Strollers Bob Graham Relay - Billy Bland Challenge

Since I did my bob graham round 2 years ago I wanted my club members to enjoy running on the same hills and feel the experience. I found out about this Billy Bland Challenge (which is a relay of the bob graham round split over 5 legs with at least 2 members on each leg). The only difficult part in organising this challenge was that it has to be done in a month of June. Last year I tried to organise it but there was so much going on in June and I just couldn't get enough numbers. So, I knew I have to set a date in advance and just go with it. It was still a hard work to mutually agree to one date so I just picked a date which most people agreed to and that was 5-6 June 2015.

We are basically a road running club and doing something like this was a bit of a challenge and something very special. The members that agreed to come knew what to expect and was willing to push beyond their limits. Due to winter and personal commitments we didn't get many reccies of the route done but we were all very excited and looking forward to it.

I used Bob Wightman's Bob Graham Calculator for 23 hours schedule starting at 8pm on Friday the 5 of June. I knew we could make some time up on first 2 legs and gave extra half an hour each for legs 3 and 4. I also managed to hire a Tracker from James at Open Tracking and booked Thirlmere Recreational Hall as our base for the weekend.

So we had on Leg 1 Ken Maynard and Bill Bowman. On Leg 2 it was me and Paul Wilson. Leg 3 it was Jill Kisler and Louise Outterson. Rachel Ball and Harry Harrison on Leg 4 and on Leg 5 we had Brian Carroll, Michael Dixon and James McGovern with Tricia O Neill and Alison Pattison joining from Newlands for last 5 miles. I needed to be on Leg 3 and 4 for navigation and I was too optimistic thinking to continue on for Leg 5 too but on the day my sickly stomach (as usual) caused me too much pain and misery, and I was very relieved to see Paul at Honister to navigate Leg 5 with Rachel also joining Trish and Ali for last road section.

We also had great support from Karen Maynard, Kevin O Neill and specially from our very own chauffeur and butler Stuart Percival, who probably had very little sleep and was great help. We got it round in very respectable time of 21 hours and 19 minutes. After the finish at the Moot Hall at 5:19 pm we all went back to the hall to enjoy chef Harry's Chili, Chickpea Curry with Rice along with Blackcurrant Pudding and Rhubarb Crumble.
PS I didn't manage to eat much and missed out on the puddings :-(

