Race 52 of 60 @ 60: Rusland Sports 5 miler

This was the first time in this series that I stood on the start line questioning the wisdom of taking part. Within 20 seconds of the off I had the answer. The problem I have been having with my left hip hadn't cleared up so I started off slow, tried a bit harder in the middle and went past a few but then limped in to the finish losing nearly all the places I had gained. I need a week off training and a week off climbing any ladders so, Matarraña here I come.

Results: Not found them yet but I know I was rubbish. V60: Not 1st  Strava Time: 51:05
Distance: 7.8km  Climb: 310m

Race 51 of 60 @ 60: Arncliffe Gala

Back to the BOFRA Championships and this was always going to be the day that I jumped up the table, being my 8th counter in the series. Lovely little village, great atmosphere around the gala and a really nice short course. The hip was sore again but with a warm up I got away well enough and although I got dropped by Joe as soon as we hit the climb I was able to run the downhill well enough to beat all the other V60's. Had a desperate sprint finish against another veteran but as it turned out I needn't have bothered. He was ony 56.

Results: 42nd/150  V60: 2nd/11
Distance: 3km  Climb: 140m

Race 50 of 60 @ 60: Whittle Pike

 A tough little race up on the moors above Cowpe which I really like as a route so I set off with intent to do as well as I could. Dave Naughton and a couple of other V60's passed me at the top of the first of the three climbs so I put in an effort to get back at them on the downhill but just as I overtook all but Dave I got my foot in a hole, twisted my ankle and crashed to the floor, landing on my right shoulder. That hurt and the rest of the race didn't go too well. Finished though, and nearly in the top half.

50 races in and time to take stock. I'm running at much the same level as I was 10 years ago, finishing slightly higher up the field than then and just as likely to get into the top half. All despite running more in Cumbria, where the competition is hotter, and completing the 50 in two months less. Shouldn't grumble but I still want to be winning every once in a while!

Results: 42nd/83  V60-69: 5th/13  Time: 1:07:23
Distance: 8.2km  Climb: 488m

Race 49 of 60 @ 60: Farleton Knott

This was a tough one for me. Having suffered from some soreness in front of my left hip for a while now, it has been increasingly difficult to get a good start. Not knowing the exact start time of the senior race at BOFRA events, an effective warm up isn't easy to achieve and as I launched into the race I felt a sharp pain. I limped a few metres to compose myself but by the the time I could break into a jog two of my V60 rivals were gone. The exit from the field is tight and there's virtually no possibility of overtaking on the steep climb thanks to the narrowness of the path between the gorse. I arrived at the top with a bunch of people to pass to even get close and I knew that the game was up. Paul and Chris both ran well so I bagged 3rd V60. Not a disaster but I need a rest - something I'll not be getting any time soon.

Passing a few as the course
opens up at the top

Results: 41st/96  V60: 3rd/11  Time: 28:00
Distance: 4.2km  Climb: 457m