Race: Halloween Hellraiser Multi-Terrain, Cheshire (9m XC)
Time/Position: 57:49 (6th from 196 [1st V40])
In ordinary circumstances, I would probably have done the OMM this weekend. A family weekend was more appealing than the long trip to Dartmoor, however, so I took the opportunity to do a longer cross-country/multi-terrain race for a change. The race is an excellent loop of the Cheshire countryside around Nantwich and Crewe, with lots of very varied running over fields, bogs, gravel roads, housing estates, short hills, a quarry and a graveyard. I gradually moved through the field throughout the race, gaining places all the way, and felt quite comfortable which was pleasing on a slightly longer race than I've been used to recently. The length and style of race, combined with the different location (which means different clubs and different runners, as with the Breidden Hill race) meant that this was therefore a pleasing addition to the 'palmares': I was first Vet again, and also picked up a prize for 6th overall (although neither was given during the prize-giving due to a cock-up!).
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Caernarfon Border League
Race: Caernarfon 10k (Border League round 1)
Time/Position: 35:52 (17th from 231 [2nd V40])
Although I ran reasonably well on this, the most scenic and interesting of the Border League races, I was left feeling a bit disappointed with my time and position. In the past, I've found that when you move up a level in the league, it has the frustrating effect of losing you several places in the last 500m, when stronger runners put in a better finishing kick. This was the case today: I was up in 12th or 13th place at 5k, as the race moves inland after the seafront section. This is the furthest up the field I've ever been in the league, so I was inevitably hanging on a bit for the hilly final half. I managed to keep it going before being passed by two runners at 8k, then two more in the last 200m. Over a minute slower than my Cardiff time, although it was enough for 2nd Vet overall. Crystal clear views over Snowdonia and the sea, and I always enjoy the finish past the castle even if I am struggling.
Time/Position: 35:52 (17th from 231 [2nd V40])
Although I ran reasonably well on this, the most scenic and interesting of the Border League races, I was left feeling a bit disappointed with my time and position. In the past, I've found that when you move up a level in the league, it has the frustrating effect of losing you several places in the last 500m, when stronger runners put in a better finishing kick. This was the case today: I was up in 12th or 13th place at 5k, as the race moves inland after the seafront section. This is the furthest up the field I've ever been in the league, so I was inevitably hanging on a bit for the hilly final half. I managed to keep it going before being passed by two runners at 8k, then two more in the last 200m. Over a minute slower than my Cardiff time, although it was enough for 2nd Vet overall. Crystal clear views over Snowdonia and the sea, and I always enjoy the finish past the castle even if I am struggling.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Breidden Hills fell race
Race: Breidden Hills fell race, Powys (7m/2300ft/AM)
Time/Position: 1:02:12 (9th from 117 [1st V40])
The morning mist gradually cleared as we set off on this long-established race. I've wanted to do it for some time, but was still surprised by just how enjoyable, scenic and varied the area is. A gradual climb on forest roads leads round to fields (briefly crossing the English border) and the first sharp climb up to the ridge of Middletown Hill. Superb running along this, across a series of little grassy peaklets, leads to a long descent to a road. Then another climb, more gentle and runnable, leads to the top of Moel y Golfa, before a surprisingly awkward rocky descent. Steep and exhilarating running, with great views over the surrounding countryside (now sunny), and I managed to pick up some places on the next wooded section, marked 'New Pieces' on the map - presumably benefiting from recent 10k speed. These wooded undulations go on for a while through Breidden Forest, muddy in places, before the final steep climb to the top of Rodney's Pillar (obvious from the main Welshpool road below). The final descent from here is great: rocky at first, then fast, then very steep. Simon flew past me on the last steep hill, and we finished 7 seconds apart after all those hills and an hour of racing. I'd done enough to win first V40, though, which was surprising but nice: in a different area with different clubs competing. The home-made post-race food at the prize-giving in Criggion village hall was also excellent!
Time/Position: 1:02:12 (9th from 117 [1st V40])
The morning mist gradually cleared as we set off on this long-established race. I've wanted to do it for some time, but was still surprised by just how enjoyable, scenic and varied the area is. A gradual climb on forest roads leads round to fields (briefly crossing the English border) and the first sharp climb up to the ridge of Middletown Hill. Superb running along this, across a series of little grassy peaklets, leads to a long descent to a road. Then another climb, more gentle and runnable, leads to the top of Moel y Golfa, before a surprisingly awkward rocky descent. Steep and exhilarating running, with great views over the surrounding countryside (now sunny), and I managed to pick up some places on the next wooded section, marked 'New Pieces' on the map - presumably benefiting from recent 10k speed. These wooded undulations go on for a while through Breidden Forest, muddy in places, before the final steep climb to the top of Rodney's Pillar (obvious from the main Welshpool road below). The final descent from here is great: rocky at first, then fast, then very steep. Simon flew past me on the last steep hill, and we finished 7 seconds apart after all those hills and an hour of racing. I'd done enough to win first V40, though, which was surprising but nice: in a different area with different clubs competing. The home-made post-race food at the prize-giving in Criggion village hall was also excellent!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Flintshire 10k
Race: Flintshire 10k
Time/Position: 35:28 (5th from 324 [1st V40])
Well down on my Cardiff time, but this was a strange race which reminded me of the Gamelin fell race last June in that I ran most of it on my own - which has an inevitable effect on motivation levels! I moved into fifth as we started up the hill in heavy rain, and quite quickly pulled out a gap. But there was no way I could catch the much better runner in fourth, so I concentrated on keeping a decent pace going. There was nobody in front or behind, and I stayed relatively comfortable throughout. As a result, it was all rather enjoyable and I was glad I'd chosen this rather than any of the other races taking place on the same day. After the finish, I jogged back round to run the last 3k with Kate. Ended up with three trophies at the prize giving (5th, 1st V40, 2nd team): a bit of a contrast to missing third place by tiny margins in my last two races!
Time/Position: 35:28 (5th from 324 [1st V40])
Well down on my Cardiff time, but this was a strange race which reminded me of the Gamelin fell race last June in that I ran most of it on my own - which has an inevitable effect on motivation levels! I moved into fifth as we started up the hill in heavy rain, and quite quickly pulled out a gap. But there was no way I could catch the much better runner in fourth, so I concentrated on keeping a decent pace going. There was nobody in front or behind, and I stayed relatively comfortable throughout. As a result, it was all rather enjoyable and I was glad I'd chosen this rather than any of the other races taking place on the same day. After the finish, I jogged back round to run the last 3k with Kate. Ended up with three trophies at the prize giving (5th, 1st V40, 2nd team): a bit of a contrast to missing third place by tiny margins in my last two races!
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