Langdale

Found it all a bit trying. Didn't feel 100% on the climb up to first CP. Probably 'cos I got over-taken by loads on the first flatish section and then couldn't get passed 'em on the steep bit. Felt a bit better on climb up to Thunacar Knott having gained a few and got to Esk Hause 2 mins under the official cut-off of 1hr 50mins. About 7mins better than last year. So it wasn't looking likely that a sub 4 hr finish was on the cards.

Not a particularly efficient exit off Bowfell, bad news when you don't know it well enough to be looking for piles of stones for your route finding, so was glad for the friendly shout from NLN and Mark at Three Tarns. On my own on the contouring route up to Long Top and then wished I'd taken the contouring route round to the right to avoid Bad Step as first got held up by a runner with cramp and then by some 6ft + bloke having 'collywobbles' at bad step. Even a 'put right foot there, left hand there etc' didn't help so he climbed back up and I had to show him how it was done.

Passed a stricken runner on the descent from Blisco, must have been a fast'un as Mountain Rescue were already in attendance, with more on their way up from the last check point. Finally reached the finish about 4-5mins over 4hrs, quicker than last year but still 40 mins slower than 3 Shires. Winner's time seemed remarkably similar.

Apologies to EtU for not seeing you in to the finish but had a pressing engagement with the AGM. Wanted to listen to the discussion regarding the change of the FRA to FRA Ltd. Basically to do with the committee members being liable if someone decides to sue, an article about it was in the summer edition of Fellrunner. Could have implications for all clubs and associations, especially those involved in risky activities. Not sure road running comes under that category yet, but given that I'm on my running club's committee I have a degree of self-interest or more importantly financial self-preservation, so thought it was worth the effort to attend.

No utup for me this week, off on Saturday to watch the National Road Relays. I say watch, as already one of the 8 runners lined up to run has dropped out. I'm reserve no 3. What's the chances I have to don the club vest next week!

TF