Week 9

Week 9 takes in the final few days of one decade ad the first few days of a new one. With no chance of completing my December schedule it is just a case of doing what I can. I had planned a road run on Monday but once I was off the bus route, the road surface was too treacherous so I returned home, changed shoes and set off for Winter Hill via the off-road route. The mast road turned out to be better gritted than anywhere else. On Wednesday I planned to go further, so followed a similar route initially but on reaching the mast continued down to the Wrights Arms and Belmont returning via the Blue Lagoon and the trig point. The slight drizzle experienced when setting off to turned into driving snow as height was gained with strong easterly wind making progress hard work in parts. The circuit of just under 11 miles took two hours 30 - no doubt on a more clement day, I shall repeat the route in less than two hours. No chance of stopping for photos - it was a day to keep moving.
January will start with a deficit of 43 miles and 5250 feet : I'll not try to recover it all during the month but aim to be back on track be the end of March.

Week 8 - Christmas Week

The week up to Christmas is always busy and combined with the snowy weather made planning somewhat hit and miss. At least I managed to get some mileage in almost everyday. Walking to the Bob Smithy and back on Christmas Day helped.

On Boxing Day, My daughter and I competed in the Whinberry Naze Fell Race. I enjoyed the climb but the conditions hmapered my descent even more than usual. My fancy dress also needed a bit of adjustment every now and then. There's pics hereand here but no video uploaded as yet.

With no big walks I was still 5 miles and 900ft short of the weekly target as some of the walks involved very little climb.
However, I received some very useful Christmas presents - a Snugpak Chrysalis Micro lightweight sleeping bag and books on Mountain Weather, Steve Cracknell's account of his expedition and the new LDWA UK Trailwalkers Guide.

Week 7 - another almost blank week

Well the flu continued and it wasn't until the cross-country at the weekend that I risked getting out. With snowfall on Friday and a blizzard in Horwich at lunchtime meant that it was in doubt but a phone call to one of my dj mates in Burnley revealed that conditions were much better there. The major difficulty was the road that led into Townley Park which had not been gritted. When the council expect you to pay for the privilege of parking, you would hope they would use some of that income to grit the road! With no running for nearly a fortnight, I made sure I ran cautiously at the start but seemed to be running well resulting in as good a result as I had all winter.
A five mile loop on the side of Winter Hill on Sunday gave me 12 miles and 900ft for the week - well off target but at least back on track.

Week 6 - an almost empty week

The flu bug has finally hit me - not Swine Flu according to the symptoms checker on nhsdirect but nevertheless some bug that has played havoc with my schedule. The plan was to go up to the Lakes and do the Kentmere Horseshoe on Friday followed by the LDWA Christmas Cracker walk on Sunday.
I did get a few miles in on Tuesday taking the dog with me onto Winter Hill and decided I was well enough (big mistake) to have a walk up Winter Hill on Friday - that totally blew my away for the weekend so I shall not attempt anything further until Wednesday. So last week's total was a meagre 13 miles and 1800ft against a target of 32 and 4000 which would have achieved easily.

Howgills, Dec 4th

Friday looked to be the only day which would combine a free day and a reasonable weather forecast. No problems on the M6 so I arrived and parked up in Sedbergh at 10am. The temperature showing was -1°C. Usually my hands lose circulation in the cold so I needed to get going pretty quickly. Halfway up the slopes I had to remove my gloves: it was a glorious day and a steep uphill climb is the best way of generating heat. A few photos taken in the excellent light and a elevenses on the top of Arant Haw.

Continuing the path to Brant Fell and the Calf, the cloud came in and all of a sudden the sun was gone - gloves back on. The upper slopes had garnered a light covering of snow but walking was still extremely pleasant with none of the recent gale force winds to battle against. A view was lacking however. I descended then cut across to Crook before finding a path back down towards Sedbergh. However as it was still early afternoon, I decided I had time to get some more climbing in so headed back up the valley of Settlebeck Gill and then a steep climb back up to the main path towards Arant Haw and a cut back to the top of Winder before returning to Sedbergh. Route calculated at about 10 miles with 3200ft of ascent. Next photos are on the way up to The Calf with the final one from there.

Thanks to my first sponsor

At my daughter's engagement party, my oldest friend (no, not as in JtE but in the fact that we've been mates since the age of 3), expressed concern that I am contemplating doing the majority of the walk solo and without a GPS.

Now I'm not sure whether there is a GPS which will answer all needs, e.g. not much access to power sources so will it run off my freeloader solar charger for example but Brian is determined to make sure I am equipped with such a safety item. I know that Mark S has suggested GPS equipped mobile phones. I'll do some more investigations but the first one that I looked at that would fit the bill is the Nokia N97 - a snip at around 400 notes and then may have power sourcing issues!

There is an article in the latest edition of the LDWA magazine "Strider" but it doen't really provide a solution. I shall have to do some hunting via the French amazon site for example, the Garmin Etrex H or the Garmin eTrex Summit HC. Maybe I should write to them.

