Thankfully Juliet slept well the night before the race which meant I got good sleep too. On arrival it was great to meet Pete and the team of ladies who I would be running with. I think it is fair to say we were all nervous but it was nice chatting and contemplating the next hour or so. I didn't get to chat to the GM guys much so sorry about that, it was a case of get a vest, jog out a bit and sort all kit and jog up to the start.
It was lovely to see my ex Accrington team mates, Lisa and Debs too as they were running for Lancashire. (I've now changed clubs to Blackburn so hopefully that will work out well.) The weather was perfect - Sunny but with a cool breeze. Mrs "Woodentop" was taking great team photos at the start so thanks for that - But we missed Rowen...I think she was doing a mega warm up.
There was a little bit of a bottleneck at the start as it was on a narrow track but it soon cleared - well with 2.5 miles of uphill that was always going to spread the field out slightly.
I set off up the hill thinking "I'm dying" fairly standard really. Yes it was hard, yes I was out of breath but I kept saying get to the top of this hill and then the race begins and the fun bit starts. Nothing hurt on my body which is always a nice thing just generally race hurting - lungs and legs but everyone has that to cope with.
As the open fell approached and we started the proper climb up to Moel Eilio Kirsty and Sheridan came past me and we were all within a few meters of each other for a while. Sheridan pulled away a bit and then as the summit loomed I passed Kirsty and started to make a bit of ground on Sheridan. the sense of elation for me at the summit was quite pleasing. I love the downhill and the descent from the summit is a cracker - Grassy, solid underfoot and really good fun. I passed Sheridan just on this descent and we shared a few words about how amazing the route was. It really is a stunning course and the views on either side were phenomenal. Down one summit then up another, this really is how the course goes. Up the next one and then down again. Quite a steep descent here and one where your arms go into "Phoebe" mode and I can't stop myself giggling downhill. I munched on a few haribo and a bit of 9bar too and was caught in the act.
I did drink quite a bit and found this really helped when my legs were feeling jelly like - which did happen a couple of times after a fast descent then a steep climb. The final summit is really tough - long climb that goes on and on but then the descent that follows.....brilliant!
Hard - wind in your face making your eyes water so you can't see - tussocks, mud, grass, stones - Superb.
The worst bit about the whole race was a miniature climb just back up onto the final track to run the last 1.5 miles in - that was just mean! It was great to get cheers from Ali, Callum and Dan on the final track in - I did nearly fall over at the shock of discovering Dan was a real person after all.....but managed to regain my balance - Just.
I finished in 1hr23. 23rd F. First from our GM team and a few other places I was pleased with.
Ace day out - Great group of girlies - we did GM proud. Well done all of you.
Thanks to the gang for great coaching, physio and as always sponsorship from my ever faithful 9bar
keeping me stocked up on tasty nutrition.
