Running race 4:19:00 [5]
GWC. Targets were (a) to beat my pw from 2 years ago and (b) to get through the race without cramping. Was successful on both counts (just), so got to be happy.
Started steady and felt great up the first climb (don't remember running all of it in the past). Also felt good and relaxed along the next rocky / boggy section and down to Shenaval. Caught Andrew D and had a natter through some of this. Also passed Matt S having split his knee open ;-( The bog between the 2 river crossings was drier than ever and easy soft running. Took a bit to settle on the track on the far side of the rivers but still feeling ok up the start of the climb and passed a couple of people. Second part of the climb felt slow and by the time I went over the top I was going through a rough patch. Felt a twinge in my calf which had me worried as this was the first signs of cramp I had two years ago in the same spot. Eased off a bit and soon settled down again and then felt good all the way down to the causeway. Was aware by now that muscles were tiring (2 1/2 hours in) and tried to stay relaxed and not push too much. The next section to the check point feeding station did seem long and slow and I was wanting more fluid as I'd drunk all I was carrying. Must have slowed some more and was passed by a couple of runners heading across the bog path towards the forest. This was where I cramped badly 2 years ago, so was relieved at least to still be going in relative comfort. Didn't recognise much of the forest track which was muddy and tedious, but after refuelling at the forest end, got into a steady pace down the track and picked back a couple of places. Final section along the road seemed hillier than I remembered but as always soon passed and was pleased to see the finish clock still sub 4:20.
Feels like real progress to have been able to enjoy a long race for the first time in several years. Need to build on it now and try and get a bit of speed back - need to do a few more races for that. Definitely need another target to motivate through the autumn....