Sunday 25 March 2012

Todays Run - Endurance Run #1 The Sunderland 4 Peak Challenge

Saturday 24th March

Today I though that I would run my very own creation - Endurance #1 - "The Sunderland 4 Peak Challenge". I did not realise how tough I had made this running route. So just to make it even harder, I include for good measure some extra hills and banks to run up. Lovely !!!!

Google Maps Link

Data taken from my Runmeter during my run 


Run Time: 4:11:46
Stopped Time: 34:43
Distance: 21.09 miles
Average: 5.03 mph
Fastest Speed: 6.83 mph
Ascent: 1379 feet
Descent: 1395 feet
Calories: 3209


The Sunderland “4 Peak” Challenge.
Distance: 20.8 Miles

Running time 4:30 minutes.
Total Ascent: 635 Metres
Total Decent: 702 Metres
“Putting the City of Sunderland, on the UK map for great off road running”.
It was Saturday 12th November at 8am straight after a healthy Shepherd’s Pie for my breakfast, I started my run. The temperature was about 8*C with mist and drizzle making the trails, muddy and very slippery, which only makes the run even more interesting and fun. As the morning progressed the sun started to peak through the clouds and the rain quickly cleared up.
Peak 1 – Tunstall Hill


The first peak of the morning run was Tunstall Hills, where on approach a short scramble to the top of the hill reaching the “trig point”. Turning 90* picking up the track and heading in a north easterly direction towards the village of Ryhope. The track gets a little tricky in a couple of places, where good under footing can prevent embarrassing falls. “Whoops” I missed my footing and fell, lying in the mud with two pulled inner thigh muscles. Never mind, after picking myself up and with a little stretching I pushed on with my run.


At the bottom of the track crossing over a small stream, I picked up a steep and very muddy grass bank, following the track running behind “Venerable Bede” secondary school.


Carrying along the track, where I meet with another steep and very muddy grassy bank, at the foot of the bank it meets up with the old coal railway line.


Heading west along the railway line for about 1 mile to meet the 2nd Peak of the run. The Silksworth Ski Slope, which is located at the Silksworth Sports Complex.



Peak 2 – Silksworth Ski Slope
Distance: 3 Miles.

Running to the top of the Ski Slope touching the fence and back down the other side, meeting up with the main walking path of the complex. Following the path in a semi circle direction passing Sainsbury’s Superstore which is now on your left and over a small footbridge. Turning left and following the path heading south. This is where I pick up another and challenging bank, which I decide to run up and down in a zigzag motion.
“I just love a Challenge”

Heading in a South direction, passing the Fire Station and McDonald's on the left. Just to tantalise your taste buds you can smell and imagine eating a Sausage & Egg McMuffin meal!!. However myself discipline to overcome such desires got the better of me. Still heading south you pick up the A690 which takes you out of Sunderland towards Stoneygate. Where after 6 miles, I turn left picking up the track and heading in a northern direction.




Where in the distance, I now I have in my sights my next Peak No 3– Hastings Hill.
Peak 3 – Hastings Hill
Distance: 8.5 Miles.

After a quick decent and crossing over the A19 bridge. Turning right, picking up the next track and heading west through Black Woods.


At the end of the trail the forest opens up leading in to New Herrington Park. Turning right and heading north to reach Peak No 4, Penshaw Monument.

Peak 4 – Penshaw Monument
Distance: 10.5 Miles

After a quick ascent to the top, turning left heading down some steep steps through a wooden gate heading east through the woods to meet up another steep back called Coxgreen Road. At the top of the bank heading in to Offerton Village, tuning left and ascending down another track meeting the River Wear. Turning right over the wooden sty and heading east following the river where at the 13th mile, the Wetlands wild foul can be found in abundance.


After passing under the A19 underpass, the runner passes by two pre-war vessels and the famous Clatchy Rock. This is the 15 mile marker, where the track heads up a grass bank, under the Metro railway bridge to meet up with the road B1405 – European Way.




