I
have never been noted for my endurance running but I suppose a
have-ago-attitude helps. This attribute coupled with a generous 24
hours time limit (v65) laid the foundations for an ‘attempt’ at
The Joss Naylor Challenge. So after about 4 weeks training,
including a rest week in between! And a bit of reccie-ing, a rule of
thumb schedule of 18 hours 30 minutes was set
So
there I was on Pooley Bridge ready to go at 3.30am. Just 48 miles
and 17,000’ ahead of me.
The
first leg is essentially a straightforward one and so it was, even in
the mist. This leg is mainly conducted along the ridge linking
Arthurs Pike to Thornthwaite Beacon. Some of the tops are a little
indistinguishable but my pacers all experienced fell runners Phil
Newton, Mike Berry and Mike Jewell were brilliant at picking them out
and we reached Kirkstone at 7.35am, 10 minutes ahead of schedule.
After
a 15 minute rest, we (Will and Sue Ross and Ian Verber) set off up
Red Screes, it’s a stiff but short climb. After reaching the
summit we headed towards Hart Crag just as the early morning mist was
lifting. After Hart Crag, Fairfield was soon reached. Will, a veteran
of endurance runs, navigated whilst Sue and Ian kept me at a steady
pace, by 10.30 we had descended to Dunmail. Leg 2 done and dusted!
Now
for the hard bit, Steel Fell. I had run 24 miles and then had to
ascend a 1000’ stairway; well that’s what it felt like. From
there High Raise and Rossett Pike were visited. From Rossett Pike; Bow
Fell was an awesome sight I couldn’t find a way up on my reccie,
as there is no path but I had every confidence in Peter Grayson, my
confidence wasn’t misplaced we were at the summit in 46 minutes.
Esk Pike and Great End were next, the decent of Great End is tricky
but he knows a good route, thanks again Peter.
At
Sty Head, I was on tired legs but full of spirit and it was a comfort
to know I was in the capable hands of Pete and Hazel Taylor. They
jammed me in-between the two of them going up Gable, what a good idea
I thought with Pete leading the way Hazel can catch me if I stumble
as I gingerly put one shaky leg before the other. As ever, at the
summit of Great Gable there was a crowd, we noticed someone on the
last legs of his Bob. Pete knew him well (Lee Proctor of Helm Hill?)
and shouted some encouraging words, he acknowledged Pete, smiling
away, he looked remarkably fresh to me, almost enjoying himself,
having a good time even (ever felt **ssed off?).
The
descents of Gable and Kirk fell were a touch awkward but were
navigated brilliantly by Pete. At Black Sail Pass I laid down on the
grass for another mandatory forced feeding from the Taylors, they
forget, unlike them I have loads of surplus reserves to draw on, but
of course they were right, so a few more hundred calories were
digested. I knew at Pillar it would be virtually all over but I had
to get there first, my schedule was slipping so off we went.
Pillar
is not that steep of an ascent but a drag, a long drag, at the time a
never ending long drag on the way I said to Hazel
"I hate Pillar, I
am not coming up here again, ever!"
Yet when I did this with Peter
G 2 weeks ago, it was oh so easy. We reached the summit at 19.25 the
views were fantastic, it was a beautiful evening the sun was setting
and the full moon was rising. Pete and Haze thanked me for such a
good night out, Sorry but don’t I owe you?
It
was now all plain sailing we contoured Black Crag and jogged to
Stepple via Scoat Fell, then onto Haycock, circumvented High Pikehow
to Seatallan. Plain sailing did I say! (steep) Seatallan, a cruel
Naylor trick introduced at the peak of his powers (I mentioned this
to him at the end nae lad I went up it 103 times last
year..............and he was 78/79).
The
best part of the Challenge for me was leaving Seatallan, on a good a
path to Middle Fell from there onto an efficient descent that lead us
to Greenside where we pulled back 5 minutes. And Joss was there,
waiting, a diminutive figure at the bridge a man whose name is
synonymous with endurance fell running, a living legend. I had just
completed HIS challenge and HE was there to meet ME,
did I feel good, as high as a kite you might say + steroids x 2 to
the power of 10.
Karen
my wife had also been waiting patiently for over an hour and after we
had a good exchange with Joss, she drove us to the pub to celebrate.
Oh I nearly forgot 18 hours 49 minutes just outside my schedule, a
great day and with good weather.
I am in debt to
all that helped me; all my pacers were supportive, encouraging and
understanding. Thanks to Keith and Karen for their help on logistics.
Without the support of my helpers this would never have happened. I
would be happy to return the favour sometime.
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| Descending Kirk Fell (photo: Pete Taylor) |
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(photo: Pete Taylor) |
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(photo: Hazel Taylor) |
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| Greendale Bridge (photo - Karen Mckeever) |
