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Phen-Y-Ghent

Saturday 7th June 2008

5.5 miles, 1650ft of ascent

Roger usually tells me off for not being competitive enough. Until Phen-Y-Ghent ‘ 08 I would have agreed with him – but the running of this race saw my toddling competitive streak rear an ugly head and make its first tentative steps.

Saturday, according to Radio 4’s London-centric weather forecast, was meant to be the warmest and sunniest day of the weekend. But fortunately for Alan M., Stevie B., John G., Willie, G, Roger T., Bob N., Mark B., Brain D. and Dave R. (basically everyone except for Karen and myself  who still packed our waterproofs and woollies), it was partially cloudy and even threatened rain (although some of the previously mentioned STILL complained of the heat).

The race began promptly and I had for a change even worked out a race plan (the first worrying sign of a competitive edge) in order to thwart Mark B.’s plan to make our running score 2 all. I started fast – fast enough to keep up with Roger for the first 500 metres, long enough to tell him where I had hidden the car keys. Once off the road and heading gradually up hill on the track before reaching the grassy footfalls of Phen-Y-Ghent, Mark overtook me. I planned not to let him get too far away, so that I could catch him on the down and stayed determinedly behind him. In stealth mode, not wanting to motivate Mark into running away and lulling him into a false sense of security and ignorantly ignoring the kind lady (who I would normally have slowed down to chat to) who greeted and cheered us as we passed, we began the rolling climb up. I narrowed the gap between Mark and me and decided to hold back on overtaking until we were just under the summit.

I pulled him in and ran alongside – long enough to lie about how terrible I was feeling, telling him how I longed to just sit down and put my feet up… I felt great! All my pretend negative feelings slowed Mark down long enough as he sympathetically empathised – and I dashed off, chuckling conspiratorially.

The downhill off Phen-Y-Ghent flew, I tried to get as much distance between me and Mark before the last small climb where I thought he might catch me. Making the grassy ascent, I ran all the way, even overtaking a few competitors (which doesn’t happen often on the ups!).  Next came the grass covered, tussocky downhill … my conscience started kicking in. I glanced behind me hoping to see Mark making a come-back and promptly went over on my ankle...

Later in the pub, I confessed to Mark about my gamesman like behaviour (why doesn’t games-woman sound right?). I felt very embarrassed (although pleased that I actually have some form of a competitive nature) and he was suitably shocked, saying he would have to report me to Guru Gordon. I shall have to pay penance in the pub to handicap my next performance! (Even though I think me beating Mark had more to do with him having tired legs after Thursday’s race at Henderson’s End than my reverse psychology technique – and I am sure he will get me on the next one.)

Anyway little Nashers, Chris and Matt, did a great job cheering and photographing from the side. With their hugely cheerful enthusiasm we now potentially have 3 males in the regular fell section who are not grumpy old men (if Ben gets his application form in). Karen and I aren’t grumpy old men either for those of you who might be confused!

Quote from Robyn above

Anyway little Nashers, Chris and Matt, did a great job cheering and photographing from the side.

Thanks you two for the great pictures

Lots of fell runners break away from their original running clubs, mainly because they have no interest in track & field, fell running being their main interest. The fell running section of our club decided to have their own website, probably for the same reason. Now a V70, George Arnold is our oldest active fell runner. There are a few more of us close behind! One of our top female road runners, whilst marshalling recently at Chipping Show Fell Race commented on just how friendly fell runners are.