We are 2!!

Northowram Pumas were founded in 2014, and each ensuing year will bring its own anniversary. This week, the club celebrated its second ‘birthday’ and on Wednesday 14 September, we hosted our Second Anniversary Run. Lots and lots of Pumas turned up and everyone seemed really excited.

Thanks to Johnny Meynell for his awesome account of the evening! Even if he looks slightly less impressed in the last photo (keep reading to check it out!!) – maybe he’s just reminiscing about his old university days.

Inviting some friends round

And of course, with it being a special occasion, what better than to invite a few friends round? Happy to take up our invitation were the fledgling Sowerby Bridge Snails, who arrived en masse.

Snails and Pumas - an unusual but winning combination
Snails and Pumas – an unusual but winning combination

Mm, Snails. It rather gives the impression that these are folk who move perhaps just a tad faster than walking pace, but don’t be fooled, they are Snails in name only. I have it on good authority that one attendee last night has run six parkruns, each time a personal best, with his last outing recording a time of 20:37. And he has a friend, another Snail, who’s even faster than him!
The Sowerby Bridge Snails can’t have failed but to be impressed at how organised we were pre-run time. With so many extra runners, it was decided it’d be best to assemble on the cricket field with poles to indicate the different groups. What a splendid idea.

An ingenious cone and pole system to sort out running groups
An ingenious cone and pole system to sort out running groups

The plan worked, and how simple it must have been for Simon Wilkinson to take the customary group photos when everyone was ready at their stations.

Customary Group Photos

The plan was to set off prompt at 6.45, so right on cue the respective leaders Luke Cranfield and Adam Standeven (Group One)

Group one - with Adam and Luke
Group one – with Adam and Luke

Andy Haslam (group two)

Andy's group two
Andy’s group two

Phil Turner and Nicola Pennington (group three)

Phil and Nicola taking the reigns with group 3
Phil and Nicola taking the reigns with group 3

Ian Marshall and Paul Hopkinson (group four)

Group 4 with Ian and Paul
Group 4 with Ian and Paul

and Ally Canning, Wendy Hewitt and Sarah Rushforth (group five)

Group five with Ally, Wendy and Sarah - Ally has also forbidden Simon from taking any more photos
Group five with Ally, Wendy and Sarah (Ally has also forbidden Simon from taking any more photos after the worlds worst pose was captured)

led off their troops.

The Running

I went in Group Two, which was a cosy run up through Coley, Shelf, all the way up Giles Hill Lane to Brighouse/Denholmegate Road, down Syke Lane to Green Lane, then home via Blake Hill End and Upper Lane.

A lovely stretch of quiet backroad
A lovely stretch of quiet backroad

It was a warm evening which made the going even tougher than already expected, and we hope that the Sowerby Bridge Snails appreciate the terrain we have to negotiate on a weekly basis, the general rule being that you either start up a hill or finish on one.

We love a good hill do us Pumas
We love a good hill do us Pumas
Group 5 looking pretty happy mid run
Group 5 looking pretty happy mid run

The general feedback on the routes undertaken by our guests in the various groups seems to be that they enjoyed it. The exact figure of how many Snails were actually in attendance cannot be verified, but in the words of the late BBC news reporter Brian Hanrahan, “I counted them all out, and I counted them all back.” Later, it was put to me that there were forty orders from the Snails for meat pies, and one veggie pie, which in anyone’s book would be roughly forty-one.

And some more hills for our Snail friends
And some more hills for our Snail friends

Whilst the Snails came through largely unscathed, sadly the same cannot be said of the Northowram Pumas. If Strava is to be believed, then Group One (Luke’s!) ran a distance of anywhere between 6.3 and 7 miles.

Luke's group - before losing half this contingent.
Luke’s group – before losing half this contingent.

Not only that, but a contingent also managed to get lost! Still, nobody was hurt in this group, unlike in Group Four, where Joanne Davison’s unscheduled route took in the A&E after she fell shortly into her run. Accompanied at hospital by Jane Henley, it turned out Joanne was none too seriously injured, and escaped with bruises on her knees and legs.

Time for Pie

For the rest, it was a run to the finish back at the club, and runners sprinted/ran/ jogged/staggered* (*delete as appropriate) over the line, happy in the knowledge that the BAR was open. Yes, it is a measure of how the Northowram Pumas have grown that we now have fully trained bartenders, and happily after each run, we can now socialise with a bevvy.

Back to the club for pie and drinks
Back to the club for pie and drinks

The runners piled into the bar, where they were served by the Three Amigos, namely Simon Wilkinson, Matt Newton and Tom O’Reilly. Ally Canning was also seen serving so waiting time was kept to a minimum – great service. I’ve never been served so quickly since I ventured into the Long Chimney circa 1988 (though in their case they poured me a drink before I changed my mind). And as it was a special occasion, food was also being served; the aforementioned meat and veggie pies. I chose the Cornish slice, which evoked memories of a holiday in St Austell some twenty years ago! Here, thanks must be given to those who helped prepare and serve the food, and we are most grateful for the behind the scenes work done by Tracey (who made sure the pies arrived on time), Holly, Andrea and Ian Marshall. And let us not forget those who took time to bake cakes, etc which topped off suppertime.

Thanks to Tracey, who gave up her evening run, to make sure we ate all the pies
Thanks to Tracey, who gave up her evening run, to make sure we ate all the pies

Most of us stopped for well over an hour, giving Nicola enough time to present Jessica Edwards with her Uni Survival Kit in front of a packed house. Jess, who’s been with the Pumas since the formative days, has helped in various capacities and now leaves for University with our good wishes.

Saying a really sad farewell to our awesome committee member Jess as she goes away to get drunk - sorry to go to uni
Saying a really sad farewell to our awesome committee member Jess as she goes away to get drunk – sorry to go to uni

All-in-all, it was a pleasant evening and thanks must be given to those who made it possible, as well as to all the Pumas and Sowerby Bridge Snails who turned out in force to make the event such a success. Dare I say it, here’s to the next one….

Puma Olympics

As part of the West Yorkshire Sport drive to get people involved in sporting activities the Northorwram Pumas Running Club hosted our very own Olympic games. There was a variety of different events for all ages that both young and old could join in –here is a roundup of the days events!

BY JUDE (age 9) AND ORLAGH KENNY (age 7)

Saturday 10th September 2016 saw the first Northowram Puma Juniors Olympic games!!  

Me and my sister arrived early to “help” set up, this meant that we got to test the bouncy castle! We did this extensively and had around 30 goes just to make sure it would be ok for all the kids that were going to take part!!

1 Hour later……

The Opening Ceremony

All the kids had arrived and were getting ready to walk around the field, waving their flags, following the torch bearer, Tailia Green-Moore. All of the mums and dads, grandmas and granddads, friends and family were all clapping and cheering. Everyone was speed walking because they were all very excited about the upcoming races.

Getting ready to start the opening ceremony
Getting ready to start the opening ceremony

The first race was the obstacle course – Three, two, one….BANG!

The first set of four had started, round the first bend they went, over the hurdles then through the slalom poles towards the ladders. After the ladders they went to the cone jumps, then to the hoola hooping area – we were hoolaing like we were in Rio!!

Tackling the hurdles
Tackling the hurdles

Next we had to run full pelt to the cones then it was best for last…the bouncy castle, you had to take your shoes off as fast as you possibly could then sprint through the holes then round the inflatable cylinders and up the inflatable climbing wall then down the slide. After the bouncy castle you had to grab your shoes and do a sprint to the finish line.

