Two Crosses LDWA Chllenge Event

 I love an LDWA event and I had sort of forgotten that. I also love having someone to run with, and I haven't really done enough of that. Plus the spring sunshine has continued which has been amazing. So today's Two Crosses was a marvellous training run. 

I have banged on about LDWA events but the general set up is: tea and toast at registration more often than not, a set of instructions for the route which is often a much point of interest as instructions and anacronyms, a set of checkpoints manned by incredibly friendly but very efficient people, and usually quite a lot of food. At the Two Crosses the checkpoint at Entwistle reservoir is legendary- sweet on the left, savoury on the right, soup at the back if you fancy it (Its shame it comes quite early in the short route but I still committed to two sandwiches, two bits of cake, squash and some dog biscuits for Oscar). My running buddy for the day was Emma B who has never done a LDWA event and I assured her she was in for a good morning. The 8am start time mandated an early morning, and I had to take the dog at the last minute, but I promised myself we would have 'a nice adventure of a day'. Emma is training for a road marathon, I have my weird almost double marathon event, so this was sort of training for both of us (we'd also both had colds and niggles so we were a good pairing). 

Doing events with dogs does create some chaos, not least the issue of trying to stop your dog eating other people's food at registration, and not easily getting to the loo. Luckily, I wasn't too desperate and could hold it to the dodgy public loods at Jumbles. Emma also kindly got me a cuppa as navigating Oscar through the crowd was challenging. We bumped in to some other Chorlton runners and the odd other person we knew, and before we knew if (after usual kit phaff) we were walking down tp the start where, with absolutely minimal ceremony, we were set off. A large muddle of walkers and runners bumbled off down the old train line at a mixture of speeds requiring lots of over and under taking, and obviously a lot of chatting. The odd startled local looked on bemusedly. 

We were mostly in a crowd for the first few miles as we left the converted railway line, wound up through Tottington, and started across a series of farmer's fields. It was mostly up but predominantly runnable, and I think Oscar dog gave me a bit of a helping hand at times, being very over excited. There was some debate about the way out of a field, and several people climbed over barbed wire but we were able to get out via a gate and stile with Oscar. The ground was a bit mixed in the fields, with some more churned by livestock and some more solid. It was nice just following and not thinking about navigating!

The first cross sits in Affetside. Its actually just a column now but hey. We stopped for a brief photo but by the time we moved away, there weren't many people around us. Fortunately is a lovely straight forward descent on grass and gravel to the road before you swing round and head up towards Jumbles on a slightly more rocky path. Oscar managed to poop just before the car park, so I didn't have to carry it, and by the time we had done an emergency loo stop, we were back surrounded by people for the lovely easy running track alongside the reservoir. Things were feeling good! 

The climb out of jumbles was a bit more muddy but its relatively short. We arrived on the road and jogged to checkpoint 1 where there were sweets and water and the aforementioned lovely friendly people. We then headed up past Turton Tower, which I really sshould visit some time, before starting the very long track over to Entwistle. Its gradually up hill but we managed to keep jogging for the most part through the fields and farms. Nearly at the top of the track is the route split manned by two more lovely people and we were heading on the nice down hill path to the legendary food check point. Emma was slightly amazed at the set up (and the trifle) and it felt a waste not to want more of it! One does not go hungry on this event!

The next section I part of a regular run for me and I knew I had to not go in to dog walk mode, unlike a few years ago! But soon we were across the reservoir (which was still like a mirror), up past the pub, over the railway and down in to the woods before the climb on a small ish path up out of the Bradshaw valley. This path is okay to start but then climbs over building rubble, through some really sloppy mud and poo and round the side of a house. I do wonder if someone is trying to discourage its use so they can close it. The next section then runs between a field and a house wall, which I nearly missed, and then we were on the gradual up hill road to Orrell farm and yet another check point. On the way over we saw some stunning properties, one of which was for sale, but I later confirmed it was WELL above my price range! 