Following the road and heading east in to the City of Sunderland town centre, passing the B&Q retail shopping outlet on your left, this is the 17 mile marker. Turing right at the 2nd roundabout following the A183 – St Mary’s Way. Passing the Sunderland University on your left, crossing over the Metro railway line, under the A690 underpass, passing Burn Park on your left. Following the road A690 until reaching “The Barnes Toby Carvery” on your right. Turn left at the traffic lights, following Queen Alexandra Road. At the next roundabout turning right to pick up the short but steep “Strawberry Bank”. Near the top of the bank turning right heading along Crosslea Avenue, this is the 19 mile marker. At the bottom of the avenue turn left picking up Silksworth lane, where at the roundabout. Turn left heading east following Essen Way. Where at the bus stop turning right and entering the housing estate following Langley Drive, Witton Court, Harperley Drive and finishing the 20 mile run, with Tunstall Hills directly in front of you.

1. Like most trail runs of this calibre, the runner will be exposed to both physical and mental stresses, going through the “hi and lows”. My recommendation to overcome this is purely down to good planning and preparation of nutrition and re hydration. It may be worth in considering to place a drop bag, just before reaching Peak – 4 Penshaw Monument.

2. If you are lucky enough to own a smart phone such an "Iphone". Then I must recommend that you consider in purchasing the “Tune-in” Internet Radio App. During the course of the run between 9 am to 11:30 am, I was listening 97.3FM – Radio Brisbane – Australia “The Saturday Night Party Night”. This is a mixture of 80’s, 90’s and current music hits, well worth a listen!
The end of the run feeling good, while enjoying a bottle of Coca Cola

I have challenged myself to compete in one of Scotland's most famous 54 mile Ultra Marathons. Where I intend to raise funds for my chosen charity for 2012 - "Pawz for Thought". For further details on the charity's good work and how you could help to support there ongoing efforts, then please click on the above charity's website link.




My chosen charity for 2012
"Pawz for Thought"

“Keep on Running & Be Inspired”
Darren Barnes

Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner

Sunday 18 March 2012

Race #2 of the Season - 32 Mile Ultra Marathon - Haworth Hobble

Date 10th March, 2012

The following data was recorded by my Runmeter and inclusive of stoppage time at Checkpoints.
Distance: 32.08 Miles
Race Time: 7:55
Calories Burned: 4384
Ascent: 4621 feet
Descent: 4658 feet


Haworth Hobble Ultra Marathon
http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/


The following information was taken from the Haworth Hobble website.

About the race

A 32 mile Ultra Marathon traversing Gritstone Moors around Haworth, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge with over 4,400 ft of Ascent  & Descent. Maximum time allowed 11 hours to complete the event
 
Route information

Start from Main Street, Fleece Inn, Haworth, G.R. 032372, up the cobbled road, out along Cemetery Road towards footpath/road junction G.R. 018362 to Far Intake and Bronte Bridge. Cross the bridge and head for Top Withens. Take the Pennine Way to the Widdop Road. Go up the road,(S1) round Widdop Reservoir and join the Limersgate track past the Yorkshire/Lancashire boundary 915321 continuing West on bridleway to 898323 (S2) then turn SW to Hurstwood Reservoir dam wall. From there go via Cant Clough dam wall into the Sheddon Clough area, using improved paths (not shown on the South Pennines Leisure map). (PLEASE DO NOT RUN/WALK ALONG THE PARTLY COVERED PIPELINE) use the paths to the car park at Long Causeway (S3) at 894288. Follow road to the first bend at 904284 follow footpath (not the farm track) past Stiperden House Farm to road then to Stoney Lane Checkpoint (S4) at 914274. Go down Stoney Lane following it to the back of the Golf Course to the Cross Stone Inn and take the steep, narrow, walled footpath past the back of the church, to the main road @ 950245. Go along the road to Lumbutts and 100 metres past the Mill join the footpath at 951243, which starts behind a row of cottages.This zig zags steeply up the hill leading to a long wall. Climb the fence at the style and cross field diagonally, then follow the wall on right, over style to a lane, then along the lane to Mankinholes Y.H. (S5) Left on track by water troughs until beneath Stoodley Pike, climb steep path to the Monument (S6), down Pennine Way along the track above Callis Wood to road, and down steep hill to Hebble End. Across the busy A646T (carefully!) 20 metres up the road to small cobbled lane leading to steep steps and a road which climbs steeply into Heptonstall. Turn right at the first pub in Heptonstall (S7) and down the tarmac lane. Cross the road to join a narrow walled path which drops steeply to Horse Bridge (S8). From there follow bridleway past Hollin Hall onto packhorse track which leads downhill to cross Crimsworth Dene (S9). Then climb the tarmac lane which eventually leads to Top O't Stairs. Follow the track dropping down to Leeshaw Reservoir, up Moorside Lane to 020362, turn right and cross the Penistone Hill to 026369 footpath/road junction, drop for 300m bear left on footpath towards church. Coming out onto Main Street turn right down the cobbled road, opposite The Fleece bear left, cross the main road (on the crossing please) and so to Haworth Primary School (S10)
Google map link

