Lakeland 50 Ultra Marathon race report.

Woke up to a downpour, couldn't believe after training for weeks in hot weather this is how the day would begin.

Many asked "what time are you looking for?" to be honest I had no idea. Never been further than 27 mile's before so didnt know what to expect. Deep down I just wanted to do myself justice and finish the race in good shape.

By the time we got to the start line the weather had cleared considerably.
Great to see Claire, Gemma and Chezza supporting the ITC group.

HOWTOWN - MARDALE

Started off steady, found myself alongside Ste P and caught glimpses of the two Marks and Andy.
Myself and Ste had a steady jog to the first check point. Didnt stay long but we did see Emma and Phil in there and Jack entering as we made our way back onto the route.

Fusedale climb what can I say ? I can say this effin horrendous weather. Head down, blowing a gale, horizontal hailstones hitting the legs. The only thought was to get this section over with asap. Upon reaching the top myself and Ste didnt waste much time across the top couldn't wait for the warmer side of the decent to Haweswater.

MARDALE - KENTMERE
Arrived at Mardale CP no need to check my watch the strategy I had was just to focus on CP to CP and time was secondary. Ste was quick to get going again I said I was going to change my top and have a little more time or was that a little more faffing.

Seen Emma and Phil again but they didnt stay long.

Bumped into Anna whom I'd ran 12 miles with on a recce, quick catch up and a hug and she was on her way I said I'd catch her up.

From nowhere a thunderclap came the heavens opened and many took shelter under the marquee when it passed I was on my way.

This leg of the journey I shared with the two Mark's (Stanton & Gallagher) how those two finished is beyond me. MS with his chesty coughing fits and MG not moving too well carrying a couple of injuries. The climb seemed to take forever. Mardale is a slow head down climb as were many on the route.

On the way down myself and Mark 1 and 2 came across one chap who just suffered a head injury or should I say nose injury. A mention for Nick Bennett from the Endurance Store who was doing his best to bandage the chap up Terry Butcher style.

Encountered another rainstorm during this leg. Another soaking and another head down just keep going state of mind.

Arrived at Kentmere, I knew I needed to eat and struggled to but I had Pasta, sandwich, coke, biscuits and a coffee. Looking back the next leg was the best I had felt due to this gorging. Said hello to Anna again just as she was setting off and a little chat with Fiona.

Myself and the two Mark's sat and finished our coffee. A chap we helped over a stile sat next to us. He looked in a bad way. Shivering uncontrollably. Medics tended to him not sure if he pulled out or not.

KENTMERE - AMBLESIDE

The three of us set off once again. Even though the other two were in bad shape they were a little quicker on the flats whereas I was a little quicker on the hills so on the ascent out of Kentmere I left them only to learn Mark G had been throwing up and Mark S had stayed with him. I was not to see them again until Ambleside.

This leg went by pretty quickly still hadn't looked at my time but I was feeling ok. Great support in Ambleside and fantastic to see Claire and Gemma there supporting. Quick hugs ( sure Claire grabbed my bum ) .

Fantastic reception at the CP, once again forced myself to eat again. Soup, sandwich, cake, coffee, coke the whole shebang. This wasn't greed by the way the only way I would make it to the end would be to take on board as much sustenance as possible. Ended up spending too much time there as I decided that I would now change my socks.

Upon leaving saw The two M''s (think Mark G had been in the gents throwing up again) and Mark S informed me John Byrne was knocking about somewhere. Mark advised me to get my torch out so I put it around my neck to be prepared. I then said goodbye to the lads which Mark S then said "Lone Wolf" sort of made me feel a bit tough little did he know by hook or by crook I was going  to find a buddy through the darkness.

AMBLESIDE - CHAPLESTILE

Didnt feel too bad at this point knew it wasn't a long leg so jogged, walked and remembered to get my GPS out and boot it up. Now here as you will read further on aswell came a recurring theme of the day. I had a little coughing moment which turned into a heave. I then stopped in my tracks and threw up uncontrollably 3-4 times it seemed I was in a bad place but as soon as it came it went. Thinking about what I had eaten at Ambleside it was no wonder my stomach didnt settle.

