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!