Start

Leg 1

Leg 3

Sunrise over Helvellyn from Langdale Pikes

Leg 4

Leg 5 at Honister

Leg 5 at Newlands

Finish

Ken - Leg 1 Paul - Leg 2 Eight bells tolled without any faff Half a mile, half a mile, Opposite ways just for a laugh  Half a mile onward, Off they headed toward Skidda' hill On to the valley of Grizdale That's Auld Ken and Blister Bill Ran the two “Forward the Strollers Brigade” Thru Fitz Park nice and steady  “Charge for Clough Head!” he said Plenty miles but are they ready On to the valley of Grizedale Very steep but made good time Ran the two. Topped her off in sixty nine  “Forward the Strollers Brigade!” Out of the clag at a steady jog Was there a man dismay’d? Hare Crag straight thru the bog Not tho’ the runners knew Calva sunset with good banter In the darkness a possible blunder: Down the fence at a canter Theirs not to  raise a cry Theirs not to reason why Must move on as daylight fading  Theirs but to run and try: Caldew crossed shallow wading  On to the valley of Grizedale Up Mungrisedale on a decent trod Ran the two. Now not speaking just a nod Great Dodd to the right of them Steep bit climbed we up the pace Watson Dodd to the left of them Now moving and we're in a race  Stybarrow in front of them Climb the shale back into the mist The wind roared and thunder’d; Blencathra added to our list Raise and Whiteside followed and fell Boldly they ran and well Shake of hands and headlights on  Into the jaws of death Direct route down for bit o' fun Into the mouth of hell Scree and crag soon passed by Ran the two And down Halls Fell we did fly Ran their mudclaws and cheviots bare Not a soul we saw all night long  Head torches flashing in the air Then torches over a hundred strong  Rock and mud here and there Moving slowly like an army  Charging the fell Probably thought we were barmy While all the world slumbered Plunged into cloud which cloaked Nervous tension a thing of the past  Down the mountain they broke Bloody good time and bit of a blast Muscle and sinew Only Three forteen out on the hill Reeled on the downward stroke Thanks....Auld Ken and Blister Bill Shatter’d and sunder’d Then on and up again More summits to plunder Lower man to the right of them Helvellyn to the left of them Nethermost Pike in front of them The wind roared and thunder’d Dollywagon beckoned and fell The odd trip, bang and swell Bu they had fought so well Come thr’o the vally of grizedale Back from the mouth of hell Fairfield and Sandal all that was left to them The last of the twelve When will the Strollers glory fade O the wild charge they made Left the Harriers wondered Honour the charge they made Honour the Strollers brigade Lou - Leg 3 Harry - Leg 4  (The Search for Tarmac) 2am alarm set for Jill and Lou And so to Leg 4 Plenty of time before Leg Two are due Time to put foot to the floor But just as we’re chilling with coffee in hand But hey what's this, no Tarmac The fast lads are texting they’re just about to land, I'm heading right back to my sac In a bit of a panic we jump in Stu’s car So Harry and Bally led a sickly Adnan Worried we’ll get there a bit below par He really shouldn't have but he ran and he ran The sport mode is on and the tunes set to blast Up, up, up, up, up We arrive at Dunmail Raise ever so fast, They weren't kidding when they said it was up Steel Fell is the first climb of fifteen Weather was good, little bit breezy Head torches on and not much to be seen As we climbed higher Adnan was wheezy Calf Crag, Sergeant Man, High Raise, Thunacar Knott Up over Yewbarrow we slipped into the mist Now dawn is breaking we see such a lot, One down but 8 more on the list We tick off the Stickles and hit Rossett Pike Red Pike next, back in the mist And here we do find it a bit of a hike Adnan directing, we got the gist The wind’s blowing hard, we can’t stand up straight Over the wall and onto Steeple Jill loses her Hula Hoops to the sheep that await, Harry falling twice but not in front of people Onto the big beast that is Bowfell Onwards to Pillar and over Kirk Fell Adnan confirms that we’re still going well Picking up the pace, we were going well The terrain gets so tricky to Esk Pike and Great End The wind getting stronger, gusty in places And that blasted wind we’re still struggling to fend, Time to pause and check on our laces Over to Ill Crag we fight through the gale The climb up Great Gable was hairy and scary Stumbling and battling, Broad Crag we don’t fail Seeing Adnan face down had me calling for Mary We can’t see a thing in the mist and the clag Wind so strong now we were crawling along England’s highest, Scafell Pike is next in the bag, All being well though this shouldn't take long Scrambling up Lord’s Rake is just the most fun Gables conquered it was onto Brandreth A steep narrow gully far too scary for some Moving quick enough to be out of breath Rocks flying down we must take a bit care Then to Grey Knotts but picked the wrong cairn Not to let ourselves go flying down this precarious stair Leaping on the right one like it was a runaway bairn On reaching the top only one left to do Then down to Honister, the end in sight Sca Fell is looming and then we are through Careering through the bog, can I catch Adnan?  I just might Down off the summit we slide over the shale Big cheers at the finish, back slaps all round Then it’s a short run back over river and dale Oh and there's that darn Tarmac, nice to be found We reach Wasdale carpark very pleased to be done But wishing it wasn’t over, we had so much fun The tracker is handed to Rachel and Harry Onto Leg Four the baton they must carry. Trish - All It all kicked off at 8pm From Keswick's old Moot Hall Ken and Bill set on the way With big cheers from us all. With fish n chips for most of us We drove back from the start The lucky few would grab some sleep  Till time to play our part. Quite soon we said good bye, good luck As Paul and Adnan left The lovely Karen took them The rest is us just slept  It wasn't long till Jill and Lou With Stuart, in his car,  In sport mode zoomed off down the road Good job it wasn't far. The weather wasn't looking good The wind was harsh up there Still a run into the sun rise Made our girls a happy pair. An early rise for all of us Stu's chauffeuring wasn't done We made some flasks for Adnan  Cos he'd another leg to run. Still the weather wasn't smiling much The wind was gusting lots And Adnan, Rach and Harry Are just little teeny dots. Leg 5,the last leg set to go Brian, Michael, Jim With Paul along to guide the way  Two legs bagged for him. Kev took us on to Newlands The glory leg you see We saw the boys head down the hill For Trish and Ali P. The last part, just the road leg Saw seven of us run Up Keswick town back to Moot Hall Cheers one and all - great fun!

