Brough Law

Sunday, March 9, 2014

AS / 5M / 1250'

Geoff Davis

A Race Too Far?

Against our better judgement we decided to break one of our long established principles and run two races in one weekend. If we’re involved in a race there’s only one way we know how to run and that’s to give it 100% from start to finish, aim to be as high up the field as you can and only drop out if someone shoots you! This puts a certain amount of strain on the body and we’ve found over the years that our bodies tend to complain if they are asked to take the strain too often – like twice in two days. But you never learn and after what we thought would be an easy x/c on Saturday we found ourselves heading off to do a shortish fell race on the Sunday! Mike Hughes joined us on the drive north to the Ingram Valley in Northumberland.

There was a record turnout of over 120 for Will Horsley’s Brough Law Fell Race – a worthy reward for all of Will’s efforts. Susan and I had run the race on a number of occasions so we knew what to expect. It starts with a very steep climb and although this is mercifully short it continues with a further long climb only slightly less steep. It only took a few paces uphill for me to realise that I should have stayed at home. My chest seemed to be saying “Oi! You had us doing this yesterday and last Saturday and the Saturday before that and the Saturday before that – enough is enough – slow down or we’re not playing ball!”

What can you do when you’re delivered such an ultimatum? I slowed down. It was galling to see others pass me who normally never do but I could do little about it on that long climb. Things picked up a bit as the climb eased off and I was able to stretch out along the lovely grassy track amid beautiful Cheviot scenery. Runners stopped passing me and I began to pick a few off. There was more ‘technical’ terrain here than at yesterday’s Wallsend x/c with some nice grassy descents – just what I like!

So, all was not lost, and although one or two rivals finished ahead of me I wasn’t too disappointed and I was sure I could shake off the three injury niggles I’d managed to aggravate! Mike wasn’t far behind me and he had enjoyed very much his first fell race in the Cheviots. Susan had a good race as well, in spite of taking a tumble coming downhill near the end and being annoyed by other runners taking short cuts when Will had warned against such tactics before the start of the race.

A good morning out, home in time to see us give the Welsh a good hiding and a relaxing evening with the injuries stretched, rolled & iced. However, no more two race weekends – until the next time!

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