a fellrun, a party, and a swim

In an action packed weekend, YC ran the Coledale Horseshoe Fell Race on Saturday. It heads over Grisedale Pike and Eel Crags in the Lake District and packs 3,000 ft of climbing into its 9 miles. There's a report on the NFR website.

On Sunday he joined a convivial family party at Il Forno's restaurant. The occasion was James, Katie, Matthew & Phoebe being in Tynemouth for the weekend. Fine food and good company made for a very enjoyable lunch. Nephew Matthew announced that YC had an A level in craziness - wherever did he get that idea from?

Today YC did some further studying on his A level with a swim in the North Sea. It's on the chilly side, but YC has invested in a wet suit so the temperature is bearable. Afterwards he headed up to Cresswell Pond where he spotted a yellow wagtail - this takes YC's UK bird list to 100. Only another 100 odd to go...

left - James samples the wine under Rev T's approving gaze
right - Phoebe, Gill and Pat

Hands up if you think Uncle Johnny's crazy. Matthew waves to the camera.

Allendale Challenge 2011

The Allendale Challenge is a 25 mile event for walkers/runners over the hills in South Northumberland. It ranges from easy running on good tracks to waist-deep bogs and peat hags on Killhope Law. This year the weather was unusually warm - no thermals and waterproofs were required, rather sunscreen and water bottles were to the fore.

YC ran much of the race in company with Graham Walton. Starting off steadily, we gradually reeled in the other runners and moved up the field. Graham ran really strongly and pulled away in the last few miles. But he still managed to drag YC to a PB of 4 hours 2 mins, 5th overall from a field of approx 100.

In the evening YC deemed it prudent to rehydrate with the odd half of shandy - after all, the weather had been particularly hot.

more reports on the NFR website

as fit as a lop

YC enjoyed a jog around the Simonside Hills today. Parking in Rothbury, he headed up the route of the Hillforts & Headaches race before following some of the Beacon Hill race around the flank of Simonside. It was a slate grey day with a chilly breeze blowing, but the views over towards The Cheviots were good. Afterwards he drove to Cresswell Pond where the red breasted mergansers (look them up in your bird book) were putting on a fine display - 4 males were in hot pursuit of a lucky (or unlucky?) female.

As it's the season of Lent, some readers might have given something up for Lent. Emma Duff reports that she is abstaining from alcohol, cakes and biscuits, and feels "as fit as a lop". Readers may consider this admirable though unobtainable for them. In which case they could consider the example of John Telfer, who is warming up for the Allendale Challenge with vodka and beer whilst holidaying in Russia. YC, as always, will be following the diplomatic middle way - a half of shandy if the weather is particularly hot...

A Run In The Cheviots

YC revisited some old haunts today. Parking at the bottom of The Street in The Coquet Valley, he headed up to Yearning Hall and the hut on the Border Ridge. From there he journeyed over Lamb Hill and into Scotland to Greenhill. Returning by The Street, he climbed Windy Gyle last of all, before descending via Rowhope. In 3 hours of running he saw 3 walkers. Birdlife was more numerous - snipe, skylarks, pippets, buzzards, and wheatears. This evening he slaked the raging runner's thirst in The Tynemouth Lodge. On his return through Northumberland Park, he saw a woodpecker - he has often heard them there, but never clapped eyes on one before. Proof (if one were needed) that a trip to a licensed premise is always rewarding.

left - looking across to Yearning Hall
right - Callaw Cairn with Hownam Law in the distance

Brough Law Fell Race

Brough Law is a testing 5 mile fellrace in the Ingram Valley. It's all on grassy runnable (mostly) tracks. The weather today was perfect - high clouds, cool, and not too windy. YC trotted round to notch up his first race of the year in the 2011 NFR championship. He has no idea of his time as he didn't wear a watch - a great way to stop stressing about how fast (or slow) you are running. However for the avoidance of doubt, YC can confirm 2 facts:
1 The race was thoroughly enjoyable
2 He's had his tea.

left - Gill Bennett runs in supported by husband Lee
right - you are never too old for fellrunning. Joe Garbarino, V70, sprints to the finish.

Blencathra Fellrunning

left - Blencathra from Bowscale Fell
right - the Blencathra ridge from Gategill Fell Top

YC took a trip to the Lake District today to tick off some more 2,000 ft peaks. The day was superb with blue skies, a gentle breeze, and far-reaching views. It was still chilly on the tops with a little snow in places, but warm in the valleys. Parking at Threlkeld, YC did an anticlockwise circuit over Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags, Bowscale Fell, Great Calva, Skiddaw, and Lonscale Fell. Apart from a cluster of walkers on Skiddaw, the hills were pretty quiet. Great Calva was deserted. YC suspects it might be busier on a Saturday night in June - it's on the Bob Graham 24 hour circuit which ensures a steady stream of fellrunning visitors.

a few more photos here

running and crosswords

YC had a trot round the route of the Yetholm Hill Race today. This must rank as one of his favourite training runs: 8 miles all off road, splendid isolation over Staerough Hill to The Curr, and a glorious run-out along Steer Rigg. The weather was beautiful if chilly with a northerly breeze on the tops. When he wasn't running, YC was wrestling with The Times crossword. One of the clues gave him a wry smile:

Current enthusiasm, moreover, for this country (3,7)
Hint - YC's recent holiday

looking back from Latchly Hill towards Staerough Hill