And the best part.....
And the best part…..
...The bouncy castle obstacle course
…The bouncy castle obstacle course

The 100 metres

After about twelve goes on the obstacle course it was time for the relay race. Teams were being sorted out between adults and children. Here are some of my favourite names “The three men and the little lady, Team Fox, Team Puma, Team GB and just to be sneaky, Team Kenny.

Closest race was heat 3 starring Team Fox, Team Kenny and Team Alpha Wolf Squadron. The first people set off and team Alpha Wolf Squadron were leading followed by Team Kenny in second and in last was team Fox. Team Alpha Wolf Squadron had passed the baton as did team Kenny and so did team Fox. It was the last person now, Team Kenny were in last with team Fox in first. Team Kenny had to close the gap but in the end they could not quite manage to. And as they say it’s the taking part that counts! Today we really believed this as it was such good fun with everyone shouting each other on.

Jude perfecting his starting position
Jude perfecting his starting position – Paul and Georgia didn’t stand a chance!
No one was more competitive than the adults!
No one was more competitive than the adults!
On the 100m start line
On the 100m start line
Pure determination
Pure determination

And PULL

Next up was the tug of war. What you had to do was get the other sides blue marked point to the middle which was marked with spraypaint. The final results were 1st Team Fox 2nd Team Flash 3rd Team Alpha Wolf Squadron.

And PULL! the tug of war competition
And PULL! the tug of war competition
Even the adults got involved
Even the adults got involved
Everyone using all their strength
Everyone using all their strength

After the mighty tug of war we had the closing ceremony where all the children that took part walked up the stairs inside of the building which was next to the field. Upstairs you had to go out onto a balcony and you could claim your shiny, gold medals. Photos were taken downstairs and all the parents were loving the medals.

Team Fox with their medals
Team Fox with their medals
Loving their medals
Loving their medals
Proud medal winners
Proud medal winners

When we had claimed our shiny, gold medals, we played on the bouncy castle with our friends. After all our tiring activities we were starving luckily there was a bbq so we had hotdogs and burgers made by John the best burger flipper Marshall!

John 'the burger flipper' Marshal
John ‘the burger flipper’ Marshall

After that lovely day we went home, happy and exhausted!

Thank you

As well as the army of helpers on the day, the Pumas Olympics wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of one man. Ian Marshall.

Ian organised the funding for the event, came up with the activities and worked tirelessly (and nearly drowned everyone in WhatsApp messages) to make sure the event came together.

Thanks to Ian, everyone had a smashing time!

Ian - the man behind the Olympics
Ian – the man behind the Olympics

 

Great North Run

An Early Start

It was a 5:30am start for myself and Andrew Tudor as we left Northowram heading for Newcastle and the start of the Great North Run 2016.

A pleasant journey up to the North East and before you know it we were parked up in South Shields and heading to a local B&B to meet the rest of our gang running for the charity Theirworld.

We had our breakfast, changed and pinned on our numbers before getting the Metro across to the start line. The Metro was not as busy as in previous years and it was quite a pleasant journey across to the start.

At the Start

A couple of toilet stops and then we walked towards the starting pens. This for me is where the sheer size of the Great North Run really hits you. 55,000+ runners all nervously trying to congregate into their respective pens and prepare themselves for the off.

It really is a sight to behold and a great experience.

A lot of runners getting in their pens
A lot of runners getting in their pens

We caught a glimpse of Lord Coe on our way to the start, and looked out for Mo Farah but he was nowhere to be seen. I bet he doesn’t need to use the woods for the toilet either…

We kept an eye out for the other Pumas taking part…

Lizzie Jones, Lyndsey Grix, Stephanie Coyle,

Lizzie, Lindsay and Stephanie
Lizzie, Lyndsey and Stephanie

Susan Burlison, Paul Pickering and Janine Dyson

Paul and Janine
Paul and Janine

but the chances of spotting anyone you have not agreed to meet beforehand are very limited!

We were both in Zone B, which was nearest the start line (apart from Elites and Fast Paced Club Runners). Several selfies later (he loves a selfie does Andrew…)

Andrew and Andy at the start line
Andrew and Andy at the start line
....and again, looking pretty excited about it all
….and again, looking pretty excited about it all

and we were off. It only took us around 40 seconds to cross the start line which was a real bonus.

a lot of people getting to cross the start line
a lot of people getting to cross the start line

The Race

My race went okay, certainly up until the half way point. I set off quick (it’s difficult not to as the first mile or so is downhill).

I had aspirations of 1 hour 35 minutes, and when I passed the Duracell pacer at 5k I felt good and thought the time was achievable.

When the same pacer went back past me at about 10 miles I was already slowing down quite rapidly and didn’t have the legs or the energy to stay with them. The coast was a very welcome sight (as always) and the last mile was tough but enjoyable. I even managed a bit of a “sprint” to finish in 1hour 37, which not quite what I wanted it was a minute off last years’ time.

Andrew on the other hand had a fantastic race. Unlike me he took the sensible option of pacing slightly slower at the beginning which left him with the energy and legs to finish very strongly. He finished in an amazing time of 1 hour 42, knocking an astonishing 20 minutes off his time from last year. A massive contender for Pumas performance of the year if ever I saw one!

To say he ran at a supersonic pace, Andy's still standing at the end (and smiling too!)
To say he ran at a supersonic pace, Andy’s still standing at the end (and smiling too!)
Andrew, rocking a finish line selfie, and an amazing new PB
Andrew, rocking a finish line selfie, and an amazing new PB

The Great North Run truly is a fantastic event. It’s difficult to appreciate until you have taken part, but being one of over 50,000 runners, many with very personal and touching reasons to be running, really is inspirational. We can also say that we have been in the same race as Mo Farah although he paced his race better than I did but perhaps not as well as Andrew!

I would encourage any Pumas to give the Great North Run a try – you won’t regret it and I will be back for my 12th year in 2017.


Andy Haslam 1:37:00
Andrew Tudor 1:42:38
Janine Dyson TBC
Paul Pickering 2:31:05
Lizzie Jones 3:14:56
Lyndsey Grix 3:14:57
Stephanie Coyle 3:14:55
Susan Burlison 2:42:25

Pumas BBQ and band night

We all know Pumas like a good party and our latest social event was no different…

When:  Saturday 10 September 2016

Where: Northowram Community Sports & Activity club

What: Awesome live music and expert BBQ-ing skills

The event was pulled together by our awesome social co-ordinator Wendy and her army of helpers. The night kicked off at 6pm (following a lot of planning and organising beforehand) and a steady stream of Pumas and music enthusiasts made their way to NCSAC to get the party started.

However, you did first have to get past the rigorous door staff…Nicola was taking no prisoners:

No stamp - you're not coming in
No stamp – you’re not coming in

The Music

There were two live acts playing during the evening, and they were fantastic.

First up was an acoustic performance by the very talented Tom Waterworth. He kept everyone entertained and got the party started with popular covers that sounded fantastic.

tom getting the party started
Tom getting the party started

Next up were the three piece band The Good Citizens. They brought a brilliantly unique sound and style to a variety of songs, ranging from Shaggy’s ‘It wasn’t me’ to Arctic Monkeys and everything in between.

the-good-citizens
The Good Citizens in action

The music from both acts was brilliant and got everyone in the party mood (possibly helped by a few alcoholic beverages along the way)…just take a look:

While the music played we had some dedicated chefs hard at work…

The BBQ

Our gourmet chefs started cooking up a treat as soon as we got underway at 6pm.

Andy took the firey BBQ reigns to start with, he departed to rest up before his early start for the GNR (great north run) and Mike took over the tongs.

