Ange's Ultimate Challenge - The Bob Graham

 

Chapter 2 She Believed She Could and She Did

A Right Royal Bob Graham Round

This tale has taken 3 years to tell! A tale of patience, determination and some suffering!

Iv always had a love for the fells which started with a days hike being one or two summits! Iv certainly come on a long way since then, having completed my ultimate challenge ‘The Bob Graham Round’. This wasn’t achieved easily, which I guess makes it even more special.

Having suffered from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and received Chemotherapy and Rituximab treatment between 2011-2013, I have been left with a deficient immune system (a side effect of Rituximab treatment, which can affect the chest and/or urinary system). For the last two winters I have fought prolonged chest infections and a severe cough, which took the strongest of antibiotics to clear up. Dr Sharma, my Haematology Specialist noticed a low immunoglobulin result in my bloods and referred me for monthly immunoglobulin transfusions, which seem to have done the trick.  Having received them for approx. 12 months I have managed to stay in good health.  The start of the year saw me to the start (& finish) line of Trans Gran Canaria 42km. Days after this I was blown off my feet with a cyst problem, which resulted in me being laid up for 2 weeks.  I’d just got over this when I caught a chest infection, but luckily a course of antibiotics pulled me through, but cost me another 2 weeks.  I recovered and managed to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks fell race early April, then inspired by another friend took on the No Cure Always Hope 10in10 Ultra challenge on 24^th May, taking the ladies record! On the back of my result, I decided to strike while the irons hot and take the opportunity to make an attempt at the Bob Graham Round! August was talked about initially but after a couple of days of recovery I felt comfortable going earlier and taking advantage of the extra daylight June brings.  

 

Prelude to setting off

I felt very excited, fairly calm, no major panics.  Having completed the 10in10 Ultra successfully, I felt confident of succeeding.  However the fact I had not put two legs of the BG together (despite recceing every leg) did slightly concern me! Iv been out on numerous rounds helping others (or trying to) and have had bad experiences; falling in the river at 11.30pm; getting left behind on descents; feeling ill from suspected food poisoning half way up Mungrisedale Common at midnight. Now is my time to prove I can do it.

Its the day of the round, I woke  up feeling excited, but by 3pm was feeling rather nervous! I guess this is how you should feel 6 hours before setting off on the BG!

Leg 1 Keswick Moot Hall to Threlkeld (9pm-1am)

Pacer/Nav Rob Allen & Pete German – I absolutely loved it!

Leg1 support runners, Pete and Rob

Nice gathering to see me off

I really enjoyed the drive to Keswick,(!) picking up my support runners for leg1, Rob & Pete, and Gaynor who is doing my road support. Final kit distribution, then off to the Moot Hall with strict instruction from Paul to not set off too fast.  There were a few well wishers around which was nice as well as the ‘Keswick Ghost Walk Lady’! 9pm, countdown from 5 and we were on our way, steady away across Fitz Park, Spooney Green Lane, Lattrigg car park. I do remember thinking I can’t believe this is happening!  Rob trying to keep to Paul's instruction, don't set off too fast, I kept trying to keep my pace steady, feeling full of  beans and ready to run, this wasn't easy! Paul didn't confirm he was going to be at Lattrigg car park, but he was, the paced immediately slowed and  I waited for the reprimand. There was none, but our good pace didn't go unnoticed!! Skiddaw was no problem, the descent down Hare Crag not bad, bit wet underfoot for my liking but never mind! Onto Gt Calva and I didn’t get left behind on the descent. River Glendermaracken crossing was fine (my feet were already wet!) and the boys took a hand each to ensure I didn’t fall in, those stones aren’t half slippy! Blencathra came and went in a haze of rain and then there were the bright lights of Threlkeld.  My choice of decent was Hall’s Fell Ridge, which was fine and we arrived in Threlkeld to a  fairy light van Gaynor & Paul had so kindly set up for me!  A quick cup of soup, pick up my new team and were off after a quick goodbye to my cousin Pete. 