Arrived at Chaplestile feeling ok, i knew how much of the course was left and i was more than confident of getting to Coniston. Once again Marshall's were great, getting good and drinks a bringing them to you.

Only ailment I had was chaffing under the armpits, blagged a bit of vaseline and off into the dark.

CHAPLESTILE - TILBERTHWAITE
Running buddies were few and far between at this point but I was confident with the GPS so I carried on instead of waiting. Not long into the leg a young girl caught me up then came alongside trying to read her notebook, she didnt say nothing so i took the lead and said I wouldn't go that far in front that she couldn't see me and if I looked back and I couldn't see her I'd wait for her.

A little later we passed a 100 runner he was going a similar pace to the young girl, I think this suited it her so I was felt comfortable to push on.

I knew from our recce i was close to the climb up to Blea Tarn. As i approached a 5ft stile i came across a lady doubled up by the stile. At first i thought she was reading her road book or quite possibly injured as I realised she was crying uncontrollably. She told me she felt nauseous and couldn't be sick and couldnt carry on. Now here is a moment were things need to be addressed, maybe I came across unsympathetic or a little uncaring but this couldnt be further from the truth, call it tough love if you like.
I told her she had to be sick and it had happened to me, if she didnt get it up her race was over (maybe mine too).
Right on cue she threw up 4 or 5 times then held her hand out "do you want me to help you up?" I said, "no can you just hold my hand for a minute?"
In a matter of minutes she felt ten times better, I then straightened her clothing (that's something you can only get away with in an Ultra) and then we both scrambled over the stile. She thanked me and I carried on up the climb and on to Tilberthwaite.

TILBERTHWAITE - THE FINISH .

I arrived at the CP not feeling too bad but still forced some food down. Surprisingly I saw John Byrne he was ready to leave but said he'd hang on for me and we'd carry on together. I took my coffee with me and we started the climb up Jacob's ladder. This was a very quiet and technical section from all around. It was great to reach the bottom knowing we weren't far from the finish.

Myself and John crossed the line together, congratulated each and got led into the marquee for the medals .

Officially 15 hours 9 mins
Officially / unofficially retired.

Special mention for Paul Sutton for putting the training plan together and more so for completing the race after last year's accident.

5 days and counting to JOGLE

Last long ride Sunday. A very wet 70 miles. Been to Zante for a wedding last week which has put training back but feel a little better now I've got a ride in.

 

A new rider came out with us Sunday who has done LEJOG and JOGLE. Phil passed on some valuable advice on how to tackle the ride.

 

Got a lot of preparation to do in the coming days it seems endless the list of things to do from routes, kit, spares and repairs. We'll be sure to forget something but I'm sure we'll pick up whatever it is on the way.

 

Got two meetings with the lads this week to finalise things and go over routes.

The charity donations are standing at a healthy £555 thanks to friends and family for your support.

 

Let's hope the weather is forecast good 

1000 in 10

 

 

 

 

1000 miles in 10 days from John O'Groats to Lands End

23rd June 2015

 

Myself, Ady, Dave and our driver Keith have finally got around to getting our trip off the ground. Two years ago we discussed the possibility and decided its this year or not at all.

 

We've plumped for the Jogle (top to bottom) rather than the Lejog (bottom to top) for two reasons.

1, we prefer to cycle down than up it seems to the mind a little easier but in fact its harder. Its the less preferred route for many and . . 

2, we can celebrate on a night out in Newquay rather than a remote spot somewhere in the Highlands when finished.

 

9 days is fairly common to cover the 870 or so miles but we decided to visit the Isle Of Skye which in our estimation will add another day so we're hoping to cover the milestone of a 1000 miles.

 

It's coming to the end of May now and we've just finished booking our accommodation. We're using Hostels, B&B's and even a YMCA. We set ourselves a budget of £300 each and as it stands we are coming in at around £275 which is a good start.

Above is a route similar to the one we're going to take.

