VI Subida a los Baños de Sierra Alhamilla 24 December 2010

[Antonio247]

On Friday 24th December I drove to Pechina to take part in the sixth “Subida a los Baños de Sierra Alhamilla”. It was a sunny day. Although I had a terrible cold, I had to go since I´ve taken part in all the editions of this race. There, I met Manuel, the soul of this unofficial race. A few minutes later, we met Luis, who is from Almería and learnt about this race in the web WWW.carreraspopulares.com . Then, we met Heather who is from the west of England but lives in a small town in the mountains in the west of the province of Almería. Later, arrived Jose, who has taken part in several editions of this race.

Before the start, Manuel gave us a present, a cap with the inscription “VI Subida a los Baños de Sierra Alhamilla”. We went together along the street to get out of the town and got to the road that goes up to the Baños. I couldn´t keep their pace, so I jogged up feeling a bit tired but Managed to get to the top without having to walk and was greeted by all of them who had been waiting for me. Then, we took the dirt track downhill. Although Luis is very fit, he decided to keep my pace and we enjoyed the views and the conversation. We tried to reach Heather but she was going faster and I couldn´t accelerate more. It took me two hours to do the 15 km course. We were welcomed by Manuel, Jose, Heather, Manuel´s sister with her two little boys and Raúl, Pechina´s sports councellor who took part in this race a few years ago.

As I was in a hurry, I couldn´t remain with them for the drinks and tapas. It was fantantic to take part in this race again, which is a good excuse to meet at Christmas old friends such as Manuel or Jose and new ones as Luis or Heather, who is very fit and friendly and a member of this running forum.

[suzieq]

I'm impressed Antonio - running a race the day before Christmas! Sounds like you're keeping up your distance running. You'll be ready for Almeria.

Suzie

[Antonio247]

I'm impressed Antonio - running a race the day before Christmas! Sounds like you're keeping up your distance running. You'll be ready for Almeria.

Suzie

Gracias, Suzie. It was the longest distance after Connemara. I felt tired on the way up but I was glad I managed to finish.

I don´t know if I´d better do the 9 km race instead of the half since I´ve got some discomfort in my right knee. I´ll have to make my mind up soon.

It´s a pity you can´t come this year, Suzie.We´ll miss you.

Saludos desde Almería

Antonio