Originally Posted by
Travs
Great turnout today, I haven't seen results but I think people were saying it may have been a record field.
Thought conditions were good.... I.e hard going as always, but I've seen a lot worse at this race.
Felt pretty heavy-legged after a big effort at the XC yesterday, so took a bit of advice received from Athers of this forum, and started at the very back of the field, and went off treating it like a training run. Despite the very leisurely start, turning an ankle descending off the Roaches, and a comedic crossing of the river (went in up to my chest), I reached Shitlingsloe summit in 1:25, which is 5mins faster than previous.
With plenty left in the tank, I gunned the second half of the race... yesterday's efforts only really showing in a lack of pace down the final couple of miles... and was rewarded with a pb by 15 mins, finishing in 2:42..... I believe around 64th place.... that sort of time is usually good for top 40, so it was a credit to the turnout and high standard today that I was only 3 places higher than last time, despite a 15 minute improvement.
Not sure who won, but the front 4 were very closely packed coming down the road below Shutlingsloe...
I guess I've just got stronger over the past couple of years.... what in 2016 was max effort, is slower than what is now a sustainable grind.
Great race as always... always seems more akin to a very tough and very hilly XC course, rather than a pure Fell Race. Marshalls and spectators out in force. It really is a test of physical and mental strength.
Hello to NickHam. You're right about it being tough to maintain the pace needed throughout the full 15 miles.