"Kinder Downfall"

After an easy week of running (forgetting about the 15 x 1 minute speed work at Brereton Heath!) I made a first effort at the Kinder Downfall fell race. Luckily the weather held and the map and compass weren't needed for the nine plus miles up and over Kinder Scout. Despite working hard (and sightseeing!) it still took 2hrs 2 minutes which is less than impressive and I slipped from first to third in the club fell handicap champs!

The photos show a view from Kinder Downfall back towards the reservoir and  one taken by a passing club colleague out jogging round the course which shows me BEFORE the 2,000ft climb up onto the Kinder plateau!

Week 17. Weekly mileage 25. Annual mileage 367. Sessions 76. races 9.

"Good Friday Run"

Despite a poor run at the Chester 5  everything came good two days later when a perfect spring morning meant I cruised round ten miles of the Gritstone Trail in Rainow and Kerridge for one of those days when running feels easy and effortless!

Week 16. Weekly mileage 28. Annual mileage 342. Sessions 71. Races 8.

"Cheadle Spring 5"

Despite much recent speed work I raced my second (and final to qualify in the club challenge!) road race of the year, the midweek Chester Spring 5. Despite a good opening couple of miles around 6.50 miling I faded badly on the return slightly uphill journey to a 37.23 and personal work for this distance!

"Mow Cop Hill Race"

Another trip out onto the Staffordshire Moorlands in the six mile Mow Cop Hill  Race. Although much slower than last year I was happy to finish in 71.02 and to find myself temporarily top of the club fell handicap championships after its first three races. Only 16 races more to go!


Week 14. Weekly mileage 25. Annual mileage 294. Sessions 62. Races 7.