R-Ambling on again

For someone who has aspirations to do three ultra runs this year the past week did not bode well for my Amble prospects. A good start to the week was followed by a long drive back from the south coast and a period of jet lag (these Toyotas really fly when the accelerator pedal sticks). By Thursday I had to turn back after running half a mile and Friday was equally disappointing with a very slow four miles.

So arrival at Rivington was tinged with more than a little concern as to whether I would finish. Fortunately as so often happens we have an ability to raise the game when necessary and my performance was a steady run only 10 minutes slower than last year. After early contact with T'Y, Nico and NLN I was left very much on my own until rescuing a runner with a Midlands accent from a wrong turn on Darwen Moor who provided welcome company until he dropped back on the approach to Slipper Lowe.

Well done to the aformention trio who all had good runs and especially to FSS for finishing fourth and JtE who must now surely have laid his Darwen Tower ghost to rest.

The decision not to do the double as FSS did and tackle the Winter Hill race the next day proved wise as following EtU down the diagonal from the trig point I was left woefully behind. Nevertheless the Sunday outing as a spectator was enjoyable if cold, partly in the company of NLN.

The next task is to change the fell legs for road legs in preparation for Sunday's Blackpool half marathon where the target will be to reduce the Amble average pace of over 13 minute miles to between 7.30 and 8 minute miles.