Managed a brace of races this weekend.
Sat 23rd Jan - The Hebden
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Organised by the LDWA these races have, over the years, been hijacked by runners who now make up the majority of starters. And this one is a particularly well organised affair with great offerings of food and drink both at the start/finish and at checkpoints along the way. There's a long (22 mile) and short (14 mile) route on offer; myself and Mrs G both opted for the short. 14+ miles seems plenty at the moment. Passing through Mytholmroyd, Pecket Well, Midgehole, Slack Top, Blackshaw Head and Hebden Bridge this race is a real roller-coaster that rises and falls amongst a collection of the most beautiful valleys in the South Pennines. The running is mainly on paths, fields, tracks and old packhorse trails. Dripping sandwiches at Check Point 3 were avoided with regret but pork pie and peas with mulled wine and apple crumble with custard at the finish were not. Mrs G got round in a very respectable 3:33 on what is a tough, but rewarding, course. I also had a good day coming home first in 2:07. After such a long period of ice and snow we were blessed with good conditions underfoot and some much needed blue skies. A memorable day.
Sun 24th Jan - Stanbury Splash
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I had second thoughts about doing this race about 10 seconds into it. But it's abit late by then, isn't it? I'm just glad it's over. Even 3 days later. With a fresh mind and body this race has alot going for it with some really 'interesting' secions like streams and near vertical descents. But on the day it was more about getting through it without major injury. At least I know what back-to-back fell races feel like now. From a running point-of-view probably not much to be gained though. Shame they had to fall on the same weekend.
Junior GMan shows his form
GMan should have been resting
Ian Holmes wins this race for the 15th consecutive time