End of leg 1, Threlkeld

Leg 2 Threlkeld to Dumail Raise (1am-5.30am)

Pacer/Nav Rob Allen, Dave Teggart, Dave Cumins

Physcologically this was going to be a test. The last time I tried to do leg1&2 together I dropped off on Helvellyn Lower Man, took in a cloud inversion over Coniston and had a picnic (this was a couple of years ago!). I don’t think this was going to be an option tonight!    My first hope was dashed – no spectacular sunrise, but the rain had stopped so not all bad. The leg went without incident, I was treat like a queen and was fairly happy. Compass bearings enabled near perfect route finding, gentle encouragement to keep up my pace and route options off Dollywagon and up Fairfield. I really was treat like a queen!! I was a little concerned when I overheard a comment about time and a quote of 1 hour, as we climbed Fairfield.  When I questioned the 1hr comment and was informed they were referring to the time we had to summit Fairfield, descend, get up and over Seat Sandal and back to Dunmail Raise, my concern heightened.  But we descended both nicely under the watchful eye of a new recruit Selwyn Wright, (BG committee chairman). As we descended Seat Sandal I knew my support vehicle would be there, but I was also looking out for a little white car – Rachel’s, and it was. Rachel didn’t realise what she’d let herself in for when she opted to come out and support me at 4.30am!!

Im not sure Gaynor realised what she had let herself in for either, volunteering to do road support was one thing, but tending to my STINKING feet is quite another.  But she got on without complaining, dried my feet, covered them in Vaseline, rebooted me, fed me and sent me on my way.  This was going to be where I changed into skort n vest but decided to just carry on.

I said goodbye to Dave T (who had travelled from Leeds to help me out), to Rob (who had travelled from Manchester) both who drove back home and went to work and ‘Little’ Dave C who headed off for a rest ready for his next adventure, LIAD training.  ‘Bravo Zulu’ Dave (Well Done - I had to google it!). 

Climbing Seat Sandal with 'Little Dave' (just missing a sunrise!)

Leg2 support team and surprise visitor Selwyn

Leg 3 Dunmail Raise to Wasdale (5.30am-12.10pm)

Pacer/Nav Paul Wilson (brave man, very brave!)

I don’t suppose leg 3 is ever easy, but boy was it hard! Or did I just make it hard? My biggest problem was eating and obviously I needed to eat to keep fuelled. Paul & I recceed leg 3 a couple of weeks ago, and I remember him saying keep fuelled on leg 3 and it will keep you going on leg 4. Oh oh!, I had my bag of s**t (Gaynor's phrase not mine!) but nothing was tempting and nothing was going down. The only thing I could stomach was Giant Strawberry sweets.  I tried chocolate, cheese n jam sandwich, crisps, nothing was working. I longed for coca cola, (but knew we hadn’t brought any). I managed to drink juice and water n kept going just. Paul was very patient and didn’t get mad! I need you to keep up with me, I need you to go a bit faster, run Ange its runnable. This was the general crack over the Langdales, Rosset Pike and Bowfell, where as promised, Rachel was waiting.  Rachel was staying with us for 1 hour then returning to her car in the Langdales.  She stayed a fair bit longer. Onto Esk Pike, with my threats of giving in, Great End, (even more threats), Rachel wouldn't leave, we continued to Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike and I still wasn't sure I was going to finish the round. We sent Rachel packing here, despite her protests to stay and ensure I made it to the final summit of leg4, but we weren't having her return alone from Scafell.  (Rachel’s comment later in the day on a Facebook post “my mind is blown, what happened between Scafell Pike and Yewbarrow I will  never know, but Il always remember it when times are tough). Rachel is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She considers me a legend.  I can’t wait to repay her a favour.
 

