I've often headed up to the Lakes in March. Partly as it offers the first signs of spring and secondly, that's when the smaller fell races start in earnest. I often do Black Combe, but couldn't make that last weekend, so thought I'd try this one as it fitted in. Graham could make it too from Newcastle so a great excuse to meet up.
Headed up early Saturday morning to catch some early light with my new camera (sample shots above from my Fuji XE-1 which as you can see from the link produces great shots thanks to it's completely radical X-Trans sensor) before heading over to the Strands Inn to limber up and meet Graham.
This winter's been terrible for me in terms of running AND biking. Very achy glutes and tight hamstrings means that even walking round the office has been painful at times. I think I'm over the worst of it now but warming up felt very painful. Nevertheless as soon as we were off you forget about pain and just leg it !
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| Near Summit of Middle Fell. Wasdale Screes in Background. Photo courtesy of Granddayoutphotography. |
The glorious sun made the ascent from Greendale (home of Joss) to Middlefell very hot and thoughts of cramp soon entered my head ! I reached the summit in about 10th but soon lost ground on the steep (but non technical) descent. Worse was yet to come though because as soon as it levelled off, my calves just packed up after that long descent and started to cramp up ! I could only just run, but a few hundred metres up the road and the niggles subsided meaning I could take about 4 runners on the run in finishing in 18th.
Lovely atmosphere on this spectacular spring day on this great small local fell race. Nice food too and beers in the Strands in afterwards catching up with Graham, I think we were first in and almost last out!
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| Race start : Two Pubs = Result! |
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| Yes, I actually stopped to take this photo mid race !! |
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| Results Courtesy of @fellrunninbrief Thanks guys ! |