Chevy 2009 – A Walkers Perspective

I have been asked by the winner of the Chevy Chase walk Len Glen-Davidson to post his thoughts of last Saturdays race on the W.R.C blog, so................

Having read Adams Blog on the running of the Chevy I thought it would be cathartic to do something similar but from a walkers perspective – so here goes.

It certainly was warmer than anticipated on the day – none of the cloud and cool conditions reported for Saturday earlier in the week.

A group of 6 of us away at the start (Angela, Fiona, Glen, Joyce, myself and of course Gordon Reevely as ever) and good pace out to Broadstruther and beyond to Cheviot Knee.   Cooling breeze to walk into which kept the heat at bay and conditions under foot pretty firm.   Feeling good.

Going up Cheviot not too bad but with less of a breeze and the heat coming on - I did feel it a little.   In hindsight reaching the summit was the end of the easy part of the day for me and little did I know what was in store later.

Took good line down Cheviot to the Burn but found quads really feeling it and the first twinge of cramp as I climbed out the burn at the bottom and up onto the lower slopes of Comb Fell (not a good feeling this early on I thought) the other side.   Think I took too low a line across the hill and failed to find the sheep tracks which caused me to burn unnecessary energy climbing over the rough ground.   Felt pretty tired when I reached the fence posts and knew I had a hard climb up to the fence line ahead of me.   Remember thinking that if there had been a "hill side bar" up there with attractive waitress and cool lager that may well have been the end of Chevy 09 for me.   However, no such luck so pushed on up Hedgehope and again was pleased with conditions under foot as I thought it might be wetter.   Had foolishly emptied some drink out of my pack before the start as it  felt too heavy so really looking forward to water and/or sweets on the top of Hedgehope .....horror...none there.   Big disappointment and again my sincere apologies to the Marshalls (and Connie) for my outburst.

Down Hedgehope and again hard on the quads and not only a few niggles of cramp but the flies began to take a liking to me which was certainly what I did not want at that stage.   I was certainly feeling the heat by now and severe cramp pains set in climbing up to the Langley Crag check point but thanks to Gordon for helping me stretch tired legs and send me on my way with sweets and water.

Despite taking a good line across the rough ground I felt I was slower to Brands Corner and starting to struggle with heat and cramp but the water and sweets again were most welcome and such enthusiasm from the Marshalls.

More pain from Brands Corner to the Carey Burn Bridge and really thought I had lost the plot when a runner came bounding towards me in what was clearly the wrong direction.   I guess this was the same guy Andy referred to.   Climbing the two wicket fences towards the end of this section was absolute hell and as soon as I lifted my legs to climb over the pain hurtled through my lower body like an express train.   Thanks to Keith for the salt tablet ....had hoped it was something more "lively" that might have carried me angel like over the rest of the course or better still beamed me up and placed me down 100 yards from the finish.  Alas neither!!  Similar feelings of cramp  down to the bridge when scrambling over rocks and tree roots.

Most welcome cake, water and sweets at the Bridge and then the hell of walking up the Carey Burn.   I know how Adam felt and whilst on the flat the cramp was manageable but when scrambling over rocks it was horrendous.

Amazingly Hells Path was not as bad as I thought but probably because I walked up with one of the runners and psychologically it was good to be with someone after so long by myself.   Maybe I would be ok from here in I thought..... could push on a bit and make up for lost time...stupid boy!. The long walk to the Farm was just that with niggling cramp most of the way and simply couldn't push on.   I didn't climb any of the stiles (but opened the gates) as I knew the cramp would return with avengeance if I did.   Walking up the hill past the farm was painful as was coming down the other side to the road.....and the walk to the finish.   Couldn't get Bruce Springsteins "Working on a Dream" out of my head but at least it was better than Joe Simpson (Touching in the Void) and his "Brown Girl in the Ring" by Money M. The song took my mind off the pain and distance to home.

Mentally I divided the road section into bite size chunks ......just get to that tree Len .....or just to that car.   Walking the final path and hearing applause for runners coming in was wonderful ......almost there and then yes across the finish line ..... knackered.

Don't know if I have ever felt so shattered before but definitely never ever had cramp pain like it but from talking to folks after many had suffered in similar fashion.   In hindsight I should have been better prepared with more drink on board and salt or glucose tablets....something to remember for next year – when it will probably be raining!.

Finally on behalf of everyone took part in the Chevy this year I would like to express  sincere thanks to the organisers, Marshalls, helpers, National Park Rescue and to everyone who helped on the day.   Without you neither the walkers nor runners could do their thing and I am sure that I speak for us all when I say a BIG BIG thank you.   This applies from the moment you check in to the time you leave.   Everyone is so cheerful, helpful and friendly and it is something which Chevy so special for me.   Thank you. .

The pleasure and the pain...............yes that is the Chevy Chase but I guess I will be back for more next year.

Len Glen-Davison