Tansley

Yesterday it was the Boars Head and today it's Tansley. A little known fell race of 4.3 miles and just 600ft of climbing. It starts from the pavilion on the playing fields in the centre of the village and the first half is mainly track and road. It's a fast and furious dash downhill around The Knolls before the long climb up Oaksedge Lane and then through woods before emerging onto Foxholes Lane. There now follows a stretch of road running where I was able to claw back some places lost on the climb. It's a good way though and not to be underestimated. After the road section thankfully we turn again onto footpaths and fields. The terrain had levelled out and it was almost time to begin the descent. Last year I made the mistake of taking it too cautiously down here. Well to hell with that! Full speed and hang the consequences I say. It turned out OK and I even passed a few (phew!). Once back onto the playing fields it was sprint finish to cross the line in 32.03 some 35 seconds quicker than last time out. Not bad!