Julian's (50)60 at (50)60: Race 49: Withins Skyline

I did just one solo training run this week and felt tired and short of energy; the damaged ankle has been a bit tender too, after the rough terrain of Saddleworth a week ago so I go into this race with a feeling of trepidation. Nevertheless, knowing that overtaking opportunities are limited for a quite a stretch after the start, I set off making a real effort to get myself into the top half early on. As I passed Kath's vantage point in the heather I think I was doing well enough so I didn't panic as I lost a few places on the climb up Oxenhope Stoop. I worked hard to keep going on the rough, wet moorland over to the ruins at Top Withins and even managed to pull a few places back. My plan was to push on hard from there but it didn't work out that way at all. The ankle hurt on the descent and I felt drained of energy, even on the way down to Bronte Bridge.

Kath had made her way across Haworth Moor to shout encouragement down from the waterfalls above the bridge but by that time my legs had gone. I straggled in for the last mile or more, losing position all the way. I missed out on the top half by one place again - the 19th time out of 49 races that I have finished within 5 places of half way. I really don't think it would be possible to be more mediocre!

So all in all, not my best ever day of fell running but it has to be said - the route is lovely, Kath got a good walk and some navigation practice despite still not having recovered from her broken collar bone, and I only knocked my average position back by 0.1%. It looks like I am going to complete the 50 at 50 now, with 2 weeks to go and a number of races to go for. Which to choose?