And much to everyone’s surprise Matt also pitched in and turned out to be a very good sous chef!

Thanks to all out BBQ-ers for providing much need food for all our drinkers!!

All in all an excellent night was had….both by kids fuelled by Wendy’s sweet shop and adults fuelled by something a bit stronger!

A massive thank you to all of our helpers on the night:

  • Andy Haslam
  • Nicola Pennington
  • Vicky Owen
  • Mike Hartley
  • Matt Newton
  • The fabulous Jacky and the amazing bar staff

And the main lady herself Wendy Hewitt for pulling the whole event together

Also a special thank you to Tom Waterworth and The Good Citizens for providing such brilliant entertainment.

Unrecognisable as there's no lycra or sweat in sight - some of the Puma Ladies
Unrecognisable as there’s no lycra or sweat in sight – some of the Puma Ladies
The band getting people up on the dance floor
The band getting people up on the dance floor
It's not a party unless shots are involved!
It’s not a party unless shots are involved!
Pumas at the bar
Pumas at the bar
Looking a bit merry after a couple of drinks
Looking a bit merry after a couple of drinks

 

 

 

Kirkwood Hospice 10k

Who, what, where and when?

On Sunday 4 September, Leeds Road Sports Complex played host to the Kirkwood Hospice 10K. Northowram Pumas were originally to be represented by four strong-willed participants, in Melissa Hall, Vicky Owen, Carine Baker and yours truly, but after this particular scribe suffered an horrific toe injury on the Wednesday prior to the race – the injury was so bad, in fact, that several dosages of Ibuprofen needed to be administered – the contingent was down to three. However, at the last moment, Matt Newton (who else?) stepped into the breach having being coaxed, seemingly, by Carine, to the point where Matt simply couldn’t refuse.

Having being alerted to my non-availability by certain members of the Pumas, it was put to me that perhaps I could give some coverage to the performances of our runners, so armed with my Kodak EasyShare DX7630 – a state -of-the-art- model when it was purchased in 2005 – I was on hand to take some jolly snaps to help illustrate my report. Which is as follows.

The main event

Pre-race, and myself and the four ever-willing runners met up to discuss the run. The course itself was straightforward enough and none too tasking; two laps of the field (thereby completing the first mile), out on to Leeds Road heading in a north-easterly direction for a few hundred yards before turning back on themselves along the canal. From there, it was around another half-a mile before taking the bridge (the only inclined section) to join the cycle path. After another half-mile the course rejoined the canal, the route taking the runners back towards the sports complex and out onto the road to begin a second circuit.

The Pumas posed for the obligatory pre-race photos before joining in with a nifty warm-up routine, one in which Matt showed some lovely hip movements, doubtless honed from his time spent in the discos with Neil Coupe. But just as they were getting in the groove, the runners were told to make their way to the start. I can’t be certain, but the words ‘taking it steady’ were overheard coming from the Pumas, something which bore testimony when the fab four took their places towards the back of the assembled throng, which mustered over two-hundred.

The runners walking over to the start line
The runners walking over to the start line

The race began, with the Pumas all smiles for the cameras, Melissa and Vicky giving reassuring waves.

Pumas at the back to ensure there's no cheating
Pumas at the back to ensure there’s no cheating

After two laps of the field, the run was developing. Matt and Carine had stolen a march on Melissa and Vicky, and the runners headed out onto the road.

Matt Newton and Carine Baker just about to complete their second lap before heading out onto the road
Matt Newton and Carine Baker just about to complete their second lap before heading out onto the road
Melissa Hall and Victoria Owen still smiling - after all, there's only another five miles to go
Melissa Hall and Victoria Owen still smiling – after all, there’s only another five miles to go

A quick sprint (despite aching toe) meant that I could catch up them again along the canal, Matt and Carine still leading the way for the Pumas. Not far behind, Melissa was striding out, though Vicky was running comfortably and still able to give us another smile.

Carine Baker obviously speeding up for the cameras
Carine Baker obviously speeding up for the cameras
Always a nice smile for the camera
Always a nice smile for the camera
And again...
And again…

The runners disappeared from view, giving myself and mascot Bella time to peruse the facilities. The burger bar looked tempting, but being a disciplined athlete, I managed to refrain, much to Bella’s dismay.

Bella wants a burger
Bella wants a burger

The finish of the 10K involved running three-quarters of the adjacent athletics track, which, before I knew it, was welcoming in the first of those running the 5K.

In due course, the Pumas appeared from their first trek along the canal and cycle path to begin the second lap. Matt was leading the Pumas along, Carine was next, then Melissa, and finally Vicky. Again, from a distance, through the trees as they ran along the canal, it seemed a case of ‘as-you-were’. It wasn’t unreasonable, then, to expect Matt to be the first Puma to enter the final section of the course – the athletics track. But events out in the sticks meant that things were not so clear-cut. As the leading runners entered the car park and through the funnelled section which led them to the track, this intrepid reporter positioned himself handily to capture the first Puma.

Soon enough, they appeared. But wait; those were not the long legs of Matt. Who could it be? Well, distinctively, it could only be Melissa, now leading the charge for the finishing line.

Melissa Hall is the first Puma to enter the arena, putting on a sprint not realising she now has to run another three-quarters of the track
Melissa Hall is the first Puma to enter the arena, putting on a sprint not realising she now has to run another three-quarters of the track

She had a smile on her face when she entered the funnel, but that seemed to disappear when she realised there were still 300 metres of the track to negotiate!

Oh, she's just found out.
Oh, she’s just found out

Mel stuck to it, and crossed the finishing line in 59:42.

A big cheer for the first Puma home - Melissa Hall
A big cheer for the first Puma home – Melissa Hall

Who would be next? It was Carine, putting on a spurt to finish in 1h 01.08.

Carine Baker is the second Puma home
Carine Baker is the second Puma home

Vicky followed, looking so relaxed nobody would have thought that this was only the second 10K she had tackled. Her finishing time was 1h 02:42.

Victoria Owen finishing in style
Victoria Owen finishing in style

And around 200 metres further back was Matt. He made it to the finish clearly in some distress and was on the verge of collapse as he crossed the line. Six weeks of inactivity through injury (Achilles) had taken its toll, and the final 3-4K were perhaps a few steps too far. But full credit to Matt, and indeed, all our runners for completing the course.

Matt Newton finishes, obviously feeling the effects of being inactive through injury for six weeks.

Everyone was smiles after the run, and experiences and stories were exchanged. Food and (non-alcoholic) drink was consumed. Bella was exhausted after all the excitement.

Matt Newton collapses...oh sorry, that's our Bella
Matt Newton collapses…oh sorry, that’s our Bella

And Matt, Melissa, Carine and Vicky all seemed delighted to have taken part. As indeed, would this roving reporter have done. A quick check of the results might suggest that, as a matter of fact, he did, in a time of 1h 03:48. For after all, why should Matt do all the worrying?!

Having heard so many great things about the Northowram Pumas, this great big pink tiger cat thing insisted on having a photo
Having heard so many great things about the Northowram Pumas, this great big pink tiger cat thing insisted on having a photo

Massive thanks to Johnny Meynell, reporter extraordinaire.

Junior Pumas Widdop Race

When: Wednesday 20 July 2016

Where: Widdop (near Heptonstall)

Distance: Under 8’s 0.65km, Under 10’s 1.5km and Under 12’s 2.0km

Who: Our awesome Junior Pumas

This was the first official race that our Junior Pumas have taken part in. Organised by the Calder Valley Fell Running Club it was a bit of a baptism of fire for our Junior Pumas!

