Round the Walls race

Race: Round the Walls, Chester (4.5m)
Time/Position: 26.10 (8th from 443)
The bridge over Watergate re-opened after months of work just days before this year's race, which meant that an almost-complete circuit could be run again. As usual, we all went along for this perfect Boxing Day outing, and it was a nice day: cold, but not freezing, sunny and crisp. The initial half loop of a wet Roodee led to another sprint below the grandstand then up on to Nun's Road for a clockwise loop of the walls, coming down briefly at Northgate where rebuilding work continues. Two passed me before the narrow section round the cathedral but I didn't lose too much ground. Step technique is always the key! We came off the walls beyond Handbridge and then looped round the Roodee on the Dee path, where I managed to regain the places I'd lost. Kate enjoyed the race too: always an excellent way of burning off some of the excess and making space for more food and drink.