If you haven't already read Part One of this blog post, it is available at the link below.
https://fitnesswithgru.blogspot.com/2021/07/a-weekend-with-focused-performance.html
If you have already read part one, then welcome back for the rest of the 3000's adventure with Focused Performance and fellow guests!
Day three - Sunday the 4th July - The final section the Carneddau.
The forecast for our last day on the mountains was to say the least a little worrisome, just like Saturday had been. The forecast was pretty much mist or drizzle all the way through so visibility was likely to be poor up top and as most of our time would actually be spent up top going along the actual Carnedds themselves this didn't bode well for views and navigation.
As always we had had a brief or feedback session with Geoff to discuss exactly what the day may entail and to be given an alternative option for those who didn't want to be out there all day in possible poor conditions and then be faced with a drive home that same day.
The option was proposed to start the route up Pen yr Ole Wen as per norm and along to Carnedd Dafydd and then make the decision to continue in group one who would go on to do the full route, or descend between Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn with group two.
The option was given as some may not have comprehended exactly pre event exactly how tough an ask this actual challenge is per day, especially in poor weather conditions. Also some may have been suffering niggles or reoccuring old injury from Saturdays outing. Mostly I think it was the prospect of another long day and then a long drive home for some that made them choose the shorter outing.
We had been given the option pre event to stay over an extra night i.e. the Sunday night so there would be no rush to get home, and so we would have ample recovery time and a chilled evening, before returning home the next day. Some weren't able to do this with work commitments etc. It was mostly those who chose to stay the extra night who went for the full route.
Summit six - Pen yr Ole Wen ( 3208ft)
Sunday morning was upon us and the forecast still looked wet but with mist or drizzle forecast you can often escape this, but not so much bouts of heavy rainfall when they are predicted. For this reason I took my full on waterproof Berghaus jacket as well as my lightweight running waterproof because if it was wet all the way through I wanted a fully dry option that I knew would not wet out or leak over time.
Breakfast was the usual porridge and toast and cereal and juice, so it was porridge for me and a coffee. This was followed by toilet visits as it was the last chance to go once we set off.
We also picked up our supplied lunch from Chef Alfie who had done everyone proud with a decent and tasty selection. Personally I had actually brought several days worth of premade Peanut butter and jam sandwiches with wholemeal seeded loaf. I think this was the first time I had tried the PB&J option for a sandwich and it didn't disappoint .Allegedly it's runners rocket fuel for long days in the mountains.
We all left in multiple support cars and were dropped of roadside just below Pen yr Ole Wen in the layby. First call for me was a wee stop already, which is rare for me, but I seized the opportunity as I climbed over a wire fence that was literally made to measure for my height as long as I didn't slip.
There was a female guest that considered the same, but the fence height was an accident waiting to happen, so that was a no go at this point.
Strangely at this point I couldn't get a GPS lock on my watch, which considering we were in the open was not expected. I thankfully had my Garmin Etrex 30 handheld GPS too attached to my back pack and I was recording on that too, but it would likely need a battery change at 8hrs.
At this point I just started it manually as we set of up in the hope that it would indeed find the GPS 'Later' as it was suggesting with a flashing display. Manual records are ok, but they go by arm swings which aren't accurate and although my watch has a altimeter so will accurately record all the ascent, it will not track my actual route for a route recap after the event, which is disappointing.
Once we had regrouped from the various support cars we set of up a short road and started upward on the mountain trail path that was marked by occasional post markers. I say 'trail' but it wasn't a trail you would easily follow unless you are observant and you had to look at the ground ahead to try and follow worn area's of grass, and foot prints through various muddy patches etc. Without the pole markers it would have been more difficult.
If you are on your own you can just choose your own route often and not worry too much if you go wrong, but in a group you don't have that luxury.
We were lucky enough to see several groups descending down the route way of in the distance, so this gave us a good idea where the route went prior to it turning directly up the ridge ascent of Pen ye Ole Wen. The other option of course was to just follow Geoff or a run leader of course and not even worry about it.
As I hadn't done this the third section of the Welsh 3000's before earlier this year I was keen to walk near the front or at the front and try and follow the route unaided. This way I would automatically learn the route for next time, and remember it well. I was glad of the option to do this as long as I stopped regularly as we regrouped and was still very close to the group.
As we had started this section we got some good opportunities to stop and look back at the valley below and the views it offered. We also got some stunning views of the mighty Tryfan, the beast we had ascended and descended in poor visibility mostly and on off rain the day before. Today it was pretty clear.
At this point the weather was dry and looking positive, but the cloud could be clearly seen on the mountaintops ahead.