We had Juniors running in 3 of the different age categories:

Under 8’s

  • Finley Canning
  • Orlagh Kenny
  • Sophie Booth
  • Caitlin Booth
  • Maia Tudor
  • Reuben Bartkiw
  • Henry Rathbone
  • Tailla Green-Moore

Under 10’s

  • Tegan Green-Moore
  • Jude Kenny
  • Amelie Baker
  • Jeremy Bartkiw

Under 12’s

  • Olivia Fall
Junior Pumas Ready to Race
Junior Pumas Ready to Race

The race was all run on the fells surrounding Heptonstall. This type of running was a massive change for our juniors, who have done some ‘off road’ running but nothing compared to the terrain on a proper quarry run (the term used for a junior fell run). As Maia Tudor said ‘I had to climb up a big rock and it was a bit dangerous because if I’d have fell I would have landed in the river’.

Even though all of our juniors have run longer distances the tough terrain and steep hills made it a challenging course.

But this didn’t stop them. Each and every one of our Junior Pumas raced to the best of their ability and performed absolutely amazingly.

We even had a medal winner, Tailla Green-Moore who came 3rd in the U8 girls! An amazing achievement.

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The team spirit they showed was also great to watch, as they stood and cheered the rest of their team mates across the finish line.

Some team players cheering Olivia home
Some team players cheering Olivia home

As a coaching team we couldn’t be more proud of how well our Junior Pumas did, we were definitely #proudtobeapuma on Wednesday night.

The times and places of our junior runners are available here.

Our junior pumas post race
Our junior pumas post race

Helen Windsor 10k

Date: 6 July 2016

Location: Greetland All Rounders Sports Club

Type: Road

Distance: 10k

The Helen Windsor 10k is a yearly event organised by the Halifax Harriers. This year we thought it’d be a great one to get a load of Pumas involved in.

Two Pumas completed the race in 2015. Last years course was the reverse of this years, and it was tough last year as it was around 30 degrees.

Thankfully the temperature was much more bearable this year, and the course was being run in the opposite direction. Which meant that even though there were still some tough climbs, they were generally shorter than if you’d have run it in the other direction.

So, we arrived, en mass. This was probably the biggest turn out of Pumas for a single race, we almost equalled all the Stainland Lions there! In total we had a pride of 23 Pumas running, and two awesome Pumas supporting. Thanks for being there Sarah Firth and Simon Wilkinson – I know we can attribute our awesome times to your cheering skills!:

A pride of Pumas ready to take on the Helen Windsor 10k
A pride of Pumas ready to take on the Helen Windsor 10k

The course

The course is all run on road up and around Norland. The roads were fairly nice and quiet which allowed the runners to pretty much take over one side of the road without running the risk of being run over.

As routes go, it’s nice. The scenery down into the valleys below is lovely (if you get chance to enjoy it!). There are some hills, and tough ones at that. but these were always met with nice downhills afterwards.

A water station was placed halfway round, and was much needed as it was quite close weather wise.

The Harriers had placed km markers all the way round the route, and a few of us (ok, maybe just me and Neil) were pretty impressed that they had got these spot on! Well done guys, best ones we’ve seen!

The sting in the tail of the course was that the finish was an uphill, and personally, I struggle with an uphill finish as it’s hard to push yourself up a hill, at a sprint, when you’ve run hard for 50 minutes.

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Results

We had some absolutely fantastic results on the night.

A full list of times is available, but a couple of standout mentions for:

Luke Cranfield – 40:37 – First Puma home

Roxanne Armitage – 44.56 – First female Puma home

Mike Hartley – 55:22 – Knocking down his PB 10k by over 5 minutes!!

Debbie Fox – 50:57 – An amazing time in its own right but also the first female over 40!! She got a prize and everything.

Georgia Bottomley – 1:01:48 – For beating her dad Paul!

Wendy Hewitt – 1:02:46 – Who didn’t think she’d beat 1:10 and then smashed it in just over an hour.

And all the other Pumas who took part for just being down right awesome and showing other runners what an amazing team spirit we have.

As always #proudtobeapuma

Round Sheffield Run

Where: Sheffield
When: Sunday 26 June
Terrain: Mixed. Road and trail
Distance: Multi stage race – 12 miles running, 14 miles in total

The Round Sheffield Run was a first for me, I’d never done a race like this before. Basically it was an 11 stage race, each stage was timed and then you had a ‘rest’ between each stage that wasn’t timed, and you used this to walk from the end of one stage to the start of the next one.

You could either run as an individual or as a pair, so when we signed up myself and Luke agreed we’d take it on as a pair. We had a team name and everything.

We arrived at Endcliffe Park in plenty of time for our wave to start (we were the second to last wave and started between 10am and 10.15am) because as well as picking up our standard race number we had to collect our timing chip. This was like a little dibber attached to a lanyard that Luke ran with. This little dibber was what we used to check us in at the start of each stage and out at the end of it. So it recorded how long it look you to do each one. We also got a handy little card that told us how many kilometres each stage was and how long we had from the finish of each stage to get to the start of the next one. If you took longer the additional time was added to your stage time.

It might sound a bit complicated, but once you got into the swing of it it was really easy, and there was a marshal at every stage start and finish to make sure you did it correctly.

At the start line - the blue rope is what the 'dibber' was attached to
At the start line – the blue rope is what the ‘dibber’ was attached to

So the stages…

Stage one – 2.9km – gentle

The race started from Endcliffe Park and followed some paths though the park before crossing a road and starting to follow some more trail like paths through some woods. So far so good, this was fairly flat and we were able to set an ok pace.

Each time you came across a road crossing while you were running, you could use your dipper to check in and out, so you didn’t lose any time waiting for traffic, but we found the roads were pretty quiet so we could just get across without needing to do this.

With the first 2.9k down, I was feeling pretty confident, consulting my map I saw the next stage was 2.5k, half a Parkrun, how hard can it be?

So I asked Luke, what does KOM/QOM stand for next to where it says stage 2…

Stage two – 2.5km – KILLER

As all Tour de France aficionado’s will know KOM (or QOM) stands for King of the Mountain. Oh. Bugger.

They weren’t lying. It started off pretty gently, and I thought to myself, ahhhh they mustn’t have hills like we do. But they do. The hill was a killer, pretty steep and one of those unrelenting ones that never seem to end.

Our pace took a bit of a dent on this stage and we slowed right down (as did a lot of the people around us!).

The route was lovely, through some nice wooded countryside with a stream running through it. If my legs hadn’t been screaming at me, it would have been very pleasant!

But finally the 100 meters to go sign came into view and we could enjoy the fact that that stage would soon be over. At the end of this stage there was a water station with bottles of water and bananas! Very nice!

Stage 3 – 2.5km – Lovely bit of down

An awesome bit of trail to make up some time from the last section (offftttt a lot of walking in that stage). This was possibly my favourite section of the whole race, you can’t beat a good downhill section and it’s lovely running trails that you haven’t run before.

Stage 4 – 1.8km – Mud!

After quite a lot of rain (’cause you know it is summer!!!) the previous three days this was quite a muddy section. There were a fair few times I thought I’d be ending up with a fairly muddy bum!

I have to say my favourite bit was probably racing through the middle of the mud while watching some of my fellow competitors gingerly pick their way round the edges of it!

Stage 5 – 2.5km – Knackered before the start

To get to the start of this leg involved a ‘lovely’ climb up steps through some woods. Suffice to say, my legs were burning before we even started this one! After a couple of minutes plucking up the courage to start again we were off.