Ramsay Round 9/10 August 2014

Finally Learnt to Quit

Struggling with food and low energy on long runs I decided to try a carb depletion and reloading 6 days cycle for the ramsay round attempt. But it didn’t go to the plan and I ended up eating cake almost every day.

Another plan was to do easy to no running in the last week. That plan failed as well. After taking easy at the start on Club’s Gallery Jewellers Cup Race on Wednesday (2 days before the attempt) I got carried away and probably did the last mile my fastest ever. I just hoped I should be alright as this was only a 7K race?

And finally my sore throat (after swallowing some of chemically muddy water on Tough Mudder last Sunday) developed in to a cold by Thursday. So all in all, I had the best final week I didn’t ask for.

Thursday came and I haven’t packed my bags so the night was spent sorting out everything, that meant I was up until 2am (another great preparation?) After checking the forecast for the weekend, I decided to carry a 16L bag with loads of food and some spare clothes in. Also made another bag of some more spare clothes for the support runners to carry.  Great, I have been very sensible this time and carrying things I wouldn’t need it.

Friday morning came and after snoozing the alarm 3 times I went to showers and got changed quickly for work. Looked at the clock if I have time for breakfast, “No, just leave' O clock” time it was. I will have a big jacket potato for lunch that should fill my carbs? No, having my birthday cake from work on Friday again meant I was sick to have anything for lunch. Its oki, I still have time for carb loading. I will have a big pasta for dinner and that should fill my carb boots?

So left work around 6ishpm and went to supermarket for final shop. I was supposed to be in Newcastle for 6:30pm to pick Chris up and I was still at home. So left in panic and almost forgot about the dinner. Texted Chris to let him know I am running late (as ever). Picked Chris up at 7:30pm and then drove to Bens to be driven to Scotland. Transferred everything to Ben’s car and we were good to go. 

Grace was driving and we were chatting, then suddenly I felt a glucose drop. So I got one of the cereal biscuits out and then another one, maybe Ben noticed something and asked if we all had our tea. Nopes, I was the odd one (again) and I was handed a menu for a takeaway on our way.  Order placed and back to some more chatting. It was after 10pm and I was having my first meal of the day. The preparation couldn’t have gone any better!

We arrived at the Lodge around 1am and went straight to bed hoping to get at least 7 hours sleep. Its 7am in the morning and I am awake. How? I don’t even get up at that time for work!!! Never mind I stayed in bed for another hour or so but still can’t get back to sleep so I got out and had a porridge pot. Its 9:30am now I better wake everyone up. So we all started getting ready. By 10:30am we were ready, No I needed another Porridge pot and then we left.

We arrived at the start just before the afternoon. The weather was looking promising so I called Kevin and asked if we can set off at 1pm instead of 1:30pm which he duly agreed to. Kevin, Richard and Kerstin arrived at the start while we were enjoying Philadelphia wraps. Where's Dicka and Joy? Stuck in traffic at Loch Lomond. I spoke to Dicka and said I will leave the support food with Richard if they couldn’t make it in time.