The next checkpoint is in the garage of one of these lovely properties before we headed over a stile in to thick Mud (sorry Emma for getting you to help with the muddy dog!) and headed across a slightly muddy field and on to farm land where we jumped some puddles and kept Oscar away from the sheep. There is then a road section down in to Crowthorne and up out of Crowthorne, including a long slog a hill up on to the moor.We ran a bit of it but I soon had to give up. Also there was a between hill breeze picking up which made it much harder work despite only being a breeze! Don't ask me how that works! We passed dogs and farms and then headed up on to the moor. 

The next section used to be famously boggy. The first time we did the race, I seem to remember wading for a good way. But in the last couple of years they have put down paving slabs and in the beautiful sunshine, this was one of the most lovely sections, even with the shooting range to our right beng active. Then it was on to a good if a bit narrow swooping path around the shoulder of the hill. Oscar tried to trip me up a few times but otherwise we landed at the naughty corner checkpoint, so called due to the option for shots of rum or whiskey. 

Then it was up to to the top of the moor (we had to walk a minute or two as my rum burned its way down- I don't drink most of the time) where we had lovely views to either side, as well as the rolling moor ahead of us to Peel tower. It was quite busy on account of the weather but most people were quite cheery. There are a few ups and downs and the odd boggy section but it was lovely running. We saw the second pilgrims cross (also not a cross any more) and the Peel tower area was really busy. 

The descent off Peel Tower should be fast but I wasn't today- it is a broad if rocky track but I just couldn't get a rhythm. We paused briefly at the last proper checkpoint for yet more sweets before heading off along the track. I had little memory of this last section but fortunately Emma had the route on her watch so I didn't have to get my phone out. There was a steep drop in to a nature reserve which was slippery steps and not the most runnable but the dog enjoyed a trip to the river at the bottom. Then it was through lanes, field and more quite muddy footpaths. We were very close and even managed to do the dreaded golf course section without getting lost! Emma was amazed when we arrived back quite suddenly! 

Oscar came first dog, we were done in under 4 hours and there were a selection of soups to chose from. There was also platters of sandwiches, a cheese board and puddings. You can't go hungry on these events and the challenge was stopping the dog eating the sandwiches! Certificates were provided, and we chatted with other runners as they came in. It was a fantastic outing and reassured me I do actually enjoy this stuff!

Tail walking the Saddleworth 5 Resers

 I was going to run this event but life conspired against me....or rather it conspired against Craggrunner's race directors and was compounded by a wave of last minute illness (suspicious of norovirus) taking out several volunteers. So I put my hand up and helped make this event happen. 

Last year's event became almost infamous with blizzards and ice and hypothermia (both participants and marshals) and credit to Craggrunner this had been factored in and a few changes made. The first of these was the inclusion of jacket which caused no end of stress for participants (I can't see why it was so challenging, its not that unusual a request), the second was a few indoor checkpoints, and the third was a professional medical team (rather than mountain rescue). 

So at 6am I found myself in the Saddleworth rugby club car park emptying a transit van full of boxes and clearing the remains of the night before's party. It is luck Darren and Julie who run Craggrunner are such lovely people (as in fact are the team who help them!) By 7am I was on kit check for the Ultra (15 reservoirs) and the 'slower' marathon (10 reservoirss) starters then after a quick cuppa it was on to the marathon racers and the half (5 reservoirs) participants. Kit check is painful; everyone argues with you, especially about that bloody jacket. Mercifully it was a bright are glorious day forecast so we didn't have to quite so strict but mercy me it was a battle at times. But by about 8:45 everyone on the later start was kit checked, tea and toast supplied and we thought had a tracker attached to them. I changed and started walking to the start only to remember I needed a high vis vest and had to run back. As it happened, this would be some of a very little running I was to do that day. 

