A few unofficial rules in trail running?

I was thinking about this alot during my last race (it was very long). There is a certain standard of expected behaviour during trail racing, just as there is an any given social situation. Do rules apply? Maybe.

- always turn off your headtorch at a checkpoint, if you are running at night. Rachel, you are an idiot for forgetting. But it's just plain rude to have your light blinding the poor marshals, up at all hours in their own time, trying to provide sustenance. Plus, let's face it, they can't even actually see you when you're asking for that refill of flat Coke.

- adhere to running pole etiquette. This is probably well documented somewhere. But never carry them horizontally. Or overreach with them. The shins and calfs of runners around you need to be protected from sharp edges.

- don't look in the general direction of anyone... Er... trying to answer the call of nature near the side of the trail. It's just plain ignorant. And hopefully, all runners involved will remember to return the favour.

- try and give people plenty of warning when you're running past them. I appreciate the more tired you are, the less you want to be courteous. But seriously, there's nothing worse than having people jump up behind you when you're stumbling along and struggling to focus

- if a fellow runner has fallen or needs help... Offer it!!! There may not be a medic for a while, and your finishing time will probably not be affected too much by offering the odd plaster or paracetamol. Unless, of course, you're racing at the front. In which case, none of these thoughts apply anyway.

Lastly, for now, my favourite unofficial rule. Look around you and drink in the scenery, race, atmosphere. Possibly, you may never participate in this event again. Or get to see this place again.
Enjoy, savour, enjoy.

Goodbye Rosalina, goodbye

A close running friend is making the move 'down Saarf'. A very special mention.

Apart from missing her hugely, the poor woman has suffered years of running excursions, trips, and related activities. We were part of a running club, we were not part of a club. We were trying our hand at city marathons... We were not. We were attempting trail ultras... We didn't quite get there. You name it, we were convinced at one point or another that it was for us. It's certainly been varied. Plus very very fun.

Roz has also sat through countless photos of running events, listened to endless stories of running days / kit / worries. She has literally picked me up along the roadside after long runs, always with extra jumpers / coffee / sandwiches. What an absolute star.
Whether her interest has been genuine or well feigned, I will never know, but it has been an era of generating many stories and good memories.

We will plan our next running trip soon. I will miss my running soundboard. Good luck.

Keep running, Roz.

Do it while you can...

Just a few thoughts on the 'seize the day' theme.
Life often gets in the way of running and attempting running events. Work, family, money, all take priority to most of us.

I have two youngish children who I adore, and I do my best for them. But I still feel the need to attempt challenging running events, for my own running goals and interest. I am fortunate enough to have much help with childcare at times when I do go away for a few days - massive thanks to all involved.

But I just think that, attempting ultra races and multi day events has a time limit. If I do not take the opportunity to try some of these events now, I will never be in a position to do so. I think that in ten years' time, I will not necessarily be willing to sleep in tents for long periods or go days without a proper shower. Speed is recognised as deteriorating over time (mine was never fantastic in the first place). I am desperate to try things while I have the opportunity, inclination, and fitness.

Surely this applies to all of us- trying to find the balance between what we love to do, and what we need to do. A competitor at an event recently remarked to me 'I wish I would just go ahead and arrange my place on these races, then worry about the logistics after - that way I will let everyday life get in the way less, and not miss out on these incredible evrnts'.
Let's all keep trying, within the imposed limits of everyday life. We will end up doing more, seeing more, trying more, than we ever hoped.

And as for kit...

After a huge amount of debating and agonising, I have come to the conclusion that no running rucksack will be large enough to fit in all the kit on the mandatory Spine kit list. Try as I might, no amount of squeezing and squashing would allow a decent sleeping bag into my prized MDS running pack, let alone leave any room for other gear. So, it's back to a bigger rucksack - the comfiest I could find within my budget. I felt less like a runner, more like a cadet training for the DofE. Ah well.

Pennine way - how can one person still get so lost

Well, as I found out the hard way, some parts of the trail are easy to follow. Just nice trail running. And some parts of it completely disappear. It was difficult enough to keep track on a clear sunny day - what on earth would it feel like in the middle of a cold snowy day. Time will tell.

Pennine way - a little taste

In a bid to get a feel towards the Spine race, last weekend I took a trip out to the Pennine Way. I got tipped off the bus at Standedge, and wobbled my way along the trails up to Colden. After camping overnight in a pub garden (a little Lager helped the rehydration process),I carried on the next day up to Ponden. Not far in distance terms - 16 m the first day, 10 the next - but I was just experimenting with carrying kit, and investigating how it felt on new trails. All good fun and a new running challenge.

Running to catch up...

Running in the Peaks... More importantly, to catch up with old friends.