Originally Posted by
Travs
An interesting day out at Borrowdale today. As Scoffer explained on the start line, they were under considerable pressure to either cancel or shorten, due to the worrying weather forecast. Thankfully a route was found which allowed a race to go ahead, and i think everyone really appreciated this.
The route then... A reverse of the usual final descent, climbing up through Rigg Beck Slate Workings, bearing right at the top to the summit of High Spy. From there a down and up to Dale Head. Down to Honister. Then up/across to the top of Rigg Beck Workings again, and down the usual final descent.
Ricky Lightfoot took the honours in around 1hr16, with Carl Bell close behind, Rob Jebb a couple of minutes back in 3rd. Sharon Taylor i believe won the women's race.
As to my own race, i climbed strongly and descended poorly, which was magnified by the slippery conditions. Spent most of the race in a battle around 30-35th place, but dropped 2-3 minutes (and about 10 places) on the final descent, to finish 46th in 1hr37. Also allowing Tindersticks to pass me on that descent and gain revenge for the Old Crown Round.
Splits tell the story... my climbing splits were in the 30's, but the two main descents (down to Honister, and back down to the valley) were in the 70's.
Didn't stick around for prize-giving due to the awful weather, and i was soaked through, but seemed the usual jolly post-race atmosphere afterwards.
Today marked my 100th fell race. Hopefully by the time 200 comes round i'm still learning and improving.
Pete