It was 3:30 am when my alarm clock had sounded and after stumbling down the stairs with a slight hangover. I prepared myself a strong cup of black coffee and I carefully pack my running day sack. With this been a winter Ultra Marathon, I always prepare my kit for the worst scenario. My running kit included; OS Map, Compass, Whistle, GPS, Bivi Bag, Silver Foil Wrap, Mobile Phone, Full Waterproofs and lots of high in Carbohydrate snacks.
My running snacks included Banana, Peanut Butter, Nutella and Jam Sandwiches. My pre race breakfast was Cumberland Pie and Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans  - hmmm  "delicious".
At 4:30 am I performed my usual daily exercises, 85 Burpeese and 90 Crunches. Yippee !!! Bring on the Ultra Race, the Enduarance Runner is ready for action.
My Running Snacks and Pre-race Breakfast.

After registration at the primary school, I joined my fellow runners for the start of the race.




Picking up "Bronte Way" track, passing "The Slack" on my left and heading towards "Lower Laithe" reservoir.







Running along the "Pennine Way towards "Walshaw Dean Lower" reservoir.






A quick photograph with "Stoodley Pike Monument" in the back group. My ascent to the summit of the hill  was quick and easy, following in the wake of my new Ultra running buddy - Jenny Gibbs. Wait for me Jenny !!!!


Chilling out with my buddy at the end of the race with Ultramarathon Man -  Dave Heatherington. I wonder where he got that flat cap from, anybody seen his whippet !!!

 



On behalf of all my fellow runners and myself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Volunteers, Marshalls, Kitchen Staff. Management and Club Members. For there kind hospitality and professionalism shown throughout the entire event. This was a great day to be enjoyed by all.

Thank you...
I have challenged myself to compete in one of Scotland's most famous 54 mile Ultra Marathons. Where I intend to raise funds for my chosen charity for 2012 - "Pawz for Thought". For further details on the charity's good work and how you could help to support there ongoing efforts, then please click on the above charity's website link.







My chosen charity for 2012
"Pawz for Thought"

“Keep on Running & Be Inspired”
Darren Barnes
Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner




Monday 12 March 2012

Endurance run #6 is currenty under construction

Watch this space for details of Endurance Run #6

This one of the North East's most beautiful and scenic long distance coastal running routes.
Details soon to follow, do NOT miss out !!!

Here is a taster of what is to come...





Have I wet your appitite yet ???

Do not miss out.......
I have challenged myself to compete in one of Scotlands most famous 54 mile Ultramarathons. Where I intend to raise funds for my chosen charity for 2012 - "Pawz for Thought". For further details on the charity's good work and how you could help to support there ongoing efforts, then please click on the above charity's website link.




My chosen charity for 2012
"Pawz for Thought"

“Keep on Running & be Inspired”
Darren Barnes
Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner