Rhug Cross Country

Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug, Corwen (11k)
Time/Position: 40.35 (8th from 43 [2nd V45])
Having missed the cross-country championships for the last two years, it was nice to be able to turn out again, particularly on the excellent Rhug course which is tough and enjoyable. A stiff, cold north-westerly blew a few sleet showers in and made hard work of the long return leg on each lap, with the ground underfoot inevitably rather boggy in places. In essence, the route takes four big loops of the hilly terrain on Lord Newborough's land north of the A5. One sharp climb, one stream crossing and several bumps and humps keep things interesting. Small field, so after the first lap significant gaps opened out at the front of the field. A nice outing, with Buckley winning both the team prize and the veteran's prize, with three counters (Jez, me, Eric). A challenging prize giving: outside, in a shower of horizontal hail and sleet!

Abergele Border League

Race: Abergele 5m (Border League Race 4)
Time/Position: 28.18 (15th from 334 [2nd V45])
As is often the case with this race, which heads in a westerly direction along the seafront, we had a bit of a headwind for the first couple of miles. As a result, an unusually big group formed at the front, and the pace stayed quite comfortable until the quicker runners broke away before the turn leaving the rest of us to hang on as best we could. I've always quite enjoyed this course, with its twists and turns through the caravan site before a flat out finish with a slight tailwind. First V45 in the standings at the moment, but a lot can happen in the last three races!

Carneddau circuit

Peaks: Llwytmor, Foel Fras, Yr Aryg
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
There is a reason that the obvious horseshoe around Cwm yr Afon Goch isn't more popular, and that's the awful initial slog up Llwytmor. I had a very limited amount of time available today, so started very early and just drove to Aber and started running. This wasn't the ideal choice, as there was superb snow cover in Ogwen and far less towards the coast. But it did mean that I gained ground very quickly, taking the 1000m peaks race route through the woods and scree above Aber Falls to gain the tight cwm above. From here I slogged straight up the hill to emerge north of Llwytmor. The snow level was quite distinct and some freeze-thaw had occurred. Snow gullies would have been nice today, although I broke through the crust from time to time: just wearing fell running shoes and carrying my mini-spikes which remained in the sac. On the summit, the stunning conditions really kicked in. Deep blue cloudless sky, crisp untouched snow stretching in all directions: the northern Carneddau take on an Arctic Tundra feel in these circumstances. The snow was crisp enough to be runnable, and it was truly superb across the sharp valley to the climb up Foel Fras. Deep drifts towards the summit, and even better views out to Llywellyn. I looped round the lip of Cwm yr Afon Goch before descending - breaking through the crust with tedious, tiring regularity. Good running back to Aber.

Shining Tor run

Conditions in the Peak today made yesterday's outing look benign. Howling wind and driving sleet as we headed up into the moors from near the Cat and Fiddle. Last night's convivial warmth of Hartington Hall and village pubs seemed a distant memory the instant we set foot on the open moor and ploughed up to the top of Shining Tor, the day's highpoint (and the highest point in Cheshire). This was quick and painless as most of it takes laid stone flags, avoiding the worst of the boggy conditions. Windy, wet and cold at the summit: the rain much heavier than yesterday. Still, a really enjoyable run led down the laid stones to the road above Windgather. From here we headed below a spur on a great, gently descending path down towards Errwood. A sheltered valley allowed for some map reading, and we then took the long contouring tracks back up the shoulder that runs down from the Cat and Fiddle. Frozen feet and soaking clothes as we got back to the car, an all-too-familiar feeling from hundreds of similar outings.

Roaches run

A very 'mini' mini-break in the Peak District. Not much more than 24 hours, characterised by constant filthy weather: but enjoyable despite this drawback. Vic had already stayed in the excellent Hartington Hall YHA and suggested it might make a nice base for some easy climbing. That was never on the cards, as rain fell for the entire weekend, but we are nothing if not flexible so packed the running kit and did two variants on famous fell race routes. Sadly we didn't get to Meerbrook (the start of the Roaches fell race) until 2pm, so had a limited window in which to do 11-12 miles across the moors in appalling conditions. The slog over the fields towards the Roaches was dire: just endless cloying bog. A farmyard had been wired by the farmer, giving Vic an electric shock and me a mild one from the wall itself: this despite the public right of way. More bog led to the road and the climb up to the Roaches ridge. I've climbed here a couple of times and done a few of the classic routes, but it was streaming and horrible today. Once we were on the ridge, excellent running followed, really enjoyable in the wind and rain: grit crags looming from the mist. The trig point is well over 500m and the air temperature was just above freezing. From here, solid paving stones led to the road and the continuation of the ridge taken by the race. This was soggy and cold, but rather enjoyable. Every step was aquatic, and although I'd wanted to drop down to Lud's Church, we chose to head into woods above the river Dane where we emerged on the road at Danebridge and the Cheshire border (familiar from the Cheshire Cat sportive I think). A long road plod led back via various lanes to Meerbrook, completing a satisfying 11-12 miles loop with the tiniest glimmer of daylight remaining, and earning us a pie and pint in Hartington later on.