Sunday 5 August 2018

Hardmoors Rosedale marathon 2018

I was running this one with Elly, Kath and Sara. John on his first marathon was also going to run with us, but he ran on ahead quite early on. It was good to see so many people I know through Hardmoors, several of them were marshalls which must have been a tough job in the heat.

The forecast was for the temperature to be warmer than yesterday and that is the way it turned out. It was very hot when we were out on the moors where there was no shade. However, the wind was a little stronger which was nice when we weren't sheltered from it. It did cloud over for about half an hour very late on which was a relief. But it did come out again on the final climb.

The route was the same as in 2017 which had been very different (and much harder) than earlier routes for this event.

It was the usual running start - by the time we got out of the Village Hall in Hutton-le-Hole, the race had already started. We knew there was no rush as there a always a queue at the first gate. Then along field edges


and on to the first climb you can see in the distance above


Last year the field above had been potatoes, but this was much easier.

On to a short road section where the Sports Sunday photographer was waiting





and then off into the remote part of the North York Moors, Otterhill Common, which Melanie and I covered in much cooler conditions at Easter. In the middle of nowhere, with no access that I could see, was this sign:


Across the moor to the following two buildings



and on over a stream, which didn't have much water in it,


 towards Roppa Wood which when we went round it, has some lovely views


There were a couple of descents into quiet dales with the inevitable climbs out. As we went down into Bransdale we passed the deserted Stork House


We climbed out of Bransdale and inevitable went back down again on a road section before another long climb in the direction of Farndate. Near the top we came to something that looked like a duck as we approached. It was a duck.


and as we got to it we could see the party checkpoint come into view. This is not an official checkpoint but the party checkpoint is usually there at Hardmoors events. They had water pistols and were happy to soak you if it helped 😀




Finally we came down into Farndale. I was still feeling pretty good. I was drinking much more than yesterday which I think helped. There was also plenty of walking happening. We ran the tourist route between High Mill and Low Mill which was very quiet as it is not daffodil season. Then another climb which resulted in lovely views of Farndale



This path upwards was a bit overgrown


About four miles to go from the top and a nice descent down into woods before a final road climb before the run down to Hutton-le-Hole.

This is a lovely event, great views but some tough climbs. The heat made a tough event even tougher, but overall I am glad I did yesterday and today.

Saturday 4 August 2018

Elsecar Skelter 27m 2018

It was not part of our plan for Melanie and I to do this event. However, there was a two month gap between Melanie's marathons/ultras and she wanted a long event to keep herself marathon fit. We had done this event before (five time for me, twice for Melanie) and we do love it. It is a twisty route with lots of follies to look at and some hills and lovely views.

The only disadvantage to doing it was that I had a place in the Hardmoors Rosedale marathon the following day. It is four years since I had done two in a row and we both did those two and we did some training for it. The first one had been a very hilly one through Lakeland Passes followed by an undulating road marathon (Windermere) and it had worked out well. This pair was the other way round with the much tougher Rosedale coming second and I didn't have any time for any specific training for back to back long events.

We stayed near Elsecar but we didn't get as much sleep as we would have liked as there was a lorry depot close by. We made it to The Market which is the Race HQ in plenty of time


This is a very cheap event, you can get coffee or tea at the start, there a basic meal at the end and some of the checkpoints are very well stocked with cakes, sandwiches and orange slices. All for £15. There is a GPX supplied together with a route description.

We started probably a little quickly. We soon reached Hoober Stand



and on to the village of Hoober. Lots of field crossings


and on to Wentworth Woodhouse (thanks to Melanie for some of these photos)


The farmer in one area had ploughed over the path so there was a little choice but to go directly through a hay field.


It was getting very warm - we think it got up to about 27 or degrees. There was some shade in the woods and a little breeze, but I was finding it hard going which felt a bit ominous for the following day.

It was great to reach Whancliffe Crags, this is a lovely section with great views and it is mainly downhill



I slowed a bit more after that, the sun seemed to be sucking all my energy away. On a couple of hills I had to pause for breath which is unusual for me. I think this may have been caused by a lack of hydration in the days leading up to the event. 

We made it round in under six hours and we were only a bit slower than last year when it had not been as hot. So overall it had gone well, but I was a bit concerned how tomorrow would go when the temperature was forecast to be higher and there would be a lot more hills and overgrown paths.