tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66517285000995504482024-02-21T02:30:14.831-08:00Andy Humphrey's Blogwrite up's and videos on anything I do outdoors
(climbing, skiing, diving, running, biking, wild camping and adventure races)humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-52830754046905524892023-12-30T04:18:00.000-08:002023-12-30T04:18:14.347-08:002023 loss of love<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVSRG-bvkTSVsu7Q1Ptk_HGGlhg-1blwFHKRIbLKxnzA0Xh7-n-zUTdNIT5B9ovXQsCvX4my8oyNEImG_T6Guh36vngRP7qh1xUK5EjdL4X9seMKo-IQAkKMJkmZgvc9G0RJtoBMBH_k1Uy898rIqa3W2MCx0EBdgfFlSThHmSGk6LiPOvgqMf9kjVio/s3264/20230102_140831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVSRG-bvkTSVsu7Q1Ptk_HGGlhg-1blwFHKRIbLKxnzA0Xh7-n-zUTdNIT5B9ovXQsCvX4my8oyNEImG_T6Guh36vngRP7qh1xUK5EjdL4X9seMKo-IQAkKMJkmZgvc9G0RJtoBMBH_k1Uy898rIqa3W2MCx0EBdgfFlSThHmSGk6LiPOvgqMf9kjVio/w200-h150/20230102_140831.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A tough year and not just physically. <p></p><p>Started on New years day running a marathon on the SWCP with the boys. Beginning to be a yearly event.</p><p>Soon after in January we noticed some lumps on Lola. Just old age we thought and had them removed but also sent off for a diagnosis. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94h6IGDrO1h9_-tMIOfowbSA32AnogTsCDX8Qpdh7o3UgzYQ7L2A7RaRQj0s7fFl-NzJ_G7p4fnXgAVxaX4qI4WicDJlASsvwjtbVXq-ti_tI_SIuLbuBhUQN1Wep3NXsIISVXXVU6wyiAXqGgChiACQmLV4B4p7fUnGEUAMYJ-_LVYceCmj4cNDaGiI/s2704/a23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="2704" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94h6IGDrO1h9_-tMIOfowbSA32AnogTsCDX8Qpdh7o3UgzYQ7L2A7RaRQj0s7fFl-NzJ_G7p4fnXgAVxaX4qI4WicDJlASsvwjtbVXq-ti_tI_SIuLbuBhUQN1Wep3NXsIISVXXVU6wyiAXqGgChiACQmLV4B4p7fUnGEUAMYJ-_LVYceCmj4cNDaGiI/w200-h113/a23.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Whilst waiting for the results, life does not stop and went for a winter bike packing trip where we all picked a random spot on a map and then just had to link them all up over a couple of days. It nearly worked and definitely one to try again.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p34m9Q_YU2cNUTp_XNiyjaIdKksMtQEzbwr0bCnZc-qYWCTb8ppatCJdaiZ_IASEDZd7KMo8rQuAJlUf5t6iWHJ3C7i956mM42QOQyy3slhmZrTpFFyj7hrsDq-LDdZADT-K2Nzn-UZ3XXGRaRiwhhvfd-5jBL1DcCGjG8z9EdilUuvQfjKQk_SU67k/s3264/20230128_155643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p34m9Q_YU2cNUTp_XNiyjaIdKksMtQEzbwr0bCnZc-qYWCTb8ppatCJdaiZ_IASEDZd7KMo8rQuAJlUf5t6iWHJ3C7i956mM42QOQyy3slhmZrTpFFyj7hrsDq-LDdZADT-K2Nzn-UZ3XXGRaRiwhhvfd-5jBL1DcCGjG8z9EdilUuvQfjKQk_SU67k/w200-h150/20230128_155643.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then it was over to the Alps for my first ski trip in 3 years. It was a good time and a nice distraction from the constant worry of what was happening to Lola. Unsure if it was Lola, the conditions or something else but sure didn't fall back in love with skiing. Maybe its a thing of the past now. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Back home whilst we waited on Lolas results i got a scan on my dodgy hip and the results weren't that good for me. Plenty of degeneration and the only hope was that strengthening it will improve it. I am still strengthening it to this day with hope i can enjoy my running again one day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZ4NZND-kewQqWfqAFHRwILBLI8HUpRIBElJivTMF0MOXRJKhcG-f_FjwvB6gqb_sfMtfUIq0Ub9TshtIiCc5_tkKCB4db4HcEAeM1KLrDbc_Bsqt8QKXYnS_9AhxNG6WSfP7eiiRMdJZlAtbQwqpRE0rlj0Y-UNRa3YZiqmK_mr7iAEvCN0qnpmo7-8/s4000/20230206_095946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZ4NZND-kewQqWfqAFHRwILBLI8HUpRIBElJivTMF0MOXRJKhcG-f_FjwvB6gqb_sfMtfUIq0Ub9TshtIiCc5_tkKCB4db4HcEAeM1KLrDbc_Bsqt8QKXYnS_9AhxNG6WSfP7eiiRMdJZlAtbQwqpRE0rlj0Y-UNRa3YZiqmK_mr7iAEvCN0qnpmo7-8/s320/20230206_095946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The shit news just kept coming. <p></p><p>Lola, my baby, my gorgeous girl was terminally ill with bone cancer. We spent what little time we had with her with love and going to all her favourite places. <br /></p><p>The day we had to say goodbye was peaceful, she was ready. I'm sure she dreamed of the 10000 walks we had with her, chasing through the woods, hiking the SWCP, scrambling up mountains, taking it easy down rivers, camping in all weathers. What a wonderful life she had and gave.</p><p>You were the best baby, i miss you and think of you every day x 18.2.23</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7ESyRFvJnZCdh-bePrBAmcjsDNAiA3X0-2gHznhtbuKE8d6uJ8XVsfsbooCrgTvUhFl6jSkn-IRWfUmOgYhJi-R22elEPC1snCA1KjzVBnwleX2j2ZhWc74wOWjdA-k0zcG0eA98lgpOx3TzWUPqznQ4_YB5ezQi06S9PRPnNLToQoUPANBWqqv7VWs/s3264/20230415_120316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7ESyRFvJnZCdh-bePrBAmcjsDNAiA3X0-2gHznhtbuKE8d6uJ8XVsfsbooCrgTvUhFl6jSkn-IRWfUmOgYhJi-R22elEPC1snCA1KjzVBnwleX2j2ZhWc74wOWjdA-k0zcG0eA98lgpOx3TzWUPqznQ4_YB5ezQi06S9PRPnNLToQoUPANBWqqv7VWs/w200-h150/20230415_120316.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Its hard to know what to do, where to go after such a loss. I certainly had too much time to grieve, gone were the wonderful everyday walks with her giving me such happiness each day. Sadness and emptiness were overwhelming.<p></p><p>I got back into running, a bit, doing the Clarendon Way, more of the Jurassic Coast - my favourite place to explore with Lola. Including running 43miles from Weymouth to Poole again with Dan. </p><p>Did some weekends away, something not done in years and so caught up on some favourite bands like Kasabian, Ocean Colour Scene and Xavier Rudd. All great shows.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy-iHrj8IszNAHg0_ygeKAlBRS3Cl5sroqpeTU202wGaN8WdLJBB5hk8pLT9mtt1yRT_mQjbqgMrPR0HgGyOpCTIO-hqT2CFhSk-FrAfVbbcm3JRAZCKWXQcIo6GrcHFpzkV5rCi9U5kZq54PpeiGyx3ti0qC2iNnaYu-RFLWMcNi-s9dcGcOoTDXLPI/s2040/IMG-20230507-WA0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2040" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy-iHrj8IszNAHg0_ygeKAlBRS3Cl5sroqpeTU202wGaN8WdLJBB5hk8pLT9mtt1yRT_mQjbqgMrPR0HgGyOpCTIO-hqT2CFhSk-FrAfVbbcm3JRAZCKWXQcIo6GrcHFpzkV5rCi9U5kZq54PpeiGyx3ti0qC2iNnaYu-RFLWMcNi-s9dcGcOoTDXLPI/w200-h151/IMG-20230507-WA0017.jpg" width="200" /></a></p>Then my one and only Ultra race for the year. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3kA-9t8Gs4&t=317s" target="_blank">Azores Ultra Trail.</a><p></p><p>Having more time on our hands rather than flying in, racing and coming home I extended it into a roadtrip. So we went out to Lisbon, Portugal for a long weekend. Great city. Then flew over to the Azores to run a 120km race around the Faial Island. Weather was not good so missed out on running the ridgeline of the volcano. Instead it was hanging on and not getting blown into the volcano instead. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1PiugPgE1U7JlGXeVD3sqhmNLjpDPr0HIkSJHhVAZ8FDvWtjsH97OFhDQyHbvBJjbiR2417ky7I0VhOTfc4yCt5YHwJHMgTY7To_JjzgdQRADAQPjJFZeqaUuLQTSOdGjJcz222DbPcp7y885nDZ_HasLEdNVgRj8NEgfN8Tk6rs15nYHdt6Ybwh1uo/s4000/20230508_204026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1PiugPgE1U7JlGXeVD3sqhmNLjpDPr0HIkSJHhVAZ8FDvWtjsH97OFhDQyHbvBJjbiR2417ky7I0VhOTfc4yCt5YHwJHMgTY7To_JjzgdQRADAQPjJFZeqaUuLQTSOdGjJcz222DbPcp7y885nDZ_HasLEdNVgRj8NEgfN8Tk6rs15nYHdt6Ybwh1uo/w200-h150/20230508_204026.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>After the race, we relaxed with great food and Whale watching, seeing a few Sperm Whales and calf's plus loads of dolphins. A superb experience.<p></p><p>After the R&R it was back to Portugal for the road trip. Lisbon to Porto. Taking in lots of sites - Sintra, Obidas, Nazare, Busscaco. </p><p>What a country. Obrigado Portugal.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bDSvpF6PVF34tzWMcz_pd6MVyEwT-SKmVia1qg86zO9DeOQnXbVirObrZQ8M4zKK_D_jV_bkKoxSrmrg2LYco2rjj00Yfnz3UrD_zKNdfdnNgDcXSHZwwl7XvHlvBWewXzvjixP3yoF3l7vzzrnPCjb9w4uUwytkwhs9USh6Y8tXcMaiHSeTJQatsjw/s4000/20230527_204422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bDSvpF6PVF34tzWMcz_pd6MVyEwT-SKmVia1qg86zO9DeOQnXbVirObrZQ8M4zKK_D_jV_bkKoxSrmrg2LYco2rjj00Yfnz3UrD_zKNdfdnNgDcXSHZwwl7XvHlvBWewXzvjixP3yoF3l7vzzrnPCjb9w4uUwytkwhs9USh6Y8tXcMaiHSeTJQatsjw/w200-h150/20230527_204422.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Back home the Micro boys decided to do a remembrance walk for Lola. So we headed up to the Brecons for a hike and wild camp. She would of loved it.<p></p><p>As it was a bank holiday we also managed to get back home and enjoy a get together with the other halves. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2zNR9PVnNkUKRRB7baksAxLbIHKefc4FEZOhaCdDJ8_wfdC1-2e-niQPFZoZ1epTogr1GLtvX5uuaiEOJ0CmBoxnmdaJtaeZGJOmN29Z2u2B4r8qVqjH-z-4hFoGANCsccnf1gIHmRtIkAdDlb_hIWgEoQUtvwVASAnP4TWxKnD_8fCzHQU_h16xtYk/s4000/20230602_153708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2zNR9PVnNkUKRRB7baksAxLbIHKefc4FEZOhaCdDJ8_wfdC1-2e-niQPFZoZ1epTogr1GLtvX5uuaiEOJ0CmBoxnmdaJtaeZGJOmN29Z2u2B4r8qVqjH-z-4hFoGANCsccnf1gIHmRtIkAdDlb_hIWgEoQUtvwVASAnP4TWxKnD_8fCzHQU_h16xtYk/w200-h150/20230602_153708.jpg" width="200" /></a>More quickfire turnaround and next was<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPt4YqF_amk&t=88s" target="_blank"> Switzerland with the Czech boys. </a>The weather looked unpredictable and thunderstorms so the plan changed from A to D. Although it was not quite a fastpack adventure that we sought it was a great few days exploring the mountains around the Eiger. Amazing valleys and once a little way away from the tourist hotspots we could of been in any remote mountain region. 3 days running around the Jungfrau with a bonus days Via ferrata. Something i need to do more off.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_5HB7A6FYRBQYyx4h0Q_SwJ52OeSTDWVZ3jIwgD7PS-23Lk_TcGoUeNg8Clf8abD2J3DQ25pTAzEH6oGtRHRMn6z_sHAddiRtpeZoD_4YQ0_UMyTO4PobsehPFGlj5duAmx9X1EETbCbBZBgRXKvlNuZ3gM0PgI03rvNj8bHaGSDCGpR9WJUKAMfzws/s4000/20230821_140147.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_5HB7A6FYRBQYyx4h0Q_SwJ52OeSTDWVZ3jIwgD7PS-23Lk_TcGoUeNg8Clf8abD2J3DQ25pTAzEH6oGtRHRMn6z_sHAddiRtpeZoD_4YQ0_UMyTO4PobsehPFGlj5duAmx9X1EETbCbBZBgRXKvlNuZ3gM0PgI03rvNj8bHaGSDCGpR9WJUKAMfzws/w150-h200/20230821_140147.heic" width="150" /></a></div>With summer drifting along with bike rides, runs, walks and trips to friends to catch up. One day an emergency Greek foster dog came up and we said yes. <p></p><p>Ronnie came into our lives. It was a shock first of, getting use to a puppy, he was 9months old, his nuances, which took a couple of weeks to get over. But then it clicked and he was a lovable character. But just had one or 2 traits that we did not want in our next dog and so after a couple of months looking after him he went to his forever home and we hear he is doing great.<br /></p><p>Extremely sad to see Ronnie go, you made me smile again.</p><p><br /></p><p>I feel you can always get by in life if you stay busy with the things you like and want to do. With losing 2 dogs now this year, emotions were a little rough. But i was always able to take myself away with running and more recently climbing. Now though with a bad hip and hammy my running was reduced significantly but i had climbing and then i blew that, more specifically a finger tendon. pop. The end of summer felt like the end of happiness for me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCuA_a-KeN4qWtb8jvDQ3X9QjHHjjU2rNvLHcOuAwl52I991RiaLENWOCQyZA_fsJP8eHkKNl7JusCARgGa_vVxSBizy_juL_5FAj2E7wq9w2ysPawUVWV3torBFFcH9iHmg3jiQtX4WWfNgDQubDiS87fREkJMZjFWQZzVSTDAi-FJnYmD1vdHlDh8w/s4000/20230728_165036.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCuA_a-KeN4qWtb8jvDQ3X9QjHHjjU2rNvLHcOuAwl52I991RiaLENWOCQyZA_fsJP8eHkKNl7JusCARgGa_vVxSBizy_juL_5FAj2E7wq9w2ysPawUVWV3torBFFcH9iHmg3jiQtX4WWfNgDQubDiS87fREkJMZjFWQZzVSTDAi-FJnYmD1vdHlDh8w/w200-h150/20230728_165036.heic" width="200" /></a></div>No climbing, for months. Lucky i had a couple of trips<br /> coming up otherwise god knows where i'd be. The finger injury took months to heal and now at the end of the year i am back climbing 6c's and back into it. Just need my hip/hammy to feel better and that gets me back on the running path.<p></p><p>To take my mind away from the doom and gloom I headed of to the Lake District with Dan, he was running a 100miler. I just went up to explore the Lakes and did a load of Ghyll scrambling, again something else to do more of. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQRTI8ucoJA7-bfkudegH7pRdq20L_hOuh-9q0XPN_0Zp9q6Hw-Qn1bkYcpJtwZkbnxZNq2vTMkbwZ3IedqHnTLwTGkXSGnJRsyLz0vevIcgCosk-j7njZHZjZe5kCSa7BXeEfSdyLcaAODdvsUfwE1fiqZTQ0BC8_cFoXqrP5-R_qq7ILZtQ7wGR60M/s4080/20230921_155916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4080" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQRTI8ucoJA7-bfkudegH7pRdq20L_hOuh-9q0XPN_0Zp9q6Hw-Qn1bkYcpJtwZkbnxZNq2vTMkbwZ3IedqHnTLwTGkXSGnJRsyLz0vevIcgCosk-j7njZHZjZe5kCSa7BXeEfSdyLcaAODdvsUfwE1fiqZTQ0BC8_cFoXqrP5-R_qq7ILZtQ7wGR60M/w200-h150/20230921_155916.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then the Rugby World Cup started and for us it was 3 years of waiting and planning. During lockdown a couple of us over a zoom call decided to get some RWC tickets. And now the day had arrived for us to head to France. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UbB6G5Fi4o&t=290s" target="_blank">RWC23 Roadtrip.</a><div><br /></div><div>In Gregs campervan we headed of for 25days of travel and vanlife down and up the west coast of France. A great way to explore, with the right people.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlYlf1dK3DykkDdX6kW3Xn_rX4LOzKWocJd3lE12Yw8E1nBc6tg1LUd0ydwNR8iP8390Z5d_la_NDIMO4_MzD6ZtFwdF3IiUjz9F5q1B3oH1i9s1_5hcyyT_iLmXL__hVF0jwrIBxPIv3NEo4pteu_oNQxHdDXbenhbsH_YAfO2gwtuX2jn7Px5QhU08/s4000/20230916_203359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlYlf1dK3DykkDdX6kW3Xn_rX4LOzKWocJd3lE12Yw8E1nBc6tg1LUd0ydwNR8iP8390Z5d_la_NDIMO4_MzD6ZtFwdF3IiUjz9F5q1B3oH1i9s1_5hcyyT_iLmXL__hVF0jwrIBxPIv3NEo4pteu_oNQxHdDXbenhbsH_YAfO2gwtuX2jn7Px5QhU08/w200-h150/20230916_203359.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>We saw 4 great rugby games in the city of Nantes. The fans made it from all corners of the world. We sung with the Irish, drank beers with the Tongans, danced with the Argentinians, got our face painted with the Japanese, bantered with the Welsh, laughed the Chileans. All rugby fans drawn to enjoy sport and other cultures. Great times with lovely people over a endless indian summer.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0fLLTP1TVXw7awms5JyuvIkz5DX3uTKq1IFM-aJ9HhxLBn7nGH7rkUOjHxYmdFO3fr-JYjD85ykhIm1-B-JfvhD1rTFka18RrK5jwBHmFxB8T4niC29aUmAWKLmUl2llXORgR1OHYxa_7Gcl1n0zds9_rAbEEjj5OZDg2IssonBrZNw3gSfW38k7RvE/s4000/20230924_170235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0fLLTP1TVXw7awms5JyuvIkz5DX3uTKq1IFM-aJ9HhxLBn7nGH7rkUOjHxYmdFO3fr-JYjD85ykhIm1-B-JfvhD1rTFka18RrK5jwBHmFxB8T4niC29aUmAWKLmUl2llXORgR1OHYxa_7Gcl1n0zds9_rAbEEjj5OZDg2IssonBrZNw3gSfW38k7RvE/w200-h150/20230924_170235.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>But it wasn't just the rugby that made this trip memorable. We travelled, a lot. Nearly 2000miles down the Atlantic way stopping here and there and exploring, Ile de Re we biked the island. The Atlantic coastline we swam with the surfers. </div><div>We hiked those majestic Pyrenees mountains. In Spain we city toured Pamplona and San Sebastian. </div><div>Back into France we sought solace on the Camino Way and bike toured Bordeaux.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEPnWRkMAGsvmPgYUMl7GOmZIS7z3wDF5AJsWuK8ZHczPXJI-i_Lg511ILwgfcNtqDb67W-tuaXvROYG-dcOU0hcTCAYPhY_ZRWLtZ69tPj2CMbi9VXgwWJESthARnTi4SvC5pMQfFQaBo2VUNrapNH_vAA3zzOsNVlT4SVweUBfN10ECCEqbNjp9z0A/s4000/20231008_123417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEPnWRkMAGsvmPgYUMl7GOmZIS7z3wDF5AJsWuK8ZHczPXJI-i_Lg511ILwgfcNtqDb67W-tuaXvROYG-dcOU0hcTCAYPhY_ZRWLtZ69tPj2CMbi9VXgwWJESthARnTi4SvC5pMQfFQaBo2VUNrapNH_vAA3zzOsNVlT4SVweUBfN10ECCEqbNjp9z0A/w200-h150/20231008_123417.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then back north for more rugby and swimming, collecting Tony and exploring the NW part of france. Each area with its own wonderful distinct vibe.</div><div><br /></div><div>A magnificent month and quite the come down on return to a gloomy England. But at least you go to taste this lifestyle and one which seems to suit me if i could ever find the money to buy a van and go exploring. Let us wait and see.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>On return we finished of watching the rugby tournament. Great games and England could of/shoudl of been in a final. What might of been.</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards the BBQs and beer were put away. Autumn or what felt like winter had arrived. I gave up booze for november a novel feeling but one i coped with with ease. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k4DQN55Muu9f7iJc9iT_z5uA7L0evFlX0_TV4RFMPJNR0W2e_fI15o4CAIeBrpryp8hO0qZgo511qgJL815871EhWUFpWMf_wDQwdbsmsgN1EyK_8ldbRsJ63qt6tfRrsYpJ4pX5a1MDSeTwTD7FdOkxTyatMTmNqcEJxqZ2YcTEWslChtuwWA0EduY/s1979/20231209_123658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1979" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k4DQN55Muu9f7iJc9iT_z5uA7L0evFlX0_TV4RFMPJNR0W2e_fI15o4CAIeBrpryp8hO0qZgo511qgJL815871EhWUFpWMf_wDQwdbsmsgN1EyK_8ldbRsJ63qt6tfRrsYpJ4pX5a1MDSeTwTD7FdOkxTyatMTmNqcEJxqZ2YcTEWslChtuwWA0EduY/w200-h150/20231209_123658.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then into december i finally saw a dog i liked the look off. I have been looking and looking and looking and nothing. But this guy popped up and was already reserved but this fell through and after a few visits we had Stanley home with us. </div><div>A happy content home again. Or was it. It soon became apparent that Stanley was more than we bargained for and after much discussions and heartache we returned him to be rescued by people more adept to handling a collie x needing a ton of training, agility, classes etc etc. </div><div>I was very sad to see Stan go but he made me realise that the home needs a dog and so we start to look again for a dog. Fingers crossed.<br /><br />Stats for 2024.</div><div> I kept myself busy, infact over 80% of the time. Ticked over enough running miles and climbed a lot and enjoyed the swimming.</div><div><br /></div><div>Downside is that micro adventures seem to have died a death so I'll have to get an outgoing dog quick so that we can get back out into nature and explore.</div><div>Be good to sort my hip/hammy out so that i can get out and enjoy my running again.</div><div>Climbing - back from injury and doing 6c's so here's to trying that first 7a?</div><div>Unsure on racing this year but will try and do some Via ferrata trips and other fast packing trips.</div><div>Big goals/Maybes - HRP, crossing the Pyrennes and maybe to start a long term goal in the End to End trail, crossing Britain from Lands End to John o Groats?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/GZ7G2LGpYDXmHbyR9" target="_blank">2023 Photos</a></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@humpha44/videos" target="_blank">2023 Videos</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Solvitur ambulando. Here's to 2024. I hope for better.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4ROo4uBeKrDj5xVwStZn6bx91M0t5jPoWE4qwhfKBPgYU7_jn2CFLpbT67RBfrdAKK2y0vE8JalaoEXVb4EC3YrAjlRBzA3AzC8-H7nHD9CozPGHxtADiV7sggGAm2jFOqCyEJTaCbIr6XyM7gUo-qsHm_MPva2EkXIY-kiSQCZW6O4w_5kHyEjLm1I/s1557/2023%20activity%20diary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1557" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4ROo4uBeKrDj5xVwStZn6bx91M0t5jPoWE4qwhfKBPgYU7_jn2CFLpbT67RBfrdAKK2y0vE8JalaoEXVb4EC3YrAjlRBzA3AzC8-H7nHD9CozPGHxtADiV7sggGAm2jFOqCyEJTaCbIr6XyM7gUo-qsHm_MPva2EkXIY-kiSQCZW6O4w_5kHyEjLm1I/w640-h210/2023%20activity%20diary.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCo_IAJGjd9VTkEw3iJ3hzKvsI6sMS8NqvHhccxIVN708QVRA4Gb_9UlutoGT87px5RJ9ZyNzZSdzzhlga3rGR_Tn4GJCcsWEd8Yp5_n31ioShnIt4zA2CWsfaqB9Ip1E78lqOPYWJ1i2yopDl9ZwlnST1-F6ITYaAGcON7GZxDXCDhu5FX-zlSm-bho/s1453/Run%20stats%202023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1453" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCo_IAJGjd9VTkEw3iJ3hzKvsI6sMS8NqvHhccxIVN708QVRA4Gb_9UlutoGT87px5RJ9ZyNzZSdzzhlga3rGR_Tn4GJCcsWEd8Yp5_n31ioShnIt4zA2CWsfaqB9Ip1E78lqOPYWJ1i2yopDl9ZwlnST1-F6ITYaAGcON7GZxDXCDhu5FX-zlSm-bho/w640-h280/Run%20stats%202023.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><p></p><p>Lola - you are always in my heart x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__Tjwlk28llXq8dXGzKv3Jhqr03vSIfppDGMZ5z9NO3r04-Xn4K2US641YubfjQPU-5ivxRNelch-8YzAk1HvW0I-wzr-jygZyL56LmbLZYn1k34l7fy33xIafX4BGC8TZxUhUa2WDZ6ZxumexU1G0KAfEc-aOIXr-RVOTLVmlHiMy7qMZrcXznpKrLI/s4000/20230101_170343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__Tjwlk28llXq8dXGzKv3Jhqr03vSIfppDGMZ5z9NO3r04-Xn4K2US641YubfjQPU-5ivxRNelch-8YzAk1HvW0I-wzr-jygZyL56LmbLZYn1k34l7fy33xIafX4BGC8TZxUhUa2WDZ6ZxumexU1G0KAfEc-aOIXr-RVOTLVmlHiMy7qMZrcXznpKrLI/w640-h480/20230101_170343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-49711971471584636442023-01-24T06:05:00.003-08:002023-01-24T06:08:07.879-08:002022 gone already...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8V4sN7-pijaQeAX77oUSriHLePxGvPd5534ZbB1Yv0XmzXZV5SxCc8H44PzPvJSDolKb0RKy_Ex-va_7aFR6TUQAO1u8OxwrBqT20Mp9MQ9MGO2PPrb8OhAHTMikxp8g80De_2BvuxrMUP2NxtXD2X28Lr6R-3XQ3bHlJ-VbNqx5I480PH_KD6cM/s4000/20220130_072651.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8V4sN7-pijaQeAX77oUSriHLePxGvPd5534ZbB1Yv0XmzXZV5SxCc8H44PzPvJSDolKb0RKy_Ex-va_7aFR6TUQAO1u8OxwrBqT20Mp9MQ9MGO2PPrb8OhAHTMikxp8g80De_2BvuxrMUP2NxtXD2X28Lr6R-3XQ3bHlJ-VbNqx5I480PH_KD6cM/w200-h150/20220130_072651.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Started the year with a cancelled ski trip due to rising covid numbers we finish the year like covid never existed but we have all had it, had enough of it and just waiting to catch the next bout of bugs that are endlessly working there way around all community's. And moving from one crisis to another whether it be war, cost of living, migration. <p></p><p>The naysayers/media will keep the masses in a perpetual thought of never-ending doom. Switch off the news and just look after yourself and others.</p><p>The world will keep turning so reflecting on my short year...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq99ttLowKnRTEoUv8tVq6hIyv2YbY5AICVTXC84dHtJnqSOnLkrYeqWJlV1eLYcPZQfE0Th-S-B42AoIyKzh8SRLAagmVLrtnt_1Z6YU0qkeKGVmBedp7rHU7H_IkBVFzReoYMysGKB5oSLP-LoQXcxNcGgJI6zZi6P68cLuVbSMw70uHnJ8voda/s4000/20220130_075326.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq99ttLowKnRTEoUv8tVq6hIyv2YbY5AICVTXC84dHtJnqSOnLkrYeqWJlV1eLYcPZQfE0Th-S-B42AoIyKzh8SRLAagmVLrtnt_1Z6YU0qkeKGVmBedp7rHU7H_IkBVFzReoYMysGKB5oSLP-LoQXcxNcGgJI6zZi6P68cLuVbSMw70uHnJ8voda/w200-h150/20220130_075326.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div>January started with a bang.. A Jurassic Coast Ultra on the 1st. Too old to party so get out running!! More running more climbing and another Ultra mid month with the 30m Winters Tanner. With a few nights out before a friend Lee headed back to Asia.<div>A first race in absolute ages and it did feel good to be with other people, other runners at an event. <div><div>Then down to meet the old boys (Greg and Tony) in dartmoor for a cold outing..brrrr.. the old fellas nice and toasty in their campervans whilst i hunkered down in my car with only the dog to keep me warm.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5g-S27_5iHYlmGBifIiY3p1pkstB0KRrJZjUvl2SEdHTLx0wxly1vo-aYVML-OpSmRxJdeSz2DnV-DKYUs5eP9wZeUXq-GfO4Rk4bKLgbsVnPBYr1gbVv0Ig8XCeMP0mXqX1sfP_sSh8plnv4S6d1x5LuAxtif-Wmipd1VHMPtkztZ_ub-DNf1uz/s2904/20220204_161206.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2178" data-original-width="2904" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5g-S27_5iHYlmGBifIiY3p1pkstB0KRrJZjUvl2SEdHTLx0wxly1vo-aYVML-OpSmRxJdeSz2DnV-DKYUs5eP9wZeUXq-GfO4Rk4bKLgbsVnPBYr1gbVv0Ig8XCeMP0mXqX1sfP_sSh8plnv4S6d1x5LuAxtif-Wmipd1VHMPtkztZ_ub-DNf1uz/w200-h150/20220204_161206.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Feb brought severe back to back storms but managed to get out on a water micro down the River Wye.. fun times trying to find campspots, even funnier, for those that stayed dry was the other canoe taking a fast flowing corner and getting sucked under a fallen tree with Rob being jettisoned. While he pushed the canoe all we could hear was him shouting at Mike to PADDLE, Mike was calmly waving at us for a photo.. with worsening weather the next day the trip was curtailed. </div><div>Tring to do an ultra a month I went and did the the 30m Punchbowl Ultra. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObJFjvxBs_5fMQZKV8OoXdptupa5AQ2-tGQbmqzJEmH_4WaWAtfG5hAiw0xdlVEk98wYBt37h6aLckeB4bPnek93TA8wuZAZHMrsy8XnsfUA0-9nJcryWV07g1UIMY6TNyCFjBf9dMzpQoyX9XuS2AtEeZvlreoNUfsPAukKC3IWf1hc49O0T4rC9/s3264/20220326_085314.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObJFjvxBs_5fMQZKV8OoXdptupa5AQ2-tGQbmqzJEmH_4WaWAtfG5hAiw0xdlVEk98wYBt37h6aLckeB4bPnek93TA8wuZAZHMrsy8XnsfUA0-9nJcryWV07g1UIMY6TNyCFjBf9dMzpQoyX9XuS2AtEeZvlreoNUfsPAukKC3IWf1hc49O0T4rC9/w200-h150/20220326_085314.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>March with spring in the air i headed to cornwall for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjJrDdBPOx8&t=40s" target="_blank">back to back training plan. 2 Ultras</a> (29m+32m) on the coastal path meeting up my crew (Greg and Tony) on the first night to camp out on the beach with beers, bbq and swim.. what a great plan/trip.</div><div>Then a solo micro to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9uFC9L9qeo&t=32s" target="_blank">Black Mountains with Lola</a>. Shes getting older so these trips are extra special being able to spend long days in the mountains with her. Perfect weather and managed 60km over the weekend. Only downside was getting the trots after a bad dry food meal..ps.. do this trip every year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W6DaRx00sPcw3PrZzfPjOiNs2FeRhn1qfuOmHp3nz49fdUwmdd33FD2QiA_GyOudbIUd0i1zMhqucj3pQ1lk831rqqi2_BW9LAABysPmxCZkgxW_auD-GdaTCXbLVmN4BFFBvqDHRx5qFxAytWSfoPRSe_UgMZAfgPGoSx6KaDl1KkL91DRmdQ_6/s3264/20220501_114316(0).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W6DaRx00sPcw3PrZzfPjOiNs2FeRhn1qfuOmHp3nz49fdUwmdd33FD2QiA_GyOudbIUd0i1zMhqucj3pQ1lk831rqqi2_BW9LAABysPmxCZkgxW_auD-GdaTCXbLVmN4BFFBvqDHRx5qFxAytWSfoPRSe_UgMZAfgPGoSx6KaDl1KkL91DRmdQ_6/w200-h150/20220501_114316(0).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>April the colours are out and I got a place in the Tor des Glacier (450km race in Sept) So the hard training starts and typically i get an injury with a bad hip!! which still lingers to this day.</div><div>The month started with a nice trip with Pa and Bro to see my Uncle on the IoW. Then straight into the south coast classic <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2qunTBPZOQ" target="_blank">SWCP Weymouth to Poole</a> (42m) with Dan on a glorious day.<br /></div><div>Finished with another classic in the Dartmoor field for Hikes, runs and swims with the micro gang.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurm261mE8GsFwbRS_Lp7p2_UgPyqIKsMeyEZ_m-3pRGjq9w64thfo10SLV-D8xzVVm1Of4WOJJXMCr7NXQPjUfkCELl6rGjtLRo79DSrj5SX1Nqo1cLlPrAgX_WQ0oAxbSzQVwfiLniQpu52RgpNX_V8ue-PZOocUH33imqMutAJEd33vcSt-DHYy/s3264/20220527_200822.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurm261mE8GsFwbRS_Lp7p2_UgPyqIKsMeyEZ_m-3pRGjq9w64thfo10SLV-D8xzVVm1Of4WOJJXMCr7NXQPjUfkCELl6rGjtLRo79DSrj5SX1Nqo1cLlPrAgX_WQ0oAxbSzQVwfiLniQpu52RgpNX_V8ue-PZOocUH33imqMutAJEd33vcSt-DHYy/w200-h150/20220527_200822.