June 2015

[glaconman]

Another couple of cheeky races to report.

Sat 6th June  - The Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon

The name of this race may conjure-up images of pretty Dales villages, lush pastures,
obscure types of cheeses and breeds of sheep and heiffer. James and Tristran cavorting
along the road in their Morgan. Ruined abbeys perhaps. The reality is a tough race spent
battling up challenging terrain. This year there was also 50+ mph headwinds to deal with
whilst tackling the major climb of Mastiles Lane, once part of an important long distance
monastic route.

I started to loose interest at about 10 miles, in the sense that my will to finish as well
as possible became compromised by extreme fatigue and mental fraility. But I did alot of
strong running upto that point.

It's a very special route and a recommendation for anybody wanting a long race in the
Dales.

ps. Probably the best race for being challenging whilst carrying a benign name is The Bluebell
Trail Race which features Trooper Lane in Halifax. A cobbled, hair-pinned beast like a
dragons neck. The Barbour's Honey Beer of races you might say.

Mastiles Lane

Thursday 11th June - The Full Bronte 5 mile road race

Warm sunshine. A pb on the course. A bronze medal in the Yorkshire Vets Champs V45 category. And great beer with good company for a few hours after the race in the clubhouse. Another mid-week stonker and no mistake.

And whilst we're counting (well I wasn't, but I guess I am now thanks to Dan) here's one I missed earlier ...

Wed 13th May - John Carr 5k

More furious action from the first set of Emmerdale. Does this count as a race report?