Darren made his RD speech and we were off, except I wasn't as someone had not collected a tracker and had to go back and so I stood waiting with his running buddy for him to reappear and we set off at a jog thorugh the village of Greenfield. I was almost immediately too warm now having a high vis jacket over the clothes I had been wearing at 6am in the very cool dark morning. Half way up the road hill I took my gillet off and the two runners I had tailed (had to wait for) disappeared. I continued up on to theOldham Way, and despite being nearly squashed by a landrover enjoyed the stunning views. I soon saw ahead the only walker on the event. My instructions were not to crowd so I slowed to walk a buot 20 meters behind. There was amazingly the odd patch of ice on the road, evidence of how cold the nights still were. But the day was rapidly warming and as we passed the first of the reservoirs, I appreciated just how glorious the day was going to be. And given I was tail walking, there was absolutely no pressure! Yes, it wasn't great training but given how much my nose was running and I was coughing occassionally, maybe this was all for the best. 

Not so Grim sweeper 

The reservoirs were looking stunning and there were already quite a few people about. The track along the first three of the 5 reservoirs is easy walking and the walker ahead of me was making steady progress with his poles out. Ahead of him by a reasonable way was the last run/walker. I had my podcast on and just strolled. I made a mental note to enjoy today, no matter what.

Yeoman Hay reservoir 

At the end of Greenfield reservoir we entered territory hitherto unknown to me. We turned in to a valley that was still in the shade and up the path a short way I waved ahead to the river crossing marshal who had walked down to meet us. The run walker was deciding to turn around due to a niggle leaving just the walker and I to cross the stream and begin climbing the infmaous boulder field. 

I had no idea what to expect but the marshal said he'd been up and down a few times. I was still fairly glad of someone to guide us up this section. There was the odd flag marker too, and the other marshal and I collected these as we climbed. The walker, who was called Bob, was moving fairly steadily up the field. Most steps were okay, but there was the odd spot where I was pleased someone was there to point out the better route. We chatted other races, particularly the New Chew, and eventually came to the final stream crossing at the top of the boulder field where the other marshal was trying to keep warm as the sun only just peeped over the edges of the valley. These two marshals were supposed to tail running the marathon; they would have a bit of a way to catch up given it had taken us a while, but I offered to collect all the flags to the first manned check point and they headed off. 

Bob then looked up at the steep climb above us and steadily got stuck in. It was indeed steep, and a narrow trod was mostly only discernable by the red flags marking it. We took a few pauses but we got up and now followed more trackless moor past Rimmons cottage (a roofless ruin) and then on for what seemed quite a way towards the road. Two other walkers were coming the other way and jokingly asked us not to collect the flags as it was the only way to find the trod, and they were not wrong. 

We reached support point 1 just over 5 minutes past the cut off. However, I felt a bit bad for Bob as he was actually making good progress on the flat; it was just the boulders and steep section that had slowed us down. We had also gone off at 7 or 8 minutes past the start time so with the check point marshals (who had packed up nearly everything already- I made them get some biscuits out!) we agreed to allow Bob to continue.

The next section is gradual descent across the moor. Its flagged for a large section and Bob said it was fine for me to walk with him so we started to chat a bit. There were glorious views on either side, which in much of recent weather would have been obscured with rain but today we could see for miles. Eventually the flags petered out and we had to bog hope a bit more. However, the warm weather meant feet might have been wet but they weren't frozen and that makes an amazing difference. Black moss reservoir popped in to view and the other side of it I could see the route split sign. However, we had a bit more bog to cross before then. 

At the course split I gathered up the signage, pleasingly realising I could thread the sign across the back of my backpack and use the metal rod as a walkinh pole. I would however struggle to get through a squeeze stile later on! After the reservoir we were making for Stannage gap. Back on better path we discussed what used to be one of the highest pubs in the Peaks but is now a house. I am never sure if this area really is the Peaks though I think it might well be within the national park official boundary; to me it feels more south Pennine with its moors and bogs. It is certainly a world away from White Peak and its slippery limestone and claggy mud. 

