P&B BG weekend Written on May 25, 2010, by johnh.
Last weekend saw a number of runners from my club, Pudsey and Bramley, attempt the Bob Graham round as part of the clubs centenary celebrations. I had volunteered to help out a while back, and was allocated the second leg to pace and generally help out as needed. Although I had not run for more than an hour since my bike accident two months ago, I decided to go ahead with the helping as I thought it would be a good way to get a bit of stamina and strength back in the legs. As it was it was all fast walking or steady running, so a perfect reintroduction to some longer running. I set off with a group of about 15, runners and helpers, from Threlkeld at about 11 pm, arriving at Dunmail at around 3 am. We were gifted an almost perfect night, with the temperature in double figures all the way, hardly a breeze on the top, and good visibility all the way. We even had a red moon to help us!
After handing over at Dunmail I was driven round to Wasdale, and after arriving there at about 6.30 am, and deciding I wouldn’t get much sleep I opted to carry some water and ZipVit gels and bars up Scafell Pike. It also gave me the chance to take in the summit of Scafell, a peak I’d not yet bagged. The refreshments were gratefully received, as it was already very hot at 8 am. I also had an amazing ten minutes or so with Scafell Pike to myself in glorious sunshine, something I don’t think many people can say they have experienced!
After that the rest of the day was spent travelling around to meet the runners at Honister and then see them come into finish. In all we had eight people complete the round in around 22:30, a great achievement, especially considering the oppressive heat. Some photos I took at various points can be seen here; http://picasaweb.google.com/heneghan
Thankfully my legs held up to it all fine, although I have very sore legs now and some slightly puffy ankles. Hopefully this will be a bit of a stepping stone to getting some longer training under my belt.
I had meant to pop along to the Keswick 10k Trail Race, but not realising how involved the supporting role was, and also not having slept since Friday morning, it wasn’t quite possible. I’m hoping to run at Sherwood Pines, and maybe Epping Forest, so will hopefully get to experience one of these races fairly soon.
John
