November 2012

[El Gordo]

WYXC - Race 3 - Fartown, Huddersfield
-------------------------------------

Yes, I seem to remember a few smirks as a child when this place was mentioned.

The morning of a race is almost as enjoyable as it gets with cross-country I think. Cleaning spikes, packing bags, planning routes etc. All done in between household chores, cooking and helping out with jigsaws. I really like the anticipation and build-up.

By the middle of lap 3 I distinctly remember thinking: what a f*cking ridiculous sport this is. The pain and the inadequacy. This filthy, senseless procession.

Then after a quick shower and a cup of tea I'm sat in my car chomping on cold pizza and grinning from ear-to-ear. Amazing how the emotional topology of race-day unfolds. (See how I managed to avoid the 'l' word which I find almost as irritating as the 'j' word these days.)

My only regret today was not having the time to pop into The Slubbers (One of EG's favorite boozers) for a quick pint on my way home.

From a running point-of-view it was a pretty good day though. Still frustratingly fat and sluggish through the absurd amount of mud on the course. But I finished slightly higher and didn't feel quite so ruined afterwards.

Slow progress is what we're after. Staying in the game and going in the right direction is all I ask.

MUDFEST

Sometimes words jump out of a post. A little research tells me of a missed opportunity

But yes, Fartown. Previously famous as the home of Huddersfield Rugby League Club, before they graduated to the space age McAlpine Stadium, or whatever it is called these days.

Well done on the run, though I fear I will be lying awake tonight, wondering what the unspoken I and J words would have been. I'll figure it out eventually.

------
   
Added -- Great video too. It was like a scene from the great Kes.