So Brian now has a certificate to display on his office wall!

Also thanks must go out to GW for her donation.

Week 4 and November Review

A short run on Friday followed by cross-country on Saturday completed the week well above schedule and back on track for the month. A lazy Sunday and nothing on Monday night meant I completed the month just 7 miles short on target with the ascent just about achieved. Hopefully December will not provide too many hindrances from climate or otherwise. I shall have to see.

One Hill Four Times, Nov 25th

The BBC weather forecast on Tuesday evening was showers and sunny spells .... but more sunny spells than showers. The reality was somewhat different.

Setting off at 6.15, UI reached Kettlewell in good time, about 20 minutes before the 8 a.m. start. I think there was the odd bit of sunshine.

Fairly promptly 18 of us set off up onto Hawkswick Moor and over the other side, almost into Arncliffe. Supposedly the wind had died down from the gale force overnight. On the top, it was hard work against the wind. A few yards north along the lane before it was back onto the fellside and climbing back over but this time taking a more northerly direction - this time of course the wind direction was behind us. By 10.30 we were ready for our morning break overlooking Starbottom. we had the occasional shower but nothing to moan about. After our break it was about a mile or so walk up the valley before we veered left for the hardest climb of the day over to Litton with nearly 1300ft of ascent. This co-incided with a total lack of sunny periods, completely overcast and raining hard into your face. I don't know what the wind speed was - I just know that on the summit at was only just possible to move forward. It was just about keeping going forward until we got to the valley. The group included some of the most experienced walkers in the U.K., many of whom had completed "hundreds" and other multi-day events as well as containing three medical doctors - it was a good job we were sufficiently experienced and equipped. It also tested out the claims of our "waterproof" clothing. At just gone one, we reached the pub at Litton. The landlord had been primed for us and promised a blazing log fire for us - blazing may have been somewhat of an overstatement but the food, beer and welcome was appreciated.

Tthe original route was to take the riverside footpath down to Hawkswick but common sense prevailed and we chose the road as I suspect the footpath would have been waterlogged in so many places to make the schedule of a by-dusk finish (i.e 4pm) impossible. So a fast pace was maintained and the final crossing of the hill undertaken from Hawkswick for us to achieve the target of finishing with a few minutes daylight to spare. At least the afternoon walk was mainly dry - no sun but the occasional minute patch of blue sky to tease us.

A hard day out, 18 miles, 4000 feet of ascent but the conditions, both underfoot and especially battling with a force 8, I would expect is as hard as any day I expect to experience in the Pyrenees. Yes, I will have a bigger pack, yes some days on the schedule are up to 5,500 feet of climbing and there is the potential for thunderstorms especially in the west, but I think yesterday was good preparation (but no sun!).

A couple of photos but not very good as it was only from a phone camera and no doubt some wind shake. The first is overlooking Kettlewell, the second the River Skirfare, pretending to be the Wharfe.

Week 4

By the way, the avatar photo isn't me. A mars bar for the first correct answer!

Well on target with Sunday's run and a quick run up to the mast this afternoon giving me 13 miles and 1500ft already before tomorrow's long walk. Nice and easy going up this afternoon although soon into the clag after Georges Lane then the wind hit me as I turned to return home.

Will the gales have died down before tomorrow's walk? We shall see. Anyway need an early night tonight as I shall need to set off at 6 a.m. in the morning.

Thought I'd post up a couple of simple line graphs of actual against target.

Week 3 Review

Completed the schedule for the week by getting in a couple of hilly road runs on Friday and Saturday to take the week's total to 35 miles and 4350 feet of ascent. That means I'm only 6 miles and 700 feet behind schedule for the month. A run with my daughter and her fiancé started off week 4 well but suffering a bit with a cold but not too bad so expect to get the big walk in on Wednesday and maybe something tomorrow. It looks like it will be very blustery but at least we'll not get as much rain as the Lakes have experienced over the weekend.

Concern about me taking on the walk solo has led to an offer of sponsorship of a GPS so many thanks to Brian. Before he purchases it, I need to ensure that they actually work in the Pyrenees so will be hunting contacts on various forums for advice. I noticed from the latest Fellrunner that P&B's Gary Devine now lives in the Ariège so maybe a useful contact for local knowledge.

Week 3

Atrocious for weather but managed to get a long walk with LDWA yesterday preceded by 6 mile run with 900ft ascent on Sunday. I'd realised the Kettlewell walk wasn't until next week which meant a bit less to travel to the meeting point to the east of Accrington. The weather had caused a fair bit of disruption on the roads so it was a slightly later start than the usual prompt 8a.m. After half an hour or so a major obstacle was encountered with an impassable stream which meant a reroute for the first couple of hours of the walk. Eventually we completed the walk just before dark logging a total of 16 miles and 2000 ft of ascent.