Everyone was excited and I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect as I haven’t reccied the first half of Leg 1. All I knew, Leg 1 is very tight with times. The schedule I copied off some website was 23 hours and for some reason I had it in my mind it was 24 hours. After quick few photos I put my running shoes on and went to hostel for the start. 5 minutes to the start and sun went behind the clouds and the rain started. We got our waterproofs out and counted last few seconds to the go.

Chris & Richard (Leg 2), Me, Kerstin (Leg 1), Grace & Ben (Leg 3)

At the start

I led the way and Kevin and Kerstin followed. I was moving steadily and kept looking back for Kevin and Kerstin. I noticed that there started a little gap appearing but I kept going. Kerstin soon joined me but Kevin moved a little back. We could still see each other so we kept moving. Half way up Ben Nevis and the clouds came down. We slightly drop the pace down to make sure we are at each other’s sight. Kevin gave us a pleasant shock and have just caught us up. He knew the pace was going to be fast so he made a wise decision to turn back from Ben Nevis and let me and Kerstin carry on.

Kevin is a great runner and I have struggled to keep up with him previously but he has been concentrating on road marathons (He did a 3:06 marathon earlier this year and training for sub 3 which I am 100% sure that he will get it) so lost a bit of hill fitness and he was very much expecting this. Before saying bye to him I sent him Richard’s number and finished his coconut water for him, which was well refreshing.

Took us 97 minutes to get to the top of Ben Nevis (12 minutes down) but still feeling positive and we carried on towards the second summit. It was all scrambling from there, reminded me of Crib Goch. The wet rocks made it slightly trickier and my falling-over marathon started with a first big fall on the rock and I nearly crashed my GPS screen. We were now over 15 minutes behind but still focussed. It was only when we started descending for the third summit I realised that my quads were very sore and I couldn’t move much faster. So, yes the race 2 days before wasn’t a good idea at all. Kevin just texted saying that he arrived at the campsite safe.

Climbing up the Aonach Mor, I felt the need to eat something. I have been going on for nearly 3 hours now and I haven’t eaten anything. I took few bites of egg wrap and struggled to get it down. Looks like my food strategy failed yet again. Never mind I am not completely exhausted yet. We moved towards the fourth summit and it was the first time we could actually run. 

We headed towards the Grey Corries and I managed to eat a 9 bar along the way. Over 5 hours in and my energy levels seemed to hit rock bottom. It was too early to feel burnt out. In a desperate move I forced another 9 bar down and kept plodding. My climbing pace moved to crawling pace but I could still jog on relatively flatter and downhills.

By Stob Ban (8^th summit) we were over 20 minutes behind and I was a goner. I slogged up to the top but it was good to know that Chris was joining us from Leacach Bothy and at the same time thinking it adds up to a whopping 2 km extra to the route. Wished I had asked Chris to meet along the main route. Anyway the descent to the Bothy was nice and we were moving well to get down.

Arriving at Leacach Bothy

Climbing Coire Easain

 Chris was ready to go and asked how we are doing. I said I am quite looking forward to the hot food at Fersit but that was still over 2 and a half hours away. Chris offered some of his food but I said I have loads with me but I don’t want any. I knew this was a long drag to the summit and then devil and angel appeared on my shoulders. Devil “Lets drop out at Fersit” (this was the only get away point if I go any further I just have to keep going); Angel “You can’t let Richard and Ben down” (they have come up long way to support).

Towards Choire Mheadhoin

Climbing Choire Mheadhoin

Lost another 13 minutes on this summit and I was nearly 40 minutes behind now. Right! decision made forget 24 hours and just keep going. At this point even my downhill has turned into a slog. Lost another 5 minutes to the next top. Forced some dates down and let Chris and Kerstin taking the lead down to Fersit. Half way down we could see the track. Should we aim straight for the track or follow the gps? Last time I was up there I struggled to find a path.

Sunset

Final descent to Fersit

Gathering all my energy back I took the lead and ran down following half gps and half aiming towards the track. We made it to the track after few falls and I charged again towards the dam crossing. It was a good pace and I thought I might be on my second wind. Chris tried to keep up with me and Kerstin followed. I felt slightly worried for Chris as he was continuing on and he might burn himself out too. 