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>May, another well conceived plan. Have a holiday in Cornwall and sneak in back to back ultras. This worked a treat so enjoyed some chilled days walking the dog and then banged in a couple of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK1YqN0Mnvw&t=186s" target="_blank">Ultras on the SWCP</a>. Now i am thinking of linking up the entire SWCP with running legs ( I have already walked it). <br />We then did a local micro with a bikepacking trip around Hampshire including over to the IoW. <br />The end of the month I met up with my Czech friends (Jaro and Milan) and went on a self made fast packing trip c<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRVz3lJwT9c&t=6s" target="_blank">ircumnavigate the entire country of Liechenstien</a>. Magical trip and the type i feel like doing more than actual races in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha93jZ0B9VMFe-Qm5JFFOtDuZNleu86YTCJIEZ0ZVHaeAsijUVo2vhapphFQVBuJtygLn3HfYTUxrYtkNY-Ug2Q7cye5Gwoj7_kzXjnfDGwBOS2ZHgbWLglNjwuhdwvESFeHCBBkNI-mixtRx_worl3VMcapFnWES7chDjr5STuXy56U70MMY2pyf/s3264/20220625_073249.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha93jZ0B9VMFe-Qm5JFFOtDuZNleu86YTCJIEZ0ZVHaeAsijUVo2vhapphFQVBuJtygLn3HfYTUxrYtkNY-Ug2Q7cye5Gwoj7_kzXjnfDGwBOS2ZHgbWLglNjwuhdwvESFeHCBBkNI-mixtRx_worl3VMcapFnWES7chDjr5STuXy56U70MMY2pyf/w200-h150/20220625_073249.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>June, ramping up the training and started out with a Dan insisting a nighttime training run was required and so we headed down to the best spot the very cliffy Coastal path at night.. was good fun.<br />It was then time to taper for my first big race of the year. 3 years waiting for this one due to covid but i finally managed to get out to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WrYQQd0wdY" target="_blank">Norway Xreied 130k. </a>The race, people and the country did not disappoint. The race was tough as nails but made up by the wonderful people in an outstanding country. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJRPSN2swxGUIcj8Pl7kgeZtRTGMH8B2PRL3n7DpgHeWhGAXRrjFHpmFRIw3uQd7JnCObKplV_BNnbrdnlbeVNwwhUkohs3AV1CKXQea6W2zqP8X4pajDGpwFDcAxtjfZQH-8uOkqIF2I0B-5anEQKFASeYyoG_wUzgDs_5VxCHpRmftXQhhnyXN9Q" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJRPSN2swxGUIcj8Pl7kgeZtRTGMH8B2PRL3n7DpgHeWhGAXRrjFHpmFRIw3uQd7JnCObKplV_BNnbrdnlbeVNwwhUkohs3AV1CKXQea6W2zqP8X4pajDGpwFDcAxtjfZQH-8uOkqIF2I0B-5anEQKFASeYyoG_wUzgDs_5VxCHpRmftXQhhnyXN9Q=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>July, after a quick rest it was back on the training trails.. another fantastic loop around dartmoor with Tony and the dogs on a hot weekend - refreshed by plenty of dips in the rivers.</div><div>then onto another fastpack.. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFG4tN6qg5s&t=208s" target="_blank">100k around the Brecon Beacons</a> with a pub to overnight in at halfway. A great outing linking in as many waterfalls as possible.. and when not with the dog this might be an ideal weekend get away.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzJ1328q_ZO9ekDurHD9BRtrCUDAAtdyeQBYsDV4eIaWbAoKDSorlA5JMOlBR3cP52xoobCE9H0euxDvcjYzMxUqmRZqqKEqwCxlgBScnRQjAxe0RbddXV2UPjpr3VhU-cCfXoaNxt1JA9WiVaqvdYWHuZRHCp6Ef1yVXQymLWJkSPA8vlQ5rGag7i" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzJ1328q_ZO9ekDurHD9BRtrCUDAAtdyeQBYsDV4eIaWbAoKDSorlA5JMOlBR3cP52xoobCE9H0euxDvcjYzMxUqmRZqqKEqwCxlgBScnRQjAxe0RbddXV2UPjpr3VhU-cCfXoaNxt1JA9WiVaqvdYWHuZRHCp6Ef1yVXQymLWJkSPA8vlQ5rGag7i=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>August, final month to bag as much training as possible. Started out well with a trip with Dan to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs6DxGgwvP4&t=145s" target="_blank">North Wales and explored some good loops </a>in the mountains as well as an uneasy Crib Goch ridgeline for Dan.. Then showed our age by celebrating DTs 60th with a cracking golf day where i got 2nd place even though i felt rough as rats but scored well. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Just about recovered i headed over to the Alps, and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdPFGIu6Pq4" target="_blank">Valais region in Switzerland</a> for a wonderful few days exploring the mountains and to get some acclimatising done...perfect way to finish 6months of training.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrF3EYwhxw0mlkHTcBu41Ad577sVeNuMmDwW3v6u88ich1RWDc34VFOOz55LwtNJAXeTvePaeC3FyPTLowEDN2a7B_gzJVW1BbffX24LPvcaOiZj2SfpN7zelWunFoRJiOIzHGZsnin3UX-4a1_4AHnEzrlLtck220Ctj6JvwMYtqrC24IIrC9g6Ve" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="886" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrF3EYwhxw0mlkHTcBu41Ad577sVeNuMmDwW3v6u88ich1RWDc34VFOOz55LwtNJAXeTvePaeC3FyPTLowEDN2a7B_gzJVW1BbffX24LPvcaOiZj2SfpN7zelWunFoRJiOIzHGZsnin3UX-4a1_4AHnEzrlLtck220Ctj6JvwMYtqrC24IIrC9g6Ve=w200-h182" width="200" /></a></div>September and its all about the Tor des Glaciers. Its finally here. Meeting up with Paul its starts of bad witht he tunnel shut so we stay in Chamonix. But then we are in Aosta, Italy. we chill for a few days then we race the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmabt7crlus&t=16s" target="_blank"> 450km TDGlaciers</a>. Excitement was feverpitch. I enjoyed most of the race, the highs were just being out and testing yourself in moving around such a vast mountain area. the lows was simply the DNFs. Paul went first, he struggled for a couple of nights and then after a quick nap was violently sicjk and his race was over. I carried on and had had a wasp sting early that day and then suddenly whilst up high on a mountain my thigh stopped working and was extremely painful. I tried resting, massage, strapping, sleeping, even walking backwards etc but all to no avail the pain and slowness was too much to carry on for 100miles and so i pulled out as well. Gutting as i so felt good. We go again maybe in 2024?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh63vEHECiwMUbLi3ziW8yrVjWQTvuLCdU4dG37FfDikHFjhjqxzabw0nYf-vXhW46tSDo7DHktpoJYaiZF_kE91Qse3-JJeLePS7II4jxg7m9AJhGTT-7NgXze37cp0yCKGW8eYKIV-LE8BLvZTWJe6kZYRFtjkEoj3AwN7bo7UBZS60D2wNX0UJfk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh63vEHECiwMUbLi3ziW8yrVjWQTvuLCdU4dG37FfDikHFjhjqxzabw0nYf-vXhW46tSDo7DHktpoJYaiZF_kE91Qse3-JJeLePS7II4jxg7m9AJhGTT-7NgXze37cp0yCKGW8eYKIV-LE8BLvZTWJe6kZYRFtjkEoj3AwN7bo7UBZS60D2wNX0UJfk=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>So what do you do after that. The rest of the month i did nothing. Then when i did get out for a Beer Train overnight micro (great fun with the boys). I caught covid (finally) so that laid me out for more time. When i finally felt better i just had a lovely weekend with my old girl Lola, hiking and camping on the on the Coast - perfect. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Also got back into climbing and deciding at this moment in time i'm prefer the climbing to the running. So thinking of mixing it up in 2023.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiVQseeqn8vVIf81CAJvISNBQaI41XcF1E8khXFpCIOL4Wbwon7NvhF8ac7FXnT_fns5-k_PAa5h2f421qw-QhD0zoD5J13jbK_pHVROhj5xPMNiXnX9FGxlWsEkQNr0v37jSHgWeEUJbNVmSXid8on0h0vb2pgEZWY8yeUNxODpcr-Uq87rvh6c8" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiVQseeqn8vVIf81CAJvISNBQaI41XcF1E8khXFpCIOL4Wbwon7NvhF8ac7FXnT_fns5-k_PAa5h2f421qw-QhD0zoD5J13jbK_pHVROhj5xPMNiXnX9FGxlWsEkQNr0v37jSHgWeEUJbNVmSXid8on0h0vb2pgEZWY8yeUNxODpcr-Uq87rvh6c8=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>Another holiday down to Devon - this time North near Bude for a nice chilled out stay with no training required it was just long dog walks, cafes and pubs...lovely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I finally got around to buying a new bike, the old one was just to broken to keep going with it. And with some deja vu my new bike broke within 5 miles of its maiden journey (its all fixed and had its first bike packing adventure in jan23 with no hitches)<br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQwBXMBh9gKTakhDrPxcTH4PWPmjLPciaIv4CuX6j1bHFi8neBblp54mRf7C0yc6drwtCExNt-guoIvu1SDwln_tDQ3m3TA0DiD5tnbBem8wvbFqoKdb5wMef2QI3fQpF4wHFWE7jozut3px-QhzJ7HzraZdNJSuyzD1Fd3ed7pevPlkgJpd6-5Cd2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQwBXMBh9gKTakhDrPxcTH4PWPmjLPciaIv4CuX6j1bHFi8neBblp54mRf7C0yc6drwtCExNt-guoIvu1SDwln_tDQ3m3TA0DiD5tnbBem8wvbFqoKdb5wMef2QI3fQpF4wHFWE7jozut3px-QhzJ7HzraZdNJSuyzD1Fd3ed7pevPlkgJpd6-5Cd2=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>December. I finished the year with a race. wanting to explore the Lake District more I did the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-KFSBL0jhM" target="_blank">Tour of Helvellyn </a>on a cold weekend. So cold that they shorten the cours<br />e due to iced paths. But the racing was good and my spare day I got out into the hills for my own loop with was a nice little adventure to finish of the year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was the year 2022. Lots of training and a lack of motivation. Hard to understand the lack of impetus, the hip injury through out the year, the years of covid, less people doing the outdoor micros, age - i'm getting older and depressingly so is Lola. Or a combination of it all i'm reckoning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So next year could be less racing (i dont have the time in any case as wil be off to the Rugby WC for a month) and to try and pick a few great trips to do with friends, mainly a climbing or Via ferata one. That should get the juices flowing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stats for the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Impressively i have run the most with around 1650miles...not expecting to beat that again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have now done a ton of indoor climbing and enjoying then progression. I can now climb 6c and will aim to see if i can get this to 7a this year...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not much biking but with the new bike and an old dog plenty of bikepack trips i hope will be planned. One challenge will be the SDW in under 12hrs?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully more micros, most of the fellas now seem distant from it so time will tell if i can persuade them to pick up the rucksacks again for more enjoyable outings in the remote outdoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Swimming has taken a backseat with more climbing but it will be good if i can still find time to fit in a session here and there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/LuUVAgjW8jB1ueqJ6" target="_blank">2022 Pictures...</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8BW_ajr1k2yhJj8hARsEw" target="_blank">2022 Videos...</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAW6xYyuKG1pOZvoRxThqpON9V-Nl31sKZ4MhipPT-LAEUc04NuAgcGP23qEp68eJC54Q6qiGOuzn6a1_SufIjc6WDley2p4r3gwJmv66WIeKUKuCAH-I9RjzH3LLkkG2pvmeqqjXRvBrsmGBII_pNM4kZcHrJPnBzv8yRxKMwOfVPK2UrHkIQPTMZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1236" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAW6xYyuKG1pOZvoRxThqpON9V-Nl31sKZ4MhipPT-LAEUc04NuAgcGP23qEp68eJC54Q6qiGOuzn6a1_SufIjc6WDley2p4r3gwJmv66WIeKUKuCAH-I9RjzH3LLkkG2pvmeqqjXRvBrsmGBII_pNM4kZcHrJPnBzv8yRxKMwOfVPK2UrHkIQPTMZ=w658-h214" width="658" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmcu16XIZfOKtkoiBjxjeBqE76LQYuvxcuFU5BYdJmfPSLRMNkTtHah89WpCVJkh6_hL92D8E9A-Ycwb6Mq8KeAV6bz0VNPHo0l7AMxMpPmuT37P7GqoFdkklkBsOElKSgyXmT3DlplkKCGeatlpHUWhMVVzk1v9izxL-b9PFq2bEO8XAdyd5b0UtT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="1149" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmcu16XIZfOKtkoiBjxjeBqE76LQYuvxcuFU5BYdJmfPSLRMNkTtHah89WpCVJkh6_hL92D8E9A-Ycwb6Mq8KeAV6bz0VNPHo0l7AMxMpPmuT37P7GqoFdkklkBsOElKSgyXmT3DlplkKCGeatlpHUWhMVVzk1v9izxL-b9PFq2bEO8XAdyd5b0UtT=w640-h262" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-57326509754244191302022-10-11T05:55:00.002-07:002022-10-11T05:56:25.314-07:00Tor des Glaciers<p> </p><p>Tor des Glaciers 2022</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="409" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nmabt7crlus" width="493" youtube-src-id="nmabt7crlus"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>less is better.. take less food and cloths (especially gloves)</p><p>12l salomon plus a belt was plenty.</p><p>Tailwind worked well between huts.. compliment with a few gels, dried fruit/meat between Huts.</p><p>mainly walking so easy solid foods.. cereal bars dont do it.. </p><p>At huts.. relax, let the volunteers help you.. get lots of food + coke, coffee, tea</p><p>At lifebase.. 10mins shut eye if needed.. shower (do not take all your stuff), change to clean cloths.. eat, repack and go.. </p><p>Sleep max 2hrs overnight in huts.. then get a couple of 30mins on the trail while the sun is out.</p><p>Plan plan plan the timings.. this caused too much stress when we thought our race over as we would get timed out at donnas.. plan plan plan each section.</p><p>always wear 2 pairs of socks.. the one time i only had one on i got a blister.. just keep the old smelly one on.. (toe sock+drymax)</p><p>Run solo or teamed up?</p>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-67157858661249593782022-01-13T08:16:00.001-08:002022-01-13T08:16:23.732-08:002021 and all that..<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd6M_yoD_4RWUoxhChUJtBsHtINQu3CltKFNyWyvJSwFCEX6Y8lUBWP8DL5AWOO-jazKI-svRHzyFLwIx5QAtnSAYFQBANl4wLmWnio2tonf1ft1IU6OF4dB_XbGYCGM8Co4kF7Mi93YECJGQ58XWT9L6WqUqLRif1IAqQPMnn3JZVBlmSTOGNGUG8=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd6M_yoD_4RWUoxhChUJtBsHtINQu3CltKFNyWyvJSwFCEX6Y8lUBWP8DL5AWOO-jazKI-svRHzyFLwIx5QAtnSAYFQBANl4wLmWnio2tonf1ft1IU6OF4dB_XbGYCGM8Co4kF7Mi93YECJGQ58XWT9L6WqUqLRif1IAqQPMnn3JZVBlmSTOGNGUG8=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What has been has gone. Most of us wanted 2020 to disappear as fast as possible, 2021 was going to bring a new dawn, fresh hopes, a worldwide collective will in combating climate and environmental issues and the ending of a pandemic ever lingering and affecting life.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the year, it's all hot air. Media ever portraying a doom and gloom divided society, no-one of influence putting themselves above the parapet to make much needed changes and instead we forever naively pick from low hanging fruit as the temperature outside hits 16'C in deep winter, heavy rains above 3000m in the Alps and forest fires in all arid areas of the world and any meaningful policy change we wont see for years to come, far far too late. But the political and media doomslayers will be happy as we clutch onto their decision making with fantastical hope. Oh and the pandemic is spreading as fast as it has ever been, thankfully not as deadly but enough to restrict us in what we want and love doing.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrk9-GdqzL5on4M8JnOXKdgML99XbHxmUaTZHvSlb2_xgebj_hXNIpfaU22jzzZu30ZDPMqABdsBGkV6LVEtCZkKQTwbwfXlvL9D6zyzobw3nb7JccFxbJ5_OGWb9FIdvkekRKvw1CZeSVayzb7dnxAn5SsCMeJZeEPRoOHHkV9CiP0NKVNwSy0dJS=s3264" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrk9-GdqzL5on4M8JnOXKdgML99XbHxmUaTZHvSlb2_xgebj_hXNIpfaU22jzzZu30ZDPMqABdsBGkV6LVEtCZkKQTwbwfXlvL9D6zyzobw3nb7JccFxbJ5_OGWb9FIdvkekRKvw1CZeSVayzb7dnxAn5SsCMeJZeEPRoOHHkV9CiP0NKVNwSy0dJS=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enough ranting leave that to the ones that enjoy the ever hotter air. I'll stick to a brief recap of my own personal year <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Rrx1qsMPdU28VvA9" target="_blank">(2021 Pictures)</a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A year ago it was a cold, frosty start both in weather terms and back into another national lockdown as the winter covid virus threatened high death rates. Very little to do except to enjoy the small things in life, dog walking and running by late January we had some snow to cheer up a slow month. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvGAlxAAtEOEOiqGpSGvhY7w3XZauv_ojZvVMxb24eXXt6zQjfdcpkDbn6zmd1hnNkyfJnTVvT_IRZVgnFLujjptl3prPCxO82yfjvI8eu7GZrozf1CU28e15HeHqdU4-6cw5wTF03mJU5RkRPOvSediikwa76yW57CKDvAJCQ36XcINWz9d1akE6w=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvGAlxAAtEOEOiqGpSGvhY7w3XZauv_ojZvVMxb24eXXt6zQjfdcpkDbn6zmd1hnNkyfJnTVvT_IRZVgnFLujjptl3prPCxO82yfjvI8eu7GZrozf1CU28e15HeHqdU4-6cw5wTF03mJU5RkRPOvSediikwa76yW57CKDvAJCQ36XcINWz9d1akE6w=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">February was a similar feeling. Stay indoors, stay away from people this virus is not going away quickly. We were mainly unaffected by the pandemic but this month one of our neighbours had caught it and both required hospital treatment, they recovered fine but while away we were able to look after their dog Charlie which was great fun walking 2 dogs and seeing how Lola was happy(ish) to share her home with another, even if it did steal her bed and food constantly.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMP0mSuy8NqM40XSuSzTvMhM-GJ1u4Iq3EdNckL4S9YKOVAxBRlrms8SWSXvBh7vOg4B9lIEyHvcyYZgzDqkrApaZ8ANHimu-t6OrUjCOpBLZMki_rQrpc7p5UUFEYkxnsvM7FW151K2SxaZf0lJGBrZ3mRuwJ3N4sCFWzQ63UGV4mxZjzrlGcqt_n=s2996" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1939" data-original-width="2996" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMP0mSuy8NqM40XSuSzTvMhM-GJ1u4Iq3EdNckL4S9YKOVAxBRlrms8SWSXvBh7vOg4B9lIEyHvcyYZgzDqkrApaZ8ANHimu-t6OrUjCOpBLZMki_rQrpc7p5UUFEYkxnsvM7FW151K2SxaZf0lJGBrZ3mRuwJ3N4sCFWzQ63UGV4mxZjzrlGcqt_n=w200-h129" width="200" /></a> </div>A problem with my calf meant i couldn't run for a bit and so wheeled out the battered bike and enjoyed some longer muddy trails out.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFmjk-5h901U53y_oo-ra6nkC0M-iGHAC0TAXyLnl1S1nLwPxSb2u37Q24bGuDpHvzOfBHxdesZd5XHFWadcDUsUqYXtrg63FhFtzJ_c0iOAUreFV2bkwhixrhpqqYHHRaU5nQlPUHAI-sqj1s6W07_MbU_P7YoEsPIeIY0rfDP4xMiiYdzGV6YYFZ=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFmjk-5h901U53y_oo-ra6nkC0M-iGHAC0TAXyLnl1S1nLwPxSb2u37Q24bGuDpHvzOfBHxdesZd5XHFWadcDUsUqYXtrg63FhFtzJ_c0iOAUreFV2bkwhixrhpqqYHHRaU5nQlPUHAI-sqj1s6W07_MbU_P7YoEsPIeIY0rfDP4xMiiYdzGV6YYFZ=w200-h150" width="200" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">March was a stunning month of spring colours. Showing signs of winter coming to an end and best of all the end of the 3rd Lockdown.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To celebrate this and my calf feeling better and went for a superb 20mile run on the Jurassic Coast. Just what the doctored ordered in an area never to be bored off. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQlMq5nsS-gxNsMzxPVZLu0q5O8KaF4mAb9Ra6CI0UsoGxpW32GR08fDiqSnHn7KRzxdqMlBJFo_xlqJbv8MjUN5fFquZFPgk40Am058QX450c599Mb1oIjRpK6M0l7UBPlw-e1GkF9tKw1W1O2yEpa8VsRKpbjfdraBm0PhFZGPWvA6s2Dfi4va5P=s4000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQlMq5nsS-gxNsMzxPVZLu0q5O8KaF4mAb9Ra6CI0UsoGxpW32GR08fDiqSnHn7KRzxdqMlBJFo_xlqJbv8MjUN5fFquZFPgk40Am058QX450c599Mb1oIjRpK6M0l7UBPlw-e1GkF9tKw1W1O2yEpa8VsRKpbjfdraBm0PhFZGPWvA6s2Dfi4va5P=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With new found freedom in April the micro gang got together for a overnight bike trip to shake off the cobwebs.. great fun to be out again, camping and drinking and with other people. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The pubs re-opened and we celebrated by booking tickets to the Rugby World Cup in France 2023. Certainly something to look forward to once we are passed this covid time.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKeaY7nvqdGNdcdENJvWHQgO4uFgGmxSJ3giiJeuPhoWVGQz_HFU8W5fVjhPUPLdssZL-6W6bMA89A-xax5MkHo_oOZx00aHBErcOrcyfyBtpIy2S86HzTGfuFOcO6nDAN8lLSC4d2fD6ZZv-QIZWmpxRDq-bEcOyyuEa04BUx_zb2jAEIK6F13DCo=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKeaY7nvqdGNdcdENJvWHQgO4uFgGmxSJ3giiJeuPhoWVGQz_HFU8W5fVjhPUPLdssZL-6W6bMA89A-xax5MkHo_oOZx00aHBErcOrcyfyBtpIy2S86HzTGfuFOcO6nDAN8lLSC4d2fD6ZZv-QIZWmpxRDq-bEcOyyuEa04BUx_zb2jAEIK6F13DCo=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The weather just kept on giving, so back to back trips first to the Isle of Wight and explored a beautiful 20mile loop around the western side. Relaxing after on Dave's boat with a few cold beers making it feel like a holiday.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy6owsVgUldsdrW0azArnt7ONSCwFGTWS7j-jXU1pDZ1pWocOBOEFRHhAUd4q8anSdoRbA2SccjisgDO4Oibil7wJIm_bTUQjfRcvcdwJMfSMJVVl0IDTLGAZBNahatOrs92mQOAgIvlv9EOs2U3IIFbbqodTNqOO88IcpbXKkkAOgVZtpRmdR6Xid=s3264" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy6owsVgUldsdrW0azArnt7ONSCwFGTWS7j-jXU1pDZ1pWocOBOEFRHhAUd4q8anSdoRbA2SccjisgDO4Oibil7wJIm_bTUQjfRcvcdwJMfSMJVVl0IDTLGAZBNahatOrs92mQOAgIvlv9EOs2U3IIFbbqodTNqOO88IcpbXKkkAOgVZtpRmdR6Xid=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then down to Dartmoor to fully explore the River Dart and surrounding countryside. A top campsite found for Greg and Tonys campervans and my small tent. Interesting walks with lots of river crossings.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Spring sprung with all the flowers in colour, a fab april rolled into a chilled start to May with more pub visits, bbqs, playing golf and getting out on the bike and exploring the best woods for bluebells.</span></p><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSDzDskIQ2nj2rLvLUTxP8izjwqaauDXEIFuHJVl3287rsyBWkNtaaWsNxHmAE3mtFkq2OGu6ZNd40dlg3GpZp7-3OWz9DVlsqBn3GqtBwzgwl7hK1d4JXlA8-K-fvPFi7LFuxhBTv4aiVgqjvUaV7_z3jQim92BW3Fnvk5guGpkqwvwNOimCAMoiP=s3264" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSDzDskIQ2nj2rLvLUTxP8izjwqaauDXEIFuHJVl3287rsyBWkNtaaWsNxHmAE3mtFkq2OGu6ZNd40dlg3GpZp7-3OWz9DVlsqBn3GqtBwzgwl7hK1d4JXlA8-K-fvPFi7LFuxhBTv4aiVgqjvUaV7_z3jQim92BW3Fnvk5guGpkqwvwNOimCAMoiP=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Towards the end we got ourselves finally upto Wales to attempt the Welsh 3000s in the opposite direction |(we had failed the previous occasion). Nearing the end and Crib Goch we had had enough and headed for the car park rather than Snowdon summit. But a cracking day all round.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlcr68bC2NHLwo0xgzJr0c3C7G43n_HoVYDoDpT6iLKiv7yFuu7QF55qfUCXOpwmFl1fSqnMencxZZ_gZSTLiLWsCjmrd1aErVuFG8WfBvuiPhP-pFBv5TbY-r9qSGmWBEhp9tsxbQKbDimQqhUmc4Y0VaeVijFgzp6WSgmZsOUFdySz4LqrDJJiD2=s4000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlcr68bC2NHLwo0xgzJr0c3C7G43n_HoVYDoDpT6iLKiv7yFuu7QF55qfUCXOpwmFl1fSqnMencxZZ_gZSTLiLWsCjmrd1aErVuFG8WfBvuiPhP-pFBv5TbY-r9qSGmWBEhp9tsxbQKbDimQqhUmc4Y0VaeVijFgzp6WSgmZsOUFdySz4LqrDJJiD2=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><br />Into June my planned race in Norway was going ahead but whether I was allowed to travel was another thing. So I had to keep the training up. More long miles in the Purbecks and a great days Charity golf in which we won a barrow full of wine. I still have some left. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD410AJlw36jSSCWxgkNcQ_rLuPVk7XZJ_TXqI-CUlyLJjMKRBgWBWHPdyc3Om4qNjMuqaVJrMuKR2F5ZUCdzJ2A1i8JM97GZ7QtftIvwXTIBH8Uv-bJincPFcsdgwprtU0jNv385YFJyISJJhy1DkTpubnu4NeKYAIJ-1tPjzLJ-Eb3tpPaZuAsdb=s3264" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD410AJlw36jSSCWxgkNcQ_rLuPVk7XZJ_TXqI-CUlyLJjMKRBgWBWHPdyc3Om4qNjMuqaVJrMuKR2F5ZUCdzJ2A1i8JM97GZ7QtftIvwXTIBH8Uv-bJincPFcsdgwprtU0jNv385YFJyISJJhy1DkTpubnu4NeKYAIJ-1tPjzLJ-Eb3tpPaZuAsdb=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div>To finish of the training I headed to dartmoor for a long solo hike with Lola. I was so pleased to see the old girl still had it in her for long days out - we hiked 27 and then 17 miles. not sure she was up for a 3rd day out so went down to Plymouth and chilled out with Greg, swimming, drinking and eating well. Lola sure had missed Greg.</div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't travel to Norway so with no races, instead I did my usual test piece and ran from Weymouth to Poole (40miles) on a hot day and welcomed a cool sea swim on the beach at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/8oQvGs5uDzQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2029" data-original-width="4032" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisf5fLqNnv5Qmem4AiQItx-aFatJ3_ghaWBrfLDdaC_CPHJbl2O4zjKN2BtuSS3rEToIX3JRCgLZtgkVSPplxDsopzeaOxMfkPombweTtr_0BeBFbcapcjBogdNM4VTFCcyQgFETl1Tfr3fGSzsMoRCxfmaV3CqzbHvRCB6j8kuDg2Vl-EtW2CStYh=w200-h101" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All this training was in the middle of the Euros and England were actually winning games so was good to catch up and enjoy some matches. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of which was in the middle of a Bike micro tour doing the<a href="https://youtu.be/8oQvGs5uDzQ" target="_blank"> Devon Coast to Coast.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguA_5xiTwfb8vI7_5h3u0zkGNZV7H12okm0JTcqSGZOj9SztxbwCVYOAeds8-oQ3hCxu4j9f30GqF5hGjSg1COYUeLTWuDAg39QBTwhL2aZg5NMI8Ei5s3z_tEXNpEfHKxcgr1ctoFmoncr0JUOc6De2WcqrSOfnxL5Wh9gSjaZbVkWLM-WZ8dX5TV=s1600" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguA_5xiTwfb8vI7_5h3u0zkGNZV7H12okm0JTcqSGZOj9SztxbwCVYOAeds8-oQ3hCxu4j9f30GqF5hGjSg1COYUeLTWuDAg39QBTwhL2aZg5NMI8Ei5s3z_tEXNpEfHKxcgr1ctoFmoncr0JUOc6De2WcqrSOfnxL5Wh9gSjaZbVkWLM-WZ8dX5TV=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had camped in dartmoor and then made it to a bunkhouse which, with luck, served great food, lovely beer and best of all had a big screen for just us to watch the footy and what a game it was, thrashing Ukraine 4 to 0.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of the boys left us in barnstaple (one sooner due to covid complications). But the hardy among us carried onto the coast to enjoy a late and early swim and a camp out on Morte Point.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgguQ3ewMAaTXOALA08Bpse5OEdY-s5HMR-AAzlIJA_B5MxRQFZyDBj4eF9Wn0rviZ3_hRchWcJVWEkH0fSO0g4Yfy8172BmIxTrnbVAXPF-OJzSTCc5VZY9d0wDGOc4A50cSMXbjBcdp3f6ZGpVeUMyHLFUKAAXbAn-Mm6eniTrcvRy-WSVZyraqjE=s4000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgguQ3ewMAaTXOALA08Bpse5OEdY-s5HMR-AAzlIJA_B5MxRQFZyDBj4eF9Wn0rviZ3_hRchWcJVWEkH0fSO0g4Yfy8172BmIxTrnbVAXPF-OJzSTCc5VZY9d0wDGOc4A50cSMXbjBcdp3f6ZGpVeUMyHLFUKAAXbAn-Mm6eniTrcvRy-WSVZyraqjE=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>Back at home we all watched as England capitulated in the Euro Final. So to get over the sporting blues I headed to Plymouth to dress flashy and watch the SailGB racing in the harbour. A scorcher of a weekend and a spectacle to watch. Fun times.</div><div><br /></div><div>More disappointment was to follow. You wait 4 years for the best tournament to arrive and in the midst of the pandemic our hopes were high that the Lions would entertain and beat the Springboks. </div><div>What we witnessed was the worst in viewing rugby and in sportmanship. A stain on rugby and one just to be forgotten about and thrown on the trash heap. What a waste.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhodchh7XMM189ZjYXmowHe5t3xUmwLNlKpYnQIgYw9Qx80MsnghOQq6UK-tKw82ortMOmDphfC_luyFz36oifwStUDOHI3v_BsXVuwCu7jv7OdRQRiNbiGMYfaFuWbXYqBNlqBjln7zJTTjO03T9MlOaLlWEiz87eupH9yBQ0usVHpcXqlQQTg-Hcu=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhodchh7XMM189ZjYXmowHe5t3xUmwLNlKpYnQIgYw9Qx80MsnghOQq6UK-tKw82ortMOmDphfC_luyFz36oifwStUDOHI3v_BsXVuwCu7jv7OdRQRiNbiGMYfaFuWbXYqBNlqBjln7zJTTjO03T9MlOaLlWEiz87eupH9yBQ0usVHpcXqlQQTg-Hcu=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>Moving on swiftly I headed to North Wales and a plan hatched years ago in <a href="https://youtu.be/ljwKagjjhRk" target="_blank">exploring the Rhinogs</a>. Great fun in this remote area but boy it takes an age to move around as the terrain is ever so slow going.