Wharfedale Half Marathon (off road)
Saturday 1st June 11.00am
This race was full of firsts: first time running in Inov8 trail shoes; first time using an electronic dibber; and first time I've ran past loads of folk up a hill and then fallen over!
Sunshine, blue sky and crisp white fluffy clouds covered the sky. The Dales were lush green and the limestone field walls where sparkling white. Smiles were plentiful, hydration packs were filled and there was an air of warmth at the start. The full marathoneers had already departed. It was nearing 11am. Wrists held in the air. Satellites were needed.
The start headed down the access road past residential properties and a few applauding locals. A brief downhill section towards the village of Grassington and then off to the left and uphill across grassy lanes and farm roads. It wasn't long before the fields of runners was stretched out almost in single file; only stopping to negotiate the field gates and boundary wall stiles. Although the first few miles are not steep the gradient is sufficient to catch out those who have gone out like a lion.
Approximately 3 miles on and the route opens to a large pasture area with fine views to the west and straight ahead to the north. I glanced back while traversing a step stile and was impressed to see the dramatic colour contrast between running vest colours, the green land and the blue sky. As I neared the first checkpoint the gradient stiffened and most around me immediately adopted the fell runner shuffle... hands on knees, upper body slightly bent over and press on and upward.
I safely navigated through the first checkpoint and took a huge gulp of water. Wish I could say the same for the Keighley female who'd taken a big tumble and badly cut both knees. The next mile and a bit were fast and hard going on the legs. Mostly on tarmac and some tight corners. Upon hitting the valley floor - only 4 minutes later - the legs went a little jelly like as I crossed the River Wharfe bridge and accepted a bit of sweetness from fellow PP Grunter Smith. I was still chewing on this when I passed other PP supporters at the 5 mile mark. Also noted a drop-out from PP Adam Graves.
I heard so much about Mastiles Lane. Not much of it good. Although some had said it is all runable. While this is true it is also relentless... approximately 2.5miles of initial grassy banks then a steady pull up a limestone gravel lane. This was baking hot on race day. No shelter and no escape from the radiating heat. I shared some small battles and also motivated others who were fighting alongside up this beast of a section. Serena Blackburn for Horsforth was near me as a small group of us finally scaled to the top of the steep section. A few photographers snapped here like vultures circling over prey in distress.
I'd put so much into the shuffle and fast walk up Mastiles Lane that my legs just gave way when I tried to run off down the lane. My right knee crashed into the limestone rocks on the track below. Aaargh! I limped on and accepted the kind well wishes from runners both ahead (must of felt the tremors) and behind (witnessed the full collapse). The next few mile to the second checkpoint were mostly undulating however my knee was not recovering quickly; bit dull ache and not responsive. Most other runners were opening out some good pacing here. Not me. I checked in and took some water. As I left I glanced over my shoulder and was surprised - and pleased - to see the Might Byrom approximately 500m behind. This spurred me on.
The route then turned south and over grassy fields and through a farmyard. An uphill tarmac path was next then steep down a grassy slope. All could see the short, sharp grassy track approaching on the other side. Beyond this there were a few wall stiles a checkpoint then a track with many walkers. A further checkpoint and water then signalled the start of the boggy section. The leaders from the main marathon passed me here. I would like to have stayed with them so I could follow someone through the bog minefield. But alas they were just (JUST!) too fast. I plodded my way through; efficient steps here and some shin deep squelches there.
With only 2.5 miles to go I did however manage to gain some ground on a group of runners who were also on a steady downhill section. Through a couple of field gates and stiles and then out on to the last 1.5 miles of tarmac drudgery. I managed to pass a few runners however couldn't quite keep with a female runner from Clayton-le-Moors. I was suddenly looking forward to the finish when the rugby posts and pitches came into view to the left. Fellow PP Coach 'Hardtaker' took some photos as he cajoled me to put in a hard final effort. As I neared the rugby ground a minor navigation seemed complicated and I almost took a wrong turn to head down to the finish and funnel.
Cracking race, wonderful scenery and good company out on them Dales. Time was little outside my aspired 2.10 but still pleased with 2.14. Back in 2014? Definitely.
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