Old County Tops 2015

It's been a while, but Old Cheviot finally felt fit enough to tackle this epic fellrace again.   It's a mere 37 miles, and takes in the high points of the old counties of Westmorland (Helvellyn), Cumberland (Scafell Pike), and Lancashire (Coniston Old Man).  OC ran round with Mrs OC who took all the climbing firmly in her stride, encouraging OC with offers of pints of Sam Smiths OBB.  The encouragement duly worked, and we finished in 9 hours 22 minutes before heading back to The Coplitts Hotel for a couple of pints of the necessary.

Here are some photos taken at the finish in Great Langdale, plus the newly acquired designer T-shirt.

Just a couple of miles to go.  Photo from Kevin Bray

Coz & Kevin's wedding

Congratulations to Coz Cummings and Kevin Mackay who were married on Saturday at Armathwaite Hall (Lake District).  YC knows Coz through running the Coniston 14 years back and then walking in the Lakes since.  The weather perked up allowing the guests to sip champagne in the sunshine, and it was good to catch up with friends (Alex, Helen, Lorna, and Tim).   YC was extremely fortunate to be chauffeur driven to the wedding by Mrs OC.  So he was able to indulge in the odd glass or two of champagne (strictly for quality control purposes, readers must stand).  

The interesting fact for the day was that Coz's mother Brenda witnessed Roger Bannister break the 4 minute mile at Ifley Road, Oxford in 1954. 

surprise guest of the day

Brenda & Bill

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