</div><div>On the way home i did a quick up and down Cadair Idris which involved more of the training i wanted in fast hiking up and faster descents down<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4xCk27gHmt1YWTbaLdsmhkeUb5UPxbIsei9_n3oP7sIfgs42GTvjnOIerC6AVcAVnXHqIJIjci1X9hQfd7xXPc8rSr3n0aGyCZWgxObn_xsLtSCzHsLWs0OiYMIHLjEb1IvcFVqDCVWNqqHWuoqSAHr0TdKlzcut7TijlUPlZkhjvhAqIe31AoZ--=s4000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4xCk27gHmt1YWTbaLdsmhkeUb5UPxbIsei9_n3oP7sIfgs42GTvjnOIerC6AVcAVnXHqIJIjci1X9hQfd7xXPc8rSr3n0aGyCZWgxObn_xsLtSCzHsLWs0OiYMIHLjEb1IvcFVqDCVWNqqHWuoqSAHr0TdKlzcut7TijlUPlZkhjvhAqIe31AoZ--=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At home I realized that a new, big climbing wall had opened just down the road and so after checking it out decided to take my brothers kids and to this day Tasha and i go weekly and we are slowly improving back to my old standards. Just maybe I will get back out climbing on rock one day.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the training done and being allowed to travel I was finally off somewhere. Something that has been on the ticklist for an age and with not much racing happening I hooked up with my Dutch friends, Paul and Roy and we headed to <a href="https://youtu.be/4Cte9wXrdFk" target="_blank">Corsica to traverse the mountains on the GR20 route.</a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMWhUB4g5fBcAhrhyEwSgRRakcw072BvDGQnyw-iV5O4GXJHNdVTwkYghXQdkCshQK2r_vIBVYPscDiMuBwpYNwm3Pfhi2bRuUig4ivDr0PmbAmelALUz6QC84IS-HyZ6fKlnVDWASjN5DQLPpvMGORDyIP1fmniX-2jtXaUbtYFYUTYk5D-qdQED1=s1035" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1035" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMWhUB4g5fBcAhrhyEwSgRRakcw072BvDGQnyw-iV5O4GXJHNdVTwkYghXQdkCshQK2r_vIBVYPscDiMuBwpYNwm3Pfhi2bRuUig4ivDr0PmbAmelALUz6QC84IS-HyZ6fKlnVDWASjN5DQLPpvMGORDyIP1fmniX-2jtXaUbtYFYUTYk5D-qdQED1=w200-h92" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqWH43joHcocr6xvYPRz-CWBRAniUoKr2p5huanr40a60BaTMLJwvbyyZfkN7gUVjkFOrb6gERnI7eRo7dMbbAgY-aVo3W7PM2UVnZXRNMpa81pTJLZVJRPyTJI8k6NZcChCCUYXL88T1t9bJjb8yT3ni5NZ0_2bJlOU8mtrEI1u8jXPWzUjmyn9LL=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqWH43joHcocr6xvYPRz-CWBRAniUoKr2p5huanr40a60BaTMLJwvbyyZfkN7gUVjkFOrb6gERnI7eRo7dMbbAgY-aVo3W7PM2UVnZXRNMpa81pTJLZVJRPyTJI8k6NZcChCCUYXL88T1t9bJjb8yT3ni5NZ0_2bJlOU8mtrEI1u8jXPWzUjmyn9LL=w200-h90" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">What an adventure. Over 7 days on the hardest trails in all changing weather and feeling the highs and the lows (being sick) . This was awesome and with age catching up on me something that appeals and an exiting prospect when the running legs give out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNrHb2sdNlHwfDQHhsVpZeoMww3w8bPXcVQBFW8ANLSYgHxEuOaibVbIsA6HDSGSR8FOQUBCAIdlWCx-mSJMfZ0hAAI5i36w50PJqbEHfaNIvXq7-P_PQl8o0SBMjluFNLlQTHYI_v3jcfLeUPccLkwZRADDm-reM89hc6KAKsAS0PZKxN2OlA-wj-=s3264" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNrHb2sdNlHwfDQHhsVpZeoMww3w8bPXcVQBFW8ANLSYgHxEuOaibVbIsA6HDSGSR8FOQUBCAIdlWCx-mSJMfZ0hAAI5i36w50PJqbEHfaNIvXq7-P_PQl8o0SBMjluFNLlQTHYI_v3jcfLeUPccLkwZRADDm-reM89hc6KAKsAS0PZKxN2OlA-wj-=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the season calming down we managed a family holiday - even getting my folks down for a few days - down to South Devon via dartmoor. Where the weather was poor so we just took our time walking the coastline (with more river crossings), finding pubs and chilling out by the fire.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Into the Autumn blues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm2DBP6bwhVsPfwZ8RBWgN5BqGaSpfw-UQ15GLAWwyjgxbzAW8gr70UruSzpbY-_NxWu0Xmz9TdG_Lww6WAQZLZIQdnfH8K43wwu_TPHjajKUucMOr3m5KHvGMlMkExNLOxgM1VRFoy4pVr-dwsSHtpULVOG4bvk_WoOzjuYPlQklrWWMcSisxZI5h=s3264" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm2DBP6bwhVsPfwZ8RBWgN5BqGaSpfw-UQ15GLAWwyjgxbzAW8gr70UruSzpbY-_NxWu0Xmz9TdG_Lww6WAQZLZIQdnfH8K43wwu_TPHjajKUucMOr3m5KHvGMlMkExNLOxgM1VRFoy4pVr-dwsSHtpULVOG4bvk_WoOzjuYPlQklrWWMcSisxZI5h=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Best to keep busy or life can get depressing as we gradually fade into winter darkness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Out with dad, we finished off the Itchen Way. Superb going for an old fella of 82 managing 14miles and a couple of pints.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rThPurnMUy4" target="_blank">A solo overnight on the South Downs Way</a> with a loop over to Arundel castle. 2 great days with a massive storm right in the middle to make the campsite interesting overnight in the forest but did give me a nice lie in.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbAPJPQAxfiITCnAUK3MCko0gmjjP7S0j-1nIpJc9BLxQzCkr770_TaUwqsU0NBHWiZLAmgPg9227xNVBFt1LAkXdVuEUdfUsRn9Hi5Wv6UXaa_Oh9fvIPtXj8KTIkFs927KUVo5FJ7h5yCpAii46bg4Ymo3J2kopECleB8Bjz5c5DDK-D5_B25jnY=s4000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbAPJPQAxfiITCnAUK3MCko0gmjjP7S0j-1nIpJc9BLxQzCkr770_TaUwqsU0NBHWiZLAmgPg9227xNVBFt1LAkXdVuEUdfUsRn9Hi5Wv6UXaa_Oh9fvIPtXj8KTIkFs927KUVo5FJ7h5yCpAii46bg4Ymo3J2kopECleB8Bjz5c5DDK-D5_B25jnY=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then a cheeky Bike micro with Rob in the Brown Forest with treats galore - top beer, a curry by a campfire, a full english and an ice-cream.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although my bike certainly needs some TLC soon before anything else breaks.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU-fDN4GHNkH9sgNXjHOUa2MNoLbGcjMEmH00qxFKSmwkxsoKzPFp0B7VINl125LIzQjug6g5GtI1SQeJSEworonK7YQ8w7XWWVuA8BO7wVz6ug6NBFL0qqwL-g5YZ3JR6eNmFMJ0Q3tPXCCf7ufJWThsEvyAH0-BbV0rpyLZKhsKoq50H-_uly4Hk=s3264" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU-fDN4GHNkH9sgNXjHOUa2MNoLbGcjMEmH00qxFKSmwkxsoKzPFp0B7VINl125LIzQjug6g5GtI1SQeJSEworonK7YQ8w7XWWVuA8BO7wVz6ug6NBFL0qqwL-g5YZ3JR6eNmFMJ0Q3tPXCCf7ufJWThsEvyAH0-BbV0rpyLZKhsKoq50H-_uly4Hk=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then lots of social runs, beers and tomahawks with some decent rugby to watch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finishing off the year with a good family Christmas, a long run and a long hike back down on the Purbecks. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">STATs - lots of different activities, got back into mountain biking for a bit, started back up climbing and swam here and there a little. Managed over 210 sessions over the year resulting in a lowish running total of 1100miles, mainly due to no big races.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Highlight - has to be GR20</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lowlight - still in a pandemic and omicron has delayed this further into 2022</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only injuries were my calfs in feb and may and shoulder from climbing in Nov.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Rrx1qsMPdU28VvA9" target="_blank">Best of 2021 in Pictures</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIuXk9EE8HDPs1CqW6AgWcTLwRSN99WlIbSoczqmS3DNqfPnUnhpawzi4VanUa5Oamo0qm9ksV9J390di-PRArJAcn4EmENJ6Hh4GCGz0J9oTcl2cvGhvnnZM5hHmrlxzZ8XF0zqCF6AC3Fzqjj8W2kppX3J5UReAHYIVkAmKItgPkNswPvUQZ1J0e=s1194" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="1194" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIuXk9EE8HDPs1CqW6AgWcTLwRSN99WlIbSoczqmS3DNqfPnUnhpawzi4VanUa5Oamo0qm9ksV9J390di-PRArJAcn4EmENJ6Hh4GCGz0J9oTcl2cvGhvnnZM5hHmrlxzZ8XF0zqCF6AC3Fzqjj8W2kppX3J5UReAHYIVkAmKItgPkNswPvUQZ1J0e=w640-h230" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghAvnHScvZwC8UDvx8JUYASn5BOdDlCubBARXAyJPLJ8CGoPmCvCOA69cqa4HVQ0L-P7uoxK5y0XnwL4_naE_ix8I5RpKCgzB0HRWIWSPABAQws9X1EZs2H75olLUBFPDpGFuLzBbaBoM7O-uCn76lTB5n8BIrot6bRYGOJyCEia1gApkLNKUWLJUh=s982" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="982" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghAvnHScvZwC8UDvx8JUYASn5BOdDlCubBARXAyJPLJ8CGoPmCvCOA69cqa4HVQ0L-P7uoxK5y0XnwL4_naE_ix8I5RpKCgzB0HRWIWSPABAQws9X1EZs2H75olLUBFPDpGFuLzBbaBoM7O-uCn76lTB5n8BIrot6bRYGOJyCEia1gApkLNKUWLJUh=w640-h277" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />2022 Plans- </div><div>Ski Chamonix - cancelled</div><div>Winters Tanner 30mile</div><div>Punchbowl 30mile</div><div>Ski Touring Norway</div><div>Run parts of the SWCP</div><div>Lakeland 3000ers</div><div>Pembrokeshire Coast path</div><div>Xreid 120k Norway</div><div>Brecon Travese</div><div>Snowdon Traverse</div><div>Via Ferattas?</div><div>Tor des Glaciers 450km</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div><br /><br /><br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-41495377689448237232021-11-17T03:16:00.010-08:002021-11-17T03:29:59.422-08:00Hiking the GR20 in Corsica<p>The GR20, an 8 day traverse in the Corsican Mountains in Sept 2021 with Paul and Roy.</p><p>Magnificent adventure...</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/4Cte9wXrdFk" width="480"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-91442711139007467492021-03-09T07:20:00.002-08:002022-10-14T04:24:33.258-07:00Ice Climbing on the Equator (Mt Kenya 2002)<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_Zv2MZQxVoIlSs9ip5vC6VBpJ-eqMWh52msaIsfadOnzwrigsnNK6MyTeJxkxGclhoRuo-E_6wncOTPa_YxAeqDF68ao9RtA6k-c0CcTQX6RH1sfMnFpy-7iW1C3En3-cSnbkSzlfzg/s1600/Bottom+of+the+Vertical+bog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoFDHFjjh3J6gl-_-NW1YrEa09g-xR2hEXP-lJ6OPGTWDtqZeL3_sU6qg4g3Z-e34sFXwSFex9t3EYeyjrAfhoprbQTmW3gLScejSk7hA61taxbvhFNnLBdfqcHWNhEg0fCRilI8cuOw/s1891/Panorama+4.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="1891" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoFDHFjjh3J6gl-_-NW1YrEa09g-xR2hEXP-lJ6OPGTWDtqZeL3_sU6qg4g3Z-e34sFXwSFex9t3EYeyjrAfhoprbQTmW3gLScejSk7hA61taxbvhFNnLBdfqcHWNhEg0fCRilI8cuOw/s320/Panorama+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The idea was conceived after a failed trip to Chamonix, France where after one day of ice climbing I got food poisoning. We had just sunk our teeth into this new sport and wanted more but did not want to wait a full year to try again. So we got to thinking where can we go? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Long forgotten memories sprung up and a plan was formulated. I had lived in Kenya as a kid and had a big desire to go back. An ice climb on a mountain in Africa in October. This idea seemed ideal and flights were booked next day. We were committed. We were going to climb Mt Kenya, naively thinking we would turn up and do a bunch of ice climbing on this megalith of rock. Two standout climbs stood out to focus on, the Ice Window and the Diamond Couloir. It was only 2 ice climbs on the South face of Mt Kenya, easy - right? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But, first, to figure out the rest of the logistics. Luckily we had plenty of time to research although back in 2002 there was very little information on the internet (still is to be honest) and the guidebook felt outdated. But we were eager and willing to have a go. Just go prepared and take plenty of stuff.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lots of equipment was brought, sleeping bags, bivi sacks, mats, tent, stoves, cloths, food. Stacking it up with all the climbing gear - axes, crampons, ice screws, ropes, harness, tat... we knew were were in for a full scale expedition. Equipment wise I think we got it right. Food wise - bad choices. In our wisdom we had decided to buy powdered food mix from a health store in the kilos - this was the best ratio of calories to weight that we figured at the time. To hid the poor taste we would add a whole range of mixed spices. I had just returned from Tunisia and brought bagloads of spices. What could go wrong?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Arriving in Nairobi was a shock to our western upbringing. Seeming controlled chaos ensued everywhere we turned. We paid US dollars to get pieces of paper and to keep our axes. Out of customs we were thankfully met by some long standing friends of my parents, Mike and Morag. They hustled us into their car and at great speed flew through all junctions or red lights, never stopping. Risks were high in a desperate city.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A nights rest and we were off early. Mike and Morag were heading to the Aberdare's and were happy to drop us off en route with simple instructions 'Just hail a Matatu bus they'll take you to the trailhead'. After a few minutes waiting by a dusty deserted roadside. Children started to appear then we seemed surrounded by a mass of kids and confused on what exactly we were to do. Luck again struck and Mike re-appeared and said they were slightly worried and would help us in getting a bus. When one did drive by shortly, Mike hailed it down and negotiated a price, we jumped in the Matatu with our overloaded rucksacks. The bus did an about turn and headed off in the opposite direction with 3 other passengers jumping in. They starred smiling at us, we nervously smiled back. Not knowing what to make of this Dave and myself gave each other a stare and looked at our axes on our packs ready to grab and protect ourselves if the shit hit the fan. Again our worry was for nothing. The driver pulled into a gas station, filled up and then returned to going in the right direction. Boy, just getting to the mountain was turning into an ordeal. The Matatu pulled into the Naro Moru River Lodge. With handshakes, smiles and a paid fare the Matatu pulled away.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the lodge we were easily able to talk english to the manager and agree a fee to take us up the mountain to the Park entrance and maybe weather permitting to the Met Office Lodge at 3000m. With no time to rest and take anything in we were loaded up into a Landrover and headed up a dirt road to Mt Kenya via a gas station where we filled our fuel bottles up.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the National park entrance more permits and money were exchanged and our driver was happy to continue. A little up the road with rain falling the dirt road turned to mud which was fine until we hit some steeper inclines then it just slipped and slide around without any traction. Jumping out we all helped push, jammed branches under the tyres and slowly slowly we made our way up to the Met Station.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We somehow made it and booked ourselves into a small hut for the night. Tired and starving we hit a snag. Our MSR dragon stove just wouldn't light up the fuel we had brought. Endless priming/lighting all to no avail. No issue at sea level but altitude and 'poor' fuel made our expensive stove useless.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Sparking up a conversation with a sole english army guy staying in the hut next door he lent us a few hexy burners. More gratitude and wished him well on his adventure, trying to summit Point Lenana at a second attempt. With the burner we managed to get some food going where we hit another snag. The food was inedible. Eating it at home was a different experience to eating it at altitude. Dry powdered shit came to mind. We shrugged it off but it was the start of a massive calorie deficient trip. Sleep came slow with the incessant gibbering of the monkeys in the surrounding forest.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://fatmap.com/routeid/2687748/mt-kenya-ice-window?fmid=em" width="560"></iframe></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvyzRrYWObdT9VERIJQKqvV6BhmLaj_cFeBectnzWJ76dYwL2zPsvXmhuCW3ukLlD_lKmHGrm8zhbNykw-Vtuz8TYQxzaqvChejNxuFLRR_eirK5fJhPkKbsQDVR4KiBuQ2GDStk1L54/s1600/Bottom+of+the+Vertical+bog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvyzRrYWObdT9VERIJQKqvV6BhmLaj_cFeBectnzWJ76dYwL2zPsvXmhuCW3ukLlD_lKmHGrm8zhbNykw-Vtuz8TYQxzaqvChejNxuFLRR_eirK5fJhPkKbsQDVR4KiBuQ2GDStk1L54/w185-h139/Bottom+of+the+Vertical+bog.JPG" width="185" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Early the next morning with a skipped brekkie we fully loaded our rucksacks. With lots of raised eyebrows to each other we set off and within 100yards both collapse under the weight of our packs, just 10km and 1200m of vertical to go. Again the altitude played a massive part and thinking back unsure if we ever trained with a fully loaded pack, just thinking we were fit and tough enough. With humour we helped pick ourselves up and staggered ever upwards.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once out of the alpine meadows we hit the Vertical Bog. "A steep quagmire of wet moorland which is extremely taxing and unpleasant especially after rainfall". And as luck would have it we were in Spring where the weather rolled in, like clockwork, at lunchtime and rained (or snowed) heavy for a few hours before clearing for an hour or two of sun before darkness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguceZO8RwGTOasdhLtALfoKHxSEFAI4AgKOqJow3HCnkuYxEt4gB8hPLhFrrjIEeFzQ1pyK3Fzg18wQCO2m9cSDm25BfuPXPlFpnq1M1imc9X42LKvNvSY5Cd97pF4SwaMuAqe3efUpHs/s1600/On+the+Vertical+bog.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguceZO8RwGTOasdhLtALfoKHxSEFAI4AgKOqJow3HCnkuYxEt4gB8hPLhFrrjIEeFzQ1pyK3Fzg18wQCO2m9cSDm25BfuPXPlFpnq1M1imc9X42LKvNvSY5Cd97pF4SwaMuAqe3efUpHs/w237-h208/On+the+Vertical+bog.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>We sat resting under a small rock outcrop with the incessant rain, looking numbly at each other worried that we had bitten off a little too much. Then a couple of guys (rangers/porters) strolled past. Again a language barrier but they insisted on helping us in carrying some of our equipment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">We at first were reluctant due to wanting to conquer this mountain by ourselves and also a small worry of who are these people and where are they going? But we were in a dire situation with time fading fast and so capitulated to their demands and gave them a few things we thought we could do without ie. tent and some food (we had over a weeks supply). This did reduce our packs by a few pounds from our original 60 odd pounds.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Soldiering on we soon were finished with the Vertical Bog and made our way into the Teleki Valley. With time ebbing away and no end in sight, we were still clouded in rain and mist. We decide to ditch all non essential gear. This made a huge difference in our speed and attitude. Not long after we descended into the valley bottom and the weather started to lift and we got our first views of Mt Kenya.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZqRxfhhCuLODXSzXZRO_w8nib0SJk0BCJJQHBH1KKLCGVCtlfjdyfrO3F_Wb4UIMPEGJxlpvZ-sd76P9gIUOgONzMjFacmbLrzaMFJFOIX_baRcPNU_1aAsC2jiSWZ-tbFtsXJ3adQY/s1600/Walk+to+Mackinders.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZqRxfhhCuLODXSzXZRO_w8nib0SJk0BCJJQHBH1KKLCGVCtlfjdyfrO3F_Wb4UIMPEGJxlpvZ-sd76P9gIUOgONzMjFacmbLrzaMFJFOIX_baRcPNU_1aAsC2jiSWZ-tbFtsXJ3adQY/w245-h184/Walk+to+Mackinders.JPG" width="245" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here it was Mt Kenya, months of planning, months of dreaming. If you come to climb a mountain then what mountain looks more aesthetically than Mt Kenya's South face. Huge twin summit rock outcrops at over 17,000ft (Bation and Nelion) are bisected by a slither of ice (the Diamond Couloir) running directly down its middle linked by glaciers top and bottom.. Stunning. And we were here to climb it. Tiredness could not refrain our excitement. Even better with high spirits we rounded a corner and after 8 grueling hours could see Mackinders Hut, a large bunkhouse in the heart of the valley. They'd be no sleeping in a tent this day. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">At the hut we were all alone apart from the warden and the rangers who helped us, who had stored our gear safely We had our pick of the bunkrooms and once settled the warden insisted he cook a meal for us - a dried meat broth which was superb, certainly beating our healthy powdered sludge. Tucked up in our warm sleeping bags we slept soundly that night. A tough days trekking by any account, only our 2nd full day in country and we'd hiked up to 4300m with loaded packs. We were shattered.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-IjAGpfwM3DgHn_azTDutxdjZJmVlNjepprsQg-2nRffe0laJoeWXRzgULbgHYPZLuR6mRB0JTUEo7BVoP3BngDBiaLecJhbHkSSTgRxpYLi3PN0groNdme4uHSf8zrpgMARkKJEsvo/s1600/Mt+Kenya.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-IjAGpfwM3DgHn_azTDutxdjZJmVlNjepprsQg-2nRffe0laJoeWXRzgULbgHYPZLuR6mRB0JTUEo7BVoP3BngDBiaLecJhbHkSSTgRxpYLi3PN0groNdme4uHSf8zrpgMARkKJEsvo/w259-h195/Mt+Kenya.JPG" width="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next day, understandable, we decided to rest and collect our ditched gear. Relaxing in the sun watching the hyraxes (a friendly mountain rodent) eyeing you up for food as we eyed up the mouth watering routes up Mt Kenya. With more local cooking we gained some energy and made plans for a summit push the next day. Time was essential as we still planned on making 2 summit climbs. We packed our gear deciding to leave the tent and most of the food behind. We could just rely on the snack bars and chocolate to get us through a days climbing not sure we thought much about water but we did decide on taking our bivi gear, sleeping bag, duvet jacket and full climbing rack.</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Rising early we awaited the sun to warm us up and then took a hike up to Tyndal Tarn and a slow scramble to the base of the climbs by the Darwin Glacier and searched for our home for the night. The Black Hole Bivi the staging post for any climb on this side. </div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOgwf1nhKSwzfM5uxY6D8l80gESC1BahAQ5P92XnftQusMaZncInlYw9Hzade9efO11p6sncjO-VSjOp_NMPntpDzL2QwUapCSoZ-97SFaTOHGpKCn4ZxLz08gOUs7xp6Idzd9yiasB8/s1600/Darwin+Glacier+Bivi+%2528outside%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOgwf1nhKSwzfM5uxY6D8l80gESC1BahAQ5P92XnftQusMaZncInlYw9Hzade9efO11p6sncjO-VSjOp_NMPntpDzL2QwUapCSoZ-97SFaTOHGpKCn4ZxLz08gOUs7xp6Idzd9yiasB8/w272-h225/Darwin+Glacier+Bivi+%2528outside%2529.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>The bivi is formed by a truck size flat boulder resting on other boulders to form a natural cave with an added homely addition of a metal door to shut out the elements. With a lack of food and a lack of things to do the hours went slow but enabled us to eyeball the routes. The majestic Diamond Glacier just looked awesome, a continuous icicle line going all the way up to the upper glacier. But first the Ice Window, the easier route carved to the right of the main couloir, to warm us up in this mountain environment. It was time to rest up, as snow started to fall we shuffled into the black hole to try and get some needed sleep which was interrupted overnight by a local mouse eating through the rucksacks to get at our chocolate stash!!</div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T0ne4HWVCqM65_oQR5_rllNqFM_b_aMxcqD1v647qnNLW_2TYjC46OfH9MZeBkEA2DFG6aLmpCZBEJenDmofjScPi_97iHzK_RKjsy_rPVWysp8KXD442exeZreaO-652uClCDYZ0TE/s1600/Diamond+Glacier.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T0ne4HWVCqM65_oQR5_rllNqFM_b_aMxcqD1v647qnNLW_2TYjC46OfH9MZeBkEA2DFG6aLmpCZBEJenDmofjScPi_97iHzK_RKjsy_rPVWysp8KXD442exeZreaO-652uClCDYZ0TE/w165-h184/Diamond+Glacier.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>Game time. We awoke to even more fresh snow and unable to cook up we took no time in starting. We slogged through the snow covered boulder field up to the glacier to the base of the route. Route finding is tricky but a few steep moves over ice and rock get us to the base of an open snow field. We pitch over this breaking trail to the uttermost corner. Then a tricky diagonal ramp with a few technical rock steps takes us to the top where a tricky abseil takes us down into the Windows Iced up gully. We then do around half dozen full pitches (60m) up this amazing ice gully, easy ice climbing and we made good time only shame was that the weather had closed in so the views were non existent. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UCqrZWbUr1ViqprSEWNmt4HLqXQeyT9osWLSd3E_3EzjNdJALh6uJP_GAgcGAJJT-LXLvdch4E1M3t93hjLuVZf9C0gLH1ajgEH0pQ75KvtGKdadBdhBt64-HdSZuEhgg1gpmwxChJc/s1600/Ice+Window+-+looking+down.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UCqrZWbUr1ViqprSEWNmt4HLqXQeyT9osWLSd3E_3EzjNdJALh6uJP_GAgcGAJJT-LXLvdch4E1M3t93hjLuVZf9C0gLH1ajgEH0pQ75KvtGKdadBdhBt64-HdSZuEhgg1gpmwxChJc/w254-h229/Ice+Window+-+looking+down.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>We got to a break in the gully and faced a big dilemma. We did not have a watch! but with the weather clearing we knew it must be around 3-4pm so less than 3 hours of daylight remained. The crux was straight ahead of us and a number of hours still to go. We'd be going for around 7-8 hours and we not only had to decide to commit to the summit in darkness but also to the next pitches which just looked full of complications and hardness. The going was slow and would get slower the higher we got with tricky climbing, the high altitude to contend with added with route finding in the frigid darkness! We discussed sleeping in the famous ice window cave until realisation hit us that this cave should be where we were standing! Clearly no longer here the only feasible excuse was that it no longer existed and had collapse into the couloir below. </div><div>Only had one decision to make up or down. After some mintcake washed down with fresh snow I hinted to Dave that it was his pitch to lead and so his decision. </div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq-h62mnpOynZHfmomZFi2F0eNUHnGHaJCOEqWHiLI0OXc79k4tUHqNAJ2g5IbDiy82U0PT_UpV2navMM27j27NqWSKL-w4k2wrU1nF4G9l4AA62HLJ39m0uLlhxwHFAHX37zTKF0D_I/s2048/Ice+pitch8.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq-h62mnpOynZHfmomZFi2F0eNUHnGHaJCOEqWHiLI0OXc79k4tUHqNAJ2g5IbDiy82U0PT_UpV2navMM27j27NqWSKL-w4k2wrU1nF4G9l4AA62HLJ39m0uLlhxwHFAHX37zTKF0D_I/w311-h234/Ice+pitch8.JPG" width="311" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Best to fail trying than to wonder what could have been Dave set off across difficult ground, loose rocks coming away, footsteps plunging into the unknown deep snow, hazards with every move below a huge drop off down into the abyss of the Diamond couloir and did I mention no where to place protection. I held him as best as I could ready to brace myself if he should take a wrong step. Dave slowly edged across this 5m horizontal deathtrap to be confronted by a steep vertical wall of ice. Probable good fun in the Alps but here at 5000m a different proposition. At least it afforded some protection as he drove in a couple of ice screws and <strike>dropping</strike> gifting one for the Gods to protect us. Working his way up the ice was brittle, thin, unprotectable and to the sides the rocks were too fragile, too loose to trust any gear. Finding himself in a precarious position, mental fortitude pushed him on. Retreating now was not an option. Keep climbing. Finally 10m above the last dodgy screw he sunk a screw in an ice bulge, not fully in but hell that will do. Rule#1 Don't fall. A few more metres higher the pitch eased and a pleather of protection was installed especially a sling over a perfect spike. Dave then proceeded to collapse in an exhausted heap hanging off his solid belay. I urged him to be ready for me. No time to dither, by now my whole body shivered, hands numbed into unfeeling lumps of flesh. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruPRRt0a2AKJan3UedfnG06PdIhWY6fuLSXiW1FP1kAwENRnkbysyGdC2KzxX7EBMf53UYDUOQ-7XJmfMoJ2L2fYYFiLOZZ9H75JuAGhY3qmb1wiKWJJKTA-28O7dapm3c7AO1bciWJE/s1600/Valley+view+-+Pitch+8.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruPRRt0a2AKJan3UedfnG06PdIhWY6fuLSXiW1FP1kAwENRnkbysyGdC2KzxX7EBMf53UYDUOQ-7XJmfMoJ2L2fYYFiLOZZ9H75JuAGhY3qmb1wiKWJJKTA-28O7dapm3c7AO1bciWJE/w311-h233/Valley+view+-+Pitch+8.JPG" width="311" /></a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I began my treacherous journey, gingerly tiptoeing across the chasm, falling would cause a massive whipper that either of us could really do without. Inching my way across with full concentration and will power. Step by step I got closer to the main ice fall and took a big sigh of relief. Removing the ice protection I began to climb. Although I was safe on the tight rope the climbing was tricky. I felt exhausted, cold and unable to get my hands to grasp the axes in a secure grip. Every few moves I'd stop and try and shake out the frozenness and pump a little blood into the fingers. At last I reached Dave, still slung over his belay, trying to rest, trying to keep warm, trying to fathom if we were doing the right thing. I was running on empty, Dave was frozen stiff. So instead of waiting for me to gain any energy we quickly decided to keep Dave warm and set him on his way up the next pitch which was just another full rope length of undulating steep ice in a rocky gully. Which ended at the bottom of the Diamond Glacier. By the time I had pulled alongside him a mindful realisation that nightfall had set in. We had been on the go for nearly 12 hours with little water and fewer calories. But we had broken the camels back, the summit beckoned us.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Feeling resolute the crux was done, eager to crack on the final few pitches, a few hours left. With renewed energy I headed straight up the glacier from our stance. We had tiredly pondered on the best direction to take from our belay stance- whether to head straight across the glacier to the Gates of the Mist or work our way around the glacier using the rocks for protection. Neither seemed viable heading direct felt dangerous with the possibility of avalanches and unforeseen dangers and also running out of rope short of the rocks and much needed protection. Keeping to the rocks and going the long way round was just time consuming so neglected. Straight up I slogged, the snow on the glacier was deep so it was painstakingly slow as I waded through the snow taking frequent breaks to gasp in the chilled air. At over 5000m and not fully/really acclimatise the hard efforts of the day were catching up on the mind and body.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A story told later by the rangers at Mackinders Hut, that they watched our headtorches snaking their way up the glacier in the black of the night must have been some sight for them and sure-fire thinking on what are these crazy Brits doing!!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I came up short of the rock wall in front of me. Screaming down to Dave we half communicated the need to move him up a few metres allowing me to reach the rocks and provide protection with some slings over some solid rock spikes. The wind had picked up and I belayed Dave up with my knee and boots firmly planted into the ice to tired to shuffle around and keep the blood circulating. It took months for those body parts to thaw out and the numbness and tingles to finally disappear from my knee and toes. A strange type of frost nip.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dave turned up, let out a shiver and without sticking around made his way horizontally across the snow slope to the Gates of the Mist and brought me over. He had some time in perusing the next pitch and with just a hint of a smirk telling me this next one was most certainly mine. I looked up with weary dread. Straight out the box it looked un-doable. Looking up in the dim beams of our puny torches we could just make out a line of weakness. In the centre to the side of a rock spur there was potential of linking the bottom ice to the top snow, it looked a right stretch in my eyes but Dave humoured me into its possibilities. I was sure there must be a more viable option but further surveying with weak torches confirmed that in front of us was the best of the bad options available. We had to keep moving.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With a bomber belay I set up the Gates of the Mist. Arrived at the base of the small headwall. Unclimbable rock all around apart from a mass of fragile icicles leading up a number of feet to a snow ramp. I slung a sling around many of these and clipped in. A little security. Then I scratched away at trying to inch my way up to find any purchase above. It was all just tantalisingly out of reach. Dave shouted encouraging to hurry up. The weather was fast deteriorating. I hooked my left axe around a solid looking icicle and pushed up and swung my right axe above, it bounced off, close. I tried again, sparks flew out from striking the rocks, closer still. Commit I shouted to myself. I flung myself with desperation and the axe stuck. Into what I have no idea but I quickly gathered my feet and with an influx of adrenaline, reached high and sunk my other axe into more equator ice and hauled my body and arse up and into the safe snow above. Phew, done it. No time for congratulations, keep going, find a belay. The snow was deep as I made my way to the ridgeline then across to the side of Nelion and sat astride the ridge and brought Dave up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the ridgeline connecting Mt Kenya's majestic peaks of Nelion and Bation the weather changed instantly, the wind howled harsher amongst a whirlwind of snow. Bringing the worst of weather to an already unpleasant situation/temperature. We had certainly gained a foothold in The Gates of the Mists.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdjMhCimY8eKG6X_irNQCfHmMAUS_ybB4LT526J1Vo06mKsyN3KSvalBm15EEA6LtVhJXgJnWdiiN4VNuAp9rCHzxPQKD6s4dXb8zUeaxYADpSbZQyqwqInUHb1lJ9uAUiPsdM-Bvx_8/s1600/Night+Summit.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdjMhCimY8eKG6X_irNQCfHmMAUS_ybB4LT526J1Vo06mKsyN3KSvalBm15EEA6LtVhJXgJnWdiiN4VNuAp9rCHzxPQKD6s4dXb8zUeaxYADpSbZQyqwqInUHb1lJ9uAUiPsdM-Bvx_8/w291-h251/Night+Summit.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We climbed around the other side and through deep snow made our way around the corner and scrambled upwards on easing terrain. We arrived at ridge, a false summit, looking over into the dark precipice below thinking we're not done yet. Then looked around and in the complete nighttime whiteout could make out that there was no hut, no summit here. We had to push on. We were nearing desperation and pleading to the gods to bring us summit salvation. They must of heard us that night as soon after the scrambling levelled and we felt like we must surely, this time be on the summit plateau. We spread out and searched for this elusive hut. Then a glint of a shining object flickered in the blizzard. We'd found the hut, salvation, pure relief. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Howells Hut, a small aluminium bivi site made by and built by one extraordinary man Ian Howell by climbing up by himself with all the material parts numerous times to set this up at the top of Mt Kenya for many a weary and most grateful climber. </div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">After 16hrs on the mountain we collapse in a heap inside leaving the climbing gear strewn around outside. We were bone tired, exhausted, careless we just wanted out of the storm. Inside the shelter was a great relief. And through pure exhaustion we crawled into our sacks and bivi bags and passed out dreaming of a climb truly well earnt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcX-tNl3C1xRRyoMYvSi2fXQMo6um1o7sNRPHpkcsQHsdqFtx2QJrYG-ws5W86s5EmfHQC_rZBh3BKWGA9rpoCXoJX5A5gZdTZeZBt4I9GzLNjV4tVpD_sMr48k-WKQKdPQsPEBai1vg/s1600/Howell+Hut+view.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcX-tNl3C1xRRyoMYvSi2fXQMo6um1o7sNRPHpkcsQHsdqFtx2QJrYG-ws5W86s5EmfHQC_rZBh3BKWGA9rpoCXoJX5A5gZdTZeZBt4I9GzLNjV4tVpD_sMr48k-WKQKdPQsPEBai1vg/w350-h263/Howell+Hut+view.JPG" width="350" /></a></div>Morning hurriedly arrived. Unwilling to get out of the warm bag. The climate around was briskly cold but had a feeling of claustrophobia being stuck in a burnt out sardine can. I pushed the door to bring a vision of beauty outside just mesmerising. High up on the African plains amongst fresh snow we looked down as there was nothing but sky upwards. Down into the gorges below and surrounded by a vast cloud inversion. I couldn't stay in bed for long I just had to get out and take this landscape all in. Getting the boots on proved problematic in that they were frozen. But shoved my feet in and kept them loose. The climbing gear strewn outside was all frozen but we felt the upcoming sun would soon thaw these a little. The views were spectacular, it felt like we'd conquered the world, well at least a small part of Africa.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We frittered around snacking on Kendal mint cake and ice cubes. Touched the summit peak, we had come all this way after all. Collected our gear and made ready for hopefully an easy descent as we're still wishful of getting down resting and trying the Diamond Couloir route. It took some time to find the initial abseil bolt. The guidebook, like many of the descriptions made it out as a simple task. Seeing through experienced eyes looks and feels different to our weary novice eyes. We finally found it over some loose scree. I thought I was going to lose Dave at one point when he stumbled over the loose boulders and lost his balance. Easy now, lets get roped in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6fyzLmftWL0b5SIY1q4x74eU2Gh4YjP3Mzjlrj5DZbW99bhrtTAy4iBLzc276jtusyBhIzheMlNVAfZRg21hm3x3o1YLwJNM-0LL8vclI8AwpkslCAjv2yY1ilWoA56PnUuBKLzNslo/s3099/Andy+on+summit_Dave+on+Summit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3099" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6fyzLmftWL0b5SIY1q4x74eU2Gh4YjP3Mzjlrj5DZbW99bhrtTAy4iBLzc276jtusyBhIzheMlNVAfZRg21hm3x3o1YLwJNM-0LL8vclI8AwpkslCAjv2yY1ilWoA56PnUuBKLzNslo/w533-h241/Andy+on+summit_Dave+on+Summit.jpg" width="533" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We descended off the bolt down 25m and then had to sway around looking for the next bolt. Found it. Dave then came down and after a re-rope went down only to get stuck after going over an overhang and the belay/stop device (Petzel Shunt) had got jammed on the ropes and having no purchase for his feet he was unable to take any tension out of the rope to undo the device. With Dave shouting and cursing I remember thinking I was pretty hopeless, nothing I could do apart from shout down telling him to try harder and get a move on. Finally through temper and frustrations Dave got some purchase on the ropes and was able to lift the shunt clear and enable the abseil to continue on the descent. At the next belay we both ditched these devices as I think we both had no energy for any more of those shenanigans.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We may of done another belay each, things do start to get a little fuzzy here and there but we arrived at a knife edge and looked for an age for the belay bolt to no avail. To our right was a steep drop down the South West face. Alarm bells rang out from the guide book, little information was given but one warning was not to go down this face. To the other side of the drop was some very old tat (no bolt) leading down what looked to be a decent angle face. We did walk along the nose and peer over but there was no bolt in view and so having to make a decision we decided that the very old tat was the way to go. Down we went. This was the wrong way but we were not to know that at the time. We now headed down a North-East facing slope and should of found our way down a more eastward one. But the guide was vague, we had lost patience and felt comfortable with our decision (sort of). </p><p>Down we went. After one full length 60m abseil our worst nightmare, the rope stuck. After each abseil we would clip in safe and pull the rope through the tat we had made from the belay above. We'd use some new tat as well as any that was available, you could never be too safe with tired minds. But with this came a risk that in pulling the rope through the tat could entangle with itself and other bits and cause an undoable tangle. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">That situation had reared its ugly head. Unsure how we came to the decision but maybe feeling fresher I opted to climb up to free the rope. Digging out the Petzel shunt, it would come in handy after all, I wearily ascended my way back up the ropes just as sleety snow began to fall. Our luck was wearing thin. The climb was was hard going on the body and mind. Each foothold gained seemed an enormous effort. The steeper sections the shunt was invaluable as without using the rope as an aide i'm unsure as to high far I could of gone. Finally after a lot of lost time I reached the abseil and the rope had truly got stuck in amongst the tat. With it untangled I took the risk of not leaving the rope running through several backups but just used a carabiner and connected the tat to that so entanglement was negated. Back down with Dave I was completely spent. Lucky he had had a good rest and was eager to get us down and so for the next few belays he took charge and got us through each abseil point. We decided to use carabiners and fresh slings on any dodgy tatty belay points so as not to repeat any snags. We felt our gear, rather than us, was expendable. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">By now I was feeling a little delirious, we had not eaten anything proper now for a day and half, water had been scarce. I'm sure we abbed through a waterfall without thinking of drinking the water! I remember Dave setting up one abseil with the tat coming away from the rock, causing us more stress and worry. But finally after one abb I hit some scree and Dave said that was it, no more to do. The relief was comforting that the abject danger should now be behind us. All we had to do now was wonder over to the Hut! We had abseiled the right way after all!</p><p>Through all this the weather was poor, the mist was down, it rained on and off. We had no idea where we are but knew that descending was our only option and so moved down through the scree and boulders. After some time with light fading I do distinctly remember that we had high cliffs looming over us on either side. In my head this was not right. If we had come down the correct route then the only cliffs should be to our left side only (Point Thomson). We were surely going the wrong way and had no knowledge of where this was taking us (Point Thomson was on our right). We had no map to help in any decision making. Descending was the only option. We kept going as dusk arrived, we knew it would get very cold soon and high on the ridgeline we felt that we could get to the valley bottom then we would just get the bivi bags out to see us through the night. </p><p>Just then we saw a person!! Another human being was out here. He was way over on another ridgeline over the valley but he was definitely there. We shouted until he saw us and made his way and and we made our way over to him and met in the middle, he was a ranger heading back to the Austrian Hut. He insisted we follow him as he took some climbing gear of our beaten bodies. </p><p>We were not alone, this brought an instant reassurance which did not linger long as we realised in our deliriousness that we would not be relaxing just yet, but had now to climb back up the mountain to get to the Austrian Hut. We followed resolutely, not knowing for sure where we were going but we were in safe hands and with limited English we believed it was only a few hours to the hut. Although this was reassuring, I am sure now that we were not far from Shiptons Hut so a nighttime ascent of Point Lenana in hindsight feels unheeded but we were ignorant and followed our saviour. Although I still have no idea where we met our ranger and where our turnaround point was.</p><p>Up, up up we went. We were slow and took it in turns to struggle. At one point I started in desperation to shovel in lots of snow and it brought some sanity back and shared this with Dave who followed suit and we perked up for the final push up to Point Lanana. Once we stopped climbing and started to descend we knew we had made it as our Ranger (Steve) smiled and egged us on. What a guy, he stuck with us in terrible weather and going extremely slow. He must of been freezing, at one point we gave him our spare gloves for he had none. His parka was old, his shoes older, his only light was an old hand held thing. What he must of thought of us in all kitted out in the latest and greatest.</p><p>Finally, after another full day on out feet we arrived at the Austrian Hut and was greeted by what can only be described as the best thing ever. The Hut warden came out and gave us hot tea with melted chocolate. It just warmed the heart and made us feel human again. We had some soup and more tea and then went to the hut and passed out.</p><p>What an epic, thoughts of climbing the Diamond Couloir now dissipated into a forgotten dream. It would have to wait - forever it seems. But we had conquered a mountain far from home, far from our comfort. We were young(ish), young in our climbing experience. Plenty of short rock climbs and a failed ice climbing trip to the Alps was on our CV. But nothing beats adventure into the unknown. This was before the internet age and turning up and having a go was just the right tonic for our young adventurous souls. We had set off from the Met Station at 3000m and within minutes felt dejected and sensed a failure but 7 days later we were back at the Station having summited. Having had a 2 day full scale assault on an ice fall on the African Equator (with plenty of snow falling on our days up there). Hard decisions justified by success and hard lessons from a lack of clarity in losing our way of the mountain. But hard heads in staying safe, getting lucky and getting home.</p><p>We awoke to yet another glorious morning and cup of tea,. We chilled out and the guys, exceptional as ever had taken our equipment and laid it out in the sun to dry and thaw out. after more tea we headed down the mountain and had a day resting at Mackinders Hut. We slept lots and only awoke to eat (a fine dried meat broth). And the day after we descended with the help of some rangers, although leaving some kit with the Hut guardians hoping they could make use of these much needed items especially the head torches.</p><p>The day passed slow and a great feeling of achievement as we meandered our way down of the mountain. We were a little hit hard when we got to the Met Station for word that our lift could not reach us due to heavy rains and so we would have to walk a further 10k and 1000m down to the park entrance. Phew, this hurt, I had put all the tiredness, the aches and pains to one side knowing that we just had to get to the Station. When this didn't materialise i think my body went into shut down. The rangers were still happy to help us with our stuff down to the entrance so this at least took the weight off our backs. But we still had to get ourselves and our broken bodies down. My feet were killing in my mountain boots and we had nothing else and so the only thing i could do was take out the inners to give my feet and there frost nipped toes some breathing space. </p><p>Energy-less we headed down into the forest surrounded by the wild nature of monkeys and other animals. the noises were amazing after hearing nothing for a week. And although nervous that an elephant or worse a lion could wonder across our path i felt safe with the guys keeping us company and ensured i did not drift too far behind them.</p><p>Arriving at the park entrance we gave the rangers a few extra tips and even had to pay the park a few more dollars for an extended stay but our lift had arrived and we bundled ourselves and our sacks into the 4x4 and headed home!!</p><p>Easy boys, Not quite that simple. We are in Africa. At the bottom of the track the driver was adamant that we had to jump out and make our own way from here!! No chance, we weren't being left by the roadside again. We refused to leave and after a discussion we managed to leverage him, he was, after all, supposed to pick us up at the Met station, and duly took us to the local market town of Nanuki. Again he tried to get us out at the chaotic market square with thousands of people milling around and us with not a clue in the world of what to do. Again we persuaded him to help us. He left us in the car and disappeared in the crowds outside. A little later he returned and gave us 3 options. <br />1. Wait for the main bus - cheapest option but could take hours and could be full. <br />2. Take a Matatu, again decent price but we'd have to wait for it to fill up and our sacks would count as a seat paying fee. <br />3. Private car. This was twice the price and a couple of thousand shillings more than what we had on us. But this was the option we wanted. We again persuaded the driver to try and negotiate a lower price. We had to try. if we failed then we'd have to sit it out waiting on a bus, far from ideal. He drove us around some back alleys and stopped in front of a car, jumped out and processed to talk to a few guy. Then turned and waved us over. It all looked very shady and again we felt unsafe. </p><p>But the guys were pleasant enough. All smiles and helped us with our packs and in we jumped into an extremely old looking peugeot with a red carpet interior and not a window undamaged. Very worrying. But Peter our new driver gave us a thumbs up and speed off at breakneck speed out of town straight to a gas station and filled up with the money we had given him. Then, once again, hit the pedal hard. We seemed to drive at every pothole at full speed. We looked at each other constantly with nervous apprehensive smiles as Peter took it casually with one arm slung out the window, only later realising that that arm was in fact disabled!! The drive back to the city took a gangster turn when a couple of times Peter would pull up, in the middle of no-where and a kid would run out of the bushes to hand him a package. he'd take it and put it under his seat. Then closer to the city we started to understand why we had a good price for the taxi. A number of roadblocks with gun tooting army boys patrolled the spiked corridor. As soon as they saw a couple of white boys in the car they waved us on with no interruptions, no checks. These guys had a get out of free jail card in us. </p><p>We arrived in Nairobi, it felt like rush hour with bumper to bumper cars and trucks in all directions. It seemed complete mayhem, after the serenity of the mountain, in the deafening noise as Peter nonchalantly weaved in and out of traffic and even at one point rocked us up onto the sidewalk and drove down a little to make up some places only pulling back in when confronted by a burning oil drum. Then, abruptly, at a busy junction he stopped and waited and mysteriously a guy turned up and grabbed the packages and disappeared into the crowds. We were clean again.</p><p>We then arrived at the Hotel we had arranged to meet Mike and Morag. We pulled up the private driveway. The well dressed concierge remonstrated with Peter instructing him to leave immediately then once he saw us in the back changed his attitude to one of greeting and hospitality. We crawled out dazed and confused. We'd only seen basic civilisation for a week, a long week and now here we were back in the bright lights. The concierge dazzled us in his pristine green garment, the red carpet flabbergasted us. And once they understood we were here to await for some friends they were extremely welcoming and ushered us in. We said our farewells to Peter and who knows what life awaited him outside of this privileged gateway. </p><p>The concierge helped us gather all our belongings with some help and stored it in some backroom whilst inviting us to the restaurant. We beelined to the bar leaving a constant trail of fresh mountain mud on the spotless marble floor to our embarrassment as we were in the prestigious 5* Stanley Hotel. </p><p>'Jambo, Two beers please' we wearily said to the barman...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2OOJhqBVa9zcBFVOUge6xoDWXZ-448CilWIo4dfofzuQao2YGBVA5QcsAcjuqoDp49ppk6q1m613l7usFf3R-hWM2YYeJ0Nuy7FB1puetPp79VXNO9X1ZeLqje1fFU2LC8CSsPJ5G13wSpr6a6cK9EaiudxgOP3nX8j5BePGp4daAg30km3ecC8T/s1891/Panorama%204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="1891" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2OOJhqBVa9zcBFVOUge6xoDWXZ-448CilWIo4dfofzuQao2YGBVA5QcsAcjuqoDp49ppk6q1m613l7usFf3R-hWM2YYeJ0Nuy7FB1puetPp79VXNO9X1ZeLqje1fFU2LC8CSsPJ5G13wSpr6a6cK9EaiudxgOP3nX8j5BePGp4daAg30km3ecC8T/w320-h311/Panorama%204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>And that was our adventure. Without the mishaps, the unknown, this may of just been another climbing holiday but I feel strongly that this sticks as an everlasting memory that true great adventures exist to all those that go outdoors.</p></div></div>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-62585543191075739532021-01-02T07:01:00.002-08:002021-12-31T02:51:37.979-08:002020 The Lockdown year<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iqF1UEW5k-pJ92xZ9Kg_xrY1mt_ImiPl3B-p33_Ze2yhowJeYzczHC7RHwHuIqEg5bOl-Jryt2yRjSfQ5i646I-7MhRDFlsNZws7qyj3X9ktLXLsVGPIB5d9W3vAF4P0tw2z85w8kHg/s1280/thumbnail_STFRANCOISLONGCHAMP-PM_LUNEBLEUE-20200106-142701-CA20010614264772.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iqF1UEW5k-pJ92xZ9Kg_xrY1mt_ImiPl3B-p33_Ze2yhowJeYzczHC7RHwHuIqEg5bOl-Jryt2yRjSfQ5i646I-7MhRDFlsNZws7qyj3X9ktLXLsVGPIB5d9W3vAF4P0tw2z85w8kHg/s320/thumbnail_STFRANCOISLONGCHAMP-PM_LUNEBLEUE-20200106-142701-CA20010614264772.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/3pC974xpiTDHreg59" target="_blank">Reflection on a year gone by</a>. Hard to know what to make of it. The world, or how the news portray the world, is pretty downbeat with Covid19 still striking hard in our communities, Brexit around the corner and the divides of peoples opinions on all manner of subjects further apart than ever. For me the world keeps turning so protect that you love, be grateful and stay positive.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nPztrIsCyFVbj5IZmlYyZKsRNZy_HPgNKxWR8cH34HaleRxsOmE_KKCgKbYpXoJQx3c7Kq400tRVHJVaU-HEOQ25ejNDLq4BUA-1syaJBuuwmvt5-JI05l35MyqOw8tg81EU9l1gfQg/s2576/20200111_104959.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nPztrIsCyFVbj5IZmlYyZKsRNZy_HPgNKxWR8cH34HaleRxsOmE_KKCgKbYpXoJQx3c7Kq400tRVHJVaU-HEOQ25ejNDLq4BUA-1syaJBuuwmvt5-JI05l35MyqOw8tg81EU9l1gfQg/w200-h150/20200111_104959.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back to 2020 and there was no time to get over the new year blues. We got of to a snorter. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxMEp6eXo8w&t=4s" target="_blank">ski trip over to the French Alps </a>with Dave and his boys. A Fun trip just focusing on skiing and not trying to wedge in a climb, a tour... some other activity. We skied, we ate, we laughed and we drank (finding that all important new drink in Genepe a perfect mountain drink to warm the soul).