The lower part of the climb towards Ffynnon Lloer (a body of water) was a bit of a slog and certainly warmed us up and we had several rest breaks on this section. Before you get to Ffynnon Lloer you take a left and follow the path up towards the Eastern side ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen and as you approach it you will notice it starts to get a lot more rocky as you start to get to actual climb sections.
The actual climb from here was fun although at points it was full on three to four points of contact climbing up rocks and small sections of rock slabs/faces. Everyone did well to get through, as it's not the easiest to pull yourself up if you aren't used to it, but climbing up small sections like a slow monkey or maybe it's a sloth is all part of the fun for me.
Once through some of the trickier parts we were supposedly getting nearer the summit, but everytime you got over a slight rise or ridge, you discovered another behind and the mist and cloud made it worse as we couldn't see the actual summit so had no idea how far away it was.
We eventually after some regroups/rests managed to slog our way all the way to the summit, knowing that this is the biggest slog of the day summit wise which was a bonus.
Multiple photos were taken at the top, and we got gaps in clouds to get some brief scenery shots of the surrounding areas but no real panoramic shots. We could however see clouds in the distance that looked a little grey, and I for one was watching their direction very carefully. So far so good we were still dry!
Summit seven - Carnedd Dafydd (3425ft)
After a break on Pen ye Ole Wens summit and time for a snack and food etc after the long climb, it was time to move onto our second summit of the day. Carnedd Dafydd was partly viewable at times but not fully, so you couldn't really see what lay ahead, but from this point on we were on the ridgeline of the Carnedds so mostly a lot of not so large undulating ups and downs.
Geoff pointed that that we could have a run for a while from here if we wanted as long as we stopped by a certain point ahead and waited. The Carnedds is often referred to as having a moonscape as there are small rocks all over the place and in general is fairly flat once you are up there. This does however mean it is a minefield of trip and fall hazards, so running there needs to be done with care and a consideration of how tired you may be not just physically but mentally too at this point on the Welsh 3000's on a whole.
A chose to run a little of it but slowly, as I knew it would be likely a long day and wanted to save my legs. After a few little run stops along the way we stopped at a large cairn which you could easily mistake as Carnedd Dafydd as it seems to be marking something.
That something seemed to be the ascent upto the actual Carnedd Dafydd up it's zig zagging scree sides, this was bigger than I remember it being, but then again it was late at night and in the dark when I was up here last in poor lighting conditions and a head torch.
After the slog up Dafydd we were at it's summit and there was a well built shelter of sorts with multiple little sections to shelter from different directions, very covid free friendly! Or even if you are a little desperate for a wee you could shout down the mountain and tell everyone to look away, you know who you are young lady ;), although I would like to point out this wasn't in the same said shelters!
We took more photo's at this point and a another breather and we were gifted with fairly clear views through gaps in clouds and it was warm and sunny intervals in parts at this point.
It was now decision time for the two groups to decide who was going back down and who was continuing on from here. The group going down would start to descend down shortly after this point whereas the rest would run on with Geoff.
I say run on with Geoff, but it literally meant RUN after Geoff, as Geoff had also given the option for people to miss Yr Elen out if they wanted to save time as it was a short (not that short) out and back and fairly tough in parts.
Those that wanted to do it would need to run at Geoff speed and as I needed to do all the summits to learn them I said I'd do it and wanted to, as did a few others. What I didn't realise was running with Geoff would start at that exact point all the way up to Carnedd Llewelyn first!
Summit eight - Carnedd Llewelyn (3490ft)
At this point there was about eight of us who had opted for the full route today as such, and now 4 or 5 of us who would also go for the Yr Elen out and back.
So off we ran following Geoff towards Llewelyn which at this point seemed a long way away and far bigger than I remember, and even more imposing when you are trying to run towards it without falling flat on your face on the moonscape of rocks and now the start of some rough looking rock sections and ridges especially on the final approach towards the actual route up Llewelyn itself.
It was actually good to get some running in especially if it increased chances of staying ahead of the weather as we were still currently dry from lack of the rainfall forecast. It was now also vital as the plan was we as the front group that we would get up Llewelyn first then do Yr Elen and return to Llewelyn to meet group two who wouldn't be doing Yr Elen.
When we got to Llewelyn for the first time we now had a tough scree slope slog up it's zig zagged approach and it was getting tiring leg wise especially after running there. Cardio fitness was vital here and if you had done your training pre event you now knew why.
We eventually got to the top had a few photo's and I had half my sandwich as I was getting hungry and knew Yr Elen would likely be a challenge.
There was no hanging around, Geoff wanted us on our way and at this point one of the guests decided to stay at the shelter there until group two got there, as I guess the pace was too much. He did incredibly well to get to the summit of Llewelyn to be fair as I was struggling a little and Yr Elen on a fast out and back would have been a really big ask. Sometimes you just have to make the difficult decision and rest and recover and then continue instead of jeopardising your completion of the day itself.
