YVAA - Honley
10.30 Sunday 28th April 2013
Race report to follow...
28/04/2013
07/04/2013
National winners, Sunday sinners & Baildon runners
BAILDON BOUNDARY WAY - 13.1 miles off-road
SUNDAY - 7th April 2013
Sun festooned the sky and I knew the first really warm day of spring would be a right challenge. And of course the off road and gradual gradient of the course, including forest tracks, canal towpaths and moorland bog! Not to mention the 1 mile 'warm-up' between race HQ and the start. Memories of the Rombald Stride all came flooding back and I managed to omit any thought of the snow from my recent reccie.
The start is uphill. Mmmm - not ideal. That said, the mass of runners (especially slower ones who go to the front- why?) dictate the pace and the peleton pulls nearly everyone up to the top. A prompt tarmac descent and through Esholt village is then met with a steep climb through and over the woodland trail. I huffed and puffed down a narrow footpath that ran adjacenet to the ammonia stifling sewage works.
Across a narrow footbridge at the River Aire then steeply up a muddy bank to meet the canal towpath with jelly legs. I could see Mark 'Grunter' Smith about 150 metres ahead, but knew the canal would suit his speed better than my pacing. Helpful cheers from Coaches DJB and Hartaker propelled me across the canal and on to the trail path. Technical steps reduced the pace but I forced on trying to keep my place. Up and over a few stiles then sharp drop back across the canal to more support from the Pacer Coaches. The Jones' from HPH were sat, nestled in a sheltered spot for some snap shots.
The warm sun along the canal was hard. I could feel my face radiating and the sweat seemed to only intensify my discomfort. Sue Ransome 'then some more' passed me with ease at Shipley just before big cheers from well-wishers at Saltaire. As I progressed along the canal I could see Grunter coming into view again. At least I wasn't the only one struggling in the spring heat.
The slog away from the canal and up to Shipley Glen was tough. A quick water stop then steepish lane climb into the woods. I passed Grunter here and hoped he'd stay with me so we could work the uphills on the morrs together. He fell away instantly. I pressed on at a steady pace, passing Andrew Trippleton with camera.
The drop down and across the bridge was then met by a slog up to the next water stop on Glen Road. The ground was soft and in places very boggy. I struggled and walked on a few occasions. Like most others I was chuffed to turn towards Weecher even though the ground did not improve. The route then crossed another road and into a section that was very wet and soft going. I trudged on and seemed to pass a few as the race past along Sandy Gallops.
At the farm the route then offered something of a downhill section and recovery. I pushed on and passed one or two other competitors, including Young Arthur Wood who was competing in the walking event. I soon passed Jim Wheezing Whedon sat atop a rocky stile gate and could smell the finish. After negotiating a windy path passed the Woodentops, then across a boggy section, the final short, sharp hill was in view. Great support from Crystal Tina and Pacer Coaches pushed me on towards the finish. Not the quickest but was so pleased to see the rugby field finish and a reasonable time.
Postscript
Don't go off too quickly and remember the distance, plus terrain. Doh! And I still don't like too much heat and sun.
SUNDAY - 7th April 2013
Sun festooned the sky and I knew the first really warm day of spring would be a right challenge. And of course the off road and gradual gradient of the course, including forest tracks, canal towpaths and moorland bog! Not to mention the 1 mile 'warm-up' between race HQ and the start. Memories of the Rombald Stride all came flooding back and I managed to omit any thought of the snow from my recent reccie.
The start is uphill. Mmmm - not ideal. That said, the mass of runners (especially slower ones who go to the front- why?) dictate the pace and the peleton pulls nearly everyone up to the top. A prompt tarmac descent and through Esholt village is then met with a steep climb through and over the woodland trail. I huffed and puffed down a narrow footpath that ran adjacenet to the ammonia stifling sewage works.
Across a narrow footbridge at the River Aire then steeply up a muddy bank to meet the canal towpath with jelly legs. I could see Mark 'Grunter' Smith about 150 metres ahead, but knew the canal would suit his speed better than my pacing. Helpful cheers from Coaches DJB and Hartaker propelled me across the canal and on to the trail path. Technical steps reduced the pace but I forced on trying to keep my place. Up and over a few stiles then sharp drop back across the canal to more support from the Pacer Coaches. The Jones' from HPH were sat, nestled in a sheltered spot for some snap shots.
The warm sun along the canal was hard. I could feel my face radiating and the sweat seemed to only intensify my discomfort. Sue Ransome 'then some more' passed me with ease at Shipley just before big cheers from well-wishers at Saltaire. As I progressed along the canal I could see Grunter coming into view again. At least I wasn't the only one struggling in the spring heat.
The slog away from the canal and up to Shipley Glen was tough. A quick water stop then steepish lane climb into the woods. I passed Grunter here and hoped he'd stay with me so we could work the uphills on the morrs together. He fell away instantly. I pressed on at a steady pace, passing Andrew Trippleton with camera.
The drop down and across the bridge was then met by a slog up to the next water stop on Glen Road. The ground was soft and in places very boggy. I struggled and walked on a few occasions. Like most others I was chuffed to turn towards Weecher even though the ground did not improve. The route then crossed another road and into a section that was very wet and soft going. I trudged on and seemed to pass a few as the race past along Sandy Gallops.
At the farm the route then offered something of a downhill section and recovery. I pushed on and passed one or two other competitors, including Young Arthur Wood who was competing in the walking event. I soon passed Jim Wheezing Whedon sat atop a rocky stile gate and could smell the finish. After negotiating a windy path passed the Woodentops, then across a boggy section, the final short, sharp hill was in view. Great support from Crystal Tina and Pacer Coaches pushed me on towards the finish. Not the quickest but was so pleased to see the rugby field finish and a reasonable time.
Postscript
Don't go off too quickly and remember the distance, plus terrain. Doh! And I still don't like too much heat and sun.
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