Bob Graham Rounds accounts by Dewsbury membershttp://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/bobgraham.phpThe Bob Graham Round or BGR. A 72 mile tour of the lake district taking in 42 of the highest peaks with 28000 feet of climb. To be completed in under 24 hours, this is probably the classic endurance challenge.Click here for details of the physical and technical challenges invloved.Click here to see my schedule.I had a crack at the BGR on the 17th June. It was a warm, humid day with mist on the tops in the morning and early evening. I suffered with a persistent muscular side stitch from early in leg 2 which worsened throughout, stopping running descents, then any running, then hampering my fast walking attempts. At Wasdale I was miles off schedule and threw in the towel. I was disappointed, but felt I had learnt a lot from the experience. I was a little embarrassed about letting down my support. This played on my mind a little on the build up to the 15th July attempt. My last run prior to the attempt was not a confidence warmer. The 8 mile, gentle off road run didnt feel so easy, I got discomfort around my ribcage on a descent and after my Achilles and right knee were as sore as ever. Even my groin gave some twinges after. The previous week I had been presented with an opportunity to back out, when withdrawals from a couple of supporters meant I was short in several areas, I realised I was not feeling as fit as I thought I might. But I was greedy, I didnt want to wait a further two weeks, when the light would be worse and I may be even more de-trained. It was now or perhaps never, would I ever be in such fell running shape again ?The whole of Friday was set aside to getting to Keswick, pitching camp and preparing kit, provisions. It should have been loads of time, but inevitably it all seemed a bit of a rush. This time I would have the support of four Dewsbury Road Runners. I had managed to assemble additional support from around the country at the last minute, this involved a lot of phone calls, but turned out to be a stunning success - viva le Interweb! So Russel turns up, followed by Ed somewhat before 10pm and my Leg 1 support is in place. Ed we have never met before, he is an ultra runner from Coventry, he has driven 250 miles to be here tonight ready to run in the dark up three mountains with some strange Dewsbury types - what a star! I settle down for an hour or so listening to Julian snore - an essential ritual. I shouldnt complain, the mystical maestro has given up his tent for Ed and is sleeping on the grass. I do complain though, I cant stand anyones snoring apart from my own! Soon it is midnight, and Im kitted out and worrying about stuff. I watch a spectacular moon rise over the hills to the east behind out tent with Russell, the stars are out too. Down to the Moot Hall, and we are getting the normal drunken hassle, even when going for a last minute pee. The night looks very clear, I am feeling tense - this time its just me.Click Here to see some of the stages if you have Google Earth.Click Here to view the picture gallery.http://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/story.php?index=113 2006-10-25 10:27:05 http://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/story.php?index=113Quite why Julian found the need to do three laps of the car park to warm up for our Bob Graham was beyond me, but at least it meant I couldnt see the look of absolute anguish that had been on his face much of the evening since we had left the comfort of the caravan in St. Johns Vale and travelled down to KeswickWe delayed walking to the High Street and Moot Hall as long as we could, but when we arrived it was great to see all of those supporters who had travelled up the night before their sections to see us off and on our way. Our pacers are Robin Price and Richard Kellett - Richard has been with us an hour or so since we picked him up in Threlkeld, Robin ( a veteran of the Bob Graham ) turns up in his finest wooly jumper and daft hat - the casual observer wouldnt think Robin could add much to our attempt, but let me say now he is the finest route finder bar none and knows the tracks of the back of Blencathra better than most Threlkeld shepherds.Some other lads are off on a relay of the round ( relay ... I really do think whimps although I know I shouldnt ) and they go with their watches at 12 midnight, were a little more traditional and are waiting for the same chimes that sent Bob Graham on his way 63 years ago.http://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/story.php?index=112 2006-09-10 07:43:06 http://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/story.php?index=112The sun is out and the sky is almost cloudless, the temperature is getting up not ideal conditions for the round, good support, food and water should see me through.Off down Keswick main street and first few miles dont seem like the Bob Graham round. After going through Newlands its good to start ascending Robinson. The first three summits are all climbed and the descent to Honister at 10:30 is on time.The first problem , no support, runners waiting and ready for the off. Half a mile away in convoy is the car with trusty members of Dewsbury Road Runners. The lads arrive, said they got stuck in traffic probably got stuck in the pub late last night, a quick change and its off to the start of the second section.Grey Knotts, Brandreth, Gable are all climbed. Route finding slightly out in places, having to stop on most of the summits for water. The temperature is getting high, its good Ive got sun cream on Im getting quite a tan. Its a fairly tough section this, lots of rocks, loose shale etc. The summit of Yewbarrow is reached at 2:16pm, the descent from here taking 19 minutes in to Wasdale.http://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/story.php?index=111 2006-09-10 06:30:57 http://www.dewsburyroadrunners.co.uk/cgi/story.php?index=111