The last man standing...

Certainly I was the last man running in the Winter Hill race on Sunday and managed to stay on my feet until timed out at checkpoint 7. From a slow start at the back of the field I watched as everyone of the 173 runners disappeared into the distance but was still going steady even on the run in to the top barn. Congratulations to EtU and Matt on their steady runs.

As pointed out elsewhere the conditions were better than the usual quagmire even though the surface at times was like running on rutted concrete. The wintry conditions were so enjoyable that I went back on Tuesday for a hair of the dog, or was it the fallen rider immediately getting back in the saddle before he loses his nerve? Anyway, in the meantime fresh snow had fallen making for another exciting outing, this time from the Lower Barn up through the gardens and along George's Lane to the Wilderswood gate and thence to the top of the quarries, the Trespass Stone, Winter Hill trig point and back via the Sheep's Back.

Interestingly, after spending most of Monday wondering whether YJ's fell racing days were numbered, Tuesday's time stood well in comparison with the two previous outings.

Saturdays pace (9.07 miles in 2hrs 23mins) was 15mins 51secs per mile; Sunday's (9.15 miles in 2hrs 37mins) 17mins 11secs; and Tuesday's (8.88 miles in 2hrs 3mins) 13mins 51secs. Which begs the question: where did the extra pace come from when I should have been still in recovery mode.

All thoughts are now directed to preparation for the Amble. I 'm still hoping for between 5hrs 30mins and 6 hrs. See you all there.