Roaches Fell Race 10th November, 15miles

I did this race last year when it was a slightly longer route, it was 18miles of fast fell running and it took me 3hrs and 25minutes to complete it. I was in a lot of pain after 12 miles. I had cramp in both legs and remember walking most of the return leg because I set off too fast on the first leg.

It was another marker race that allows me to see if I have improved during the year. My first full year of running. Though this time the course was 3miles shorter. It did still include a river crossing and rollercoaster route of up and down and more of the same. So I wanted to hit the 3hr mark.

I arrived at Meerbrooke with Tracy Dean after she kindly agreed to give me a lift to the race. Thanks Tracy.  Otherwise I would have been a bit bored.

Another cold winters morning, but no rain or cloud in sight. It was a lovely day and everyone was excited about the race.  Tracy, Jon, Dale, Janson, Mike, Will and Geoff were all taking part in the race. All of which have given me advice over the last few months. I would like to thank them for helping me improve my running.  Simon Bailey was lining up again as was Will Neill and Simon Harding. That would be an exciting race to watch at the front. Sadly I want get to see it.

We set off and I tried to stick with Jon and Janson, we hit the muddiest field in central England. I thought the passing clouds race was a dirty affair well I was wrong, this was. This was proven when Jon lost his shoe in the mud in the first field. This was the only time I was in front of him.  I tried to stick to Janson and Jon, but let go of them during the main climb to roaches. I thought I better race my only race and not get cramp again. So I let off the gas and hope that I would catch them later.  I was doing okay on the ascent and managed to over take about three or four people on the way to the trig point. This was all undone on the descent through the woods towards Gradbach. It’s clear what I need to work on…

We hit the river, I lost a few more places as I enjoyed a paddle. This was going to be a chore, I tried to push on and went for a run and walk approach on most of the ascents. Again I managed to catch people on the ascent but lost ground on the descents. This was partly due to my shoes, I had opted for trail shoes rather than mudclaws. This is because I don’t own any.

We head to the cat and fiddle road and towards Shutlingsloe the half way point and the toughest climb. It was at this point I saw Simon, Will and Simon all pass me by with about 3 minutes between them.  I carried on and tried to push on the ups but started to go with the hand knee walk on Shutlingsloe, though I did manage to over take two doing this.  But I did lose out on the down hill again… So annoying, when this is suppose to be the easier part, well so they say.  On the down hill I see my brother, give him a high five and carry on. I had a such a slow descent its an embarrassment to fell running…

I carry on down the hill and repeat the course again this time heading back to the start. At this point I was racing against three people, after a bit of battle I emerged on top and managed to stick my overtaking when I got Roach End. It must have taken me 4 miles to over take a couple of runners.  I did loose time of the river crossing due to wrestling match.  As I hit my final mile or so back through the farmers field I was caught by another runner, who said he had got lost at a turning. My race was back on, but right when I need my legs to go I got cramp and lost my shoe in the mud. I stumbled back to the finish as if I had been on a night out.

Simon Bailey took 1^st in 2hrs

Will Neill took 2^nd in 2hrs 07

Simon Harding finished in 2hrs 09

Jon Melia finished an incredible 11^th in 2hrs 29

Janson Heath  finished 14^th a great run in 2hrs 29

I finished 29^th in 2hrs 39, so I was pleased with my time. I do know where to improve and work on.

Tracy Dean finished 34^th in 2hrs 41 for third lady

Dale Colclough finished 60^th in 2hrs 52

Mike Perry in 74th in 3hrs 

Mike, Janson, Dale photo by Lisa Health

Me and Janson photo by Lisa Heath

A 142 runners entered the race.