The idea of doing the Joss Naylor challenge was suggested by daughters Beth and Fi and their husbands Matt B and Matt M. We had heard of Joss but not his challenge; we had been interested in the Bob Graham round and thought these rounds were only for the young and ultra fit! We usually spend a few days walking in the lakes in the autumn and had done some reccying in November last year. Enjoying a bit of off road running on the Quantocks and Exmoor, and a marathon or 2 we tentatively agreed that it would be a way of celebrating our ruby wedding (no big parties allowed!). But training did not escalate at all as planned due to both getting various injuries and the Lake District being closed with Covid. We were seriously worried we would not complete it and disappoint the family who had organised it for us and travelled up to support, especially after Beth’s record breaking Bob Graham run.
So a week before, we booked a camp site, ordered some larger size trainers and thicker socks as advised, cooked quantities of Ashbourne gingerbreads (good for the stomach?) and seedy, nutty flapjacks. Matt B got the 22hr 50 min schedule, and the family decided who would support on each leg.
So Charlie and I, with Fi, Matt B and Dingo the Kelpie, who did the whole round, as navigators and pack horses, set off from Pooley bridge at 10pm Friday. It was raining before we left the holiday park but modified into wet cloud as we ascended. Dingo was excited by the wildlife she found, chasing a badger almost between our legs. Despite poor visibility and feeling a bit wet and cold the peaks came and went quickly (with Dingo’s help – she always seemed to know the right path), and we felt good after a scramble down to Kirkstone and hot coffee; pleased that we were ahead of the 22hr 50 schedule.
A change of pacers for leg 2 – Beth, Matt M, and Dibble the Cocker spaniel. It was lovely to see the dawn break and occasional gaps in the cloud to reveal Grisedale tarn and fells beyond.
Dunmail Raise for hot savoury drink and cheese sandwich, then quickly on with Fi, Matt B, Kirsty and Tryfan, another Kelpie. Undoubtedly what kept us going as the legs got longer and ascents higher was the constant badgering to eat and drink – flapjacks, gingerbreads, gels and fluid. It was gorgeous high on the mountains, cheerful encouraging chatter with family and friends, our legs holding up, and the dogs having the time of their lives!
Met the welcoming party at Styhead pass and on to the long last leg. The sun came out so we could doff our jackets for a while. We were maintaining a good pace; mostly walking but jogging the downhills, and knowing that we would make the finish!
We were thrilled to clock a time of 19hrs 50 mins, and to meet Joss Naylor at Greendale bridge; thank you for inspiring us to keep running and to raise money for our Minehead running club’s charity of the year ‘Charlie’s challenge”, to buy a special incubator for Taunton’s neonatal unit.
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