  

 

Quick photo with Rachel on Scafell Pike summit and were off.  Two ladies out running ahead are recognisable, Pauline and Adele. Quick shout from me, “hi Pauline, sorry I can’t stop, I’m on a mission”.  Pauline “hey Ange what mission?”. Ange “my BG mission”.  I think the challenge is maybe back on!  Lords Rake and West Wall Traverse was the chosen route to summit Scafell, it went reasonably well.  Next stop Wasdale and I’m hopeful of visitors here! I wasn’t disappointed. I was welcomed with a shout of “come on champion” from my boss Chris and “come on Angela” from my hero, the legendary Joss Naylor and his dog Lassie. This is the first time I could have cried (with emotion), but I remembered my low energy levels and decided not to waste anymore crying! The 5 mins I had with my new visitors were not long enough but will be treasured forever. Gaynor had the pleasure of my stinking feet again, fed, watered, re-booted me and sent me on my way. My struggle with digesting food was slightly overcome here, a pasta pot, tomato soup and coke went down a treat.  No chewing required!

 

There were no goodbyes to support crew here, Paul was continuing. Just hello to the new, Aleks Kashefi and Tory (Victoria Miller).

 

Leg 4 Wasdale to Honister (12.15pm-5.30pm)

Pacer/Nav Paul Wilson, Victoria Miller & Aleks Kashefi

Gutted to be leaving Joss after such a short time, but I knew I had to get on. We left the National Trust car park and the focus was on Yewbarrow. OMG, how am I going to get up there.  Joss had been telling me about Billy Bland racing up in 18mins, it took me 53mins(!), but I made it. I made a conscience effort to not look up, it was a hell of a climb! Im sure I was reminded to keep going, a little faster, etc. by my encouraging husband again. We summitted and trotted off to attack Red Pike. Steeple came and went Tory and Aleks watched us, (I had told Paul he was not to send me on my way to summit any peaks on my own, he obviously had remembered and escorted me!). Over Black Crag to Pillar and a lovely descent ahead of me.  We had said goodbye to Aleks before Pillar,  watching him scree run down into Wasdale. I thank Aleks for one of my favourite pics of the day, climbing Yewbarrow.
Now there were three and I can’t believe I’m running on leg4, 50miles in, the food at Wasdale has obviously kicked in. Chris& Callum are meeting us up here with more coke and lucky for me a stash of black & red jelly babies! I can’t believe how many sweets I have eaten today! C&C have a run with us before we head up Kirk Fell and then Gt Gable.  Both summits overcome without incident, Im feeling pretty good now and have maintained a fairly consistent smile since Pillar. Napes Needle stood out majestically on the skirts of Gable (no detours today Ange!). Green Gable, Brandreth, Grey Knotts, Paul left me in the capable hands of Tory. As he sprinted off to get sorted at Honister and another visitor arrived Phil Pearson from our Northern Fells Running Club. Phil was supposed to meet us much sooner on leg4, but had spent the precious hill time having a puncture repaired.  Never mind Phil you are here now.  Lots of visitors at Honister, I ran into the arms of Craig Barker, he gives the best hugs, (I experienced this on Paul’s first attempt at the BG, in Wasdale after a totally horrendous leg3 on what was a totally horrendous day!).  Another BG legend was waiting, Billy Bland AND his wife Ann.  I am so honoured today. Rachel has turned up again, as has Chief and my new support crew Natalie. I passed on Joss’s message to Billy to say hello, had a 5minute crack and then was on my way (5minute crack to be continued). No change of footwear here, Il change into road trainers at Littletown.




Anyone for a jelly baby? Yes please, blacks and reds!

 

Attacking Yewbarrow, one of my favourite pics
 

 

Pillar summit



Oh the view, they were all taken in!



Gt Gable 'ticked' off

Team Wilson route march

Leg5 Honister to Keswick (5.30pn-8.18pm)

Pacer/Nav Natalie Hawkrigg/Paul Wilson/Gaynor Prior

Natalie took charge on leg5, or tried to. I tried to make it clear leg5 would be at Ange’s pace, she tried to make it clear it would be at BG pace, oh dear, two stubborn women together! So with Paul Tory, Nats and Phil, we chatted our way up Dale Head.  The weather has been stunning for the majority of the day and just continued to get better. I never once forgot to take in my surroundings, soak up the atmosphere and views and revel in the sunshine. Dale Head and it was  goodbye to Phil and Tory, see you at the finish. Tory & I had been trying to organise a run together for a while, what a first run we had had! Back to the three Amigos, and what a pleasure Robinson & Hindscarth were, with barely a care in the world we sauntered on.  Paul sprinted off to get my gear change ready at Littletown, Nats & I enjoyed a quiet few minutes soaking up the birds tunes, on the final bit of fell before hitting the road. Sublime!

