Edale Skyline 21 miles 4500 ft of ascent
A special race for me. It was this video of the 2007 Skyline, that gave me the final push to have a go at fell running.
After three years of fell running and a couple of recces, I was lined up at the bottom of Ringing Roger, raring to go. I started near the back and joined the winding snake up the Zig Zags. This forced me to take it easy which I hoped would mean I had something left in the tank for later on.
Crookstone Knoll to Win Hill was very runnable and it was hard to hold back. Unfortunately near Wooler Knoll I saw Jim of Slog up, stagger down. He had injured his calf and it looked like his race was over.
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| The slog up Lose Hill |
Up and along the great ridge, I had to get to Mam Nick before the Two and a half hour cut off. At this point various aches and pains started to compete for my attention. Nothing to worry about, just the usual suspects with no clear winner until later on when waves of nausea came out top.
Reaching Mam Nick in 2 hr 15 min gave me a short lived boost. A saunter rather than a rush up Rushup Edge. Chuck a right at Lords seat then a lonely plod up to Brown Knoll. Fortunately the bog monster had taken the day off and the going was good.
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| A camera, quick smile and try to look like a fell runner. Photo by Jonathan Vardy. |
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| Crowden Tower Photos by Jonathan Vardy Thanks Jonathan |
Next checkpoint, Grindslow then on to the last one at Ringing Roger. That left just the run back down the zig zags. With a big grin on my face and a lump in my throat, I crossed the finish line in 4 hours 20 something ( I forgot to stop my watch ).
Back home for a well deserved bottle of Rescue Ale, or two.
Many thanks to Dark Peak Fell Runners and all involved in making it such a great race.
Next up, one of my favourites from last year, the Kinder Downfall
Back home for a well deserved bottle of Rescue Ale, or two.
To put my humble shufflings into perspective, Simon of fellmonkey got round in 3:26 in spite of starting with a huge blister. 'Well done Simon'. Race winner Lloyd Taggart crossed the line in a stunning 2:36.
Many thanks to Dark Peak Fell Runners and all involved in making it such a great race.
Next up, one of my favourites from last year, the Kinder Downfall
congratulations :) it's a great race, you've made me quite jealous. so, plans for next year, the extra down and up maybe ;)
ReplyDeletewell done steve! great effort
ReplyDeletelike kate its on my list..though cut offs give me the fear..will recce this summer
Steve, brilliant report and the pictures are fantastic. The top one of the snake of runners is my new desktop! To be fair, the blister didn't give me any hassle, new shoes, so I reckon 3:25 is as good as it would have got for me. 4:20 is a great time for such a rock hard race mate.
ReplyDeleteKate; The Winner Lloyd Taggart, used the down and up this year so I think more will try it next year. Not me though.
ReplyDeleteUC; If I can do it anyone can.
Simon;
Tks. See you soon.
Stellar photos and good report! Great job, I'd definitely say you earned those ales : )
ReplyDeleteWell done Steve - amazing how a well achieved run like that can make you well up.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't see your other pics?
Jessie; Just doing my bit. They are a fund-raiser for mountain rescue,
ReplyDeleteMatt; It caught me by surprise.
Hello Stephen, it´s nice to find a blog about mountain running like yours. I´m also interested in both martial arts (Judo)and mountains as you could see if you visit my blog. I follow yours from today.
ReplyDeleteMiguel
Hey up Miguel
ReplyDeleteYour blog looks good. I am jealous, your mountains look much more impressive than the ones over here.
Cheers
Steve
Hello Steve,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. It´s welcome to have some writen english in my blog so please feel free to add comments in english when you want. For us it´s interesting to know about this type of running in the UK. We like to travel and we will check in your blog to get some info. We may be running there one day!
Best Regards,
Miguel