Happily the lovely surroundings made this leg seem a bit less harsh. The route described it as undulating. I think I’d just call it up!

Stage 6 – 0.9km – that’s only 900 metres

It’s funny how much further 900 metres seems when you’re legs are getting tired! Pretty thankful this was a nice short one!

Stage 7 – 1.4km – eughhhhhh. That is all.

An uphill slog. There’s no other way to describe it. This was hard. My legs were tired, Luke looked like he had barely broken a sweat and it was all uphill. I hate uphill. It sucks. But I was looking forward to the next water station to refuel and fill up my water bottle.

Looking a bit insane....
Looking a bit insane….

Stage 8 – 1.3km – what goes up must come down

Yay, a nice downhill! A fast trail section. Plus at the end of this one there was a water station with LOADS of Jelly Babies. So we took on board a few (handfuls) of them… purely to replenish our energy reserves, not because we love Jelly Babies.

Stage 9 – 0.8km – Quick one!

This stage was over with pretty quickly, mostly downhill through some woods but on a tarmac path so you could really ramp up the speed on this one. Another good stage to make some time back, especially with all the Jelly Babies for fuel!

Stage 10 – 2.2km – Sad face, more hills

Oh my god, I was not prepared for the hills on this penultimate stage. They floored me. It was up a steep road and then into some woods. Once we were into the woods the hill became a lot more gradual rather than straight up, but it was still a tough leg to complete especially with tired legs.

Stage 11 – 0.4km – THE FINISH!

Just 400 metres through the park to the finish line. It was flat, but my legs didn’t want to move so it definitely wasn’t a sprint finish!

Pretty chuffed to have finished! Good quality medals too!
Pretty chuffed to have finished! Good quality medals too!

Overall it was probably one of the most enjoyable races I’ve done in terms of the route and the stages. It broke the race up, and added an extra element of fun into the day! I think it made what would have been a pretty tough course if you ran the whole thing, into quite a manageable race.

Out of the 148 mixed pairs that completed the race, me and Luke came 37th, so not a bad effort. All of our stage times (if you’re interested) are here.

Northowram Burner 2016

Date: 12 June 2016

Location: Northowram Primary School, Halifax

Distance: 2.5k and 10k

Terrain: Mud and hills!

The Burner is an annual race held every year by a group of schools within Calderdale.

For the past two years the race has been hosted by Bolton Brow school and has negotiated the hills surrounding Sowerby Bridge.

But this year the race moved to the Pumas home turf! So we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get involved and help out.

Much of the behind scenes organising was done by our chairman Andy Haslam, along with the help of the rest of the Burner committee and a number of Pumas who, suffice to say, now know the route like the back of their hand!

The route

The criteria was simple:

Off road. We love our off road running us Pumas. So the route decided by Andy and Ian incorporated some of the best trails and scenery we have to offer. And obviously, it’s June, how treacherous could some off road running be?

And hills! You can’t escape them in Yorkshire, so we thought we’d pick some reet tough ones to run up. I’m certain the route was pretty much 80% uphill!!!

Here’s a map of the route we’d planned:

View route map for Northowram Burner 2016 – 10K on plotaroute.com

On the day

After all the organising, recce runs and more recce runs, the big day finally came around.

The first race of the day was the 2.5k fun run. There were over 450 runners. Most of them youngsters. The atmosphere was fantastic and we had a great warm up by Amanda Tuck.

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After the 2.5k, it was time for the 10k to get underway.

Again Amanda took us through a warm-up, with Puma Johnny taking it VERY seriously:

Johnny beasting the warmup
Johnny beasting the warmup

And then, after Andy’s safety briefing, we were off.

And they're off....not before a final wave to the crowd!
And they’re off… not before a final wave to the crowd!

The first couple of miles were a mixture of road and trail,

Thanks to the great British summer weather it rained pretty much constantly the days leading up to the Burner. This meant that the lovely downhill trail sections of the course started to resemble something from a Tough Mudder event!

The first few miles, although uphill (and including a bit of a slog up towards Queensbury), were mainly on roads so the pace was pretty quick and all the fellow runners seemed pretty happy.

The hill into Queensbury had most people looking a bit tired:

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The fun started on the descent down into the valley, I imagine those at the front of the race had an easier time than those of us towards the middle/back, as by the time we got to trail sections the ground had been thoroughly churned up by the 80 plus runners before us!

But, it’s no fun if there’s no mud! And even though it made it tough it didn’t seem to dampen anyones spirits. As with every race I’ve been to, you could hear all the competitors having a laugh and a joke about it, regardless of club, pace or ability. One of the reasons why running is such a great sport!

Once we’d passed the mud slide, and the mountain rescue man who was manning the stream crossing with a rope in case anyone got swept away, it was pretty much back to solid ground. A nice downhill and flat section gave everyone the chance to make up a bit of time. Before the dreaded Whiskers Lane.

To our Advantage (or possibly, actually, disadvantage, as we’d all spent the whole race dreading it) the Pumas knew what the finale of the race had in store. Whiskers Lane is a rocky, vertical (ok, not vertical, but it feels like it!) climb back up towards Northowram. It is a killer. If you’re ever in the area we’d definitely recommend giving it a go, if you get up it without walking you deserve a medal!

Thankfully after the climb the final stretch was flat-ish (it is Yorkshire after all!) back to the school playing field.

The winner was Joe Sagar with an outstanding time of 39:41

Winner Joe Sagar crossing the finish line
Winner Joe Sagar crossing the finish line

The first male Puma home was Luke Cranfield with a time of 45:14. Although he needs to work on his finish line face…

Luke, first male Puma home
Luke, first male Puma home

And the first female Puma home was Liz McDonnell with a smashing time of 54:31

Liz, first female Puma home
Liz, first female Puma home

Also a massive well done to all the Pumas who took part in the race, it was an amazing team effort!! As with every other event we’ve done the amazing team atmosphere and camaraderie between the Pumas makes me #proudtobeapuma.

Pumas!!
Pumas!!

And finally we’d like to give a massive shout out to:

  • Andy Haslam – Race Director Extraordinaire
  • Ian Marshal – Just for always being there to help out
  • Henry Naylor – For some great race timing skills
  • Simon Wilkinson – for yet again pulling out some first rate organisational skills and co-ordinating the marshalling of both events
  • Sarah Rushforth – For helping to organise the whole event
  • The Burner Committee – for bringing the whole event together
  • All the other helpers and volunteers for working hard to make it a brilliant day!

Pumas CWR Excellence

On Sunday 15 May 2016 Halifax Harriers held their annual Calderdale Way Relay fell race.

Andy had floated the idea a few times, that it would be really great to enter a Pumas team into the race.

Little did he know what a monster he would create with this suggestion!

The run up

The enthusiasm amongst the Pumas was overwhelming. Not only did we have enough runners sign up to create a team, we actually got enough willing (read crazy) volunteers to create two separate teams, a male and female team.

This in itself is amazing, given that we only became a proper affiliated running club 12 months ago.

Tracey “volunteered” herself to be our Team Manager. Without a shadow of a doubt, we would not have managed it without her!

She was that brilliant we got her flowers and everything

Tracey our awesome Team Manager
Tracey our awesome Team Manager

Not only did Tracey:

  • work out everyones running partners
  • supply us with updates and information about the event
  • co-ordinate kit checks
  • answer our endless, repetitive and sometimes daft questions (for example, does a Babybel count as emergency food?)
  • shuffle and change running partners to cope with injuries
  • collect money and signatures off us all

But she also got herself and Simon up at 5am on the morning of the event and they then made their way to the start of each and every leg to see off the leg runners and welcome home the runners of the previous leg.

