Since I live in Northants, there isn't much vertical to be found close by. But, my job has taken me to Naples, IT to teach for a couple of weeks. Yesterday I ran a 20K (10K up, and 10 down) on Vesuvius. It was about 3100 ft vert in 10K, in hot temps (75-80 F) so I feel it was great training for my big race, Yorkshireman, in September. It is a 15-20 degree paved road for most of the way, but the final push (3/4 mile or so) is a 35-40 degree hash up very fine basalt dust and rough rock. Stunning views from up top.

If you are down in Italy want to do it, take the A3 autostrada out of Naples toward Salerno/Sorrento to the Ercolano exit, and follow the signs. Park about a 1.5 miles up the hill out of Ercolano near a huge standing stone with a red eye painted on it, then go up. Have fun.

Off to Hebden Bridge next weekend for my first fell race. Should be great.