October

[Bierzo Baggie]

Sounds like you'e been making some spectacular progress Glaconman.

It also sounds like if you improve your downhill technique you'll be really flying with the good 'ns as that seems to be where the best fell/mountain runneres gain most time.

Best advice I was given was to train yourself to scan ahead whilst running. Train your brain to make loads of split second photos of the terrain your feet will be making contact with seconds later and with a bit of luck you'll descend faster and with greater confidence. Easier said than done I know. My problem is with the concentration that this entails. I can descend quickly over dodgy terrain in bursts but anything over 5 minutes does my head in. I've got to the stage now where I can descend faster than the road-runners but I'm still overtaken by all the mountaineers. I suppose a lot of it is innate.

I used to have terrible problems with my ankles too but that seemed to clear up when I packed the football in. Hill walking seemed to strengthen them as well.

Keep it up!