We might not have been the fastest team to complete the event and we may never be superstar fell runners, but without a shadow of a doubt we had the best team atmosphere out there! And we have Simon and Tracey to thank for a lot of that. Without their cheering and sweets we wouldn’t have found it half as enjoyable.

Race Day

I think it’s safe to say that most of us were pretty nervous as race day approached. Most of the runners had been to complete recce’s of their routes (apart from one cavalier runner *cough* Neil *cough* who was just going to do it on the day) and I think we were all feeling a bit wary about the amount of hills we would be running up.

There were six legs in total, and we had four runners (2 runners in each team, so two male and two females Pumas) in each leg.

We thought the best way to give you an idea of how the day went is to let a runner from each leg explain it to you.

So over to Neil our ran leg one with Luke, Johanne and Kirsty

Leg 1 – Clay House to Hinchcliffe Arms

Rewind back to the 5th March 2016, there I was happily skiing  in the French Alps when I  saw a Facebook notification inviting me to take part in the CWR 2016.   Further reading of the notification I saw that my good now bad lady had confirmed (without discussion) that I would be taking part.   I had no idea what it entailed and thought it was some kind of orienteering event like that i took part of once on a outward bound course when I was 17.

I was already pretty fit and thought well it can’t be that difficult and I knew I had the will power if not fitness to complete what was expected of me. On return from skiing I realised that my good lady had only volunteered myself and not her! I also realised after a few runs off road that this was going to be completely different to any running that I had done before. As the event was approaching the enormity hit home,  and being part of a team of such fantastic runners I was nervous not to let anyone down. I was also running with Luke Cranfield who I know is a far better runner than myself and felt anxious at the thought of holding him back.

Leg 1 teams
Leg 1 teams

The day had arrived and it was an early start ( I even turned down a night out the day before). I  picked Luke up at 6:00am and met the other team leg 1 runners, Kirsty and Johanne.  I had to leave my car at the finish so I could get straight off, we all drove over to the start where Joanne informed us that she had tried to drink a lot of water to keep hydrated but had coughed and was sick all over her dashboard and steering wheel, maybe it was nerves  and she wasn’t by herself feeling the nerves!
We made our way over to the start  ….my heart was beating ten to the dozen.  We were let loose 8:00am.

The start of the race...spot the Puma
The start of the race…spot the Puma

My first memory was that for some reason we were filtered up some stairs and it was only wide enough for 2 persons and everyone seemed to be scrambling up a vertical wall and I thought this is only the start what awaits us, but Luke my relay partner had already done a recce of the route and seemed confident that I would get through it. We seemed to climb for around 2 miles into some waste land and I remember passing a runner who was getting medical treatment. As it leveled out we looked behind us and was hoping that our other team wouldn’t be far behind but they was no where to be seen.  Luke informed  me that they were taking it easy on the first assent.  By this time I was quite sweaty and knew I hadn’t any fluid in my ruck sack left and that I needed to cool down, but I was feeling strong so continued into Ripponden. As we were descending I remember  Luke saying to me that the worse climbs were still to come, thanks mate !!

As we started to climb out of Ripponden I was getting quite warm and sweaty again and felt a bit disorientated and knew I had to cool down as I was loosing too much fluid.  I knew I was holding Luke up, who was an excellent partner and never pushed too hard and was always close by.  As we got to the top of the second climb (approx 3 miles which I had to walk 30 percent of it to cool down) I looked back and saw our other team members approx 50m behind me and I shouted down to them. They soon caught us up and we were now a team of four,well 3 and Luke was our guide, LOL !  We walked, ran and talked to each other and supported each other but no one had any water left.

Approx 2 miles from completing our leg Luke whispered to me “come on we can’t let the other team beat us” I looked at him and thought mmm yes we best crack on or we would never live it down and we went for it.   We pushed hard to the finish and completed our leg in 1:54 with the other team a couple of minutes behind.

As I was approaching the finish I saw and heard familiar faces and voices which helped me to speed up .   I must say that this is one of the hardest BUT most satisfying events that I have taken part in.  I first joined Pumas to meet new like minded friends and improve on my fitness.  It was one of the best decisions that I have made!

Luke and Neil at the finish line
Luke and Neil at the finish line

I would like to thank all the people who was at the end to support.  Yes, even my good lady even though I hadn’t talked to her for a month beforehand for volunteering me in the first place. I would also like to thank my partner Luke for encouraging me throughout and my respect goes out to all the Pumas who completed a section.  Finally , I would like to thank Tracey Ann, who without her organising the event would never have taking place.
Proud to be a Puma 🙂

Jo and Kirsty at the finish line
Jo and Kirsty at the finish line

Leg 2 – Hinchcliffe Arms to Todmorden

Johnny’s perspective

When it was first suggested that Northowram Pumas take part in the Calderdale Way Relay, there was always the dilemma of whether of not a fledging club such as ours would be able to raise a team. That we managed two is testament to just what an enthusiastic bunch we are. The event has been staged for many years, but in all honesty, it had never been on my radar.

With no Vets team entered I was squad-listed for the Men’s/Mixed team. But of which leg to run. Well, being a Tod lad, there was the appeal of Leg 2 – Cragg Vale to Todmorden. But let me say, the thought of returning to my home town was the only thing that was appealing. Of how to get there; that was a different matter.

After much juggling of the team by our Tracey, my running buddy was Robert Shirlaw, with Ally and Liz running the same leg in the Ladies’ event. We’d met up two weeks prior to the Relay to recce the 8.4 mile route, so come the day, we knew what lay ahead.

Logistics meant our day started with a 7.00am meet-up at the club; this in itself necessitated for myself a 6.15 alarm, which is just what everybody loves to hear on a Sunday morning. We travelled in two cars to Tod, so well organised were we that we had the pick of the car park spaces at the High School where our leg would finish several hours hence. Then it was the journey back to the basin at Cragg Vale, where we registered outside, rather than inside, the Hinchcliffe Arms, and had our equipment checked, if you know what I mean, by keen marshals.

Other runners arrived, loads of ‘em. Many, in fact had to queue to register. I mean, what was all that about? We’d been there so early, we were close to having help set up the trestle table. It was all going so smoothly, plus there was the reassuring arrivals of Tracey, Simon and Matt (emergency cover, despite having Leg Six to run – oh, the irony!) to see us off.

The Leg One cut-off point was 9.45am, but we were all confident that Luke and Neil would comfortably beat this. The Leg Two runners started lining up, most in some sort of serious and nervous state. But amid the growing tension and apprehension, two of our party were calmly sipping warm drinks supplied by mine hosts at the Hinchcliffe Arms; Liz bought one for herself and Robert, a ‘coffee-while-u-wait’ type of thing.

Excitement began to mount as the first of the Leg One runners descended the hill towards the line, a supreme band of elite athletes. Surely Luke and Neil (or Johanne and Kirsty for that matter) would be among these? We hoped and we waited. They didn’t show and at 9.45 prompt the Leg Two runners were called to order. This was it, there was no turning back (that only added to the agony, because running the opposite direction seemed mightier easier than the hill we were about to face).

The countdown to zero began, and suddenly we were off, the more athletic among them jostling for prime positions, while the more sedate of us, such as myself, made headway in a preamble kind of manner. The thought of climbing towards Widdop Clough Reservoir and beyond, with a bulky backpack strapped to my back, did not sit easily on this runner’s mind. Robert had led the charge, and I wouldn’t meet up with him again until we reached Stoodley Pike; in the meantime, all I had to do was concentrate on my own effort, as painful as it was.