</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Back at home there was no time to sit back. The dog wanted walking and i only had a 100 mile race to run at the end of the month!! So i went to my tried and tested run to prepare me and ran Weymouth to Poole, 42milers over 10hrs. I picked a gorgeous day running the sea cliffs although it being winter it was very windy and muddy underfoot. But running the endless sandy beaches at nighttime was a highlight. The lowlight being I just missed the ferry over to Poole, so had a cold wait. Then i just missed the train so another cold wait ensued. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uoCeydg1Shv3JKm1V__726JAYaUO-lhUTrjyQcPSLL7Ju5sLrPiR0I1BD79qtdRFw2kHLOOgEpDd87r6NTsTMUqoDUNNY6Jm1LupvhJXPZFB0r2hFpYIxwMAcCl5utamnBIuS0B8cWw/s2576/20200118_084402.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uoCeydg1Shv3JKm1V__726JAYaUO-lhUTrjyQcPSLL7Ju5sLrPiR0I1BD79qtdRFw2kHLOOgEpDd87r6NTsTMUqoDUNNY6Jm1LupvhJXPZFB0r2hFpYIxwMAcCl5utamnBIuS0B8cWw/w188-h141/20200118_084402.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I felt ready. Resting the body we ticked off another part of the SWCP in reverse from Plymouth to Par. Great fun and shorts weather taboo. Then back down to Cornwall for a relaxing weeks holiday at Gwithian with a cheeky 100mile race thrown in. The week didn't start well with having to take Lola to the vet as she must of caught a virus and didnt look so good (poor thing had only been hit by a car the month before) and now the vet told us as well as being sick she had a heart murmur!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><p></p><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgr8cpY92QEwzeo9xTjB6z4ANN2SkxESEStqBvgzGHsxItAP5x9Fy6IkN9tWDZ4xU_bucql8-enyIGY_tcsgwNJ4dKGgM-d-7yJ4hNF1KFyvCKh1-hBFGjebv9w7Za-6gBn87Mmbrkm0/s1200/83264707_3299772333441473_596862654413275136_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgr8cpY92QEwzeo9xTjB6z4ANN2SkxESEStqBvgzGHsxItAP5x9Fy6IkN9tWDZ4xU_bucql8-enyIGY_tcsgwNJ4dKGgM-d-7yJ4hNF1KFyvCKh1-hBFGjebv9w7Za-6gBn87Mmbrkm0/w200-h133/83264707_3299772333441473_596862654413275136_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-UvIRaCgHU" target="_blank">Arc of Attrition </a>runs 100miles along the South West coast line either side of Lands End. It started out bleak with rain and wind but after the first gruelling night we had a beauty to finish. Nice meeting up with old running friends Tony and Darren and meeting new ones in Dave.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoasrD0t5YMbxE4zJwbBBxJ6mZYbUWpJ2L8vjLQSnxKzoMU12WJpMQySVw0kE5gz9nDOUIxbdCJvz_GXtPS7MOyDKmDHl25pRtvikgyInDI0W1lLKvc5Ot12iZi8QXtYq9eYvSnwK7k_k/s1584/Image+08-04-2020+at+17.30.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1584" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoasrD0t5YMbxE4zJwbBBxJ6mZYbUWpJ2L8vjLQSnxKzoMU12WJpMQySVw0kE5gz9nDOUIxbdCJvz_GXtPS7MOyDKmDHl25pRtvikgyInDI0W1lLKvc5Ot12iZi8QXtYq9eYvSnwK7k_k/w287-h169/Image+08-04-2020+at+17.30.jpeg" width="287" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">February brought nothing but dark misery. Storms battered the country and i caught a nasty cold so it was good to get that month out of the way and fly into March or more appropriately <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrU09E8oxBE" target="_blank">Canada for our Ski Tour trip</a>. This was up there with the best. Our roadtrip found amazing new places in Emerald lake, awesome resorts in Revelstoke and best of all a touring mecca in Rogers Pass with thigh deep powder. We only managed the one day skiing here but it has made such an impression on us that we hope to return many many times over. The only lowlight was in a haze of happiness on coming back to Rogers Pass for another days powder skiing Daves ski binding snapped before we had got far and so with no options just had to call it a day. It did give us some days XC skiing and a day on fat bikes in the snow which were good experiences.</div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4lXFnO_EFtb_UrI2wBBAj5_bI3doEwSErAAZu-GPxUdzHCD2PKMDM8FEKBzE3DNYz3XuQJM1QkmuXLCBxN8nhjjetn4zd1IuXSILi3SCLyrlLkHJF90-7MCKcTRZA_79q-6Tj31HkvU/s4608/20200416_201348.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4lXFnO_EFtb_UrI2wBBAj5_bI3doEwSErAAZu-GPxUdzHCD2PKMDM8FEKBzE3DNYz3XuQJM1QkmuXLCBxN8nhjjetn4zd1IuXSILi3SCLyrlLkHJF90-7MCKcTRZA_79q-6Tj31HkvU/w200-h150/20200416_201348.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What was to come was an indication of the year to come. We had heard murmurings of a virus spreading across the world and country's taking precautions. At the airport their precaution was only to ask if we had been to China then it was ok to board the plane. On arriving home a couple of days later i was bedridden for a week with a bad virus! I may never know if it was Covid or something else but it was one of the worst illnessess I have ever had and on getting better was introduced to the the new world with Covid amongst us all. I got to work for one day and then we went into Lockdown.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptCdLV1D4Ff_EzfRgaJaZlS5G-qX0MoAzID9jCHcyTPRjwKTv3Blqye_qpAlOevVQ6zx8DnksVqkWGRhPU9jCbNS-aIP9hUE7yWAPQB6ryj0XDKZxcVQVkmcZ5vs0KJYWKP63_JeDD70/s4032/20200625_104559.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptCdLV1D4Ff_EzfRgaJaZlS5G-qX0MoAzID9jCHcyTPRjwKTv3Blqye_qpAlOevVQ6zx8DnksVqkWGRhPU9jCbNS-aIP9hUE7yWAPQB6ryj0XDKZxcVQVkmcZ5vs0KJYWKP63_JeDD70/w200-h150/20200625_104559.heic" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lockdown was a mix of emotions, it still is. As it has not affected me too much but I know that all around it is affecting people with the worst. So you just do what you can as thats mainly not to become a hindrance to anyone or any service. The weather was good and at the start we all logged into Zoom and with a few drinks kept in touch with far afield friends. Slowly, slowly things opened up, got to play golf, go for longer runs, even managing a 100mile week and then go back to work part time. Then we could stay away overnight so I ran up the Itchen and hooked up with Rob who had biked from his for a cheeky overnight camp in the woods, we may have celebrated our freedom a little too much. Running back the 25miles the next day in the blistering heat was a tough one, thankfully i had the river to endlessly jump into to cool off and wash away any lingering headaches.</div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboKDpwVS6mY0aNSPN-t2JbHyidqHmDb6lFdGA2VTn5OnlUwBtyfd0ChD7KSRdYMKq5Ht7cD2T6vqEVX6UWog34NgDQL9OusAmQhfRDC61N_Brtj22CNHAtmcWfXPgSNzyIgq6lo2AgHM/s3429/20200706_215222.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2572" data-original-width="3429" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboKDpwVS6mY0aNSPN-t2JbHyidqHmDb6lFdGA2VTn5OnlUwBtyfd0ChD7KSRdYMKq5Ht7cD2T6vqEVX6UWog34NgDQL9OusAmQhfRDC61N_Brtj22CNHAtmcWfXPgSNzyIgq6lo2AgHM/w200-h150/20200706_215222.jpg" width="200" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;">July we could travel so i made my way down to Dartmoor and met up with Greg and Tony for a few days remote hiking. Things were easing and the weather remained unabated. I ran long for the first time since the Arc around the Purbecks reinvigorating my running mojo. Then back down to South Devon to tick off another part of the SWCP. In more stunning weather we hiked, waded rivers, swam, camped and drank to more truly wonderful experiences and memories. </div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHxKDu4b36oRpWHu41XjMv2HSYDOLgK3ldvswkD6WkWQltcC-ehzPShwwGYzfvGekhjllflsTj_Fq45ICGu7-UkAzQYA31rpygVRY-HbFGESFRuIl9CuSbLhpJqehWT8-C2uchtvLZ7Y/s4032/20200717_190940.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHxKDu4b36oRpWHu41XjMv2HSYDOLgK3ldvswkD6WkWQltcC-ehzPShwwGYzfvGekhjllflsTj_Fq45ICGu7-UkAzQYA31rpygVRY-HbFGESFRuIl9CuSbLhpJqehWT8-C2uchtvLZ7Y/w200-h150/20200717_190940.heic" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For August we gave ourselves a challenge as there were no races. I needed to get fit as had a race, maybe, in september to get ready for. We (Dave and I) headed to North Wales to give the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGzzKJONPjI" target="_blank">Paddy Buckley</a> a go. This is a 62mile loop around the mountains we decided to have a go over 2 days. We managed to find a campsite, the whole area was mobbed with people which was a little disconcerting but overall we were away from the crowds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3stW8HGpPnpUJ9I2y3FTEaqzMQK6vzJCg8zjpDrYz7rAna2HXhlj6w6EOMnYClLxZNbpSI-Ge-DMndaLlGK_oesSRY-MQsyKyJNtNKCixF7kGNjczDz_Kgvhe7fgf7b8ymKq1C0KuYs/s2560/20200801_133437.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3stW8HGpPnpUJ9I2y3FTEaqzMQK6vzJCg8zjpDrYz7rAna2HXhlj6w6EOMnYClLxZNbpSI-Ge-DMndaLlGK_oesSRY-MQsyKyJNtNKCixF7kGNjczDz_Kgvhe7fgf7b8ymKq1C0KuYs/w200-h113/20200801_133437.heic" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was one tough outing over treacherous terrain but with scintillating scenery. Covering 28miles on day1 we had to cut out the last section due to time. Again on D2 we had to cut out the last section on timing. It was just taking an age to get through all the boggy parts. But we managed a 50 mile loop around the welsh mountains and loved it all. Can't wait for another crack.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMzTFOAMpm_2c34xlWtWhMu6aicwypewjC3qA2zriGAqVLxr1IlSN0pecizxAXU4S3_l7gFAFvENHAT1AmzMhQfUylwylxpCE4ZEf0i9X7k7GKMOJSX0aB6s6Thvkx_r517iTU8XKALs/s4608/20200807_203941.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMzTFOAMpm_2c34xlWtWhMu6aicwypewjC3qA2zriGAqVLxr1IlSN0pecizxAXU4S3_l7gFAFvENHAT1AmzMhQfUylwylxpCE4ZEf0i9X7k7GKMOJSX0aB6s6Thvkx_r517iTU8XKALs/w200-h113/20200807_203941.heic" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not home for long I headed back down to Cornwall for another part of the SWCP. Unfortunately overnight Greg was ill and decided to cut short his trip. After dropping him off we went to Dartmoor for a couple of scorching days around Haytor. To finish of my training i managed another long loop around the Jurassic Coastline on a hot and humid day. But now i felt ready for my big race.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONZSvC4xq7kRzvLi5NNzcWLQ3ZyW7dyH2xODf3NyDGMeK54hP6WCxXm8I0CpzUpyOna9pPIxWuvlZW2IpTQ4ei2hyphenhyphenl1VOK5A4SQT7UAzwmonuxL-b8IvIo_hMphBRWRzXZ5k78M3BYko/s4608/20200831_164054.heic" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONZSvC4xq7kRzvLi5NNzcWLQ3ZyW7dyH2xODf3NyDGMeK54hP6WCxXm8I0CpzUpyOna9pPIxWuvlZW2IpTQ4ei2hyphenhyphenl1VOK5A4SQT7UAzwmonuxL-b8IvIo_hMphBRWRzXZ5k78M3BYko/w200-h113/20200831_164054.heic" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONZSvC4xq7kRzvLi5NNzcWLQ3ZyW7dyH2xODf3NyDGMeK54hP6WCxXm8I0CpzUpyOna9pPIxWuvlZW2IpTQ4ei2hyphenhyphenl1VOK5A4SQT7UAzwmonuxL-b8IvIo_hMphBRWRzXZ5k78M3BYko/s4608/20200831_164054.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Days before heading out to Switzerland new travel measures were put in place in that you'd have to isolate yourself on arriving back in the UK. After a days deliberation I decided to go, too much invested to just sit at home not doing much. Arriving in Switzerland I hooked up with some Dutch friends whom i'd met at the Tor last year (Paul and Roy). Roy was down in his motorhome to crew Paul on his 300+km race. I'd tag along and help out. We ran, we climbed and we crewed Paul for a few days and then I raced the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Nqjn7NWyU" target="_blank">Swiss Peaks 100 mile race</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo97fuG9WV3RH4z8WZiNaH2ulSMpUB9cEdBY6G4nYpuxjp6T6XyrtdkRsvMpmfi1S9kQQAfv0sXgBYCOLk3Di3W0YmjCHIEn1IlCaF17xzpi42agULXvm4Ee2Ks1F6ZIRnwzb0aI98I4/s4608/20200905_070546.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo97fuG9WV3RH4z8WZiNaH2ulSMpUB9cEdBY6G4nYpuxjp6T6XyrtdkRsvMpmfi1S9kQQAfv0sXgBYCOLk3Di3W0YmjCHIEn1IlCaF17xzpi42agULXvm4Ee2Ks1F6ZIRnwzb0aI98I4/w200-h113/20200905_070546.heic" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Felt like i got the best of both worlds in doing it this way. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">It was one seriously tough race taking nearly 47hrs and some major hallucinations out on that 2nd night. But what a course and the Valais valley certainly does not disappoint. Being able to relax at the finish on Lake Geneva with friends, also met up with the Czech boys Milan and Jaro, was a welcome world away from rules and regulations back at home. I then went home for 2 weeks of quarantine. Worth it.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WiHB1VX4jcn8NhaojapulLmBo341a_xy1Kr66jxprKq2ONkc1HsROxEd6bXEUXSxe8J9UGEopTFJyTwiQM9IVh6x9wy5bBY2f52zoQZWLWzpKLJpHlXB0MnW6RskmKBORjGRXvvrRKM/s3296/20201010_084010.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2472" data-original-width="3296" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WiHB1VX4jcn8NhaojapulLmBo341a_xy1Kr66jxprKq2ONkc1HsROxEd6bXEUXSxe8J9UGEopTFJyTwiQM9IVh6x9wy5bBY2f52zoQZWLWzpKLJpHlXB0MnW6RskmKBORjGRXvvrRKM/w200-h150/20201010_084010.heic" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before my base training disappeared we took a quick trip up to wales to try the Welsh 3000s. Dave was eager to try this again and try and get under 10hrs so with daylight at a premium we got ourselves up there and set of in the darkness and typical welsh weather. We hoped, as it was forecast, the weather would ease but it seemed to do the opposite and within a few hours on the Carnedds knew that proceeding was pointless and so in crazy high winds and rain we called it and finished at ogwen and went to the cafe and a dog walk instead. Typical Wales the next day we went to Barmouth beach in the blazing sun!</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gbntTbg1wrN_i04pMs4gBiWJiuMT73snc0XTNlOHIaStNJMnfTmWBCojrLrEnmZznaUN2x_xgS4zsNUqOFYa9fDzk-ktm5ADqwTFwZB4MhlU2hZcClC-NcYkCnI9J1Snim8WouQf8_o/s3264/20201019_153221.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gbntTbg1wrN_i04pMs4gBiWJiuMT73snc0XTNlOHIaStNJMnfTmWBCojrLrEnmZznaUN2x_xgS4zsNUqOFYa9fDzk-ktm5ADqwTFwZB4MhlU2hZcClC-NcYkCnI9J1Snim8WouQf8_o/w200-h113/20201019_153221.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With no time I switched from running to biking as a few of us (Rob, Steve M, Steve B) had learnt about a new 350km route on our doorstep conceived by CyclingUK, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA5J_UrG_-4&t=109s" target="_blank">The King Alfreds Way</a>. It was mid october by now but we lucked out with the weather, but thats where my luck ran out and after a few hours managed to snap my bike in half (remnant damage from crashing on a metal post a year ago!!). Rob right away sprung into action and a plan hatched. His wife came and collected me, took me back to theirs and i made his shopping bike ready for the remaining 300km trip...hmmm.. it did work but I also managed to break the derailer, a jockey wheel and the brakes en route. But we got round. Well nearly, we finished up in Reading, 50km short but headed back out 2 weeks later to finish of the entire loop. Superb adventure just on our doorstep.</div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMyYouNFr63YjgAvDZkKLax1bnq1Cy1uOamaa82a37K5MFOcUNLXtOt_xA9XP76p38EiorpbT4O8DAoElOgYpNqzWfIE4KK-CD70HBeIef1_VjcUrOWl8C0k0yG3FE1SfQ9VhFswp-mE/s4000/20201111_174232.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMyYouNFr63YjgAvDZkKLax1bnq1Cy1uOamaa82a37K5MFOcUNLXtOt_xA9XP76p38EiorpbT4O8DAoElOgYpNqzWfIE4KK-CD70HBeIef1_VjcUrOWl8C0k0yG3FE1SfQ9VhFswp-mE/w200-h150/20201111_174232.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">November and we were all back in lockdown to try and curb this virus. So time was spent walking and running locally. Once out of lockdown winter was upon us and it felt better to stay safe than to go out and about. I did managed to build a new bike for myself with Rob, so look forward to more bike trips when allowed. And also got out with the running club a few times which was good to mix with fellow runners culminating in a superb outing in the forest filth run in the mud and wading rivers. Great fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4mKzn0jtvu3miS72TY1eoIiBFvbZB8Suh-9r1oe1Bd6SoVBbSRpzoA6vcvgCWbxdrmoqS1LnX-KlR-gi83eNo3q3J_48PFN7EZ28CoRYIAwLxWgtuEs9QsSNIIvdx0Vcoxp-18cDmvQ/s4032/received_1148202455597552.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4mKzn0jtvu3miS72TY1eoIiBFvbZB8Suh-9r1oe1Bd6SoVBbSRpzoA6vcvgCWbxdrmoqS1LnX-KlR-gi83eNo3q3J_48PFN7EZ28CoRYIAwLxWgtuEs9QsSNIIvdx0Vcoxp-18cDmvQ/w150-h200/received_1148202455597552.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even looking back I feel that I have achieved a reasonable amount this year but like many feel like it has also not delivered. With the year ending in storms, amassing quagmire of mud, further restrictions on our lifes and a brexit deal no-one quite understands we hope that in the not to distant future we can all get out and pick up on our lives.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stats - got out over 180 times, ran over 1400 miles. Ran a monthly all time best of over 250miles in May. Smashed a toe, ankle still fukked and was ill twice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Highlights - knowing good people. Dave cheering me up when i felt shite on the Arc. Epic skiing in Rogers Pass. Beers and river crossings in South Devon. Completing the Swiss Peaks 100miler.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lowlights - Covid.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/3pC974xpiTDHreg59" target="_blank">Best of 2020 in Pictures</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here's to a belter of a year in 2021</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iAmEyfWHGvQkaaZoJ31YrX7DuX-CFF0lXKocEPpTX11OXmCVt-G_hAf0Ae0jZEDgxLAOgPk-rnjNznGVA73JpJQImAftCGbH7nM579z00acAzWquknu-RWO_GxyV4oc3Mzhy0MlbR-8/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1243" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iAmEyfWHGvQkaaZoJ31YrX7DuX-CFF0lXKocEPpTX11OXmCVt-G_hAf0Ae0jZEDgxLAOgPk-rnjNznGVA73JpJQImAftCGbH7nM579z00acAzWquknu-RWO_GxyV4oc3Mzhy0MlbR-8/w704-h246/5684842605576192.png" width="704" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">2021 plans - </span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Skiing seems unlikely but heres hoping we get to Norway and tour those Lyngen Alps.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Welsh 3000 to finish</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bikepacking trip</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Via Ferrata in Italy/Swiss (June)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Xreid 100km in Norway (July)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">GR20 in Sept </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-85625987032540549352020-09-15T06:49:00.003-07:002020-09-15T06:49:36.243-07:00Swiss Peaks Trail Race<p> Swiss Peaks 100mile Trail Race</p><p>Set in the Valais valley. A wonderful week starting with helping crew for Paul doing the 315km race then doing my own 100mile race. </p><p>Majestically steep mountains. Paced this well, ate well (although CPs could of had better solid food).. only pitfuls as usual was the altitude making me weary and the heat sapping me. Had the most amazing constant hallucinations on the second night with faces of mythical creatures jumping out of ever pebble I ran past and the mountains and woods all containing faces. Strangest by far was the desperation to sleep and on the side of a steep mountain forest was Roy's campervan parked waiting for me!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J_Nqjn7NWyU" width="501" youtube-src-id="J_Nqjn7NWyU"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-78241353409702103822020-09-15T06:41:00.008-07:002021-01-02T08:47:21.046-08:00Paddy Buckley Attempt<p> </p><p>Attempted the Paddy Buckley. </p><p>Looking to do it over 2 days but didnt want to suffer too much so missed a couple of sections. But a great mountain adventure managing 50miles over 2 days.</p><p>Day1 - Snowdon and the Glyders<br />Day2 - Moels</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="377" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BGzzKJONPjI" width="469" youtube-src-id="BGzzKJONPjI"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-22049998457491961342020-09-15T06:38:00.009-07:002020-09-15T06:38:58.365-07:00Canada Ski Trip<p> Canada Skiing</p><p>From skiing Banff, Lake Louise and Revelstoke to Ski Touring Emerald Lake and the mighty Rogers Pass.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="357" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TrU09E8oxBE" width="511" youtube-src-id="TrU09E8oxBE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-58991295179186261112020-09-15T06:35:00.005-07:002020-09-15T06:36:28.145-07:00Arc of Attrition<p><br /> Arc Of Attrition 100mile race along the SWCP in Cornwall, UK in winter.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="298" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O-UvIRaCgHU" width="508" youtube-src-id="O-UvIRaCgHU"></iframe></p><p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-UvIRaCgHU</p><p><br /></p>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-4429814287396692732020-01-24T07:53:00.004-08:002020-12-22T07:28:20.404-08:002019 memories<br />
Started the year 2019 with a mindset of starting hard early and keeping it going. It didn't quite work out that way.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHAq_qZVdD-fD18pnOFRDANWHkiNpHNuhqaaIWUNtdOqx0m8rM9dV27yEzPqU7Q5DByuBCMDog2uOzAiUySnXx_9c6koBvcQJy-D7E56uUiG0-lrcqK89VNKQHqdayJAGI4jyPSzunyM/w1120-h840-no/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHAq_qZVdD-fD18pnOFRDANWHkiNpHNuhqaaIWUNtdOqx0m8rM9dV27yEzPqU7Q5DByuBCMDog2uOzAiUySnXx_9c6koBvcQJy-D7E56uUiG0-lrcqK89VNKQHqdayJAGI4jyPSzunyM/w1120-h840-no/" width="200" /></a><br />
January was filled with runs with Dave and the dogs, a Dartmoor Micro of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mOK452tu1g" target="_blank">Two Moors Way</a> and a cheeky Stonehenge marathon - starting hard remember as February brought me the news I had been waiting for. I was in the Tor Des Geants (200+mile mountain race). With this great news I filled up the month with finishing the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mOK452tu1g" target="_blank">Two Moors Way</a> through Exmoor and raced the Punchbowl 30 and New Forest Marathon. The year had started well and it even snowed.<br />
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As with life when things are going good you get knocked down it seems. I woke up after the New Forest with a sore ankle and this would lead to 3 slow months of recovering. I didn't panic with the training as I had both plenty of time and was able to walk fine. But boy i hate being injured and I can still feel a twinge in my ankle to this day. WTF did i do!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsYW99jLmu-J6eXBw9fWqfR56zjJWcwmfXdzAIyixTe3wq-xECzj7MEF91E0Prgrkuze9bJV5aBwz9YLOb6vAnxubTisBT34-oLW_vLtoJg3QMNTlQdiHeBP14TVb5YJoY7kom3bckEA/w630-h840-no/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsYW99jLmu-J6eXBw9fWqfR56zjJWcwmfXdzAIyixTe3wq-xECzj7MEF91E0Prgrkuze9bJV5aBwz9YLOb6vAnxubTisBT34-oLW_vLtoJg3QMNTlQdiHeBP14TVb5YJoY7kom3bckEA/w630-h840-no/" width="150" /></a><br />
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To aide in recuperation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jioucKJaFAw&list=PLxubWtXJV2CbqFupAqdPEP_f9wae8Wii3&index=11&t=0s" target="_blank">we went skiing. </a></div><div style="text-align: right;">With these bad boys...</div>
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After starting the trip with a distinct lack of snow in Champoluc, Italy we headed over to Chamonix where for 4 days we skied powder and tuned into our new skis. We only manged a days ski touring but boy it was a great off piste trip.<br />
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Not able to run we finished March with a fabulous trip to Wales and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdFtEq80rgk&t=10s" target="_blank">Traverse of the Rhinogs.</a> What a place, beautiful, remote, mountainous.. it had it all and also wild camped the first night on a deserted island and the 2nd by a lake surrounded by mountain peaks.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qRfgTdsBqQWNFTkBPuMkhPhMKTamhairvVZb6hzlEJJ_FkhXn410yYCvDrr7RzuslU_e5fsTjfZbDaLT2Ke4EqzOb930MW081pvOaJ2wx4ygOG4phG1SvNosG7qQJMOoBbMAWhuTSRk0PO0Lnki4CtUQi0aCm2CGkTZPC3Z_PSQYD_NFsZAU2gnh_okUf2vL7U3BNcYauh4DqHugcCO4CYe915hQf9z2-frYeNjE1TM22bhxcIzyQDhwmE4fqy0SCLRfCdjI5wUEv0WOqoect0MWt20UviaJJAjC2vGZnZrhOLwS6dtSZ5TU_3a8wRfP1tbUJBTYBrT5cnCXcUQWGo9VxLD6xHaozPHPE5KNUn-k95SC5zp4pUoF2v2P08Wck4PfFov-ldJ22iw_DKmLhWvak2AusdrLJvSEmBFvhMeAGjeHD31T_kYd48f1Ld0YTmItNWbT6opjL3aKBv5LVZx_coROWrRg93FXoTWX_YA2cNafVO0NNeEgkVOfS84CMkIJjp02SyeFb3qrhl0iPzKVquU0l1148tLmHWvHvtRv2LiUGoz-8hXCx3vGuG6SOPcTIm1XXNbla2NNUpau997-6hhY3n8uRhtkFWI6mDVsKVYLFJuC6Y5kM-SaJ2CxmIz-S_HKqW1mIqyofX_hTE0D31JIiQEB6273nvjpIvAKqlZxjlbnU_wd7L9WJ5a5DS3kWgg3h30STLKHxdvix4ihKMMZZ7mSsIGpUynyaEpWxIjK=w946-h569-no" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qRfgTdsBqQWNFTkBPuMkhPhMKTamhairvVZb6hzlEJJ_FkhXn410yYCvDrr7RzuslU_e5fsTjfZbDaLT2Ke4EqzOb930MW081pvOaJ2wx4ygOG4phG1SvNosG7qQJMOoBbMAWhuTSRk0PO0Lnki4CtUQi0aCm2CGkTZPC3Z_PSQYD_NFsZAU2gnh_okUf2vL7U3BNcYauh4DqHugcCO4CYe915hQf9z2-frYeNjE1TM22bhxcIzyQDhwmE4fqy0SCLRfCdjI5wUEv0WOqoect0MWt20UviaJJAjC2vGZnZrhOLwS6dtSZ5TU_3a8wRfP1tbUJBTYBrT5cnCXcUQWGo9VxLD6xHaozPHPE5KNUn-k95SC5zp4pUoF2v2P08Wck4PfFov-ldJ22iw_DKmLhWvak2AusdrLJvSEmBFvhMeAGjeHD31T_kYd48f1Ld0YTmItNWbT6opjL3aKBv5LVZx_coROWrRg93FXoTWX_YA2cNafVO0NNeEgkVOfS84CMkIJjp02SyeFb3qrhl0iPzKVquU0l1148tLmHWvHvtRv2LiUGoz-8hXCx3vGuG6SOPcTIm1XXNbla2NNUpau997-6hhY3n8uRhtkFWI6mDVsKVYLFJuC6Y5kM-SaJ2CxmIz-S_HKqW1mIqyofX_hTE0D31JIiQEB6273nvjpIvAKqlZxjlbnU_wd7L9WJ5a5DS3kWgg3h30STLKHxdvix4ihKMMZZ7mSsIGpUynyaEpWxIjK=w946-h569-no" width="320" /></a><br />
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Spring came and I did nothing in April. After set backs with the ankle the best thing to do is rest and that is what I did. So it was a case of catching up and going out.<br />
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Magical May. I think the sun just shone all month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9w-th59HCpPQKD4zWvk7buD_Ec84YbSsrOp7bAYza83x40c4Nyc1QM7xjrSl3Mpo5tvSESHfnks6qbxCxo6DBO4DVBpiK8vWrzNYTxnh6PCBlEG06L6CM8_kZ1dAZ8lg5DrImZL35Zo/w1312-h738-no/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9w-th59HCpPQKD4zWvk7buD_Ec84YbSsrOp7bAYza83x40c4Nyc1QM7xjrSl3Mpo5tvSESHfnks6qbxCxo6DBO4DVBpiK8vWrzNYTxnh6PCBlEG06L6CM8_kZ1dAZ8lg5DrImZL35Zo/w1312-h738-no/" width="320" /></a><br />
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A Micro trip down to Dartmoor to the remotest parts. So remote that at the Tor we camped the boys got attacked by a fox - i sleep through it all!<br />
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Then it was back into running. The ankle seemed stronger - just dont twist on it.. I ticked of my 50th Marathon and then pushed through an Ultra with Rupe on the Pilgrims Trail the week after.<br />
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This was a recce/training run for what was to come. The Local running group had decided to put on it's very on Ultra run later in the year and had asked me to be the Race Director. So over the next few months we planned and figured out all the logistics needed to put on a great running event.<br />
