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Outdoor Activities => Exercise, Fitness, Training, Competitions and General Health => Topic started by: LandyLiam on April 09, 2014

Title: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 09, 2014
Quote
2014 Hill & Dale Series Preview by Bogusboy

Thursday 17th April sees the return of the ever-popular Newcastle AC promoted Hill & Dale Series.  Now, incredibly, in its 26th year the series continues to grow and is more appealing than ever to runners of all abilities, with, in particular, ever increasing numbers of ladies embracing the challenge.  2013 was a vintage year when the series broke all records in terms of the number of competitors, the numbers completing the series and the quality of bitter diatribes bestowed upon the athletes at the start and at the end of the races by the organisers – all part and parcel of a Thursday night out in the beautiful scenery of county Down!!!

So is anyone up for this? (yes Dowser you know I mean you, remember the beach holiday photos  ;) )

I'm having another go at it this year, if anyone feels a bit nervous about coming along for the first time or is even maybe a bit concerned about their navigation I'll keep you right and stick with you for the first race or two (assuming i actually get to the first race or two!)

You need to pre-register here http://www.newcastleac.org/?page_id=6311 Just register once for the whole season, payment is made on the night of the race.

More details of last years efforts here http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/exercise-fitness-training-competitions-and-general-health/newcastle-athletics-club-hill-and-dale-series-2013/



Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Rusty Madra on April 11, 2014
I'm very much up for this! After doing a few Marathons I just read Boff Whalleys Book "Running Wild" and have decided to go Wild Running / Fell / Trail (Whatever you want to call it) from here on in!

Anyone else up for it? I'm not as fit as you'd think so would be good to have someone else at the back huffing and taking occasional "I'm Knackered... Point at something of interest" breaks! Lol
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Rusty Madra on April 11, 2014
Just read Dowsers review from last year: this sounds the business! Registering online here, might not get to them all with work but will do as many as I can
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: clairebear on April 12, 2014
I would love to do the series but work every thursday night, the only one i could do is the easter week as I'm off work.   :(  it looks like a good series and a good variety of routes etc.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 12, 2014
The Slieve Donard race is on a Saturday  ;)  I haven't tried that one myself, it sort of scares me  :o  my legs would be so shattered after "running" up that they'd be like jelly trying to run down. Maybe I'll just walk the whole way up and make up time on the way down.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 18, 2014
Hill & Dale race 1 @ castlewellan:

276 entrants, 5 miles and approx 900ft of ascent

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1050975Small_zps58832d80.jpg)
The course


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1050983Small_zps70a5b845.jpg)
A wee selfie with madmickie


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1050984Small_zpsfaebd198.jpg)
great views when you weren't staring at the ground trying to breath


Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Rusty Madra on April 18, 2014
Good stuff! Gonna try and make a few but work prevented it last night. How tough was the course?
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 18, 2014
As far as hill & dale races go it was wee buns, mostly forest road, the odd bit of forest trail was very dry, still enough steep bits to slow me down to a walk on about 5 occassions, the steep downhills where handy enough to run down at a good pace. Results are in and I came 250th out of 276, so that's 26th last, my second best result so far  ;D. My time was 54 mins (13 mins faster than last year although the course was probably easier this year).
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Rusty Madra on April 18, 2014
Fair play to you! Just looking at the work schedule here: not free Thur nights for the next month, but I might run a few of the routes when I get a day off here and there. Will post on here when I'm heading. Well done on the run again!
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 18, 2014
You'll usually find some peeps running the next route on mon or tue nights.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 25, 2014
Race 2 - Tollymore - Escape from the Forest

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/gpsrouteimage2Small_zps8b44b379.jpg)
this is the route with a few minor alterations

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060387Small_zps7ac20b52.jpg)
on the way there some fog came in off the sea, might need the compass this evening!

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060392Small_zpsdf184b6a.jpg)
coming through Castlewellan and its looking bad


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060393Small_zps75600075.jpg)
through castlewellan and all is well for a cracking good view during the race  :)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060394Small_zpsd1a03ab6.jpg)
the start line


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060400Small_zps0d5ac745.jpg)
and they're off

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060406Small_zps0241200b.jpg)
after a BIG hill in the forest we get out into the open Mournes


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060409Small_zps043c6da6.jpg)
2nd hill ahead, you can just see the stream of runners lining the route up, yes i'm near the back again  ;D


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060410Small_zpsa19e4873.jpg)
at least it was fairly dry, a bit of rain and this would have been very slippy, especially coming down


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060411Small_zps370c4345.jpg)
there is a few people slower than me  8)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060414Small_zpsd789ac7c.jpg)
coming down the hill and that fog is getting ominously close