Summit nine - Yr Elen (3156ft)
Off the four of us went with Geoff in front as well towards Yr Elen, and as we dropped off the top of Llewelyn and towards Yr Elen I realised how difficult it was going to be and how far. It looked a lot longer and higher than I thought, and first we had a long descent down the higher regions of Llewelyn to get onto the ridge that goes to Yr Elen summit.
We had some steep descent which was difficult at any kind of speed and I deliberately slowed as Geoff and Stewart stayed running ahead in the distance while I kept an eye on those behind me Kerri, Ahmad and Peter, and this allowed us all to be in view of each other at all times. It also meant I and those behind me could travel at a safer speed as it was slippy, and I was using poles!
Suddenly the actual summit of Yr Elen was there ahead and Geoff and Stewart were sat there waiting, and they hadn't been there much longer than 3-5 minutes max, we had managed to up the general pace and all get there in good time.
This meant we had time for more food and a breather and a few pictures etc. It was also now hot after all the running and time to strip of some layers for the return ascent. Geoff said he was impressed in the time we had managed it as a sub group and that he hadn't run it much slower on the section than he would have if he was racing it etc. This was good to know and a boost to us all.
We now had to return partly back up the summit of Llewelyn, at one point I thought we were genuinely going all the way back up. Thankfully we weren't.
Summit ten - Foel Grach (3205ft)
As we neared the top of Llewelyn again and had made it back up the scree we had come down, we now had to navigate around the side as opposed to straight up to the top, as it wasn't required and the second group had already reached the top of Llewelyn and also picked up the other member from group one who was waiting for them.
Group two started their descent off Llewelyn slowly so we could cut across and meet them. Geoff plotted his route and we followed. At this point the dodgy looking clouds had appeared over the top of Llewelyn and it was definitely going to rain, visibility had suddenly closed in too at this point.
I stopped to put my waterproof on as I knew we were going to get wet and likely for a few hours. Geoff carefully plotted the route ahead around in the mist and we literally met the other group as if it was perfectly planned as our paths crossed at exactly the right spot without anyone waiting around.
From this point we were back to one big group and just as well as now the rain was here, so was the mist and cloud and we could rarely see the route ahead or the summit a head.
Geoff lead us all on and we kept together as much as possible after the odd shout of 'Stop!' from those at the back inc a run leader at the back, and we were reminded of the importance of not getting too far ahead as a group.
Geoff did multiple map checks and bearings and sometimes you could see the path up Foel Grach of in the distance, and sometimes you couldn't. At one point Geoff had the map and Sarah had a GPS on a phone I think and I had my handheld GPS that had Geoff's actual Welsh 3000's route on it. We cross checked and all was good and we continued on what was the right line that we were taking anyway.
Recollections are a bit blurry here, probably due to the cloud cover etc, but I'm sure my recollections so far here were definitely on the approach to Foel Grach and not beyond.
We eventually after the view cleared a bit managed to successfully navigate onto the route up Foel Grach to the top and it's unimpressive summit. I briefly remember a photo at the top in the rain and me not being impressed and just about mustering some enthusiasm for yet another wet summit photo lol, I think that's a thumbs up I'm giving in the photo below :)
On the descent off the other side of Foel Grach was a bothie (A mountain shelter with a roof) and it was a welcome brief shelter after our exposed weather ascent of Foel Grach. We all mostly clambered in and took shelter and many used the time to change some clothing or put extra layers on in the actual dry.
I for one put an extra base layer on and my woolly hat and swapped out my waterproof for my fully waterproof walking/hiking jacket etc as I knew it would keep me warm and dry until the end no matter how long it took.
Summit eleven - Carnedd Gwenllian (3035ft)
Once out of the bothie it was now onto Carnedd Gwenllian, and the rain had died off a little here which was welcomed. It was also more runnable here as we had the descent off Foel Grach before starting the ascent of Carnedd Gwenllian.
The route between the too seemed fairly flat but also boggy and wet in parts as water obviously accumulated in it's big green lush landscape and our path was interspersed with big puddles of water, and if you were lucky stepping stone rocks to help you through without getting really wet feet.
I had thankfully made the decision to wear Sealskinz waterproof socks today over the top of my usual Injinji toes socks and used 2Toms Blistershield powder in my socks, so everything stayed nice and dry with my feet, which nicely prevented blisters from heat and also the wet.
We were now only two ascents away from finishing and the mood had changed to a very relaxed one as we could literally see our last summit in the distance and the landscape was currently a very pleasant walk/hike.
