Kettleshume

The last in the series of the Lyme Park races and a bottle of Bollington Beer to celebrate running in all three (Vanessa Chappell and Boars Head as well). The race was really good. Again starting from the Moorside it follows well marked tracks and paths all the way down into Kettleshume. With no serious climbs it was fantastic to be running with the faster guys and being able to keep pace. All was going well until the BIG climb. This happens at about two thirds distance and rises from Kettleshume to the Bowstones ridge and is really two distinctive climbs. The first and steepest up to Higher Lane and then the second, less brutal but still strength sapping to the ridge itself. Anyway I kept going, digging in behind Rob from Stockport. The faster guys had pulled away and Julian who had passed me on the climb was not too far in the distance. Once onto the ridge proper I could gauge my reserves and begin to put the power down. I love running along the top with views over the Cheshire plain to the left and Kinder and Shining Tor to the right. Inspired by the moment I had a great run and even better descent to the Moorside. Hop over the stream (well there's a bridge but it sounds more exciting) and a short climb back up to the finish. 51.24. Pleased with that!