Hudders up high...

Huddersfield Hilly Half
Sunday 5th October

Weather- Sunny

A last minute entry without too much analysis of route, gradient or surface.  It's titled the 'hilly' half so I generally knew what to expect.  Strange, though, I've never thought Huddersfield is that hilly... just over 100 minutes later I would have full respect.

I'd traveled across in the 'Silver Bullet' with the Coopers and the light-hearted feeling continued at the start when we met and chatted with Jim Cantwell and Sharon Williams.  There was also a good outing from the purple posse of Kirsktall Harriers.

The start was a little unimpressive; almost like the car park of an industrial estate.  Actually, it was the car park of an industrial estate.  After the gun we were soon off out along open roads, gradually rising through residential streets and then wham - uphill for approximately 3 miles.  The good feeling and pleasant chi-chat at the start and over the first mile was immediately silenced.  Now, there was only deep breathing and focused faces.

My new runners were bounding along nicely; feet were a little warm, but the sun was out, even if the air was cool.  When the gradient leveled and then started to dip down the views over the end of Kirklees were amazing: hazy sun and green fields all around.  No time for admiring the views as soon the route turned sharp left and even sharper uphill to join Blackmoorfoot Reservoir.  The serene views around the water were relaxing.  I was told prior to the race that it was wise to get your breathe back here as after a mile it was back to some hill climbing again.  And this was where my battle would begin with Debbie 'the Boss' Bland. 

Back on the road the route did climb again before dropping to a further steep up and then gradual rise away from Slaithwaite towards a saddle ridge overlooking Meltham.  The road dropped significantly and I seemed to be flying past other runners who appeared to be stepping out of the way; they probably heard by thundering footsteps and deep grunting... always works!

A quick gulp of water at Meltham and down the dismantled railway which soon again joined the busy Meltham and Lockwood Roads towards Huddersfield.  Psychologically, I was on the home straight and began digging in and slowly increasing the speed.  I again passed 'the Boss' a few miles from the finish as we weaved our way along leaf-spilled paths in pleasant suburbs of Huddersfield.  The sun sparled through the autumn trees as we were soon directed sharp left by a marshal and asked to go back to the well for a long pull up through a residential area.  For a moment I thought I'd gone wrong as there were no other runners in sight.  Soon though other marshals directed me back down the reverse route of the first mile. 

I even managed to scalp another two runners as Philip Bland photo'd me near to the finish area.  A welcome cheer from the purple posse at the finish line greeted me at the conclusion. 

A great race and a tough route - not for treadmill bunnies or those who suffer from vertigo.  My feet were heat swollen and I was knacked.  I'd definitely do it again!