and continues passing High Borrans OEC.

A fast descent down and across the B road for number 18 on the bench. A rider came up behind and overtook me, I thought I was going fast enough myself, he was zooming. Heading back north I picked up 13 and then wasted a little bit of time weighing up which way to go around for number 12. I went around the top and then powered all the back into Staveley, past registration and the start and to number 19. I had been going for about an hour and 15 minutes at this point. North up a small lane and up across some heath land for point 14 which I found out later that Big Bear Bikes Male Pair James and Morgan couldn't find. Another 30 mins up to number two and this is where I started to dwindle. Route options were planned on the way up to here and i decided i would swing round to the left and head back picking up 7 and 8 on the way 

Reston Scar

for 60 points. This is where I learnt I can't ride over a rocky track and eat a sandwich at the same time. I got into transition just under the 3 hour mark and quickly got down some food and water and went out for the run. I decided to go over Reston Scar first as I knew this area from orienteering earlier this year and picked up 60 points in 30 mins. A rash decision took me out to the east and over towards Brunt Knott to get the spread out points to the east of the map. Some Fell Running familiar nav for the next two points, on the tree and on the dam. I had 35 mins left so picked up 45 points from 3 checkpoints and finished 5 minutes early. 


Out of 70 male solos I came 33rd and score 425 overall, winner on 588 it was close scoring at the top with only few seconds late dropping people several places. 
In conclusion I think I am fit enough to score higher, I just need to get more fuel in more often and plan my route a bit more. Until then, in Shropshire on the Long Mynd in a months time. 


Paddy