Two Lakes half marathon

Race: Two Lakes trail half marathon (Brenig-Alwen, Hiraethog)
Time/Position: 1.29.48 (2nd from 81 [1st Vet])
I remember doing the double loop of these lakes many years ago with Neil Parry, in an attempt to make our marathon training "more interesting". We remarked that it would make a nice race, although the full loop of both lakes is not far off 20 miles. Joe Cooper had worked out a different route which incorporates the scenic 'short cut' bridleway that links the two lakes and keeps the route to the half marathon distance (albeit with 1250ft of climbing). This also has the effect of making the race very different to the long-established Brenig race and the more recent Alwen race, both of which I've done several times. We started at the far end of the dam wall on the shores of Llyn Brenig, and headed along the fast tracks leading north. A group of three of us broke away almost immediately. Winner Steve Skates was clearly the strongest runner present, and pulled out a two minute gap by half way. So it was essentially a race for second between a runner from Trismart and myself. It was windless at the far end of Brenig for the muddy ground north of the lake: uncomfortably warm at this point. I moved into second place after the narrow paths, and we ran together along the gentle climb away from Brenig to gain the bridleway. The next section was superb - I was feeling good, the whole of Snowdonia was visible in front, and the going was wonderful along the bridleway. It was muddy after a morning downpour, but this just made it better. I felt like I'd pulled out a decent gap by the time we got to Alwen at the bridge. This is my favourite part of the normal Alwen race, wild and remote feeling in the heart of Hiraethog, particularly so given the big gaps that were opening out in the race. The crux of the route comes next: a steep climb up towards a ridge. I kept a steady plod going, before the excellent twisting tracks along the shores of the Alwen, nice and cool in the woods. After some water and a gel came the sting in the tail: the Alwen is considerably lower than the Brenig and a sharp climb back up the access road followed. I glanced behind, expecting to see nobody, planning for a relaxing run-in. But instead I saw the Trismart runner making his way up the hill. So the long climb back through the conifers towards the highpoint above Brenig turned into a considerably more tiring climax than I had anticipated! Great views down to Brenig from the top, then a welcome final descent across the main road and down to the far end of the dam wall.