Calderdale - 9th April 2011

For the third successive year we arrived at Sowerby Cricket Club in glorious sunshine to run 37(ish)miles through Calderdale.  The organisers had kept the route the same for the 3rd successive year (although I was under the impression it was changed every 2 years?) and I was looking forward to seeing if I could better my previous efforts.

After the usual socialising and eyeing up of each other's kit - "how much water are you carrying?", "is a mug really necessary?" - the long runners (there is an earlier start for walkers of both the long and shorter routes) departed at 9am.  I'd learnt my lesson this year and ignored the crowd who charged off down the drive, choosing instead to go in the opposite direction behind the pavilion to emerge a minute or so ahead - pretty insignificant when you're planning to be out for over 6 hours! - on the steep descent to the canal.  The initial 2/3miles to CP1 is like a warm up before the race begins 'proper' as you start the initial climb of the day up towards Crow Hill.  Everyone was feeling pretty fresh at this point and there was a fair bit of chat as we made our way over the moor towards Keighley Road.  Some runners had taken the straight line option from CP2 (more climbing but shorter, which would have suited me had I thought of it) and I was frustrated to see them appear just ahead as I contoured round on my way to the CP.  Having grabbed a few Jelly Babies and refilled my water bottle I set off down the path on the opposite side of the road, passing walkers and Rick Ansell who was having real difficulty staying on his feet on the slippery stones (sorry Rick!)  I was feeling pretty good at this point and breezed through the Walshaw CP grabbing only a couple of biscuits before settling into a reasonable pace on the track/path/road towards Widdop.  I was trying not to push the pace too much as I knew it was going to be a long, hot day and I'd only pay for it later.  As we approached the reservoir there was a group of about 6 of us, all running reasonably conservatively but starting to feel the heat having already run 11 miles or so.

Descending towards Foulclough Road - looking okay, feeling rough!

After climbing away from the water we joined the Pennine Bridleway before breaking off onto a path that skirts the south edge of Cant Clough Reservoir.  This is supposedly straightforward navigation but Ozzy Kershaw who was running with us at the time suddenly bounded off into the undergrowth on a 'secret line'!  I tracked him in the distance and sure enough he appeared ahead of us as we approached the reser'.  It seems his recces paid off...  It was really hot now and a couple of runners had submerged themselves totally in one of the streams, I made do with dunking my hat and buff.  Up to Long Causeway and then a short road section before heading down to the church hall at Holme Chapel where some friendly volunteers presented me with a couple of Viscount biscuits!  Refueled, I headed up Thievely Pike with plenty of pep in the legs.  It didn't last however as I hit a bit of a slump as I passed through Slatepit Hill and onto the seemilgly endless section on the Rossendale Way.  Some runners overtook me as I tried to revive myself with a couple of energy gels and a bottle full of Hammer Endurolyte Fizz.  I usually hate electrolyte drinks and I tend to stick to the Elete drops as you can't taste them, but these tablets kept me feeling reasonable all day as everyone else seemed to be suffering!  Anyway, I was feeling better and despite a navigational gaff on the way down to Walsden (is the route supposed to go through a housing estate?!) my pace had picked up.  I tried to take advantage on the way to Lumbutts (complete with Bride and Groom appearing from the church as I passed!) and up to Stoodley Pike, slowly picking up places as my BG training seemed to be paying off. 

From Stoodley to Withins Clough with Richard - looking rough, feeling okay!

For the last few miles I ran alongside Richard, chatting about the Grand Union Canal Race that I completed last year and he's having a go at next month (best of luck to him, it's pretty tough!)  We were joined by Karen Nash and without noticing we were on the road beyond Shaw's Lane CP and it was downhill(ish) all the way to the finish!  I came in in 6'39", 14 mins quicker than 2010 and feeling okay.  As I recovered on the cricket pitch applauding people as they ran in I heard of how Martin Beale won the race after a tussle with Simon Bourne and how Nicky Spinks had continued her good form with an excellent win for the ladies.  As usual, the race was a superbly organised and friendly affair on an excellent route that I'll miss when it's changed next year.  37 miles, dozens of cheery volunteers, gallons of water/juice, biscuits, butties and hot food at the end for a tenner - there's no better way to spend a sunny Saturday in April!  Thanks to the organisers for another cracking event.