 

Applying suncream !

 

Dalehead Ascent

Northern Fells Running Club escort me to Dalehead

Arrival at Littletown, Paul & Gaynor are waiting with my road trainers and skort. It didn’t half feel good to have fresh air on my arms & legs! Now this is the first time my welcome visitors are not visible, (Billy Jo and Chief, they are probably lost!!). Slightly disappointed I continued on, but needn’t have worried, we soon picked up Billy Jo, we are now an all girl team.

  

Paul & Gaynor have swapped duties, Paul drives to Keswick, Gaynor stretches her legs. We are heading to Swinside Inn hill and the other missing person turns up, Chief.  The road back to Keswick was steady away, I mostly managed to run.  I didn’t have to rush, my BG is in the bag!! Claire and Stephen are waiting in Portinscale and Paul just over the bridge.  We all chit chat our way through the streets of Keswick, ready for the final run to the Moot Hall, to the cheers of Carlisle Tri-Club and my other faithful supporters. I couldn’t believe there was a band in place, I HAD to go up the steps and touch the top door! I took in the applause, revelling in my glory of accomplishing my ultimate challenge – the Bob Graham Round!!   

 

 

 

Help:  Paul organised the majority of the round for me, i.e. support runners and logistics.  (Left the hair and running outfits to me!). The nice thing about the organisation was no one was asked to help, once the date had been set, everyone volunteered. I had some experienced runners (friends) with me, who kept pace, kept me fed and watered, kept me entertained and encouraged. Paul was amazing and had the hardest job. Road support with Gaynor Prior 9pm until 5.30am, then paced/navigated from leg 3 onwards.  He took over on leg 3 where I had the hardest time and was ready to give up, but he encouraged me on, very patient but firm! Paul has lived for this day as long as me !!



Team Wilson

I had friends turn out at every road stop to say hello, note I was only allowed 5mins at these stops to eat, change into dry socks and trainers, so I didn’t have much time with them, but am eternally grateful they were there.

 

Billy & Ann Bland

Victoria Miller & Phil Pearson

I met Joss Naylor whilst completing my final Wainwright in 2011.  We were on Seatallan enroute to Buckbarrow when Joss popped over the brow of the hill.  This was just before my chemotherapy treatment started. To have him present at my BG was the icing on the cake.
 


Joss Naylor

With Joss in 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billy Bland at Honister was another dream come true and a conversation to be continued, 5minutes just isn't long enough!

Quotes I will treasure forever:

Rachel Kane: my mind is blown, what happened between Scafell Pike and Yewbarrow I will  never know, but Il always remember it when times are tough.

Joss: there are shoes in there (support van) for every occasion.  Paul followed this up with Ange has a pair of trainers for every t’shirt!

Joss:  “have you got any cramp”; Ange “no”; Joss: “you’l be alright then, get over Yewbarrow and the jobs done.  Billy Bland was up there in 18minutes”; Ange “well I won’t be!” (post run note it took me 53mins!!).

Billy and Ann Bland :  “pass on our congratulations to Ange, she’s a laal tough un!”

And “Well done Angela – you made it look easy”.

Gaynor Prior: “Smiling, no moaning, ate everything I gave you and looked fantastic. I won’t miss greasing your STINKING feet tho!”

Support Group Photo

Chapter 3 ..  who knows......  watch this space!!

For my efforts I thought it worthy to raise money for charity.  The charities chosen are Keswick Mountain Rescue Team & Dr O’Briens Lymphoma Trust, (in memory of the doctor who treat me).