13,400 feet
Feeling fit, but in hindsight not particularly well rested, I thought that I may be able to compete at the front end of the race. But only 3 hours in, on the steep ascent of Clough head, I realised this was going to be less of a race, and more about getting to the end.
I had set off at what I thought was a steady enough pace over High Pike and Blencathra. I was however in the top 10 until Clough head. It was on this climb where I felt I had no energy. It is a tough climb, and one that I tend to struggle on, but I was battling hard and moving slow. Over the summit I tried to run off the heavinessin my legs whilst descending towards Great Dodd. This didn't work and I ended up literally floored by cramping legs. I still had 37 miles and 7,000 feet of climbing left! This was to be a long day.
For the rest of the route I was flirting on the edge of cramping, and at times floored by it. I struggled to the end, but was very slow, and when it got dark, even slower. The Route is fantastic if a little boggy towards the end. But this point to point, North South traverse of the Lakes is set to be a classic ultra. I only wish id enjoyed it a bit more. I did however enjoy finally crossing the finish line in Cartmel, in 21st place out of 316, in 12 hours 32.03.
Whilst feeling ok on the first big descent, on Halls Fell ridge.
No comments:
Post a Comment