 

Day 1 JOG to Culbokie

Day 2 Culbokie to Skye

Day 3 Skye to Loch Lomond

Day 4 Loch Lomond to Beattock

Day 5 Beattock to Levens

Day 6 Levens to Bickerton

Day 7 Bickerton to Ross On Wye

Day 8 R-O-W to Taunton

Day 9 Taunton to Camelford

Day 10 Camelford to Lands End 

 

Night 1 http://www.bencorraghhouse.com/

Night 2 http://www.nethertonfarm.co.uk/

Night 3 http://www.skye-hostel.co.uk/

Night 4 http://www.beinglascampsite.co.uk/

Night 5 http://www.the-old-stables-inn.com/

Night 6 Levens Dave's Caravan

Night 7 http://www.bickertonpoacher.com/php/home.php

Night 8 http://www.thewyeinn.co.uk/

Night 9 http://www.blackbirdinn.net/Pages/default.aspx

Night 10 http://www.cullodenfarmhouse.co.uk/

Night 11http://www.cornwallbackpackers.org.uk/

Night 12 http://morlodge.com/

 

 



       

Mick Southern

Ady Stoneley

Dave Rogers 

                           

 

                                      

 

 

 

 

Peregrine Falcons 2014.

Progress of the Peregrines 2014. 

I started this blog about the Peregrines in late April. I had been watching them earlier in the month but I'd thought I would chart their progress.  

Sunday 18th April 2014

Mia (below) gets her first glimpse of two chicks and 1 parent. 

Think I might have to buy her own Binoculars. 

                             

                                           

Weds 21st May 

Only one chick and one parent in view. 

                        

Thursday 22nd of May 

No site of chicks and only 1 parent on view. 

Sunday 25th May 

Best view yet of both parents and two definite chicks possibly three. Mother and Father on chimney with prey and stripping it to take to the young. Followed them as they flew to the box then hopped inside with the food. Adults then left the box and stood nearby as the young had their meal.

Tuesday 27th May 2014

Best view of the whole family tonight. Both parents in close proximity to each other on the chimney stack and the chicks at the nest.  The parent I think is the male (darker head and plumage) was stripping a kill whilst the mother looked on. 

I can confirm today a sighting of 3 chicks in the nest. They have lost there white fluffy down and have turned a light grey with a little lighter areas on the body. They appear to be around 8 inches tall with wings of similar length. Think I'm going to see them a lot more often in the coming days. 

                              

Wednesday 28th May 5pm. 

The view and movement of the Falcons just gets better day by day. The female was perched up on the rings of the Chimney whilst the male (darker head) was once again stripping its prey of feathers upon the top of the Chimney itself. It's at this point that I know it won't be long before he takes it to the chicks. 

My attention turns to the chicks who are now very mobile within the nest. All three can be seen quite easily through the Binoculars now. All flexing there wings. Don't think it will be long before they venture on the ledge of the building. 

One of the parents makes it's call and the chicks now know feeding time is imminent. The male makes a great flight to the nest and swoops gracefully upon the ledge and pops the food into the nest. 

Unlike last time I saw this happen the female also leaves the Chimney flies to the nest and supervises the father deliver the food successfully. 

The father then leaves the ledge to sit about 10 feet up above the nest. The mother knowing her chicks have got there food then makes a few loops of the building then resides again on her perch high upon the Chimney stack. 

This has been by far the best activity I have seen at one visit. Hopefully catch them tomorrow then I won't be able to get up there until next Monday. Hope alls well on my return.

 

17:45 Sunday 1st June. 

 

Only one parent on view today probably the female but hard to tell. Only caught sight of two chicks tonight they're looking really big now and brave enough to perch on the lip of the box. 

Spoke to a chap who has watched them for a few years. He says he has definitely seen 4 chicks a few weeks ago but only recently seen 3. He thinks the missing one might have been a former meal 😞 that's nature for you. 

 Tuesday 3rd June 18:45. 

