The past couple of months have been rather good
running-wise. I have achieved two new PB’s
in 5k and 10k and also been part of a winning vet’s team at the Elswick road
relays on Good Friday. Oh, and the “small”
matter of the Coledale Horseshoe fell race which cannot be underestimated in
terms of effort! During this time I have
neglected my long runs in the hills which probably wasn’t the best preparation
for this classic race.
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| Start |
The 60th Yorkshire 3 peaks race took place on
Saturday, 26th April. I was
looking forward to the event but also conscious that it may be a step too far
in terms of the distance and cumulative ascent/descent.
On arrival at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, it was rather
bleak. It was raining, cold and there
was low visibility which dimmed the mood from quite keen, to “I’m not looking
forward to this!” There was a lot of talk
about what footwear would be most suitable prior to the race. Some were saying road shoes and some saying
trail. Given the weather I opted for my Mudclaws
and they turned out to be a wise choice (lucky!).
I registered in the marquee on got prepared, debating
whether to start in my waterproof jacket or faff around getting it out of my
bum bag when I really needed it. I
decided to wear it from the start and within ten minutes I was beginning to
regret feeling like a boil in the bag ready meal. The first peak, Pen-y-ghent, was soon upon
us. The climb wasn’t as bad as I had
feared and felt in a comfortable place.
So much so I neglected to acknowledge my pal John, who wasted no time in
getting my attention :o)
First peak done then it was a long and undulating section to
Whernside. A good opportunity to stretch
the legs and get some miles ticked off.
The trail was good with some muddy and quite rocky sections with great
support along the way. The checkpoint
before the viaduct at Ribblehead was superb with a loud speaker shouting each
runner’s name as they came through and a good sized crowd to give you a boost
before the ascent of peak number two.
The ascent of Whernside was on fell rather than rocky path so it was
down to a hands on knees job. I scoffed
my first Nakd bar, although with a dry mouth it was difficult to get down! I reached the top greeted by the race
marshalls and checked in, wasting no time to head off on the descent.
Reaching Chapel-le-dale checkpoint I was beginning to feel
quite tired so stopped for a minute or two to get myself together. The quads were beginning to ache from the
fast descents. Arriving at the bottom of Ingleborough, I began to bonk
and took on some food immediately (shame it was too late). I was on for sub 3:30 at this point which was
way above what I expected. The climb up
was brutal, and I think everyone at this point began to struggle. I ploughed on slowly, telling myself that
once I reach the top it’ll be all downhill.
Unfortunately it turned out to be a very long and painful 4-5 miles. At Sulber Nick drink station I was in shock
to hear “only 20 minutes to the finish” when I was convinced it was only
ten. This was bad news. I reached the finish to a great reception in
3:43 and in 61st place. I had
nothing left and collapsed to the ground with relief that it was over. Looking back at the splits I had got up to 23rd
place. Next time I will have to pace it
better so I can finish stronger.
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| #darkhorse |
What a fantastic race and first class organisation. I shall return and will be gunning for sub
3:30! A grand day oot.
