The first fell race of the year and I don't know why but I was a bit nervous, silly really, but I'd made some good improvments last season and I didn't know if I would be able to carry on from where I'd left off. A packed start, a quiet moment of remembrance for a departed runner and then we were off. Cracking start, Neil, Lee and Trevor were ahead and we were soon clear of the pack and up to a good tempo pace.
The start and first few kms are fast but I was hanging on to L & T. Soon it was the climb up the Cloud and, surprisingly, the two lads didn't pull away too much to begin with but they got away towards the Summit.
A madcap descent through the woods and I'd gained a little. Soon we were on the next climb and I felt my lack of hill training starting to tell. More ground lost but the sun was out and I was passing a few young 'uns. Road next, time to pour it on and make a big effort to get back in contention. Amazingly the legs held out and I pulled 20 m back. Keeping pace just needed to whittle away. Knowing the course really helps and I could judge the effort and distance left to go. I caught Lee and encouraged him to dig in. Chasing Trevor across the muddy fields I was joined by a lass from Sale Harriers. Knowing there was a trail and road section before the end my plan was to stick with her (just for the road speed you understand) and have something left for the little sting in the tail. As we rounded the bend on the final descent I knew I had to gain an advantage or Trevor (who I'd just snuck in front) would have me on the final 400m. Teeth gritted, lungs scorching I gained an advantage. Then on the run down to the trail I forgot to turn sideways through the stile thing. Oops and ouch! Still it's only pain. The final run on is all about holding you form and, gentlemanly to the last, I allowed the Sale lass the position. No really! A good start to the season, great club turnout and some fantastic individual performances. Solid. Time 68.54 ish I think.
The start and first few kms are fast but I was hanging on to L & T. Soon it was the climb up the Cloud and, surprisingly, the two lads didn't pull away too much to begin with but they got away towards the Summit.
A madcap descent through the woods and I'd gained a little. Soon we were on the next climb and I felt my lack of hill training starting to tell. More ground lost but the sun was out and I was passing a few young 'uns. Road next, time to pour it on and make a big effort to get back in contention. Amazingly the legs held out and I pulled 20 m back. Keeping pace just needed to whittle away. Knowing the course really helps and I could judge the effort and distance left to go. I caught Lee and encouraged him to dig in. Chasing Trevor across the muddy fields I was joined by a lass from Sale Harriers. Knowing there was a trail and road section before the end my plan was to stick with her (just for the road speed you understand) and have something left for the little sting in the tail. As we rounded the bend on the final descent I knew I had to gain an advantage or Trevor (who I'd just snuck in front) would have me on the final 400m. Teeth gritted, lungs scorching I gained an advantage. Then on the run down to the trail I forgot to turn sideways through the stile thing. Oops and ouch! Still it's only pain. The final run on is all about holding you form and, gentlemanly to the last, I allowed the Sale lass the position. No really! A good start to the season, great club turnout and some fantastic individual performances. Solid. Time 68.54 ish I think.
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