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<img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUR2fNhQF-ToflVIGcb5B5G8toWS7Thf4P02OpVgsw_jwLSbE_xcWU9tecl8FYInTsr0dqzfKwmJ8p6Fq_lN08dKM2QYWbKfp_6lDQ0-K6k7gBENGxuBYUjRObQFF0ozwA8pGgj2bMKw/w477-h358-no/" width="200" /> <img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwby_dwVINeA3SMKdyQCmz-dQ9RRDSIJMvtYR2KeLVw_J2-vsk7bSgoQk4PbNDn3yN3_xoADiVcnQ0aGhNmEk-EaYQcZ8DwoQu2m76gDAgEHghcVjWsS-XDLDUfEHyZCUitm6KsrpAKEI/w401-h301-no/" width="200" /> <img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UrbiObo1iPSNIu_ht7v_-9x4fx0_vWWOgUgnAtQaTeJ5ItM3zroChodYEVIymAezgR4VZPXyAzZ0DzcfxEBagY7fi-54Q1POnFePEgzkKMs0xjM-kQuQ9d4W3t93CjKPifAMhHF5pG8/w1120-h840-no/" width="200" /><br />
Fast approaching was my first race of the year so I needed to up a gear if my body allowed in June. Hills was my main goal. Went back to hike more of Dartmoor, ran the Purbecks and then hiked the Black Mountains in Wales. I felt ready.<br />
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<img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBcVFigNvUJuK11MnbkulvZc8ch0XBHK-VOc7nuHSzb2H4bGXJqaTtt2FDu_RDaLkrDjYBGf6cPSODDOqHYYJD7X-9EtxDUwSaVjkDUHVa0YVYWTkwAAfSzmNGkrGWBwvkh5THqo2_-M/w401-h301-no/" width="200" /> <img height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7f5zOG_nWxU3LhWXjO_9EKEkXeJHKAXs--hQdIC-Q3tMcDJwhQQL-kvYVLhW3NHsTtc5ZPw0BclrGOM_NYMTYoQ27rI9eRyVdyvn3TitFMJ0F1LLKdHd_M-Xf99-jEQttDEvacVp5wX9ekP_9JBIir0Ee0gUxUy9qf_cKFt0Q8E9OBFFCNEyo1SSA0Z59QnRZ2JZd-jEZIUqhy1pVqdUqtOzqz12_I0PQ-rWme1SSuVMqcnTLyJRZ-sVPRyyypfKrf8ZDDPFya5VTDaT3CMjhnSONU4tCQK15IHBksv7cIaZwId3JKnXhuQAtUaf-zbtteR_bH7kZHbeeeqScRiCxrfHDqobJc4Uj7TXQYElLqpR0WrypHZ6GDHXHCU-XL8pjXF3gEbseJRJuK5l5M8FWDA489EsZ9Hr9Fgcmdd5EGT-W7dvFps9gAVug0i9LvUCAlC8laebvMzTQFStV7D0gaLaGpkXpCxFZmmAeyTVuL9vU7mIFA_xVzsxIc69691ENMTpvFDhPwD1RvGgHSMX4E_xX_ko7-yPFv2b79Y66RUgquStyEAscdGrNMv6Ug6iewUVaqFP34GS477r4N-y9SlFPgnZLw-DuqQVh6oTOKoXwphZNNprOsSlwfIPjkRNddia_d4UOfF7Yo2qS1ZaRndK1M-N89VJO9VRYSAuY9lGbPBOHUC91eL9R2y-H5t3aVhZ0qbSf0CwkgyQZUJ99OaJtEc0XwJ6WlcQ_-oBtg7BGrqQ=w478-h358-no" width="200" /> <img height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a_4n34Cr579AjyAKh5lwpPGE34tBmsnHkGf-7M0LOEJi-o9bJwYmEgIUE3gSBxPmA83lZMqKWKYTYaXmEvfewQZd8j3FYzTGz-l8dI-Ry85Z-Ukbyg_NeUkeRvjC9SQbFHE9Xdla66lisyDjkn08gkIWIB0Hjsow3q8vYzu2jF0BlIsQwSa5tJm3hH8SNFEMSx9QNP192d9dgQ5TXU9ZEAf7e6rX7c64DnbI6CaHJQYkVYX6WtqmZCf2vT-WxPtm8woePwyLD2Z0GcnZbu6YRXqVpuF72iM5p6PquQ0-Aylw7EEqukplQLTZfBYVqcMFphxeLvJwFD2cBffthX16IthYhALKwBAB2woL0Fq20B1rer7VmPNqiiSt0M5Lu8uRWIe9xO0CLvmLfC4UDKZmhSVwApmqsfiqmjwqnDuPhqD9V1QA75rxrvDCb_qcHGJ8S9swq3cMfScTmRuv7rFuXS3zEnI1-gQ9NvQF55w7Io6EkhdKb-dP-PKAo9LPO-W4Eff0Q3FnudbUbp1beAz5v0cCglo8ak39vRxbefV9tzmqlflIHCClYzZf7fbncDrkDRsxz4AsEhXdOjs44Cr7bV2ikZnzz6EDqLEQoVU9jWM_2-vTG6tyUv5tXTfIWSUBvQwmPOc63SsR0xCMca1Pxv2BYRQnKr87PInGwjFqr8MXb3xI_pDJr-xFYYjTdN5hForVwWaxikNj78iqrYCHP2DRBhuPVA7fWj5GrDUHRNjvepIf=w477-h358-no" width="200" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-g_YPn3hZE" target="_blank">Olympus Mythical Trail 100km </a>race. I loved Greece, the people, the history, the landscape was all something magical. The race was special, I loved it apart from being 35'. The heat did blow me away and we had just climbed to nearly 3000m with snow still in the mountain gullies. But wonderful people helped me through the day and after the race we traveled through greece and visited a few historic sites - Meteora Monastries, Delphi and most of Athens.<br />
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With the Tor around the corner resting was not an option. So I managed a tough long run in the purbecks and finished July with Wales in a day.!!! I took Lola (dog) with me for a solo run in the mountains of North Wales and I drove 5hrs. Ran/hiked.scrambled for 10hrs. Lola then decided enough was enough and in the middle of the mountains took me directly back to the car!! I will never get lost with her in bad weather. So with worsening weather i just drove back home. One long day.<br />
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August Micro adventure was a nice couple of days in North Devon and a loop on the Coast and Exmoor. An underestimated place.<br />
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The Tor is less than a month away!!<br />
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I needed more hills. So pushed it hard over the next 2 weekends with 40miles on the Jurassic Coast then 3 long days in North Wales. Great places and very enjoyable training. And that was it. I had to taper, i had to be ready. All I could do now was fret over what else I could of done as there is nothing more you can do. Just be at the start line now and do your best.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OraJFImEoJE&t=57s" target="_blank">The TOR...</a><br />
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The Magical Mystery Tor. A race that takes you 340KM around the Italian Alps with around 30,000m of elevation. Its quite a remarkable adventure in setting out with so little knowledge of what is to come apart from hardships both physically and mentally. But over 126hrs I persevered, toiled, enjoyed, loved it and then got disappointed when the end was near!!<br />
Great experiences and friendships from a unique race.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC6j3C2Qa9NuSGoWoNCdfPNMhUjr8K4Loi5iIFdWIYZgqInB8jzDEWQzIdQp1_NdYnxuvLf7jZM5Pd8A9vd5eqplgmMuUTQmIMjRzCqivzUS-IjN2tEAEXNLBxsB2ka8jTIOlbLaBV9k/s1600/71169036_10157588145192463_5883455749220204544_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC6j3C2Qa9NuSGoWoNCdfPNMhUjr8K4Loi5iIFdWIYZgqInB8jzDEWQzIdQp1_NdYnxuvLf7jZM5Pd8A9vd5eqplgmMuUTQmIMjRzCqivzUS-IjN2tEAEXNLBxsB2ka8jTIOlbLaBV9k/s200/71169036_10157588145192463_5883455749220204544_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="112" /></a>Coming back from the trip I literally came down with a bang. Coming off my bike one night and totaled the bike and spent the night in A&E. No serious damage just niggles which persist to this day.<br />
Lesson learnt - wear a helmet even on easy paths to the pub.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbajZ4tTBiBATkWh5ILeUSPjIde_OSaqzCoJ4cNnaa246YI9RNPZfbvdFoBDmbTJeYPsc2LJU16DKc-ahQ9hX1If2p_IxNbkACIZVOxnIDD7RR7Wx3nCg2lh6I4BJ9ZgJpvjl5O0_u40/s1600/71768965_10162324907670524_1111448222359879680_n+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbajZ4tTBiBATkWh5ILeUSPjIde_OSaqzCoJ4cNnaa246YI9RNPZfbvdFoBDmbTJeYPsc2LJU16DKc-ahQ9hX1If2p_IxNbkACIZVOxnIDD7RR7Wx3nCg2lh6I4BJ9ZgJpvjl5O0_u40/s320/71768965_10162324907670524_1111448222359879680_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>To take my mind of the injuries the local running group had organised an Ultra race (50km from Portsmouth to Winchester Cathedral via the Pilgrims Trail) and asked me to be the Race Director. We had a good time with the organisation and preparation and were all too pleased that 45 local runners had signed most to do their first Ultra plus 40 odd volunteers. The day came and the sun shone, the runners shined and the volunteers were superb. Remarkable we had a 100% finish rate - A truly exceptional day for all involved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxXefLIAP3xZElGCpL2Nusg_Yk7XJ7yrapgLtM4nfrpBdT2gabYUb8nACooLyKQOBSL7yfugjhfUDQI-ZapNieXR-ayspIlagsbHOfPKfkfWAVkj8QwpYBo3kJ9SshF0w-wE9oafyXEo/s1600/20191118_112106.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxXefLIAP3xZElGCpL2Nusg_Yk7XJ7yrapgLtM4nfrpBdT2gabYUb8nACooLyKQOBSL7yfugjhfUDQI-ZapNieXR-ayspIlagsbHOfPKfkfWAVkj8QwpYBo3kJ9SshF0w-wE9oafyXEo/s320/20191118_112106.jpg" width="320" /></a>With winter coming it was time to slow down a little and let the body rest. So a little golf, a holiday to Exmoor, a fun weekend in Plymouth where the new Micro plan was hatched in that we would do the SW Coast Path again but in reverse.<br />
Not wanting to wait to long we got on with things although they are never straight forward. With The Poole ferry being broken and most of the smaller ferry's taking people across the many rivers and estuaries in Devon closed down for winter. We had to jump a few sections but did get started and manged the Dawlish to Salcombe section.<br />
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My plans of taking it easy took another turn in that a race i had put myself on the waiting list told me that I was in the race and so I now had to prepare myself to run a 100miles at the end of January. So much for doing nothing I now had to get back into running and running a lots of miles.<br />
But who wants to take it easy!!<br />
<br />It was back down to the Purbecks section of the SWCP to prepare for the Arc of Attrition 2020 whenever i could spare the time.<br />
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Lola used up another one of her lives up in that walking home one night out of no-where she chased a fox/cat across the road and was hit by a car.<br />
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Rushed her to the emergency vets and after a couple of nervous days (blood in her urine). All that was wrong with her was a gashed leg, a few cuts and grazes and a sore hip!!<br />
One lucky dog and i'm grateful as i almost certainly would not know what to do without her x<br />
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And that was 2019. Good memories and as much as I hate how time flies by too fast 2020 is shaping up well. Here's to everyone's year.<br />
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2019 Stats..<br />
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1435 miles run<br />
12 Micro Adventures<br />
11 Marathons or Ultras done<br />
3 trips abroad<br />
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<br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-40600692533292802872019-09-24T03:26:00.004-07:002022-01-24T06:50:53.689-08:00Tor des GeantsTor des Geants 2019 - 338km endurance race in the Italian Aosta Valley<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Tor Des Geants 10th Edition </span></div>
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Magical Mystery Tor taking in the Alta Via 2 then Alta Via 1 routes in the Aosta Valley , Italy encapsulating the Mt Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn areas. <br /><br />338km with 30,000m D+/- taking 126hrs58mins<br />945 Starters (565 finishers and 380DNFs)<br /><br />The Tor has to be the most rewarding, exciting, fearful, tough, sustained races. For me it was about getting out there and seeing if I was capable of moving this far over the toughest terrain. Not about speed but about endurance seeing if you can keep all your physical and mental faculties in check over a week. Overcoming the lows and riding out those highs to the end.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">T</span>he landscapes and mountains are what draw me and a big bonus has to be meeting other people. From my weary mind at the pasta party Amy from US and Danny and Martine from Canada and the Americans, Ben from SA, Peter from Denmark, Victor from Kenya, Karen (and Matt and Mark briefly at the start) from UK, KK from USA, Paul from Holland (and his fantastic crew-man Roy) and many others locally and from around the world. Camaraderie at its best. <br /><br />The volunteers were extra special working hard all week and uplifting us in our times of need. Each Base, CP there was someone to help you, encourage you, console you.. A man specially cooked me potato frites at Olloment when I had had enough (of pasta).. A lady giving me a double expresso at Neil when all hope was lost and this just rejuvenated me. Lots of stories, lots of heart warming amazing volunteers.<br /><br />Special mention to the 4 medical ladies at Olloment. I was gonna tape my feet again but decided to go to medical and I'm glad I did. At 3am - My treatment was first rate. I was looked after with care, professionalism and smiles. They sent me on my way with my feet in the best possible state (after draining a number of blisters and my huge swollen toe). Grazie ladies.<br /><br />The locals, the tourists, all cheered and made way, encouraging and willing us on our journey. Each Allez called out brought a smile, a determination, the uplift needed to keep that wrecked body and mind going forward.<br /><br />Everyone has bought in what the Tor Des Geants means and it certainly feels special when running through the Aosta Valley.<br /><br />All personal thoughts but might help if anyone doing this in the future - trust me it is well worth doing…..<br /><br />Acclimatise - main thing for me.. made things hard going all week especially D2 with a 3000m and 3300m mtn climb. So get out earlier and have a restful week in the mountains.<br /><br />Distance - i never thought of the distance required to go. I went from Life base to life base.. So 50km sections and then I only used my altimeter in between so it was never I have 15km to go to next CP but where was I? At 2300m next CP is 2500 so I have 200m to climb to next CP.. That was all I went with and so distance was never playing on my mind.<br /><br />Food - my food - i took around a kilo of food from my dropbag at each Lifebase this included and good amount of Tailwind, salt tabs, a few gels x6 (caffeine and normal), a few brekkie bars and a couple of chocolate bars and 2 packs of clif shots. I pretty much had everything except the shot blocs (which have always been my go to pick me up food!!)<br /><br />Aid Station food was plentiful and good, although could get very similar. With dried meat and cheese and biscuits. The first day or 2 it felt like a scrum to get any food or water/coke and the desire just to move on was high. But with each CP every 3-4 hours you need to stop for something. Finally got into a routine of pasta with oil and cheese, if they had potatoes i’d have these. Last couple of days definitely preferred the vegetarian food to meat option.<br />Liquids - Coke in the daytime and tea at night. Water and tailwind between CPs.<br /><br />Sleep - good luck. Think i preferred to have hours of sleep rather than catnaps here and there.<br />Managed 12-14 hours of interrupted sleep in 7 locations over the 127hrs.<br />A couple of hours here and there definitely works. Have a plan when getting into a station and do it. I never hallucinated or slept walked. Looking back, timings may have worked out well in that the last 2 life bases we arrived at midnight and after a shower and food had a good 3 hours sleep. Then changing, taping feet and eating again set off in the early hours ready for another day on the trails. These longer sleeps certainly made me up for the next stage. Good mentally being eager to proceed rather than dreading what's to come.<br /><br />The life bases were all good but if they were busy it felt confusing, rushed. Especially having an overloaded drop bag. Wandering from food hall to showers to beds back to hall was draining. Make sure your drop bag is not overloaded and unless you want to stay 5+hrs I would shower change, eat and move on to sleep elsewhere.<br /><br />Gear - Took way too much - streamline is key<br />Pack - Salomon Adv 12 vest 2019 version - loved it, took loads of gear and very comfy.<br />Shoes - Sportiva Akasha for 4 days and 2 in the middle wore Inov8 Talons.. Both are very good. Grip secure on the steep descents and feet in pretty good condition.. One stubbed big toe and a few heel blisters.<br />Dry bag in pack- 1x long sleeve top, warm top, waterproof top and bottoms, spare socks and buff.<br />Wore 2 pairs of socks.. Inner were toe socks and I rubbed my feet with sudocream. I think my main blisters came from poor taping of heels so in future either get medical to tape or do it better.<br />A good change of Clothes at each life base.<br />Main things I didn't get out of the drop bag...<br />3 long sleeves tops, 3 long compression pants, shorts!! Spare gloves, hat and buffs.<br />These would depend on weather as if it was colder/wetter then I may have used them. But I stayed in my shorts and same calf guards all week.<br /><br />Drugs - Felt pretty good for most of the route. Probably had an extra 10 caffeine tablets throughout the week just when I needed a pick me up. But maybe not required.<br />Had around 10 paracetamol for the week. Most towards the end when my feet were ‘burning’ and knees screaming so it just took the edge off for a bit. But there is enough accent to recover on. So just look after and listen to your body.<br /><br />Training - its all personal and down to your experience. You’ll never feel you’ve done enough so just have a plan and don't overtrain. For me it was long days out, especially in the mountains. In the run up it was just small easy runs during the week. On the weekends I went hiking for 3 days, managed a coastal 40miler and then went to North Wales for 3 long days in the mountains. Then took it easy 3 weeks before race day.<br /><br />Sunday prize giving - seemed a waste of time. You can't see much, they go on for hours and you are on your feet and then you finally get a cheap cotton finishers t-shirt. Spend the day doing something much more rewarding in the mountains or save a day and go home.<br /><br /><b>Highs and Lows</b><br />Definitely have to manage yourself through the lows as there's always a high just around the corner. I reckon I had 3 low points and only the 1st that made me doubt that I could finish as the distance just felt too big.<br />1st Low was i expect the altitude with a little too much sun. I had no acclimatization, I had arrived the day before and by the 2nd day had done 6 mtn passes (2500, 2800, 2800, 2800, 3000 and 3300m). The 2 last ones were extremely slow going and the sun with the snow zapped all my energy. When i got into Cogne I had a shower and went straight to bed. But all I did was spend 2hrs shivering with all my clothes and duvet jacket on! This did finally pass and so I decided to stay and get an additional 2hrs sleep/rest in. After this I got up, ate well and had a strong section all the way up and down to Donnas. Never quit on a bad day.<br />2nd low. Coming into Neil I was mentally exhausted. Just spent 7hrs on the roughest terrain with Karen who felt rough for the most part. Coming into Neil I just needed to switch off - luckily found a spare bed and slept for 2 hrs. The reset worked and I felt pretty good from there on in.<br />3rd low. Just before the finish - typical.. Paul had been having issues with his legs for a few hours and unsure if it was the slow down or just my muscles starting to give up but my thigh quad muscle above the knee just gave up and was very painful. So just as Paul felt like running again I couldn't!! Iced it at Bertone and just hobbled, ran, skipped our way to the finish. <br /><br />Highs - We did it. What an adventure, the mountains, the trails, the scenery, the forests, the smells, the people, the sunsets, the sunrises, the nighttime, the wildlife, the inner desire, the emotions, the overcoming. Absolutely loved it. <br /><br /><b>Race Report</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7czZqtDXKm3PCYCy6BBXUNxbTU--9tmILZ4bwTnD3MY3wksRLvSRToRrJKLW5enWk6WUvHyDT9qlRIWjKKmCuqD50slkrwKL_maNaBzv3PYMMFBUUAaPxfcTTv2S6UX-lIFqIEYaRT3A0s7zUa0wf_lcmJHCIjz818bMshoaHqeys04UCJO71eckd=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7czZqtDXKm3PCYCy6BBXUNxbTU--9tmILZ4bwTnD3MY3wksRLvSRToRrJKLW5enWk6WUvHyDT9qlRIWjKKmCuqD50slkrwKL_maNaBzv3PYMMFBUUAaPxfcTTv2S6UX-lIFqIEYaRT3A0s7zUa0wf_lcmJHCIjz818bMshoaHqeys04UCJO71eckd=w200-h113" width="200" /></b></a></div><b><br />Start Courmayer - 12pm - 50k to LB1</b><br />CPs on route were all chaoticly busy. A right scrum to get food and water.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHkBC5HlLx7Vqhn7i7Mxel63Km7WoZpOymcVpz6q6Lb59-9NBstCpbaK2YBzQ2le0ZwVGuzEf9VHvjDKn5c3JU0gAdVPYhsydHW5CusJwpc8U5nFDd3JIMtICXAbntXGuhxYE8GBM_VQa1exRJVxa5pgLTNOkNvyZ1ZSeRlpAY74TyY_b9hSydEOwy=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHkBC5HlLx7Vqhn7i7Mxel63Km7WoZpOymcVpz6q6Lb59-9NBstCpbaK2YBzQ2le0ZwVGuzEf9VHvjDKn5c3JU0gAdVPYhsydHW5CusJwpc8U5nFDd3JIMtICXAbntXGuhxYE8GBM_VQa1exRJVxa5pgLTNOkNvyZ1ZSeRlpAY74TyY_b9hSydEOwy=w200-h113" width="200" /></a><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div>The Tor begins. A run around the old town with cowbells and cheering galore. Slowed with some bottlenecks going up the 1st Col and then it began to rain then snow!! Nice running down to La Thuille. Met Peter from Denmark got on well until lost at one of the CPs.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Beautiful climb upto to a couple of cols - this set route standard was through alpine meadows then over boulder fields to moonscape landscapes up to the Col to drop down and repeat backyards.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />LB1 - Valgrisenche (50km/12hrs) - still feeling good but fancied a rest and luckily got a top bunk bed for an hours rest - 30mins sleep. This place was busy and hot.<br />Had way too much in my drop bag so took an age to sort and re-pack!! Streamline - take less shit and pack bits in smaller tubes/cartons so it does not become a complete mess.<br />2hrs in LB with 30mins sleep.<br /><br /><b>
Stage 2 - 58km to Cogne LB2</b><br />CPs on route - thinning out a little nice to spend a little more time in the bigger ones to eat proper food.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1BZ5zJx2PnSdR1NL4IJRiK8q289oG6W1o0rHNmrCECj7-vMeFwX3EILtLS6v3vyoy5jDPh2VC8dD-LXQuKoAsaq7MWcYI8gKRmNEhmSkI075iYAkU2ghqXWBERWmNhNeJGyqzUu0SakKATr3hewHIggwqC4Eo4v8xl0WSSHRPsuIqiyiHcHZrCTN0=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1BZ5zJx2PnSdR1NL4IJRiK8q289oG6W1o0rHNmrCECj7-vMeFwX3EILtLS6v3vyoy5jDPh2VC8dD-LXQuKoAsaq7MWcYI8gKRmNEhmSkI075iYAkU2ghqXWBERWmNhNeJGyqzUu0SakKATr3hewHIggwqC4Eo4v8xl0WSSHRPsuIqiyiHcHZrCTN0=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><br />Not much to note overnight but going good and steady.. Steep descent down Col Finestra as it got lighter there was a steep up Col Entrelor. Felt so cold and it took forever for the sun to appear. Another long descent and a 2nd hard long climb up to 3300m just about doable with the snow on the track. Met Victor from Kenya here good chat on the steady descent to Cogne.</div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">LB2 - Cogne (108km/31hrs) - see 1st Low. <br />Took a busy shower, found a bunk then spent 2hrs trying to sleep - shivering etc - then did finally sleep for 2hrs sleep. But the sleep did the trick and I felt half human. Had some food, chicken and potatoes and set off in the early hours.<br />5hrs30 (2hrs sleep) in LB. This was a busy, dark noisy sports hall to sleep/rest in. I had nothing in the tank so had no choice but I wouldn't stay again.<br /><br /><b>Stage 3 - 46km to Donnas LB3</b><br />CPs on route - all good from memory. Great support overnight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7dCpoj-PNmGxUTuT0HsEcsvbvAX9uYNEAcD15tbYHAJvr9LtG5r2wmuCWoVic2Hl-sp1L68zvOV1IeqPZfhPkfj2Sh_nG1c-LQ3O_VZ22PygVBIC4NXIWOw4Uc0ls7tFhbqdi2lxUNWqS6jW1CEnVL4NvKvIbQarJOL_4pmCTFXl2ab9_yPth-Bow=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7dCpoj-PNmGxUTuT0HsEcsvbvAX9uYNEAcD15tbYHAJvr9LtG5r2wmuCWoVic2Hl-sp1L68zvOV1IeqPZfhPkfj2Sh_nG1c-LQ3O_VZ22PygVBIC4NXIWOw4Uc0ls7tFhbqdi2lxUNWqS6jW1CEnVL4NvKvIbQarJOL_4pmCTFXl2ab9_yPth-Bow=w200-h113" width="200" /></a></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />Felt tired but chatted with an Italian man for a couple of hours and felt better, locals even had an espresso tent to help us on our nightward journey. Attach yourself to someone if you're feeling low. Not everyone wants company but it’s worth testing the waters with fellow runners.<br />Took a wrong turn overnight, luckily I was switched on and managed to navigate my way back on course. Felt strong on the whole descent, a never ending 30km descent down to Donnas. As it got light and grey, we criss crossed a bunch of wobbly bridges on our way into Bard and got confused thinking this was the lifebase.. Luckily another runner told me to keep going.<br />LB3 - Donnas (153km/46hrs) - it only being mid-morning and feeling good I decided to push on (once they finally found my drop bag) without resting (ate and sorted feet out) deciding to sleep when it got dark. <br />No sleep, just over 1 hour in base. Too quick to notice anything but seemed ok. Chatted to Karen who I'd met at the start line and decided to run the next section together.<br /><b><br />Stage 4 - 53km to Gressoney, LB4.</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">CPs on route were all good but definitely try sleeping at Ref Barma - looked a sweet spot.<br />Leaving the lowest elevation we worked our way up and down out of the valley. Started to rain and once at Sassa CP the rain got heavy. Luckily there were 2 spaces in a small tent so we slept/rested for 2 hrs. Still raining we trudged our way up to Coda.. <br />HALFWAY - 55hrs 170km.<br />Got dark on the next section but again looked like a place to visit Balma felt in an amazing location. Just a quick turnaround here.. Next section Karen was nasusus and unsteady on her feet which was very unnerving over the technical terrain.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXA3dngKJKJw9zqH0uYlCsexB4tptNjtFjJquCfwkP9_8P0uMO_8WJ8WAcfb9jLDd33EtArg00y2rcQ8TtOha0MfNDMhCMcZ_7uz7Wi6mEuhT0bmLfmQ36jIKmBSlozyZh5HSd4x4vF77anHYJnb6Ai_80Dazb0zWzJ3axEFPqkGDM4bOHtOQ6swj7=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXA3dngKJKJw9zqH0uYlCsexB4tptNjtFjJquCfwkP9_8P0uMO_8WJ8WAcfb9jLDd33EtArg00y2rcQ8TtOha0MfNDMhCMcZ_7uz7Wi6mEuhT0bmLfmQ36jIKmBSlozyZh5HSd4x4vF77anHYJnb6Ai_80Dazb0zWzJ3axEFPqkGDM4bOHtOQ6swj7=w200-h113" width="200" /></a><br />At the next CP - Lago Chiro. I forced some food down Karen and she immediately threw it back up. So with her having a tough time we managed to get a couple of bunks in the portable cabin. Not much sleep, 1hr, as it had a heater fan inside and the noisy generator was right outside. But we did feel a little refreshed. I felt good for a couple of hours but the final descent into Neil I think I just tipped and when I got to Niel I was mentally spent.. I had little thought for Karen which I regret as there was only one bed available.. When she declined the offer instead of insisting she take it I had it. After the rest in the tepee, some polenta and a lifesaving espresso I set off as the day was breaking..<br />(Note, after a rest Karen hooked up with friends and pushed on and finished the Tor strongly - superb effort). The long ascent up and the sun rising allowed my body and mind to switch from being wrecked to everything sweetly clicking again. Alle Alle, never quit on a bad day.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />Descent into Gressoney was good fun, maybe too much as nearing the bottom I just kept going and going and then realised I was off track and had to bushwhack my way back across and up to the main path over a large boulder field..hard work especially in the midday sun. Back on course I made my way to town.<br />LB4 - Gressoney (212km/71hrs) - Again it was mid morning and feeling good i just decided to shower, eat and tape feet and change clothes. I fancied a massage but the wait was too long.<br />2hrs in LB - Good base - Large sports hall, Sleeping room looked quiet and comfy.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><b>Stage 5 - 50km to Valtorneche LB5</b><br />CPs on route - good routine by now.. Dry pasta with oil and cheese, some fruit and fill up liquids and go.<br />Walking up the valley I had a good chat with Paul from Holland. Nothing felt rushed, and the body felt great. On hitting the steep slope i said goodbye to Paul as i wanted to really go slow in the heat of the day.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpqvWH1acHGYkVLG-JQU38nIZwbLq9bsI5kAAVQ2djUs1JFBo2yOpgzXels96-jn0A7djgCwX1H843E6BxNC-KF5DG17uQHIX67lmhUqREpuuZdCaFcD5OW9klHJqlGOPuzYGHW4kYdLZVVMYaMxENZfsXajLMRfFZcWpOCBZ7xLR-0omX-Sd2qhAC=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpqvWH1acHGYkVLG-JQU38nIZwbLq9bsI5kAAVQ2djUs1JFBo2yOpgzXels96-jn0A7djgCwX1H843E6BxNC-KF5DG17uQHIX67lmhUqREpuuZdCaFcD5OW9klHJqlGOPuzYGHW4kYdLZVVMYaMxENZfsXajLMRfFZcWpOCBZ7xLR-0omX-Sd2qhAC=w200-h113" width="200" /></a> He did start off fast but then we kept yoyo-ing up to the Col and on the descent we enjoyed running down and by Champoluc had joined forces and were happy to stick together for the rest of the race. A great pairing as i felt happy to be together chatting but also to have some space and have your own time with your own thoughts in the mountains but had company there if needed. Felt like we understood each other.<br />A nice climb out of Champoluc valley, i had only skied here in the winter, with a lovely sunset over the Monta Rosa. Up into the darkness and the never ending, confusing mountain paths culminating in a mighty descent to Valtourneche.. My feet, knees ... everything was burning in pain by the bottom.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />LB5 - Valtourneche (240km/84hrs) - Relaxed with a beer from Roy (Pauls Crew - excellent to have around, a good laugh and kept us smiling), had some food, then showered and slept for 3hrs. Need to remember that taping feet and eating can take over an hour. More food and go.<br />5hrs30 in base. 3hrs sleep. Best one for me, lots of room. Timed it right in getting in at midnight and then leaving at dawn.<br /><br /><b>