Past Widd0p Clough, we entered fields through a stile, and ventured upwards and over the tops. This terrain wasn’t particularly steep, but it was quite arduous, and boggy in places. The sight of Stoodley Pike appearing in the distance was comforting, and I got my head down knowing that our first descent was soon upon us. Robert was there waiting patiently, but there was no time to rest. It’s a magnificent view from Stoodley Pike, although I had no time to take it in. Nor did I have time to have a conversation with the marshal who clearly recognised me and shouted out my name as I approached. I took a quick glance backwards and yelled, “Who is it?” but no reply was forthcoming, and I wouldn’t find out his identity until the following day (Let me interject at this point to say that I can really vouch for the beauty of the views from the top of the hill; when I was a kid, my mum took us on a glorious picnic on a lovely warm afternoon, and I had more time to take it all in).

We careered down the Todmorden side of the Pike; Robert quicker than me once more, but between us, we did manage to make up some places. The descent wasn’t so straightforward, involving a tricky rock-filled path that could easily have caused harm. But we survived intact, and hit the road at Manckinholes, tuned left down a cobbled path that took us invitingly but frustratingly in front of the Top Brink Inn, before we began the drag up towards the Shepherd’s Rest. Legs were starting to hurt but with the town centre visible below, the thought that we were over halfway was of some relief.

Five-hundred yards or so beyond the pub, we began heading down towards Todmorden town centre. Very steep and sharp in places, Robert found the grass verges an easier option than tarmac, and we hurtled down past the Unitarian Church and soon enough found ourselves on the Rochdale Road where we were greeted by workmen road surfacing. Were the red lights for us to stop? It was a tempting thought. We veered right up Dobroyd Road towards the footbridge over the railway line. As we trudged down the steps on the far side, legs felt like jelly, which wasn’t a good sign given that we now had the most difficult part of the route to attempt. As a youngster, I’d often played on this road, but only the bottom section. I had no idea (until we’d checked it out) just how high it climbed. A stairway to heaven is an apt phrase. So steep, and never ending. Robert was brave enough to run the early section (and maybe more) but for myself and those around me, walking was the obvious and necessary option. We climbed and climbed, I took a wrong turning at one point before being shouted back, took a tumble, and just when we’d hit the top of the road, we were through a stile into another field which climbed even higher. Still knowing the area, I knew the finish was just down the other side of the hill, less than a mile as the crow flies. But no crows were flying this particular race; we crossed the fields, then headed left for a further section of uphill climbing on a road I always knew as Doghouse Lane (it actually runs into Parkin Lane, and that’s where were at). At last, we reached Todmorden Edge Farm, and the downhill charge to the finish. Oh that this was simple. The track through Buckley Wood was narrow, slippery in places, and very uneven, with one helluva drop to our left. Still, without a care for limb or life, me and Robert gained two more places, and when we hit Ewood Lane, there was no looking back. With my backpack continuing to slip from my shoulders (as it had all the way round – who designs these things?) we opened up and made for the finishing line just at the entrance to the school.

We were greeted by Tracey, Simon and Luke (fresh from running his leg!) but no Leg Three runners; our cut off time had been 11.00am, we’d missed it by just short of fifteen minutes, and they’d already gone. With Liz and Ally coming in around five minutes later, collectively, our job was done, and there was some sense of satisfaction and pride that we’d completed what we set out to do, and played our part in a great team effort.

The Calderdale Way certainly isn’t for the faint hearted, but I’d certainly recommend those willing enough to give it a go. I’m up for it again next year – if selected, of course!

Ally’s perspective

Our race day started at 7am (well technically earlier as we had to get up, changed and eat our respective and much discussed race day breakfasts, I always vote for porridge on a race day) when we met at the sports club in Northowram ready for our drive to the finish line.

After depositing a car at Todmorden, we drove back to Cragg Vale, parked on the main road and then walked down to the start area outside the Hinchcliffe Arms pub. Looking back, we probably didn’t need to be there an hour and 45 minutes before we actually set off…..but if you ask me it’s always better to be early to race. You don’t need to worry about being late on top of race day nerves!

And there were some big race day nerves, especially on my part.

We registered and had our kits checked. After all the discussions we’d had about kit and what to take or not to take, it was good to get this bit out of the way!

We then hung around and waited, getting slightly more nervous as more runners turned up. Especially as they all looked a lot more ‘fell racey’ than we did.

A real bonus was getting to use the pub toilets rather than the pretty whiffy portaloos. Simple things.

We were pretty excited at the start…..

The leg 2 team
The leg 2 team
Looking enthusiastic before the start....the smiles didn't last long
Looking enthusiastic before the start….the smiles didn’t last long

As the first runners started to come in we were astounded at the speed they were running. I mean I know the finish to that leg one is down a hill, but they were going fast. Really fast.

Unfortunately our leg one teams didn’t get to us in time to hand the baton over, so we started in the mass start. We reckoned that maybe about half the teams were left at this point.

At 9.45 off we went.

Leg 2. Ughhhhhh. It starts with an uphill. literally as soon as you set off you’re on a steep climb up to Withins Clough reservoir. This first bit of climbing lasts for about a mile. You then get a nice stretch of flat (if you’re not too knackered to appreciate it) as you go along the side of the reservoir. and then inevitably the climbing starts again.

Although this time it’s a bit nicer as we were on fields rather than road. We continued to climb until we reached Stoodley Pike. This is a great moment as you know you’ve got the first 3 miles out of the way, and that’s 3 miles of climbing done. Plus you get an awesome bit of downhill running to play with.

Although, in the back of your mind you know that when you’re at the bottom, it’ll be back to hills.

A lot of the hills are deceiving, Liz spent a lot of the race trying to convince me I was nearing the top of the hill only to find we were about half way up it (not that it should have been a surprise as we’d recce’d the route a few weeks before, but I think she’s a glass half full sort of person!).

But the final sting in leg 2’s tail was the climb from Todmorden up to, well I guess the top of Todmorden. It was really tough, but at least you knew it was the last hill and then it was all down to the finish. And look how happy we were to finish…

Ally and Liz at the finish line
Ally and Liz at the finish line

All in all a pretty gruelling leg. But I’d definitely do it again, mainly so I could improve on the 97th place we got (sorry Liz!)….

Leg 3 – Todmorden to Blackshaw Head

Helen Jackson, Alan Sykes, Jessica Edwards and I (Melissa Hall) took on the challenge.

The leg 3 team raring to go
The leg 3 team raring to go

This leg started at Todmorden Leisure centre and ended at Blackshaw Head. After the first 600m we began the climb which felt like forever.

Helen and Alan still going up hill....
Helen and Alan still going up hill….

It was like Howes Lane but 100 times longer. This part, I believe, even the elite walked part of it. At one point I thought we would need to get the climbing equipment out! Ha! At the top we joined a bridle path with a few styles it was more manageable terrain and only slight hills. Absolutely amazing views of Stoodley Pike and Mankinholes.

We passed through some farms with usual farm animals, Wallabies and Llamas! Some parts of the path were a bit boggy. As we got nearer the end the path seemed to disappear and we had to do a bit of scrambling before joining Davey Lane for the final climb towards the finish line.

 

Jess and Mel enjoying a bit of down

There were some welcome familiar faces cheering us on to the end. In total according to Strava the total elevation gain was 1,098ft! I will keep my Calderdale Way Relay coaster and show it with pride. I thoroughly enjoyable and well organised event.