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060420Small_zpsee4aa378.jpg)
nothing like a wee shower at the end  ::)
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: MG1 on April 25, 2014
I'm up for this.. Wheres the next race Liam??
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 25, 2014
Slieve Martin on Thursday May 1st @ 7.30 pm

Here's more detail http://www.newcastleac.org/?page_id=6311

Remember to register (for free) online first and pay on the night

Here's last years route (going anti-clockwise so BIG hill at the start that keeps going to the middle)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/gpsrouteimageSmall_zps55bc239c.jpg)

Hope you can make it  :)
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: madmickie on April 26, 2014
well for ya having time to take pics.

good results in races 1 and 2, must be all that sneaky training you are doing. If you chopped that hair you might be even quicker! Although my streamlined looks dont help me much!!

really enjoying the series so far, leaves me so knackered i dont have to train the rest of the week. Roll on Slievemartin.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on April 26, 2014
I just hope I can run as fast as you when i'm your age  :) I can certainley feel a weirdness in my legs for a few days after, just have to get out and loosen them up again quickly before they seize up.

Time to break out the secret weapons for Slieve Martin  ;)

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/shoesSmall_zps78102d6d.jpg)
(only £24 in Sports Direct - http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-tempo-mens-trail-running-shoes-213021?colcode=21302112 )
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Rich.H on April 27, 2014
I just hope I can run as fast as you when i'm your age  :) I can certainley feel a weirdness in my legs for a few days after, just have to get out and loosen them up again quickly before they seize up.

Time to break out the secret weapons for Slieve Martin  ;)

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/shoesSmall_zps78102d6d.jpg)
(only £24 in Sports Direct - http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-tempo-mens-trail-running-shoes-213021?colcode=21302112 )

Will be interested to know how those shoes work out for you comfort and ride wise. I looked at them a few months back but they were still selling at the £60 mark, at that price I steered well clear as it was into Salomon prices for half the shoe. But if they are well made and comfy they will definitely be on the list as a spare set for harder trails.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on May 10, 2014
Rich the shoes were great, still comfy and very grippy on steep wet downhill grass and muck, the only slips occurred in deep mud, quite slippy on wet rock though. Now to see how durable they are.


Some pics from race 3 at Slievemartin

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060500Small_zps8e16f6d5.jpg)
the starting line

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060508Small_zps15baba00.jpg)
the very very steep climb up to slievemeen


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060513Small_zpseb5a4ddd.jpg)
near the top of slievemeen now and catching the first good views


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060517Small_zpsb62446ab.jpg)
descending slievemeen and we can see our next summit (slievemartin) in the distance, but we now have a couple of minutes of lovely downhill jog first


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060519Small_zpsa89544ac.jpg)
there was a little shuck which you could try and leap across, or tippytoe over the stones


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060520Small_zps317a5b6a.jpg)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060521Small_zpsc0de0765.jpg)
slievemartin summit at last, but now a long downhill stretch to the finish


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060526Small_zpsf1ea7609.jpg)
managed to win a spot prize in the pub after (the cup, not the beer)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/notdrunkSmall_zpsec106dc8.jpg)
and this is how i felt the next day!
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on May 10, 2014
and race 4 - Up Binnian

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060598Small_zpsd46bd17f.jpg)
hard to imagine the winner was at the top of binnion (that big pointy one) 22 mins after this photo was taken, even harder to imagine i was up there after 37 mins!


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060601Small_zps10d5cc00.jpg)
this bit looks so flat, but it wasn't! still runnable though


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060605Small_zps26f839e4.jpg)
now its walking only pace, although the leaders would have been running up this  :o


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060607Small_zpsa255db9e.jpg)
finish line in sight and it gets steeper agian, no sprint finish this week


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060612Small_zps1a3bc9dd.jpg)
the finish line, unfortunately all the water bottles are at the bottom of the hill  :(


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060618Small_zps89676920.jpg)
the weather was great so sat up here for a while taking in the view and chewing the fat  :)


Next race is up and down Slieve Donard on Saturday 17th May at 2:00 PM.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on May 18, 2014
Race 5, the big one - Slieve Downhard, now completed

Weather was great, bit of sun about but enough wind to keep you cool(ish) I even got a little sunburn  :)

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060696Small_zpsca0c7720.jpg)
Startline by the Newcastle Centre, just look at the big hill ahead of us, the leaders will be turning at the top in 38mins and back here in 57 mins


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060697Small_zpsb25ffe4e.jpg)
Near the first bridge and I found a little track i'd not seen before, I was following some more experienced runners so figured it was a shorter route and they didn't just do it for the scenery

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060700Small_zps27db6001.jpg)
I then broke away from the pack and went up the new firebreak over the pipeline, no one followed me though, I think i made a couple of places, hard to be sure

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060701Small_zps823e9f01.jpg)
The good old Ice House, at least I'll get a drink in the river


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060703Small_zps62ef7210.jpg)
Approaching the Black Stairs, they were fairly dry today (I tried them on Wednesday and they were very wet and slippy)

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060704Small_zpsfbd3ce38.jpg)
Yes they are as steep as they look!