Stage 6 - 50km to Ollamont, LB5.</b><br />CPs on route - all good but feeling longer to get to especially in the heat of the day.<br />Both Paul and me were on similar timelines so not too much hanging around for the other. <br />Refreshed and eager to get on with it. Got to a massive reservoir dam as daylight broke and got wonderful views up the valley to the Matterhorn.<br />Nice high undulating traversing and then a great descent to Magiu refuge. Where treat of treats of an ice cream in the midday sun. The ascent to the next station was hot and tough.. We soaked ourselves in the cold streams all the way up.<br />Last descent into Oyace was amazing. Looking down the valley was awe inspiring and to look up we could see the Mont Blanc massif for the first time in days. It was a long tough descent. Paul was starting to struggle with his blisters but we were in no rush and stopped to re tape etc and also relax and enjoy what we could. Don’t rush this race.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfQ-PBQB7JzTFaLLxwZjsPJiVU6PiGoh6A52P_Jap_P3QRKRuLafvsNNc3k4ThzggOVphsi5yl06MVN7B-iY58nYXqa_Hl9bK0VY5cZSvkqzWsu6XMBXXZYyB_twwt9LNzrO43Zdbo_TkE4b52JhTuwaWu_mpt5g7HI8q7wzCuxIqQuld4W3RTcq0P=s1460" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1460" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfQ-PBQB7JzTFaLLxwZjsPJiVU6PiGoh6A52P_Jap_P3QRKRuLafvsNNc3k4ThzggOVphsi5yl06MVN7B-iY58nYXqa_Hl9bK0VY5cZSvkqzWsu6XMBXXZYyB_twwt9LNzrO43Zdbo_TkE4b52JhTuwaWu_mpt5g7HI8q7wzCuxIqQuld4W3RTcq0P=w200-h97" width="200" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />Got into Oyace late afternoon.. An ice cream and food later it was decision time to either rest or go for the next section. We did the right thing in carrying on. We felt okish and moving okish but we were treated to a beautiful sunset and full moon over the alps at the col.. The descent into Ollomont was one of the worst. Hard steep zig zags for an eternal age and then another neverending traverse on stoney tracks. By the bottom the feet and knees were done. In town we met a jubilant Roy who cheered us up and treated us to a beer.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5zuowBpeSjpS94moUB5EtcsBP0G4PUhCT1a73qlBNQ-fsQ8v4f62Pek1hWmvk0-yd3GusRPsxVDetuW4r1RvlCBetLlJjro6y0nUL7Wm76HU0ULJH499zd2VJn2K_1DF6kTSMUcsXOWQU3mcW3xHqfFFRmgJOeS2aO5xGqhowxgFBtCZZsrX6_wHH=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5zuowBpeSjpS94moUB5EtcsBP0G4PUhCT1a73qlBNQ-fsQ8v4f62Pek1hWmvk0-yd3GusRPsxVDetuW4r1RvlCBetLlJjro6y0nUL7Wm76HU0ULJH499zd2VJn2K_1DF6kTSMUcsXOWQU3mcW3xHqfFFRmgJOeS2aO5xGqhowxgFBtCZZsrX6_wHH=w113-h200" width="113" /></a> <br />LB6 - Ollamont (288km/106hrs) - I didn't like this base. Everything was in tents and felt cold. The sleeping room was crowded and noisy. Showers were horrible. But managed 2 to 3 hrs sleep and then rather than taping my feet I saw the medical team who looked after me in the best possible way. At 3am 4 lovely ladies took over and cleaned, lanced my blisters and dressed my heels.. My big toe was the size of a plum and I was eager not to have it looked at but they insisted and some painful minutes later they had reduced it and dressed it.. It was a good call from them. Grazie Ladies.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br />5hrs30 in LB - timings worked as in it was night time but I feel next time keep going to the next lovely Mtn Hut for a couple of hours quieter rest. <br /><br /><b>Stage 7 - 50km to Courmayeur, Finish.</b><br />CPs to end - all good with great volunteers. Got real hot hiking up to Malatra. Felt great but had my 3rd low.<br />The trek up was an easy steady plod then came one memorable moment. The sun rose alighting the entire alps and we gazed for an age as Mt Blanc just illuminated in the morning sun. Precious awe inspiring situation.<br />A cold descent down to a shack for a fun filled brekkie and then a long runnable section to Rhemy. Here we met Darren doing the Tor des Glaciers (only 450km WTF).</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDbhseIVg7gWlYxwwR-ukSZw8euY9EWUUyo2hl6Jf0LShhTIjTxP5-mu9Wocf2-xq1pNtdK9pu7PBhG95TvuD1UVFG4Ci8NiSvlPJNJDgi4HCPwgZIK2T9Irp_z2vDiILcC5Jz9jVyvaUe-ZwKbkHxH_qGECH6THauoI5Avq6mt23L6TQUkYPis_eD=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDbhseIVg7gWlYxwwR-ukSZw8euY9EWUUyo2hl6Jf0LShhTIjTxP5-mu9Wocf2-xq1pNtdK9pu7PBhG95TvuD1UVFG4Ci8NiSvlPJNJDgi4HCPwgZIK2T9Irp_z2vDiILcC5Jz9jVyvaUe-ZwKbkHxH_qGECH6THauoI5Avq6mt23L6TQUkYPis_eD=w200-h133" width="200" /></a>Then our final climb - Malatre - Get here, get it done. And we were doing it in the full heat of the daytime sun. We ducked our heads in every stream, waterbuck, puddle going and even took a 15min solace under a parked van halfway up the mountain.<br />We were surprised by Roy at the welcoming refuge before Malatre and even better a present once atop of Malatre - a cold beer.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />Once this was downed it was pretty much 20k downhill. I enjoyed this section with many emotions of being a Geant, finishing a race thought impossible not that long ago. There was also a sadness this adventure was coming to an end. After 5 days in the mountains to finish suddenly felt wrong but that's racing you have to finish.<br />Moving along in a happy trance in the afternoon sun, I hit my 3rd low. My calf and then my thigh muscles began to protest, maybe with the thought of ending but right then the finish felt a long way away. At the last refuge I taped up my thigh and calf with ice and bit my teeth and headed out with Paul supporting me. Coming into town it eased enough to allow us to run through town with the massive crowds cheering us on. <br />A wonderful finish in under 127hrs.</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt6IrHW76eICSdGMYlot-6t6l_1P69dMey_vBhL9i94mCbax7FNmYvcoB8e9ar5LzLGbdZbfpjjuQ3JHQqIUEqiz17nmJ7zAh-2duHh-8VeuHUwVqvKC8QxTOHfCa1F0gpJaWWaPyD1NdhbE2eHD0MqbIV2fib1xlSLzOI9xR2EsiExyB9dBe0M14I=s4898" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt6IrHW76eICSdGMYlot-6t6l_1P69dMey_vBhL9i94mCbax7FNmYvcoB8e9ar5LzLGbdZbfpjjuQ3JHQqIUEqiz17nmJ7zAh-2duHh-8VeuHUwVqvKC8QxTOHfCa1F0gpJaWWaPyD1NdhbE2eHD0MqbIV2fib1xlSLzOI9xR2EsiExyB9dBe0M14I=w200-h133" width="200" /></a> <br />A truly amazing mountain adventure. Nothing else has come close.<br />A few beers at the finish and a quick shower and change we were out that evening - i had honestly thought i’d be out running for another 20hrs!! So a great time all the more reason to celebrate some more. Maybe too much as i got back to my hotel it was shut and so i slept for a while on the bench outside.. I didn't mind, I felt content and could sleep anywhere.<br /><br /><b>Courmayeur 338km 126hr58m 30,000m D+/-</b><br /></div>
humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-14977489901335331942019-01-18T02:16:00.000-08:002019-01-18T02:16:09.830-08:002018 Year2018 flashed by but with it left some special memories.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfmnHO8YUhkiEX8l6_T8NHcSQGqQleOMvgLv7s2NSVHRZnjaRTY975H60FPdACB4ssK8DFSH34YsXTj245-GSe5q-JU9C2k18ZRp90lycfKHIoaW7cDdzUjnF4Xnv1olN0u__mMRax6I/s1600/26677857_10155157644237621_9209221632936792197_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfmnHO8YUhkiEX8l6_T8NHcSQGqQleOMvgLv7s2NSVHRZnjaRTY975H60FPdACB4ssK8DFSH34YsXTj245-GSe5q-JU9C2k18ZRp90lycfKHIoaW7cDdzUjnF4Xnv1olN0u__mMRax6I/s200/26677857_10155157644237621_9209221632936792197_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
We started the year with a trip to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWwJrDrWe8Y&list=PLxubWtXJV2CbqFupAqdPEP_f9wae8Wii3&index=3" target="_blank">Whistler,</a> Canada. Full off optimism of some great backcountry skiing slightly scuppered by the constant wet flurries. We got one day backcountry in the others were spent enjoying the resort on big powder skis..what fun and not forgetting the magical day XC skiing at the Olympic park. Once you get the hang of this sport it feels magical skating through the forests at speeds.<br />
The start of the year also got me together with a lot of local runners who enjoy trails and running as much as me. So running doesn't have to be a solitude affair.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3MkfFFTgbqtfeY7Oyfi3ov0MR9CV0EZyOosjFiSBM3eoWMQKyeK1fK9ZUhSiYsP0h9BlW4M9aDCO7QojU-MvRoAVeu2cS7OP3yetYCd_grJT8IIGBT2otlQ0AZolHuNQ2cCtNW7ixqc/s1600/20180211_121615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3MkfFFTgbqtfeY7Oyfi3ov0MR9CV0EZyOosjFiSBM3eoWMQKyeK1fK9ZUhSiYsP0h9BlW4M9aDCO7QojU-MvRoAVeu2cS7OP3yetYCd_grJT8IIGBT2otlQ0AZolHuNQ2cCtNW7ixqc/s200/20180211_121615.jpg" width="200" /></a>Cold February began with a trip to devon and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-4nWWM9FqQ&index=12&list=PLxubWtXJV2CZ-GFNn9WTZ-nZEqDZUzqcY" target="_blank">SWCP#11</a>, wonderful weather, wading rivers and stunning scenery again spoiling us on our adventure. Running began in earnest with a good foray around the New Forest Marathon, a good one to repeat to kickstart each year.<br />
A busy March, a rare one. We got snow, a lot of snow. If only we got more of this as it was fun to run in the snow. A planned trip to Wales was scuppered and ended up doing a mini micro on the ridges around Highclere with snowdrifts as high as hedgerows!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gnTzCSg2AwU7BPRYTkFvSXX_tMXHAJlBvqrjodvivn_I9C8vNJIRndFyMMVrucPa2ZS0kTc4so50xquDT1mZCkJwj_EU2WyKRfmfEe7KoiWMbIVmqvYRGikedbz6Sqmk3-7qgyqZwp8/s1600/20180302_140804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gnTzCSg2AwU7BPRYTkFvSXX_tMXHAJlBvqrjodvivn_I9C8vNJIRndFyMMVrucPa2ZS0kTc4so50xquDT1mZCkJwj_EU2WyKRfmfEe7KoiWMbIVmqvYRGikedbz6Sqmk3-7qgyqZwp8/s200/20180302_140804.jpg" width="150" /></a>The snow melted to mud but before winter pushed on the weather had one final say whilst we were on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQIMXg10lyc&index=13&list=PLxubWtXJV2CZ-GFNn9WTZ-nZEqDZUzqcY" target="_blank">SWCP#12</a> and the mini beast fully hit us. We scurried the storm defenses around Dawlish and were snowed in by the time we got to Torquay but a good place to R&R - our only hotel night of the entire coastal path.<br />
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The remainder of the month was picking up the running miles in mud and floods and picking up a calf strain a week before my first race of the year!!<br />
A couple of acupuncture sessions later and I was ready to race. A technique i was fully dubious about but now sold on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ7uznbBmiXUsHIzeWrPgZK3Jen2djr8mllRM0GlpTnEz7NtzKz95xobs5L8VweFfIa5ybCaH_7VIlBQjH1jhCUbvlGlSPhGwNuqNYMgVPvSzk2GApGYKRL4bc_rIdhA3ZO1BXqs2_1o/s1600/20180318_130218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ7uznbBmiXUsHIzeWrPgZK3Jen2djr8mllRM0GlpTnEz7NtzKz95xobs5L8VweFfIa5ybCaH_7VIlBQjH1jhCUbvlGlSPhGwNuqNYMgVPvSzk2GApGYKRL4bc_rIdhA3ZO1BXqs2_1o/s200/20180318_130218.jpg" width="200" /></a>Planning, like most races, to take it easy then go easier I got to the Coventry Way 40miler and sauntered off. Not long after i started Sarah caught me up and after initially getting us lost we enjoyed a good chat and motored through the course yoyoing with Graham, someone i was to meet up in 2 other ultras this year! Two good fast runners and i was puffing by the end but in a small way was pleased to actually be pushed a little rather than taking my usually easy pace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ_mh_V5_eLTGVcpKBo85YbhGlpLvMnZ_7kBIFZRP0xbWYHU8WjKw0_0V1GvW_QIzpqSWMSeHq_1QhY-BAA-mx9yJZFgFaSiTNUeIQWX-oqnLXCHDxi5T_DC_0kcc9TrYN1xzlkXkRJ4/s1600/20180427_142225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZ_mh_V5_eLTGVcpKBo85YbhGlpLvMnZ_7kBIFZRP0xbWYHU8WjKw0_0V1GvW_QIzpqSWMSeHq_1QhY-BAA-mx9yJZFgFaSiTNUeIQWX-oqnLXCHDxi5T_DC_0kcc9TrYN1xzlkXkRJ4/s200/20180427_142225.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
With no hills to talk of around Coventry I ventured to Gods Country and did some ascents in the Black Mountains to get me ready for my first big race of the year. A slight hiccup with my other calf straining!! I think jumping up and down waiting for my dog may not be a good exercise. More acupuncture and I got to the start line 50/50 on whether i could finish. Keep the belief and take it one CP at a time.<br />
And what a race. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iNkiTWE-nY&list=PLxubWtXJV2CalRgxIVbVe9EWY8BhLDGBv&index=11" target="_blank">Madeira (MUIT)</a>. An amazing island in the middle of the Atlantic with volcanic mountains coming out from the sea to over 1800m. We slogged our way up and over these for 120km and 7400m in elevation. Torturous, treacherous, and tremendous. A few days after to relax and enjoy the islands fabulous scenery and food. Belissimo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_EPsVhSYbCkz2HgDZur-Oc6bNWTk2jzbIa0Xm_-rhhkeVI3cBlJ09Rz_Rlv842QI4Qol3990WvXY0LlKjLnmAFFJ3MVgy0rrhg_ieW3JX-BxJOzS3_JuapdxriKXwyHUCTOISM6s9jI/s1600/20180513_011831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_EPsVhSYbCkz2HgDZur-Oc6bNWTk2jzbIa0Xm_-rhhkeVI3cBlJ09Rz_Rlv842QI4Qol3990WvXY0LlKjLnmAFFJ3MVgy0rrhg_ieW3JX-BxJOzS3_JuapdxriKXwyHUCTOISM6s9jI/s200/20180513_011831.jpg" width="200" /></a>Back home and spring is in full bloom and there is not much better than outdoors amongst the bluebells. Doing something leftfield we headed up to London with a sleeping bag and spent the night in the Natural History Museum in the great hall. An amazing experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7ZI4IRiBKjyPJUquTbqlSCszHp2Bbx7_CCuHi6frHIBN9hivAvazI966ZPiiTfZU5Ep1laVyj_Iu_P33DBHOFIQ8AORVyNWPwqXz_GpNOEGtUj3QObJgnzCNumPdkbpS5euob1fPDi8/s1600/20180616_093324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7ZI4IRiBKjyPJUquTbqlSCszHp2Bbx7_CCuHi6frHIBN9hivAvazI966ZPiiTfZU5Ep1laVyj_Iu_P33DBHOFIQ8AORVyNWPwqXz_GpNOEGtUj3QObJgnzCNumPdkbpS5euob1fPDi8/s200/20180616_093324.jpg" width="150" /></a>Hot damn, June was a scorcher. We got ever closer on the penultimate <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-bL3f930xg&list=PLxubWtXJV2CZ-GFNn9WTZ-nZEqDZUzqcY&index=14" target="_blank">SWCP#13</a>. Blessed with weather and not bad being next to the coast was we could have a dip as and when it took our fancy.<br />
Getting closer to the SWCP finish i decided i should get the first part of this done beforehand. When this started 3 years ago I meet Greg a couple of days in so this has always nagged me that i had not done the start. I left early got to Minehead, ran to Lynmouth and back via Exmoor for a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrCXrZS9zwY&index=1&list=PLxubWtXJV2CZ-GFNn9WTZ-nZEqDZUzqcY" target="_blank">40miler one day trip</a>. No more nagging thoughts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnA3k1Q1HdpLGmQ02v30JMafqUgyW9V9wwWdXnHLz41r4twuAVXI41zlQHM9LuhT3qPaJCQuE_R4z0nrCbnW6EbCp_RIE9Bq0TCBBXNTcFXAvTFqZN-OszSXb8553gsD1hl7gYwug5ck/s1600/20180624_220358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnA3k1Q1HdpLGmQ02v30JMafqUgyW9V9wwWdXnHLz41r4twuAVXI41zlQHM9LuhT3qPaJCQuE_R4z0nrCbnW6EbCp_RIE9Bq0TCBBXNTcFXAvTFqZN-OszSXb8553gsD1hl7gYwug5ck/s200/20180624_220358.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I feel as though i've already done enough in June but sandwich between a Stones concert, where due to train problems we ended up staying up all night in a London casino. We headed to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuzNvQ-Fpek&index=3&list=PLxubWtXJV2CYeED2r0_O5xto2FJ5EyBIe" target="_blank">North Wales </a>to show some of the boys their first taste of outdoor climbing. We climbed with owls, swam in lakes, wild camped up high in the mountains after a days climb and a stunning sunset. And no sign of rain - in North Wales!! Loving our time.<br />
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The other part of the sandwich was my yearly pilgrimage running the Jurassic coastline. Tasty in the summer heat but such great training.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP9JJJPqLmCzQoRMlS5Q_Y5oQsD9NGSW5BCTJH04ntPvwheqNboAoRoCtrBMNhFEMHaElZF4N5PXrxNXmBc3WEOHILOHp8ABIXNy72IfCeos1VUuI5z5z28_E628f9XxbynpkYFZFXpg/s1600/37179883_10157651973343761_1072109461549613056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnP9JJJPqLmCzQoRMlS5Q_Y5oQsD9NGSW5BCTJH04ntPvwheqNboAoRoCtrBMNhFEMHaElZF4N5PXrxNXmBc3WEOHILOHp8ABIXNy72IfCeos1VUuI5z5z28_E628f9XxbynpkYFZFXpg/s200/37179883_10157651973343761_1072109461549613056_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>The summer brought us the World Cup football and a good run by the boys allowed us back home to relax in pub gardens and remember good times with old friends.<br />
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Easing down refreshed me for my next big race.<br />
The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfuvVUd03rQ&list=PLxubWtXJV2CalRgxIVbVe9EWY8BhLDGBv&index=12" target="_blank">Lakeland100</a>. 105 miles around the lake district taking all that is good about the area. The atmosphere was more akin to a large european race. A buzz in the run up, excited volunteers, nervous runners took to the start. A humid start as we sweated our way into the first night, cooled by the rains and then the downpours, cruelly warmed for an instance before the sun was vanquished for another downpour. The hills kept coming but into the second night the satisfaction of the finish. An endearing race which has everything to give and take.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b2NLvvXeaptSR3-Iq-ti8g5GWKuifl5IIxEf-uV-JUHNDCUhTTJfEqfItpBZvpKNAA-jMyxIOSMq4zkV_doVX61FPwyTOtAyuvzNUwUnG2J3MweQtNxv2CLbPBJSWXxd0fxaRmjQALg/s1600/20180829_104238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b2NLvvXeaptSR3-Iq-ti8g5GWKuifl5IIxEf-uV-JUHNDCUhTTJfEqfItpBZvpKNAA-jMyxIOSMq4zkV_doVX61FPwyTOtAyuvzNUwUnG2J3MweQtNxv2CLbPBJSWXxd0fxaRmjQALg/s200/20180829_104238.jpg" width="200" /></a>A restful August, best to chill out whilst the whole world trys to get somewhere. In the end i had to as well and headed to my final big race.<br />
The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBaSFrv7wxM&list=PLxubWtXJV2CalRgxIVbVe9EWY8BhLDGBv&index=13" target="_blank">UTMB TDS</a>. This is 120km around Mt Blanc taking in 7200m of elevation. Meeting up with Peter and Claus we have run before but always doing a different race with different outcomes this year we were all to do the same race and were all to complete it. Happy times with these wonderful guys from Denmark.<br />
The race itself was more emotional than usual. Still tired from just running 100miles I certainly had no extra gears when needed and struggled as i never ate enough due to not taking a food bowl with me. The mid day sun whacked me for six and my struggles turned to an uphill slog. With luck i meet Zac who was similarly struggling and we hooked up and pushed each other on in our low moments.<br />
Whatever people say about the UTMB I love it, the atmosphere, the races, the landscape. It is different and to be embraced. Having now done the trilogy i can move away from collecting their points and pursue other adventures. But this has been one helluva adventure. 6 years since my first ballot, nearly 400 miles and 90 hours on 3 races - CCC, TDS and UTMB.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oEnpia_kEJM6u1_vEwuHQ-_CvXtV-7RaG05SxDk1M1Js8F2Vn7A0b5OVAqu4NySDio5Hui0NeMm4nQ9TkNMfj8EXRlRZ83vDV1Ay1i7GfBufByDjAjtToe05G0kpLW8Jn-CLuLdR1sE/s1600/20180831_172352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z36R2sWxC1dFPykCgE6DNOBW5SWACSgiFaGlZlKchJ15WT2htIbX4P8i7lmf4EuaLHNm8-RCCVX6Z5tA05kDSmH8fiqwOdxtkM3JevTXnxoPTTNOu9PQDw0DjKHWd6rG3khSfglheB0/s1600/UTMBresults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z36R2sWxC1dFPykCgE6DNOBW5SWACSgiFaGlZlKchJ15WT2htIbX4P8i7lmf4EuaLHNm8-RCCVX6Z5tA05kDSmH8fiqwOdxtkM3JevTXnxoPTTNOu9PQDw0DjKHWd6rG3khSfglheB0/s200/UTMBresults.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oEnpia_kEJM6u1_vEwuHQ-_CvXtV-7RaG05SxDk1M1Js8F2Vn7A0b5OVAqu4NySDio5Hui0NeMm4nQ9TkNMfj8EXRlRZ83vDV1Ay1i7GfBufByDjAjtToe05G0kpLW8Jn-CLuLdR1sE/s200/20180831_172352.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD77ZlkZVUwEwYRKpB3XmWmoVxavaR-TNDjFI2ixFNJmITGMvpHeovLJOwlikh8pQ09pHSHZC-I0OAMCNmhB8suyLm412nvQTkWybjGTZu7V3i57_vXGwWc8ds_mQTnqU6vyBGRv0CWM/s1600/20180902_113134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD77ZlkZVUwEwYRKpB3XmWmoVxavaR-TNDjFI2ixFNJmITGMvpHeovLJOwlikh8pQ09pHSHZC-I0OAMCNmhB8suyLm412nvQTkWybjGTZu7V3i57_vXGwWc8ds_mQTnqU6vyBGRv0CWM/s200/20180902_113134.jpg" width="200" /> <br />
September took us down to cornwall to chill out and let Lola loose on the sand dunes, her favourite place. Although coming home she took an unknown turn and began refusing to want to go out. A few vet bills later nothing could be found. But slowly slowly she began gaining confidence and is now back to her normal spoilt self. Very worrying and very confusing time. If only we could talk to them!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Th-BNBN_VFKnGyKSE4GqDN4U1okmVvLVURLo_uK5w8xdiJLhjqWCMmkp1L0ftdBNWOUd8kQo5Umqy5s0Y-8eDDGxtVkZjbSskdqgnuiScl2KQ5v2L0Pe92kogFyi5WrYHKCQGhVb-M/s1600/20181005_150913+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Th-BNBN_VFKnGyKSE4GqDN4U1okmVvLVURLo_uK5w8xdiJLhjqWCMmkp1L0ftdBNWOUd8kQo5Umqy5s0Y-8eDDGxtVkZjbSskdqgnuiScl2KQ5v2L0Pe92kogFyi5WrYHKCQGhVb-M/s200/20181005_150913+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>A bittersweet moment was finishing the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=642194pqeGM" target="_blank">SWCP#14</a>. What a journey over 600miles over 3 years in all weather conditions, over 30 wild camps in remote beautiful locations all along the South West Coast Path.<br />
Most of the boys made this (sadly Lola didnt due to be unsure if she would want to do it). But true to this whole adventure we packed it in with laughs, drinks, miles, swims. And it wouldnt be right if we didnt get all the weather with glorious sun to howling winds and rain.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGidghUw1G05pXLrb0mIHV-39m_nzhtOdYQeES2n0UCSScoAVFQledbjpY7FC_bSOcNIVuV_SMl3e9hz61Jiba9D9u9hBG97NBLen3bbDJSQZn2CEQvq2TEpQbOUCBCB-KC8hyIz7-iJo/s1600/20181020_180344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGidghUw1G05pXLrb0mIHV-39m_nzhtOdYQeES2n0UCSScoAVFQledbjpY7FC_bSOcNIVuV_SMl3e9hz61Jiba9D9u9hBG97NBLen3bbDJSQZn2CEQvq2TEpQbOUCBCB-KC8hyIz7-iJo/s200/20181020_180344.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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With Autumn closing in I got my trainers out for one last Ultra on the Founders challenge in the Surrey Hills then took a mate, Phil and his son, Max out on their first micro adventure. Blessed with weather we were spoilt camping high on the Tors of Dartmoor and spent a couple of days yomping around hopefully fueling their appetite for more adventures like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsuZ7ocoPo72E_ewd6F6yflhgvgsUUWitNuGdwG4ezEy89a2nLLhDpx3-Lp_XoeVmN8A4Kdj8YEnSFcCcnz2vOWInUucm-wQXm5X_fTKJDKLLk6y4mqfZvAi8Von82qqhWV18bXu0zWo/s1600/20181117_111624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsuZ7ocoPo72E_ewd6F6yflhgvgsUUWitNuGdwG4ezEy89a2nLLhDpx3-Lp_XoeVmN8A4Kdj8YEnSFcCcnz2vOWInUucm-wQXm5X_fTKJDKLLk6y4mqfZvAi8Von82qqhWV18bXu0zWo/s200/20181117_111624.jpg" width="200" /></a>Winding down the year we headed up to the Peaks with more magical weather and enjoyed some dog walking (yes, Lolas back) on the Kinder Scout and a surreal walk up a near empty reservoir. A beautiful place and not quite as far as North Wales so a nice option to have.<br />
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All in all a pretty pretty good 2018. Lots of adventures and running. My appetite still seems strong with the hiking and running so no need to change much for 2019.<br />
I didn't get into the Western States 100 (well i got in the waitlist which i will reject). Unsure on what to do my thoughts were go big or go home so I will try the ballot - yep another ballot!! for the Tor Des Geants - a monster 200miles in the Italian alps. If i get into this it will be all i think about until september so hopefully it wont get boring to all around me.<br />
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To keep me sane until the ballot i'll also buy a new ski set up. The last trip proved that big planks work and with an added bonus of being such fun to ski. So I cannot wait to buy and get out into the mountains to tour and hit those powder stashed descents.<br />
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Here's to 2019.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/t2xU48rPJ4ZHZkMK6" target="_blank">2018 Best of Photos</a></td></tr>
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2019 Workout sheet - amassing 1265 miles in running.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMw04WKdcNrNFjiz3f7aesWUMdshwx5eU9ApJ5fVDLr5TPkNXF8TaWWTl565MY3x-SGJw8PYa72rEcYQU9aqAexsjAozaAmJrGvx16t45onMcPvvlj5C-HoTj4X9z_Z9siAoDGON04cE/s1600/2018Calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMw04WKdcNrNFjiz3f7aesWUMdshwx5eU9ApJ5fVDLr5TPkNXF8TaWWTl565MY3x-SGJw8PYa72rEcYQU9aqAexsjAozaAmJrGvx16t45onMcPvvlj5C-HoTj4X9z_Z9siAoDGON04cE/s640/2018Calendar.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-51354852373328923612018-09-21T06:01:00.001-07:002018-09-21T06:01:25.727-07:00UTMB TDS 2018#UTMB TDS<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The TDS is a 123km trail race along Grande Randonnee paths through Italy and France.</span><br />
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<br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-71862206225644737672018-08-06T08:28:00.001-07:002018-08-06T08:28:41.117-07:00Lakeland 100Lakeland 100<br />