I had a few good brief chats with other guests at this point as it was one of the first times it became so relaxed I felt I could chat alongside someone without falling over something along the way and being able to actually breath as we weren't climbing something. Usually most conversations were over your shoulder to someone behind, or to the person in front.
We thankfully reached the summit of Carnedd Gwenllian and it has an impressive summit well worth a few photo's when the weather is right. It was at this point murky again weather wise with us being at the summit, so that as easy to get a good picture.
Summit twelve - Foel Fras (3097ft)
Lastly (well almost) we were onto our last summit which was Foel Fras, and this wasn't that far away from Carnedd Gwenllian, the same with the previous couple of summits since Llewelyn as they are fairly closely bunched together. This in itself raises your spirits if you can see them ahead on a clearer day.
Overall at this point I felt fine and wasn't tired from the earlier running, but this was likely the walking/hiking pace we were on, which was ideal to be fair as we had done well time wise today and was much faster than anticipated after the groups initially splitting back at Carnedd Dafydd.
The path was a wet one again with boggy areas and puddles and the odd stepping stones etc, but eventually after not much of a climb (literally no more than 50ft) we were at the final summit of our Welsh 3000's day and weekend.
More photo's were taken by some and a sense of relief of having finished in one piece, but I can't help but feel like I didn't complete what I set out to do, which was the Welsh 3000's in full. It wasn't to be for safety and weather reasons and that is to be expected on big challenges like this, but I didn't feel a sense of accomplishment at this point.
It may well have been because Foel Fras summit itself is a severe let down and it is clearly just part of a chain of nearby summits with no other relevance than being the last one on the official Welsh 3000's route. It also has a final sting in it's tail in that it is in the middle of bl**dy nowhere!
You have had a great day and finished a great challenge and then it's like , so well lets walk back to the cars and civilisation, oh and it's 5 miles that way lol.
As our event went I actually really enjoyed this final 5 mile descent down from our challenge and I will remember it fondly as a nice gradual recovery walk down to the support team and cars below, but imagine being 30 miles into your 24hr Welsh 3000's challenge, it's now likely getting dark and you still have 5 miles to go to find your damn car!
None of that for us, we had a great event company, a great team of leaders and a great support team and great fellow guests many of whom I know well and have been really supportive of me after losing my Dad the previous month while training for this event. I am truly thankful to everyone for that, as I felt loved and supported by many there and I really look forward to seeing many of them at other Focused Performance events, they really are great at finding you lots of new fellow minded running friends etc.
Anyway, I digress. We had our final 5 mile descent along a new route Geoff had decided on and it was a cracking route with great views as we went down the valleys involved and valleys I'd never seen before in my life and equally as impressive as the mountain views we had had over the weekend.
More great little chats followed as we all slowly hiked down the route and by now a real sense of achievement was starting to finally kick in. The fact that physically during what was a long day and now a recovery walk I felt physically really good was testament to decent training, decent ability and a decent group to take it all on with.
I enjoyed the last mile or so down the descent with Geoff and Stewart as we recapped on the day and admired the views, including several groups of Carneddau ponies and several young foals and we tried not to laugh when Geoff was calling ahead with his new better walkie talkies for the support team to reassure himself they were actually there.
A couple of successful messages and contacts came through which was good as there was still a mountainside between us and the cars, so the signal was a challenge.
Geoff told us multiple times that we should be able to see them soon, and they are just around the corner. But just around the corner was like the summits just ahead in the mountains, it's never the 'next corner' or 'just over the next bit!'.
We had now reached the end of Geoff's GPS route and we still couldn't see the cars and didn't always get a signal, and Geoff looked more and more panicked after saying 'Just around here!' several times and there not being anything there lol. All was eventually good a mere 50 metres further on from the initial panic as the wall dropped away to our side and we could see the welcome sight of the excellent Focused performance support team of Tracey, Stephen and of course Tony!
All in all I personally had a great weekend with some great people and completed some sections of the Welsh 3000's route I hadn't managed to do yet, and this would not have been possible without Geoff and his Focused Performance team and the standard of guest that his events attract.
I thoroughly look forward to taking this on as a 24hr challenge over the next year as part of my fundraiser for the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team.
I would highly recommend if you haven't been on one of Geoff's events, that you do so, and as a person with Anxiety and Social Anxiety I honestly find them truly welcoming and a welcome relief from my problems.
You are also usually guaranteed a great evening with the team in the accommodations in or out of a local pub, as they are all round fun people to be with, especially when a few relaxing drinks have been had and they relax a little more.
Often you will find Geoff is the most entertaining of all when he's had a drink and the final night at the Arete centre in Wales didn't disappoint, but Geoff did make us promise never to post the video, but if you were there, you were there, and it was a true privilege!
I for one have re-booked for next year, see you there folks!
Ooh and we got a medal too!!