Obligatory start line selfie
Obligatory start line selfie

Leg 4 – Blackshaw Head to Wainstalls

Stopping for a selfie during a run is not something we usually do; however with the sun shining down on the majestic Calder Valley, we couldn’t resist capturing the moment.

Can't beat a good race selfie....especially with those views
Can’t beat a good race selfie….especially with those views

I hasten to add this was on our recce of Leg 4 of the Calderdale Way Relay, one week prior to the actual race.

Our fellow team Puma CWR comrades would undoubtedly have frowned upon such frivolous activity during the event itself. Although me and partner Shaun would have welcomed the opportunity to stop and catch our breaths on the challenging (chuffing knackering!) course.

Doing the recce meant we had the advantage of knowing the route and not getting lost (something we realised had happened just after snapping the selfie above – which soon wiped those smug smiles off!).

Doing the recce meant we also had the disadvantage of knowing the route – and knowing just how arduous those inclines were that awaited us!

Being more of a road runner with little experience of fell running, I found the undulating countryside trail hard going. It demands total concentration to ensure you’re following the correct route (which is not always clear!) and also avoiding slipping on the rough terrain. The risk of twisting an ankle is pretty high and there were a couple of times we both lost our footing.

It was a relief that the weather was on our side with no threat of rain to make the route more treacherous, especially on those steep downhill stretches where I was struggling for traction in these dry conditions.

It would have been unnerving running on the tops of Hardcastle Crags if damp under foot. My aching feet were so close to the edge of the narrow track that sloped sharply down to that rather grand canyon with sweeping views across to Stoodley Pike over yonder, which our Puma pals passed by on Leg 2.

Before the race we were nervously checking out the pics posted on the Pumas Facebook page of the starting line-up. Noticing most of the runners appeared to have hardly any extra baggage for their equipment, I felt like an amateur fell runner adorning my gigantic rucksack weighed down with my bulky waterproofs, emergency food (jelly babies!), young son’s childish compass I’d stolen earlier and a family heirloom – a 1970’s police whistle (issued to my dad when he became a constable in Calderdale before I was even born).

After dropping Shaun’s car off at the finish near Mount Tabor, we headed over to the start in my car just beyond Hebden Bridge – it was only then that we realised that despite carefully ticking off the checklist for the essential, obligatory kitlist, one of us had forgotten a rather key piece of equipment – running trainers… Despite this minor mishap, we made it to the start with plenty of time to spare and it was good to see the familiar faces from the other Pumas team joining us for this leg, Holly and Nicola.

Leg 4 team - Adam, Shaun, Holly and Nicola
Leg 4 team – Adam, Shaun, Holly and Nicola

I really enjoyed the run and despite it being about a third of the distance of the London Marathon I’d completed the previous month, I found it just as challenging but in a different way – with the contrasting scenery and antithesis of the terrain – but was equally tired at the end after enduring those precipitous paths.

We were chuffed to reach the end, although miffed when the next mishap with our planning dawned on us – having built up a substantial appetite, the packed lunch we’d been dreaming of tucking into once passing that finish line was sadly not there – we’d unfortunately left it in the wrong car – the one that was almost 10 miles away back at Blackshaw Head!

Proper fell racing action shot!
Proper fell racing action shot!

However, you can see from the expressions on our faces as we jogged along together in the splendour of the Calderdale Way (in the pic of a splendid view ruined by the two grinning blokes) that we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

It was great to run an event as part of a team – like many of our club comrades commented on Facebook that evening, it did make us feel proper proud to be Pumas.

Leg 5 – Wainstalls to Shelf

…a tale of stripping, getting lost and solitary stones

Our story of the Calderdale Way Relay started two weeks before the race itself. Paula, Gabriella and myself (Chris was busy working and couldn’t make it) decided to do a recce. We set off, and the first half a mile or so was great. Gabriella’s inability to read a map or follow instructions quickly got us into trouble and before we knew it we were horribly lost.

We thought we had made it back on the correct route, but a good hour or so spent trying to find a “solitary stone” on the instructions was an absolute joy. It turns out that, come race day, we were looking for the bloody solitary stone in the wrong field!

Anyway, we were helped by a couple of runners from Keighley and Craven, and the five of us completed the course. We covered 10.5 miles on the recce, and leg 5 is only 7.5 miles! Oh, what fun.

Come race day, and we all congregated at Wainstalls, nervously awaiting the start. I think Paula and Gabriella thought the race was being run in its traditional date of mid-December. They were covered in head to toe gear, including hat and gloves. But more of that later.

Ready for their 'December' run
Ready for their ‘December’ run

The tension mounted as some of the first teams came in and handed over their batons. It was great to be part of such a fantastic event and the excitement and tension was starting to mount. 1pm arrived and our mass start set-off. Learning the lessons from the recce and my tactic was to get away from Gabriella and Paula as quickly as possible! Chris and I quickly picked up the pace and we were soon overtaking other teams, particularly on the early ascents.

A couple of miles in and the early pace was starting to tell. Chris and I took a little breather by slowing our pace a little. My mind wandered to our partners in crime, Gabriella and Paula, who I mused were probably looking for the solitary stone again!

We made good progress in the middle of the race and we were picking other teams off. It was great to overtake a couple of teams who had taken a wrong turning and before we knew it, we were climbing the big hill towards Queensbury. It’s a tough climb but we knew that once we reached the summit we would be in familiar territory and well into the final stages of our leg.

Paula and Gabriella were also making excellent progress. Their pre-race decision to wear winter gear was causing issues however. The sun was now out, and, feeling the heat Paula whipped her top off! What a delight for the other teams!!

We made up even more ground as we entered the familiar territory around Northowram. We were on home turf now and we were determined that no other teams would pass us. Gabriella and Paula (now with her top back on, I think) made slightly unorthodox progress down a muddy bank (on their backsides!) but they did a fantastic job.

Chris and I arrived in Shelf to be cheered on by fellow Pumas, finishing our leg in a respectable 1hr 15minutes. Gabriella and Paula were not very far behind and made it to the finish line fully dressed with big smiles on their faces!

Leg 6 – Shelf to Clay House

The sixth leg was described as the easiest leg, not sure our legs agreed with that descriptor. The waiting around did nothing for nerves but the cold we felt soon went once we started the scramble through the uneven paths in the woods.

The Leg 6 team. Andrew, Matt, Andrea and Julie
The Leg 6 team. Andrew, Matt, Andrea and Julie

Warning ‘sink holes’ is the declaration we heard. Cautiously we ran down the uneven path.   The young children sat in the beer garden give us a welcome cheer running through the village.

The country roads took us to the top of brighouse, the views were spectacular, not so much the smell of nature and the horses that had Misbehaved  on our recce watched us closely. This route took us to places you never realised were there.
Descending down into brighouse and along the canal the smell of fish and chips were tempting distraction for what was up ahead.

The hill that hill! We had started our ascent to Southowram, the uneven track made it difficult but we made it that was the first hill and the hardest so they say but the next hill took us through woods carpeted with bluebells, no time to take in the surroundings we had to get to the top. The boost from other runners and a lone runner certainly spurred us on .We started our descent an surprising and unwelcome sight having to pass an injured team member.

Matt and Andrew crossing the finish line
Matt and Andrew crossing the finish line

Our legs picked up speed and we finally made it to the canal. Final stretch one that we had done on many occasions on a Sunday morning. The legs were heavy for the final half mile but we did it we crossed the line together to the loudest cheers from our club #proud to be a puma

Julie and Andrea at the finish line
Julie and Andrea at the finish line