The Big Dipper

3rd Jan 2010

8 Dallam runners 3 Dogs

This was to be the first big run of 2010. Meeting in the small car park at the foot of Warton Crag the sun was shining but Jack Frost had been out the night before so there was still a nip in the air, Jarvo was disappointed that I was not donning my new running pants again, I'll be leaving them for a night run I explained.

The first climb came and went with ease, dropping down to Leighton Hall we turned right towards Yealand Storrs, so we missed the 'ice road' along the Moss, nice to alter the route from time to time, we approached Eaves Wood deciding to follow a slightly different track today which would take us to the Pepper Pot, Stuart seems to think that after his BG, he will be able to use the pot to pepper his soup,! Again nice to alter the route.

Next task was going to be' The Big Dipper' of Arnside Knott, as we approached my shoulders starting to suffer from the extra weight I was carrying in water and soup and it just got heavier and heavier, as we climbed the summit seemed to get further and further away as I climbed no pain no gain springs to mind as I pushed on up. The summit arrived and Mick fed everyone with one of his Jelly chews this giving me a nice little pick me up.

Dropping off the Arnside Knott down to the level crossing we turned right taking us around the icey road to Carr Bank, Julie taking a tumble on the snow covered ground , just a little bruise she thinks, and our climb to the Fairy Steps and lunch we passed our normal seats on Nick's advise to sit in the sun, good move. Home-made mushroom soup, an energy drink and some chocolate orange and it worked again giving me a big kick. Lunch done we pressed on though the woods at Hale and homeward bound, after some deep thought as to way was best, looking at a map on a gate post which said you are here, some of us would have done an extra 10 miles. As we aproached Yealand and into Cringlebarrow Woods the marathon girls we starting to feel the distance as were the dogs.

A good day out again with some great company and some good banter again, Well done to everyone particularly those who did the 25 miler 3 days before.

18mile 4600ft Ascent 4.4mph Ave speed