Sun setting at Grey Corries

I was very impressed by Kerstin. She is a great runner and a supporter. It was the first time I have met her. She kept me going and was by my side all the time. I would like to return the favour if she decides to do anything similar in the future.

Richard with Dicka and Joy hiding behind the wall

Begging for energy

We could see the lights at the dam and it was pleasant to see some happy and encouraging faces. Dicka advised that my tracker hasn’t been working and gave his phone to Richard to carry who was swapping Kerstin for second leg. This was Richard's last outing before his big day on the Lakes fells for Bob Graham Round. I have every confidence that he will get it round and I will be there to witness it!

Top changed, socks changed, gps batteries changed. Got rid of some food out of the bag which I couldn’t face it. Bottles re-filled. Had few spoonful of pasta which tasted nice to start with but got worse. We were nearly 50 minutes down now and my mind has settled for just getting it round with no set time. Instead of 15 minutes break I was there for over 22 minutes.

First climb on Leg 2

Full Moon

So on we went for more suffering time. I knew this was another long drag to the top so settled for slug pace. Chris and Richard were leading the climb, half way up and I got another boost. I was leading again and we didn’t lose much time which I wasn’t expecting. Full moon was shining above us which I tried to capture it in my phone. From the top I was moving well but Chris seemed a bit slow but we weren’t too far. On the second top we actually made a minute. I knew the next descent is sharp and I could go slightly fast. Richard reminded that we are losing Chris and Richard slowed down a bit to let Chris catch up.

Crossing the Dam

Moonlight

Another long slog to 13^th top was coming. Again I didn’t know a good path from there and we just contoured around. This was very long and we all felt it. I felt low again and had a packet of crisp on our way to Beinn na Lap. I thought we were moving well but we still lost some time to the top. So, I decided to pick some pace up coming down. We were moving well and then Richard mentioned again that Chris is getting behind. We dropped our pace and Chris was with us shortly. Chris was feeling well now and kept up with us all the way. We hit the track and picked our pace up again. I haven’t done this bit either and was hoping that Meanach Bothy is not more than 6 miles.

The track soon turned in to a bog and running in to slog. The bog was very energy seeping which I had nothing left in me. I have now fallen over so many times that I lost the count. I kept asking Richard and Chris if they can see the Bothy. Richard could see a Bothy which was in fact a tree. It took us over 2 hours to get to the Bothy where Ben and Grace were worryingly waiting for us. I was now over 90 minutes behind but my schedule was 23 hours which again I thought was 24 hours and just didn’t bother about time and had a longer break there than scheduled. If I was thinking straight and have any energy left I did have a very small chance to get close to 24 hours (Only If!!).

wakey wakey! Grace got a bright idea for my muddy socks while Richard's enjoying his dog bowl.

I managed some spoonful of another camping meal and some porridge and a cup of coffee before setting off on last leg. We left Chris at the Bothy who has been very chirpy and good support, and some muddy mess for Grace to sort out. Grace is just a grace(great) support. I was pleased that Ben was now navigating and I have one less thing to worry about. Ben again is a great runner and navigator. He grew up on the mountains!! (Am I jealous?) I was still feeling low and asked if I can have some music on. It did give me a little boost which died as soon as we started climbing. This was another the worst long climb and I didn’t have anything in me to go any quicker. We made it to the top but lost 10 minutes on the way.

First climb on Leg 3

Me and Richard almost at the top

It was getting slightly cold now and my pace meant that Ben and Richard were getting cold too. The descent to next top went okish. Ben asked to leave my bag at the bottom of Binnein Beag (15^th top) and offered to pick it up for me on our way back, which was a relief. I didn’t realise that it has killed my shoulders until I got it off. We only lost 3 minutes on this top and the descent off this was sharp scree which I should enjoy? I didn’t to begin with but then I just threw myself down and got down very quick. Ben followed and went to pick my bag while Richard was getting down. Ben asked if I want to eat anything. I went for cereal biscuits but by then my mouth was dry and tongue was like sand paper. I couldn’t swallow it. Richard gave me some water to get it down. Ben brought my bag but questioned what I have got in there as it’s too heavy. I couldn’t remember what was in there but said its only water and carried on.