We chatted as we went along. After Stannage gap we stayed on good bridle path but I was becoming aware we might not make the cut off for the next check point. I sent the odd text to check they knew we were on the way (mostly as I wanted a sarnie before they packed up). We did a short section on a very U-shaped bit of road before picking up a very soggy section of footpath that cut a section of road off but was so mucky I might have taken the road. Again, I was in pastures new now and map reading rather  than use my Online GPX, as much as for wanting the practice as anything. We then started to drop in to Castleshaw where I had not been before. It was a very interesting little spot, with a couple of reservoirs (including reservoir number 5) and also a Roman Fort. I will have to go back for another roam as we were pushing on to get to the check point and there were a few little paths we had to keep an eye out for to cross the fields. It was a bit muddy underfoot but nothing too disasterous. 

Castleshaw Outdoor centre is a great check point venue. Apparently lots of people had barely used it on the ultra as its so early, and with the good weather people had mostly stayed outside. But we went in, as much as anything to liase with the RD over Bob continuing despite being after the cut off (by about 30 mins now) as for more fruit pastilles and some slightly stale cheese and pickle sandwiches. I could see finishing was importnat for Bob. The weather was a touch cooler than the heat of the day but still glorious. I knew running the last 7km wasn't going to impove my training any, so I let the RD know I was happy to continue with Bob, as long as he was happy. No text came back to the contrary, and the checkpoint guys just wanted us out so they could pack up! Touchingly, Darren had put a bottle of whiskey at this checkpoint as the 5 resers weren't going through the main whiskey checkpoint at Crowden. I know a lot of people enjoyed it. 

We climbed out of Castleshaw on a path that was a bit of a stream, before crossing the fast A road and continuing on track over the shoulder of the last sizeable hill. We were chatting about life the universe and everything, and it was lovely. I knew we went though Diggle at some point but it was all new to me as we descended through farms and then in to houses. It was steep paved down hill and I was very glad there was no ice now! We got to the Diggle Hotel where we would pick up the Pennine Bridleway that would take us all the way back to the finish. I checked the tracker to check no one had gotten distracted by the bar but everyone else on our course was back. There is some quite marvellous engineering at Diggle as the canal and railway cut under the hill but I don't know anymore about it I am afraid. 

On the Pennine Bridleway, we initally had a bit of up and down but mostly on very good trail or road. Then there was a short section where we descnded through some woods which I vaguely remembered from a Pots and Pans run and I knew we were on the final stretch as we picked up the old rail line though Greenfield. I think Bob was pretty tired by know but we kept chatting and walking until eventually we popped out on the main street, turned right, walked along the ever busy road past the Tesco and climbed the last little hill and down the steps in  to the rugby club. It had taken a little over 7 hours but we had had a marvellous day. 

In the club everyone sat around tables, availing themselves of the pie and peas and extremely good looking cakes, as well as the bar. I had a free drink as a thank you for helping though all I wanted was a diet coke! I caught up with a team mate and his friend who had done the marathon in about 6 hours (and Nick is fast, so it gives you an indication of how tough it was). They had been even more grateful than me for the better weather I think! I opted not to have any food as I needed to get home but this was a bit of a mistake. I was now coughing a bit more and aware of my snotty nose and just wanted to be home. I felt bad not staying to help take down the event but I was now very tired all of a sudden. 

The next day I was canicrossing at Dodd Wood (reverse route and very hilly), plus doing a few extra miles. But I felt awful from start to finish. I had planned to stay in the Lakes for the day but I was feeling increasingly unwell with flu like symptoms. I had to stop 3 times driving home just  to rest. I also didn't put in a great performance at Dodd but not much I could do. I have one more race I can make but after that the league will just have to be kind. I lost the whole of Monday to feeling awful and struggled to get back training the week after. So the walk was probably better for me than trying to run the course, and I will go back and run it at some point, but it was a marvellous day in the sun this year.