On approaching the area I could only pick out the Male on the side of the Dome, the place he usually goes after feeding the chicks. On closer inspection of the Chimney I could just pick out the Female on the side of the Chimney on one of the Steel rings. 

I made my way to the viewing point from the canal and I could easily see two chicks perched on the front of the box. Feathers have gone a little browner and they're certainly taller. Didn't know for sure if I could see the third in the rear of the box but I couldn't be sure. 

I made my way over the bridge to the closest point to the nesting box and I could easily pick them out without the Binoculars. Two were still perched on the front of the box then I noticed another chick outside of the box on the open ledge but it didn't appear to be stood up. It seemed to be keeping its head quite close to the ledge. I'm hoping all is well with the 3rd chick it could be weaker than the others but tomorrow it will either be back in the box, still on the ledge or it could have fell off. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. 

Weds 4th June

Only seen two chicks today viewed from the East side which is the closest I can get to the nest. The young were bold as brass perched on the front of the box. They're looking more like young adults now rather than chicks. They are full feathered and quite confident. 

I then went canalside and could see the one of the young had retired to the box and the other was still perched. Sadly no sign of the young one that was outside if the box yesterday. Maybe he was in the box, maybe eaten or maybe fell. Hope I get to see three again next time. 

On the adult front just seen the male (I think) above the box on the ledge. No sign if the female tonight. 

                     

 

Thurs 5th June 2014

 

Bit disappointing today not much to see. One parent was on the ledge next to the box the other was on the ledge above. Only one young could be seen perched on the box. Not much movement from any of them. I'm a bit concerned that only one young could be seen. Lets hope I see more tomorrow.

 

Friday 6th of June

 

It was a shame I finished work late and could only spend a little time there tonight. Five birds in total could be seen, not only that but two of the fledglings were out and about on the ledges of the Dome and one was perched in the box. Last nights fear came to nothing and it was a delight to watch the whole family out and about.

 

One of the parents was giving an Ariel display possibly encouraging the young to fly but they look a little immature yet. The other parent was carrying a kill and every time it came in proximity the young got excited.

 

One chap again reckons there are four young but as yet I've only ever seen 3 at one time.

 

Don't think I'll be able to get up tomorrow but there is definitely plenty to see.

 

Next year I think I need to upgrade my Binoculars :)

 

Monday 9th June 18:30. 

Not been up for two days and back then there was so much activity. Today a bit disappointed only saw two birds. One on the Dome stripping a kill which I could see clearly and one on the top of the Chimney stack. 

I couldn't really make out if the one one the Chimney was an adult or a fledgling. I'll be up taking a peek for the next few days but I think they may have flown the nest.

Tues 10th June 2014

Went up today not expecting to see much but I was surprised. Three birds on view, two on the Chimney stack and one on the ledge around 10 metres from the nest. 

It was hard to tell if any if them were adults as they are now pretty big. I could make out at least two had light grey feathers with a creamy chest and they were doing a lot of flexing of feathers but I'd bet they were all fledglings. 

No sign of the adults then they were possibly hunting for a meal. 

Nice to see them still here and I'll monitor the site in the coming days. 

12th June 

3 birds, 2 on Chimney and one possibly young perched on nest box.

13th June 

Two on tower and one young above nest box. 

 

Sunday 15th June 

3 birds on view maybe all the young hard to tell. All on Chimney.

 

UPDATE         

5th Jan 2015 

 

I thought that 15th of June would be the end of the 2014 Peregrine blog but on a local FB page a chap put a picture of a few of the birds on the chimney which started the question of do they migrate.

 

If they're the same birds it looks like 2014 was a very successful year .

 

Why start a Blog ?

So at my time of life why should I start to record a Blog ? Well it's like this. I want to leave something that the family might find interesting when I'm gone.

Something's they know about but there will always be some thoughts, photographs or stories they might have missed. So welcome to the world of Southern Comforts.

I wished I'd have done it earlier in life but it didn't seem as important then. Now that I'm older you look at things in a different way. So if I do keep it up I'll be blogging about the family, the dogs, trips, events and many other mundane subjects along with some hopefully great photographs.