105 miles around the Lake District in 30hrs30<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfuvVUd03rQhumphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-8352362801300542482018-05-04T06:50:00.006-07:002018-05-21T03:44:30.590-07:00MIUT Madeira ULTRAMadeira Ultra April 2018 : 116km with 7200m elevation +/-<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://m.youtube.com/embed/o5yW5eEy138" width="854"></iframe>humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-12708274926358071032018-01-31T05:02:00.002-08:002018-02-15T02:11:04.491-08:002017 Year of...<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMVsejJ7wtf3HN2EvYV7U8yfIPal9UH7d-aAaO22m7B-jfuEVggvgJzWwJOj7QRRtqh0vP6PATFYBqYosbPCt9Z21s50Abndoi52voezq_SyKrgjjhHLep8PRPUmIyfsskdXPY-8Gxuk/w960-h720-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMVsejJ7wtf3HN2EvYV7U8yfIPal9UH7d-aAaO22m7B-jfuEVggvgJzWwJOj7QRRtqh0vP6PATFYBqYosbPCt9Z21s50Abndoi52voezq_SyKrgjjhHLep8PRPUmIyfsskdXPY-8Gxuk/w960-h720-no/" width="200" /></a>Plans are all in place for 2018 but nostalgia beckons and a 2017 recap is required. <br />
The Year started well with training going well in those winter months. We headed down to Cornwall and did the Lands End peninsula (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-TGFZ6VTt0&t=3s" target="_blank">SWCP#7</a>) in storms and sun to finally start heading eastwards home.<br />
Got my running boots on in february and comfortable managed the Devils Punchbowl 30miler which was pleasing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTdb-Ogl0h0NvpE_TCUq51gNzvUrb4jHCf9slKL9-qFEZ510uSEyFGkZTCTs7zcrIUmzirDZxxoxkYPGpUurAaYihB5y2cGR89RL_FVaekdRNXTHrX0TKTyo9wUOB9Vd3LsDeT4-1Dk0/w960-h720-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTdb-Ogl0h0NvpE_TCUq51gNzvUrb4jHCf9slKL9-qFEZ510uSEyFGkZTCTs7zcrIUmzirDZxxoxkYPGpUurAaYihB5y2cGR89RL_FVaekdRNXTHrX0TKTyo9wUOB9Vd3LsDeT4-1Dk0/w960-h720-no/" width="200" /></a>A quick turnaround and the Micro gang headed somewhere new to the Cambrian Mountains for a weekends bothying.. beautifully remote but i was glad i took my tent as the snorers were in good voice in the cramp huts.<br />
A last minute injury to someone gave me a slot with a team running the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJyG5662enI&t=4s" target="_blank">High Peaks Marathon</a>. I jumped at the chance, another tester to see how my fitness was. This was not a marathon but 42miles around the Peak District starting at midnight. 15 hours later we trudged in completely satisfied. What a race, didn't get in for 2018 - bugger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJbnyu2xDjB7jbFSk-fts7HNtDSVlinFNWSR7DxyXGWPTBCKX_QNPyxAntiqv7IGe6Efxk6kStbdd3nNpc8Tm3N3YHzQh-b0yjBlWalOgWSM_FQWd9ONpZnpoeVNEVniMcB_DpoGbBcU/w960-h720-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJbnyu2xDjB7jbFSk-fts7HNtDSVlinFNWSR7DxyXGWPTBCKX_QNPyxAntiqv7IGe6Efxk6kStbdd3nNpc8Tm3N3YHzQh-b0yjBlWalOgWSM_FQWd9ONpZnpoeVNEVniMcB_DpoGbBcU/w960-h720-no/" width="200" /></a>To rest up I went <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vNW-1gis44&t=6s" target="_blank">skiing in the Vanoise</a>, France. It was warm and not a great deal of snow. We did manage a days touring and had the longest night freezing in our summer bags at 3000m. Never again. The skiing was fun and have converted to big fat skis - the bigger the better.<br />
I picked up my running in April culminating in the Oxon 40 miler, a lovely run amongst the bluebells. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48A3NqW453s&t=18s" target="_blank">micro in Dartmoor</a> in the best of weathers really made it a glorious month. Spring is the best time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk8ieB7Ews8hLGLHjwOGg6cdKRS88LqQILFzOfFlFXmQ0pGSQxnD3Zk8OLXOkhs_0BlUjzkMzI2BieNB5SH2JYcFIdxBMivtSsi6LmoIdC7wPbIXNAX94arQY6HVB4yckuJkupG9pDvo/w960-h720-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk8ieB7Ews8hLGLHjwOGg6cdKRS88LqQILFzOfFlFXmQ0pGSQxnD3Zk8OLXOkhs_0BlUjzkMzI2BieNB5SH2JYcFIdxBMivtSsi6LmoIdC7wPbIXNAX94arQY6HVB4yckuJkupG9pDvo/w960-h720-no/" width="200" /></a>A relaxed May. Another section of the SW Coast Path (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_3AYl36LQA&t=3s" target="_blank">SWCP#8</a>) around the Penzance penisula. Lola got to meet Tonys dogs for the first time. Didn't go down too well with them constantly trying to steal her food.<br />
To make it up we all took a holiday back down to Cornwall staying at Gwithian. Perfect beaches, strolls and days to de-stress the girls.</div>
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June brought my first big race of the year the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Twq1VQh5o&t=7s" target="_blank">Krako100k</a>. This was in Czech. I meet up with the Ultra gang in Prague (they are Czech) so plans were easy to get to the mountains and start the race. Apart from taking a couple of wrong turns (losing a couple of hours) and the wind on the tops it was a good race. Easy to get to , cheap once we were here and a couple of days to relax in Prague. Not bad but, I need to keep the boys away from garlic.</div>
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With never too much on in the summer it was time to make up my own training plans to keep the mileage high and fitness there. An enjoyable 30 mile run from Littlehampton to Shoreham via the South Downs. A quick trip to North Wales for some mountain training. Back south in the Purbecks to do my classic Jurassic Coast and 37miles this time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBzbaK-gkZYPRxWKZA2OZmuOCJt6gjES_pzC7b8vuvR4Zu-dBcSGJgS37LvNu2qajr4MzzmoSqy7b9xQ9zGytt9oIpEHFkI3noDtkecUeObsW_OgvPWjxxJlAZfUtsQ18qjzkEklNCLk/w1240-h698-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBzbaK-gkZYPRxWKZA2OZmuOCJt6gjES_pzC7b8vuvR4Zu-dBcSGJgS37LvNu2qajr4MzzmoSqy7b9xQ9zGytt9oIpEHFkI3noDtkecUeObsW_OgvPWjxxJlAZfUtsQ18qjzkEklNCLk/w1240-h698-no/" width="200" /></a>I now felt ready for my big race of the year - The<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVgFALO9Lw8&t=12s" target="_blank"> Ridgeway86</a> miler. Due to not getting into the ballot of 3 races I focused on just a 'nice easy' local race. It didn't disappoint, a superb race, great people and fantastic volunteers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA3qQYHj2bp0zBvjuM6eDjAJH-WuFnaQMcxC_TMpHwA-HtqfGl98HixK8BDXjdFJXVOyoSfEUnENssKRTC5WBSX2-GlWm9l9s5u_3zLqk5cEsEOR0P_9y-scdCi3Nk-TzY5lz0lQDgcg/w960-h720-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA3qQYHj2bp0zBvjuM6eDjAJH-WuFnaQMcxC_TMpHwA-HtqfGl98HixK8BDXjdFJXVOyoSfEUnENssKRTC5WBSX2-GlWm9l9s5u_3zLqk5cEsEOR0P_9y-scdCi3Nk-TzY5lz0lQDgcg/w960-h720-no/" width="200" /></a>With the race out of the way and my ankles not the best I toned down the training and enjoyed the remaining few months. A nice paddle down the Wye and a holiday to Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. We have done all the Islands now and so have to figure out where to take the dog next year!!<br />
Getting back from Cornwall I turned around and headed right back to do some more Coastal Path (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHhq9uYX4Y&t=7s" target="_blank">SWCP#9</a>) and finally hitting the halfway point. Over 20days and 300miles, each mile and day an amazing experience with great friends and scenery.<br />
For some reason I decided to do another run, a LDWA event in the Surrey Hills, a good run in a beautiful place.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcLHW-Wvd1VGFdcIbJpHo7vOAJiy5-WJMSlshLWpLe4TYbxIts8NIz63O3S9wapP8kDCg8IdlqERpD1-pEgm5Wgfa9yENHMMHRRRt-DS-Dml-hUqfpPXpqKmFxoFIxwcq2J2AXL5ASoU/w477-h358-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcLHW-Wvd1VGFdcIbJpHo7vOAJiy5-WJMSlshLWpLe4TYbxIts8NIz63O3S9wapP8kDCg8IdlqERpD1-pEgm5Wgfa9yENHMMHRRRt-DS-Dml-hUqfpPXpqKmFxoFIxwcq2J2AXL5ASoU/w477-h358-no/" width="200" /></a>I also got into swimming and now have grand plans to push myself in this sport and am looking at SwimRun and open water events to do. Shame it is another sport that starts cheap and then becomes expensive.<br />
Before the year ran out we managed to sneak in another trip down to Cornwall (S<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ0KdYc6n8o&t=16s" target="_blank">WCP#10</a>). Now in double figures for trips down here!! How many more.? And we finally left Cornwall and are now in Devon. The drive down is getting slightly less thankfully.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9R9EohanHjtVyl-YYiKRG-wi-U2M33y7_9EFIYzsBjwh1XctPhEgL-A0XObk0_lrCqhodYw_i1r-1Gznt03lfMkFIqn_njyDJ9qILlTSNtoHMo5eEqRrx5Q2w0VrbG9rnisOWd2glBA/w990-h742-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9R9EohanHjtVyl-YYiKRG-wi-U2M33y7_9EFIYzsBjwh1XctPhEgL-A0XObk0_lrCqhodYw_i1r-1Gznt03lfMkFIqn_njyDJ9qILlTSNtoHMo5eEqRrx5Q2w0VrbG9rnisOWd2glBA/w990-h742-no/" width="200" /></a><br />
Over Christmas I ran with some Local runners who are interested in trail running and a few beers so I hope to have a few more sociable runs in 2018.<br />
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So what for 2018.. already doing the Maderia, Lakeland and UTMB Ultras. These are my main ones so plenty of training inbetween and I may try and do some open water swimming if I can decide on a wetsuit and get down to Devon for more Coastal Path and Micro adventures.<br />
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Shame these all come around too quick and go by too fast - memories are everything.<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/photos/EJb1nsxHfGB7Dcr16" target="_blank">2017 Best Pictures</a><br />
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<br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-76044379033350131782018-01-31T05:01:00.001-08:002018-02-14T07:30:23.197-08:00Ridgeway 86 Ultra RunNon-stop 86 miles on the Ridgeway.<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVgFALO9Lw8&t=6s<br />
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<br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-10620741579500457622017-07-05T04:06:00.001-07:002017-07-05T04:06:25.483-07:00Krako 100km Ultra100km Ultra in the Czech Rep with the Maxi boys...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/222430908" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/222430908">Krako100</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/andyhumphrey">Andy Humphrey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-53950326103438012362017-07-05T04:05:00.002-07:002017-07-05T04:05:22.333-07:00Vanoise SkiSki Touring in the Vanoise (French Alps).. Plus skiing in La Plagne, Les Arcs and Pralognan.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/211158419" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/211158419">Vanoise Ski 2017</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/andyhumphrey">Andy Humphrey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-90404576239717687362017-07-05T04:00:00.000-07:002017-07-05T04:00:26.320-07:00High Peak MarathonHigh Peak Marathon, which is actually a 42 mile Ultra around The Peaks overnight.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/207169192" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/207169192">High Peak Marathon 2017</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/andyhumphrey">Andy Humphrey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-11434636053285740832017-01-02T04:25:00.003-08:002017-01-12T03:29:55.036-08:002016 wipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbSfETRA1pkd9YrET9QkRg6HbD6yiRe-1zSms074FEg7qw2GQXj0jDGZZWtgBTR5rwviqNiAfMc2TFT3jQlIqTMmZGAv5FJctRWsONjP0S9BPHomLc297YteXhS0EGH_XD4pagmKzAvE/s1600/1AD59349BB0FBF0F7E4CFEC9C44DC0FA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbSfETRA1pkd9YrET9QkRg6HbD6yiRe-1zSms074FEg7qw2GQXj0jDGZZWtgBTR5rwviqNiAfMc2TFT3jQlIqTMmZGAv5FJctRWsONjP0S9BPHomLc297YteXhS0EGH_XD4pagmKzAvE/s320/1AD59349BB0FBF0F7E4CFEC9C44DC0FA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The year started with a concerted effort to train more, run more. It started well with a highest monthly mileage for almost 2 years. Then we went skiing. Another classic in the <a href="http://extremeandyh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/aosta-ski-trip-2016.html" target="_blank">Italian Aosta valley</a> where it sure did snow. We explored the area and fell in love even more with this area (excluding Courmeyer ski resort which always disappoints) but the local remote places were hidden gems and some magical tours and descents. Only on the last day for me to inflame my knee again skinning in the deep powder.<br />
So my training dipped when i got home along with the post trip cold. This did give me a chance to relax and say a fond farewell to our local pub 'The Farmy' which i had been frequenting for 25 years. A sad day.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix-qp-xoe5zd4bQnVuOkDVNfkcIB67yu0F1I-0FASFPkMcACh90ptlHPIKXOhIdnIICB7VGSAmRFnglaOtDgXoZI6qXiHiY-eHsH33zXRS-L3IPFACfhoD68pgJKOFqf6ecALjjqV0Tk/s1600/20160610_135806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix-qp-xoe5zd4bQnVuOkDVNfkcIB67yu0F1I-0FASFPkMcACh90ptlHPIKXOhIdnIICB7VGSAmRFnglaOtDgXoZI6qXiHiY-eHsH33zXRS-L3IPFACfhoD68pgJKOFqf6ecALjjqV0Tk/s200/20160610_135806.jpg" width="200" /></a>It got sadder when for a brief moment in time we thought we would lose our soulmate Lola to Alabama Rot. Days of worry turned to hope then joy as our baby was not taken too soon and now we enjoy each and everyday with her. Although sometimes I wonder...<br />
In April we headed up to the Yorkshire Peaks to tackle <a href="http://extremeandyh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/fellsman-2016.html" target="_blank">The Fellsman</a> a 64mile route in the high peaks. Having a mild fever and forgetting my running shoes!! Decided for us that we were never going to finish this one. And so with night falling I had my first DNF after 35miles. The beers and curry sure made up for this disappointment though.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVETriWbKliLaxy-Q7AnI3SOy0WBgwTnhgUQtk5ZeM7IG-wOsPEDU9cPgikwA8pjKesLuVhg6tl85O294IG4YnvMoKrDSb00bYq13v-3mrmtBeypkuckDYU8rigcg-gUCIz0WA_tCwjlU/s1600/13319796_10153631348532621_2057937508069572169_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVETriWbKliLaxy-Q7AnI3SOy0WBgwTnhgUQtk5ZeM7IG-wOsPEDU9cPgikwA8pjKesLuVhg6tl85O294IG4YnvMoKrDSb00bYq13v-3mrmtBeypkuckDYU8rigcg-gUCIz0WA_tCwjlU/s200/13319796_10153631348532621_2057937508069572169_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>The force was with me in May, I ran hard, slogged through a couple of Ultras (Brecons, Marlborough) and culminated in a trip to France and the <a href="http://extremeandyh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/maxi-ultra-lac-annecy.html" target="_blank">Annecy Maxi 86km</a> and meet up with the old gang and chilled out after a tough race on Lake Geneva.<br />
June was a nice time to relax although we did venture up to North Wales and have another go at the <a href="http://extremeandyh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/welsh-3000s.html" target="_blank">Welsh 3000s</a>. We bivvied at the top of Snowdon with what looked like 100s of others. The wind was up and the weather foul. The dogs were not impressed once we hunkered down deep into our bivi bags. 4 hours of restless sleep and we set off on one of the great challenges in the UK. Over 12 hours later we finished, slowed up by a nagging injury to Dave. An awesome day shared with the dogs Next time i'll aim for under 10hours.<br />
A trip to Cornwall and the Scilly isles hiking the great coastlines, beaches and eating fudge and pasties. Whats not to like. Maybe the ferry crossing, 3 hours doing your best not to be sick.<br />
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Finally it was time to concentrate in July and August and get some high mileage in. 100km from Ham to Lyme. 40miles on the Jurassic coast (finally completed Bournemouth to Weymouth, a long time goal of mine) and some vertical training with tough circuits on the mountainous Snowdonia range.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY0BW9rQ-Q1MN30A0DU5PeQtRORTf1qS7a1piyzy_iqhlkN2WSQ9wgRmxdX0CKImDTsOWJD86en-_bX8SdPhnhnv-DSMpua01g1r6FUY-btSl6SD7wWf2O5Elh54VU-EoxCgY0nTQAgw/s1600/20160807_105752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY0BW9rQ-Q1MN30A0DU5PeQtRORTf1qS7a1piyzy_iqhlkN2WSQ9wgRmxdX0CKImDTsOWJD86en-_bX8SdPhnhnv-DSMpua01g1r6FUY-btSl6SD7wWf2O5Elh54VU-EoxCgY0nTQAgw/s640/20160807_105752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://extremeandyh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/utmb-2016.html" target="_blank">Then UTMB. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_HL4-vngG3P0DQvGFNysOm8xHwpc0C_j9AXQaP-Fy4PCH_l3YO_GDzldeT39R0xQ1L6JLBGiLch5MZwB-aPmKBr2mp8tniEWK-LqDp5eb-c9utP2kOELxcxos92oCLFwuJ4UHKN7fo0/s1600/20160828_115713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_HL4-vngG3P0DQvGFNysOm8xHwpc0C_j9AXQaP-Fy4PCH_l3YO_GDzldeT39R0xQ1L6JLBGiLch5MZwB-aPmKBr2mp8tniEWK-LqDp5eb-c9utP2kOELxcxos92oCLFwuJ4UHKN7fo0/s200/20160828_115713.jpg" width="136" /></a>The biggest challenge to date. 105 miles around Mont Blanc with 10,000m vert. 41 hours later I was descending into Chamomix. Ecstatic, elated, still awake and stumbling along with my poor wrecked feet. I came close to quitting after 20hrs. Persevered and overcame a resounding mental and physical breakdown to embrace the next 20 hours with renewed vigour and determination to finish.<br />
Back home it was time to relax after a tough summer and enjoy a holiday in Devon walking the endless beaches and dunes with the dog. Something i could do each and everyday.<br />
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Keeping the remainder of the year simple we managed to tick off another couple of parts of the SWCP. In October we completed Port Issac to Porthcothan, a stunning area of rugged coastline, pretty villages and perfect sandy beaches. Then just over Xmas in perfect winter weather we did the stretch from Bedruthan Steps down to Hayle. One of the best and now Lands End is in sight.<br />
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A packed year shared with good friends and my best friend. Many miles in boots and over 1100 in running shoes.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KAcKOa_zFVGfBJujh1dckFapiUFv5ioZa6O_M7EJIUdhyoOXHeTkK56jxYT1nfhDsPzWIAKZIV9ncqYT2htjxeyp709VbyaZCUEAw7gBakVc8EhgIGHCT_o9TaTc7eCYZMrLZywuEpw/s1600/UKC+Logbook+-+Diary-+2016.clipular.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KAcKOa_zFVGfBJujh1dckFapiUFv5ioZa6O_M7EJIUdhyoOXHeTkK56jxYT1nfhDsPzWIAKZIV9ncqYT2htjxeyp709VbyaZCUEAw7gBakVc8EhgIGHCT_o9TaTc7eCYZMrLZywuEpw/s640/UKC+Logbook+-+Diary-+2016.clipular.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ocozKDSWTLPuPW8Mu5Gk512p8IJUCZN3OUzF5YCN5cv6hmXze6Z1HsdChJQkvHoXt3EZqpeCWe1r2IEm5-u3X0oDx0h41Xx5A9J0wz1sKFnI87tD8XMZvrGE2LSmwwEKlnalrfYhmNk/s1600/P1050045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ocozKDSWTLPuPW8Mu5Gk512p8IJUCZN3OUzF5YCN5cv6hmXze6Z1HsdChJQkvHoXt3EZqpeCWe1r2IEm5-u3X0oDx0h41Xx5A9J0wz1sKFnI87tD8XMZvrGE2LSmwwEKlnalrfYhmNk/s200/P1050045.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yWsvbZ9iSlq2rlGkAmiD1_05unD5ZxXPrmrRBPzeYNv3tEgA8-LloTAjOdc0mGftqexwh1z0uRDvDZRghXBVjF8Vu0EEs57JzQOAk63uRxKGSVsCrk-uXY97jDl7bl9nc_HYALl2rqw/s1600/20160929_183024.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGPqpG5B8UKq3SO7wX_kcXcaD1Vev9T7apSKhO5abKLQuON3tOJGQyMYvIS7_NvzB25iOHe66ffSBCSlx54RUldulbCOyhfZFbPwWyA9oGilIiaMyDjUVOLhYinj5eXTRePsnvXK3YEg/s1600/14718640_10154773417861802_2267663600401106130_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGPqpG5B8UKq3SO7wX_kcXcaD1Vev9T7apSKhO5abKLQuON3tOJGQyMYvIS7_NvzB25iOHe66ffSBCSlx54RUldulbCOyhfZFbPwWyA9oGilIiaMyDjUVOLhYinj5eXTRePsnvXK3YEg/s200/14718640_10154773417861802_2267663600401106130_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yWsvbZ9iSlq2rlGkAmiD1_05unD5ZxXPrmrRBPzeYNv3tEgA8-LloTAjOdc0mGftqexwh1z0uRDvDZRghXBVjF8Vu0EEs57JzQOAk63uRxKGSVsCrk-uXY97jDl7bl9nc_HYALl2rqw/s200/20160929_183024.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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Plans are already in place for next year. More running around Mt Blanc my thought are I may as well do all the races they have on offer there. I did not get into Western States and so we will hopefully tackle the GR20 route in Corsica. More Micro adventures and plenty walks on the beach.<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/photos/zYmSNJguwEA3z3uk7" target="_blank">2016 Best Pics </a>: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/zYmSNJguwEA3z3uk7" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNNu-iUswzoQdgaMAZmG48ZzYym0hnXdCvLceKVNy2Gwv3DivBh-3gWDsEVCLsMF7b_y0f6OA4JRUGDxv-ffNxcmtEZuZ3Q8gvchFQCQJuHsRuEEf9ZHojDvdE-jXeAB8cXqn0WWkLWg/s200/13697206_10153735055087621_1361086629179563661_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-78643109175118452702016-09-04T07:01:00.001-07:002017-01-02T04:26:22.030-08:00UTMB 2016UTMB 2016 - a magical unique race.. The biggest Challenge.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/181321095" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/181321095">UTMB</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/andyhumphrey">Andy Humphrey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Race day dragged with us waking early to wish good luck to Claus in the CCC race and then having to check out of hotel and wait in the lobby resting up. I had that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that i was not 100%. A sore throat and headache - was this nerves or the start of a cold that seems to follow me on race days.<br />
We huddled at the start-line with reportable 2555 UTMB runners. 6pm came and we all funneled through the inflatable start and into the streets of Chamonix with 1000's of supporters wishing us Bon Chance.<br />
Here we go.<br />
It's hard to describe the feelings after the event but the apprehension, the excitement, the unknown. Was I really here running the UTMB, a 105mile race around the toughest terrain in the alps. Something so un-achievable only a few years back. Yes I was and it felt exhilarating.<br />
This first section was nice and steady with runners jostling about but I was happy to take it as easy as possible.<br />
We had a long way to go.<br />
Then it was up Les Houches ski area and down into St Gervais. Then a continuing up Les Contamines Valley all through-out the night.<br />
Day broke high up crossing the border from France into Italy. A memorable sight up, Mt Blanc over one shoulder and looking down into the cloud inverted valley.<br />
Magnifique.<br />
The next climb I started to struggle, unsure why but i felt lethargic and had nothing in the tank all i could do is step forward taking it steady hoping it would pass. Pass it would but it took another 5 hours. I can only put this low moment down to a combination of factors. An onset of a cold, staying up high for many hours as my body fought this infection and any effort on the uphills brought instant breathlessness.<br />
With luck after this hill it was a long steep down all the way to Courmeyer. The dust did not help but a I took a well deserved break and changed a few things (good and bad). I should not off changed my socks or put compeeds on my blisters/hotspots.<br />
After some food and an hour and a half!!! How did that time pass. I set off wishing for a better second half of the race. Passing a chemist I nipped in and bought some throat sweets, these were a saviour for the rest of the race.<br />
A routine slog uphill in the mid day sun. Temperatures were over 30'C and it was affecting us all. I had to stop and rest several times and was totally deflated especially watching tons of people just easily walk past me.<br />
My mind kept contemplating quitting. If i had no energy, no motivation then how could i run for another whole day?<br />
On one of my rests here I opened up my Bill-tong and ate. Now this did not taste of dried meat but pure salt!! Which got me thinking that I was lacking in a few minerals. From here i regimently took a salt tablet every hour and each Aid Station put a load of tailwind in one of my water bottles. This seemed to do the trick for heading up the valley I started to perk up and enjoyed the environment and stopped thinking about quitting.<br />
With the day still hot I crawled up the Col Ferret with the knowledge that a long descent awaited and once in Switzerland there was only 3 more mountains to climb.<br />
You sort one thing out something else will bug you. This is what happens in long races.<br />
The long descent highlighted that my toes were not in the best condition. Socks may have been partly to blame but I'd put my money on the constant rock kicking. Try as I can it was only a matter of time before I slammed my foot into another low outcropping rock. These were painful (at least I never broke a toe or fell over) and slowly damaged away at my tender feet.<br />
Another hour spent at La Fouly, time sure goes quick when you should be rushing. Although on the way out of town I stopped at the medical tent just to borrow some tape and they insisted on looking at my foot (I only told them one hurt). A few screams later the Dr gave up trying to remove my small toe nail and taped it up. Hobbling out I contemplated a long 60km to go. But within 5 minutes the pain subsided and I had a rush of energy and ran and ran down the valley into the night and an amazing thunderstorm.<br />
I had a good night, felt great and never too tired, although my headphones packed up and so I had no music for company. My feet were now starting to hurt constantly. A shame as I really wanted to push on the parts that were runable but I could only tread lightly.<br />
Another long pit stop at Trient. Again i went to the medical area, they were too busy and so i started to walk out only for a Dr to stop me and insist she take a look at my foot (the other one). I had compeeded my big toe (run out of tape) and this had to come off, slowly and very very painfully. After I thought I had gone through enough pain another more intense pain ran through my body. She had only injected my blister/bruise with iodine. Ouch! that is something I do not recommend.<br />
Limping out of the tent I hoped that the pain would subside like last time and I would have bundles of energy for this last section.<br />
It didn't materialise.<br />
I enjoyed moving but was frustrated with my lack of pace. In and out of the last main aid station I witnessed my second day break and final hill to climb. This went in no time with a pleasant chat with an Australian woman. On top of the Aiguilles with breathtaking views across to the Mt Blanc massif the finish was in sight and after doing a quick interview with a TV camera crew I stumbled through Flegere and down into Chamonix. It descends a long way but you cannot help yourself in putting in a strong finish especially arriving into town and the crowds cheering you and high fiving the kids.<br />
The finish line was a joy to cross. Elation and happiness all the doubts and worry put aside for no matter how well prepared and ready you are you always have a significant self doubt hanging over you that's its not possible to finish.<br />
Finish I did and I enjoyed it with friends and a beer.<br />
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UTMB in 41hrs47mins. 170km/105miles over 10000m going up and again going down (and don't my feet know it).<br />
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<br />humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6651728500099550448.post-56680363322352594372016-06-22T01:49:00.000-07:002016-06-22T01:49:12.864-07:00Welsh 3000sWelsh 3000ers - 30miles, 4000m +/- in 12.5hrs<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/171657319" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/171657319">W3000ers</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/andyhumphrey">Andy Humphrey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.humphahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039744036116378840noreply@blogger.com0