I haven’t been on next section so I didn’t know what to expect but the next climb looked too high and so it felt. We lost another 16 minutes on this one. I am now very tired too. I finally went for a gel to give me a last boost which it failed to deliver. I desperately tried to eat more than I had eaten all day on this leg but nothing was giving me any energy. I was just getting slower and slower. It was hard to keep focus and on this very sharp ridge I looked down and thought it would be just easier to jump down than carrying on, however I gave another push and didn’t lose any time on the next climb.

The next top was far away and it involved too much sharp contouring. I stopped half way for a wrap which I had to get it down with water. I have been going for another 5 hours from last food stop and kept hoping that it might give me some energy but oh Boy this bad patch wasn’t ending. Just before climbing the 18^th top, Richard looked at me and said you’ve been too wobbly on your feet for a while and you’re getting worse and asked if I wanted to continue. I asked what they wanted to do and they said it is my decision.

So, I decided to have a power nap for 5 minutes before finally deciding what I wanted to do. So I laid on the ground closed my eyes. 2 minutes later my body started shaking and I knew it was time to get going. I got up and said that I wanted to continue on to the next 5 tops at least which according to the schedule were each only 30 minutes apart (not more than 45 minutes at this pace) and then we'll see from there.

The weather finally decided to get worse and Ben mentioned that I am on 26-27 hours schedule now (maybe 30 hours?) and may not finish until 4pm, also if we carry on to the 19^th top there is no way getting down from there and we just have to keep going to the finish.

I looked at them but kept going. In my mind I was having a massive battle. I wanted to continue regardless of time but that was selfish and I felt that I am dragging my support and they wanted to get down. The weather is getting worse and they are cold already because of my snail pace. Decisions decisions!!! We climbed the 18^th top and I finally agreed to get down. It couldn’t have got any more worse for me from there but it might for my support!

We finally shake hands and Ben asked me to lead the way down while he tried to get in touch with Grace and others to make sure they don’t go over to Stob Ban (23^rd top) which they said that they might. Ben said he can’t get in touch with them and sped up to find where the others are. I initially matched Ben’s pace but my quads again gave me grief and I settled for easy hobble with Richard. It was a long way back to youth hostel now which we both weren’t looking forward to.

We got down and before crossing the Glen Nevis River we washed our feet in it and I submerged my quads in cold water for few minutes. We walked to the car park hoping that Ben will be there with car, but after a long walk to car park we were disappointed not to see Ben there. We just have to walk our way to the youth hostel now which was still good few miles from there and we both are now soaked to our skins.

Nearly walking on the road for 20 minutes a little red car stopped just in front of us. Richard thought it might be one of my support but I knew it wasn’t and was actually stopped for the oncoming vehicle but I didn’t let this chance pass us and asked for a lift. The German guy was very kind to offer us a lift. I got in front to look out for Ben or his car coming the other way. Few seconds in the car and I couldn’t keep my eyes open while Richard enjoyed a good conversation with this German guy.

We are at the youth hostel but no one is here so Richard stopped by the road while I tried to get in touch with others. Kevin, Kerstin, Chris and Grace are all up at Stob Ban. I spoke to Kevin and apologised that we are at the hostel and asked to look out for Ben on their way down. Dicka and Joy just spotted Richard and was surprised to see us there. They thought we finished early, I wish! The next stop was café where we all got re-united and left back for home.

This was hard and probably I made it even harder on myself by following all the wrong rules of last week of taper, good food and rest, but now at least I have reccied 80% of the route and gained some good experience. 
More importantly, as my boss said “I have finally learnt to Quit”!