Calderdale Way Relay 13 Dec 2009

Buying a pair of trail shoes and running up Beamsley Beacon during October half-term somehow made me think I could be a fell runner- how wrong I was!! Even 2 cross countries this winter didn't prepare me sufficiently for leg 3 of the relay. Asking for the shortest leg unfortunately also gave me me the steepest leg and I was left puffing away and walking quite a bit as I struggled to get up that damned mountain (officially a steep hill) from Todmorden. Poor Ryan Dransfield had to keep waiting for me and I couldn't stop saying sorry for slowing him down!! Anyway once we did make it to the top, the downhill section was great. Unfortunately there was more uphill to come and my 85kgs struggled to make it. Nevertheless I did get to the end in under 48 minutes, which was my target, and we didn't drop too many places, so pleased with the time. Thanks to Ryan for perservering with me and my whinging, and to Michael for the transportation and support at the end. I believe we came 51st overall which I think is very respectable, so well done to all and also to Gareth for co-ordinating it all. Hope you all have a good Christmas and all the best for the New Year: keep on running!! PS Kevin O: I think you and Ryan should do leg 3 next year, you'll be up that mountain in no time!!