Weather started off cool with lovely sunshine in unbroken blue skies with light cloud during the second half of the run. There was a light breeze which made for near perfect running conditions.
I enjoy running in the sun, so today’s weather put me in the right state of mind and made the run in the beautiful fresh lime green new spring leaves of the Lake District woodland ever so pleasant.
Today’s Highlight was seeing the lovely wild garlic along the road sides and the woods. At mile 22 there was a wood on the left hand side which was carpeted in the white flowers of wild garlic.
Today’s low was how I felt during the second third of the race. I just didn’t seem to have my normal energy levels and found I had to concentrate hard to maintain my pace. I’ve had a cold just over a week ago, I wonder if it is still affecting me? I hope not or the problem could continue over the next few days. I’m pleased to say the further I got in the last third of the race the more my energy seemed to return so hopefully it was just a one off and won’t return tomorrow.
The race was a bit of a lonely affair for me today. I left Rexy behind at mile 4 and Tony disappeared out of view ahead of me by mile 5 and from there on I never saw another runner. It was a race where all I could do was monitor my pace using my Garmin. It was nice to occasionally get some brief company from the two Brathay teams supporting us all, Aly & Paul in the front car and Mac & Karen in the Brathay Van.
My finishing time was 3 hours 36 minutes 17 seconds and second place after Tony. With a 1 minute negative split. I’m very happy with an even paced run having kept a bit left in reserve. Hopefully I can do more of the same tomorrow.
Just before the start of the run I managed to have a chat with the fell running legend Joss Naylor. It was a perfect way to start day 1. Nice to get a picture with him and 10in10 race organiser the fabulous Aly Knowles.
