name those hills

Sharp-eyed readers will have spotted that BN has a new banner photo.  YC wonders if readers can name the hills in question?

Hint - the photo was taken on the first hill in The Anniversary Waltz fell race.  YC ran this on Saturday in beautiful conditions.  11.5 Lakeland miles sped past in 2 hours 8 mins of glorious fellrunning.

Mrs OC was also out on the fells, running in the longer Teenager with Altitude race.  She excelled herself - finishing first lady and 18th overall.  Testimony indeed to what a few halves of real ale can do for you.

Here is the full version of the photo.

Katie & Paul's wedding

Congratulations to Katie Walker and Paul Carr who were married on Saturday at The White Church, Lytham St Annes.  Katie is YC's cousin.  Here are a couple of photos of the happy couple plus the assembled family.  The sunshine came out on the day - which was fortunate as it was sleeting on the Sunday.  The wedding was followed by a reception at The Clifton Arms.  YC even had time, whisper it quietly, to slope off for a quick pint at The Taps public house nearby - which rounded off an excellent day.

Cleveland Survival - 26 miles (plus some)

OC and Mrs OC ran this at the weekend.  It's a 26 mile challenge event on the North Yorkshire Moors.  OC confesses to mis-marking a checkpoint resulting in a 2 mile detour early on.  Fortunately Mrs OC was endlessly patient, and simply ran harder, pulling OC round the final few miles.  We finished in 6 hours (including the detour).  A good time was had by all.  A commemorative mug allowed for post-race tea, followed by something rather stronger in The Colpitts pub afterwards.

Click here for a fuller report on the NFR website.

for essential post-race tea

what (not) to wear and what to drink

When on a recce of leg 1 of the Bob Graham Round, YC recommends wearing a fetching Chevy Chase buff with matching helly hanson top.  They provide perfect running gear for a jog over the snow-topped summits of Skiddaw and Blencathra.  And, of course, they are the height of fashion.  

For those seeking refreshment, Mrs OC recommends the refreshing waters of the Caldew - perfect for quenching the raging fellrunner's thirst.  Though rumours have it that there are stronger brews available for such a task...

a tale of 2 fell races

On Saturday - the Flower Scar Fell Race at Todmorden in the Calder Valley.  An English Championship 5 mile race in which Mrs OC was flying the flag for Northumberland Fell Runners.  YC was official supporter, and managed an amble up Flower Scar hill.  Mrs OC ran appreciably harder - finishing 17th overall in the ladies' race and 2nd lady vet.  

On Sunday - the Brough Law fell race.  Another 5 miler in the Ingram Valley in the beautiful Cheviots.  YC and Chris Smith ran this one and endeavoured to follow in Mrs OC's slipstream (more training needed chaps....)  The weather was on the brisk side with a chilly breeze, but a good time was had by all at this early season race.  And now, readers will be relieved to learn, YC has had his tea...

Mrs OC climbing hard on Saturday

the view at Brough Law by Chris Smith

Tribune Matthew brings you the news

There is a new addition to the Roman Senate.  Step forward: Tribune Matthew.  Here he is pictured in Rome.  On being elected to his post, Tribune Matthew said: "Ave.  Veni vidi, legi BN." which roughly translates as "Hail.  I came, I saw, I read Birtley News."  To which, YC can only add - "audi audi!" [hear hear].

Tribune Matthew also reports on a recent sighting on the North Yorkshire Moors.  Namely an elderly fellrunner known as Old Cheviot, gamely struggling up the fells, feeling every year of his aged bones.  And what's more, OC was doing his best to keep up with the swift lady fellrunner in front - Mrs Old Cheviot no less.    Apparently the two were spotted reccing the route of the 3 Tops fell race, including Roseberry Topping.  

Tribune Matthew noted that the recce was grand way to work up a thirst.  Having had their tea, OC & Mrs OC took in Evensong at Durham Cathedral, before thirsting after righteousness in a nearby licensed premise.  The Colpitts Hotel was the find of the day.  A basic welcoming pub selling Sam Smiths Bitter at only £1.80/pint.  Jubilate!

Tribune Matthew

with Mrs OC (aka Emma) on Roseberry Topping

all our yesterdays

YC thought readers might like this old photo.  It was supplied by Yvonne Lambert and taken at Berwick Rowing Regatta in 1969.  It features a youthful Mr & Mrs Rev T.  And the young chap in the pram?  It's an even more youthful YC - too young to eat ice creams and even too young for beer!