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060706Small_zps30f4b558.jpg)
This is the tricky bit


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060709Small_zps3702241a.jpg)
About half way up Donard now and the race leader passes us on his way down :'(


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060723Small_zpsd9fd40ac.jpg)
I'm still going up but take a moment to enjoy the view


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060739Small_zps7b6cf535.jpg)
Phew, at the top at last, now to try running downhill with the jelly legs


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060744Small_zps1696e1ab.jpg)
Then disaster at the Ice House, I was going quite well downhill but on the steep bit before you enter the river I twisted my ankle, the nearby river was handy to cool it enough to get 10 mins more running, but when I got to the town it was agony again and had to walk most of the way through the town  :(  but I finished my first Slieve Donard race  :)  and I am suffering for it today! I don't think I'll be running again for a few weeks, I'll be happy if I can just walk!








Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Rumblebum on May 18, 2014
Liam mate your hardcore! Trying that would leave me in pieces!
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: polroger on May 19, 2014
Great effort
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: madmickie on May 19, 2014
Good pics, nice to see the scenery - I just saw steep hills and people in front of me! Interesting route choice in the forest, looks good underfoot. Where exactly is that nice path thru the bluebells?
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Glenn B on May 19, 2014
Well done I bet you could eat 3 shredded wheat  :o :o
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on May 20, 2014
only 2 1/2 Glenn  ;)

Quote
Where exactly is that nice path thru the bluebells?
if you take the shortcut into the forest from donard park (beside the shuck) you come out at the NIE substation (big green box) then go straight across the road onto the bluebell track, comes out at the YMCA entrance.
Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on June 26, 2014
Well I ended up sitting out the next 2 races (Rocky & Loughshannagh) and made a cautious return at Millstone.

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060800Small_zps2734b0e5.jpg)
At the start and there's the summit of Milstone but a stones throw away


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060813Small_zpsdda79f27.jpg)
off the forest tracks now and its make your own path up the hill now


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060814Small_zpsa8853f18.jpg)
we avoid the direct route up and take this grassier way as theres so much scree you would only knock a rock on someone below

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060816Small_zpsab25645c.jpg)
there's the summit marshall waiting to give me a big hug  :)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060819Small_zps0d7ff412.jpg)
on the way downhill now and a great view of Newcastle


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060820Small_zpse02ebeac.jpg)
back into the forest, could that really be a taxi ahead  :D


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060821Small_zps44a55b59.jpg)
downhill selfies are really quite difficult


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/10277750_10202298714414643_225674810413375862_nSmall_zpscd509a54.jpg)
this was the sprint finish for 4th last place, i lost (even the summit marshall nearly beat me down), but with only 1 1/2 legs at least I had an excuse  ::)

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1060824Small_zps0a19b111.jpg)
and back to O'Hares for prizegiving and so much free food we couldn't finish the plate  :o




Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: LandyLiam on June 26, 2014
I still wasn't good on the steep descents so gave the next race a miss (Hen & Cock), but back in reasonable form for the Meels


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070068Small_zps0e6b3844.jpg)
Meelmore & Meelbeg, they don't look at all steep  ::)

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070036Small_zps7d96e0be.jpg)
walking pace only for us at the back


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/10469343_1431517733791428_6276051684001125277_nSmall_zps75938575.jpg)
some people just have no style  ::)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070040Small_zps62831c5f.jpg)
This is my clubmate Kevin, likes to pose for the camera with his arms in the air (I think he got that from me) we'll see more of him later  ;)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070041Small_zpsb4885644.jpg)
again a great view for those to stop and turn round to enjoy it


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070042Small_zps9bc595c0.jpg)
Meelmore summit ahead, woohoo, great feeling seeing it  :)


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070050Small_zpsfbe3fe13.jpg)
on our way up Meelbeg now

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070051Small_zps74431c34.jpg)
Meelbeg summit


(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070052Small_zpsbdec0a3f.jpg)
downhill all the way to the finish now and a nice view of Fofanny dam


now rememeber Kevin




(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/Mobile%20Uploads/P1070059Small_zpsfcd9157d.jpg)
cooling down


Next (& last) race is tomorrow (Fri 27th) at Drinahilly, its only 3 miles so come on down and have a go, there'll be some good craic afterwards in O'Hares  ;)


Title: Re: Hill & Dale Series 2014
Post by: Jasonfresh on June 02, 2017
Looks like you guys had a great time! Long old run! well done