With more severe weather warnings it looks like a couple of hilly road runs will be the easiest way to achieve the balance of the week's schedule (11 miles, 1250ft)

Week 2 Review

Despite poor weather, managed to exceed my target for the week with 43 miles and 5450 ft of ascent, clawing back some of the shortfall from week 1. If I can get up early enough on Wednesday may get to the Irregulars walk on Wednesday which promises over 4000 ft of climbing. Feeling fairly knackered now but may just to a shortish run or walk today as it looks quite decent weather for a change.

Week 2

Regular run on Sunday on Winter Hill of 6 miles, 1300ft ascent as a starter. Calf a little sore but coped. Speed more hampered by gallons of water that has come down in the past week.

Repeated Tuesday in dank cold misty conditions, probably even wetter underfoot as more rain has come down. A little bit faster though so pleased with the recovery. Total so far for week 12 miles, 2600ft - on target for weekly schedule of 4200ft ascent and possibly mileage as well but still got week 1 shortfall to make up. Eleven miles tomorrow will help.

11 on the 11th turned out to be well over 12 miles which is good and I've calculated the ascent at 1650ft so weekly total now 24 miles and 4250 feet ascent. Again extremely wet underfoot but at least a rainless day with even a bit of sunshine and plenty of good company.

Thursday night run with Ed and Steve adding 9 miles and 800 ft to bring the weekly total up to 33 miles and 5050 ft.

Big thanks to those who have made contributions to the two charities.

First week review

First seven days of month and well behind schedule. Not run due to calf injury and yesterday was the first available daytime walking since Tuesday - just managed 6 miles and 1000ft. Aim for similar, maybe a bit more later today, once other jobs are done and then there is the 11 of the 11 LDWA walk on Wednesday. At least weather looks a bit improved. Total so far is 14 miles and 2100ft when I really should have over 40 miles 4500ft each week this month.

Training Schedule

Worked out a training schedule on Saturday which hopefully get me somewhere in shape for the walk. I've set a target of 1,200 miles with 150,000 feet ascent between now and the end of May, increasing monthly:

Nov - 140 miles and 18,000ft

Dec - 150 miles and 18,000ft

Jan - 160 miles and 19,000ft

Feb - 170 miles and 20,000ft

March - 180 miles and 22,000ft

April - 190 miles and 25,000ft

May - 210 miles and 30,000ft

This will be combination of running and walking. When walking I will aim to carry a decent size pack. I've gone through my log for October and achieved 100 miles and 8,200ft so I need to step up somewhat.

November didn't start well. I had planned to spend either today or yesterday in the Lakes getting some climbs in, but a damaged calf from Saturday's cross country meant that was out but at least I have managed 8 miles and 1100 ft today but will not be able to run till weekend and also have no time to walk till then so will have to do 37 miles and 3300ft to catch up.

My first follower

Welcome on board, Ed.

All I need to do now is get as fit as your elder brother and I'll have no problem.

The Route

The route starts on the Atlantic coast at Hendaye, close to the Spanish border, before meandering through the lower hills of the Pays Basque for a few days reaching the possibility of snow in June on a high pass towards the end of the second week.

Click on the map to view in reasonable detail. The route is shown as a yellow dashed line.

I'm quite likely to come back and improve these maps when I get a bit of spare time.

On a 50 day schedule Fos will be reached in about 25 days.

At the moment I'm using the schedule from Paul Lucia's book.

The GR10 Challenge

In February 2007, I had some very mild chest pains on a couple of days, 4 days apart. After a phone call to my GP, I went to get myself checked out at the Royal Preston Hospital and all of a sudden I was strapped up with electrodes and then for 12 hours the doctors were telling me that they thought I'd suffered a heart attack. I was rather astonished and told them I'd had worse toothaches. Anyway the second set of results came back the following morning to reveal that I had not. Further tests (angiograms are not the most fun things if you want get back to running) confirmed that my heart was in perfectly good working order.

However, the experience made me realise that I ought to set myself a challenge whilst I was still young enough and fit enough. I've never considered myself capable of say a Bob Graham Round completion but I've always enjoyed walking in the hills. I have also loved the Pyrenees whenever we have holidayed there and have done a few walks (and the occasional race) there.

Therefore I decided my challenge would be to complete the GR10 long distance footpath which goes from Hendaye on the Atlantic to Banyuls on the Mediterranean, a distance of just over 900km (about 550 miles) with 50,000 metres of ascent (and descent!).

My original idea was to undertake the challenge last summer but I put it off, hoping that the value of the pound against the euro would recover a bit. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but next Summer is now the ideal opportunity for me and plans are well on the way to get me into condition.

Also as a response to the wonderful care I had with my little ticker scare, I'm trying to hook it up as a means of fundraising, 50% to the British Heart Foundation and 50% to Guide Dogs For The Blind (for whom my wife does much voluntary work and as she will suffer much of my preparation, etc for the walk, I think it only fair).

I have set up two justgiving sites, one for British Heart Foundation and one for Guide Dogs for the Blind and hope to raise the modest sum of £500 for each charity, more if possible.

There is a lot more to go in this blog in line with much preparation. I'll keep you informed.