My 5th Wasdale and probably the hardest yet.....why so tough this year?

The weather: it was uncomfortably hot in the valleys but was ideal on the tops, nothing compared to the scorcher of 2013...overall it was good.

Navigation: really shouldn't have been a problem for anybody such was the clarity on the day.....so why did countless runners, myself included, go down the gnarly gully on the descent from Whin Rigg.

Water: loads on route and as always at Greendale it's a pleasure to see Joss and family handing out water and juice.

Underfoot conditions: for me this was one of the main obstacles of the day. The climb up Seatallan was a proper drag over the saturated ground, Seatallan is hard enough when dry...when wet, what a bugger. On the plus the rocks over Gable, Scafell etc were bone dry.

Support: given the lovely day it was great to see so many friendly faces out and about throughout the race offering encouragement, water and jelly babies etc....many thanks.

Pre- race preparation: personality this is where it all goes 'tits up' for me. Wasdale was my 5th race in 8 days and it certainly showed...will I ever learn? If I'm to achieve a sub 5hrs on this race I need to give it more respect...it's that simple.

In summary: pretty decent day for a Wasdale. If drier underfoot how much faster would Carl have blasted around the course, not forgetting the extra bit at the start which added about 2 minutes.

Many thanks to all involved....amazing food at the finish really hit the spot.