25th September Running Winkle

This morning I had the opportunity to run near one of my old stomping grounds with the return of the Wincle Trout fell run, a lovely 9km jolly just south of Macclesfield that is officially described as 'demanding'

It was not just a chance to stretch my legs and run for a fish (yes in previous years the runners all got a trout from the nearby farm) but also an opportunity to see if I could beat the time I had achieved back in 2014. That plan went out of the window upon discovering that the race was being run over a different route, one that depending on how long it took me to complete might well have to be declared as much, much, much harder if I was slower or much, much, much harder if I ran quicker thus having to conclude that I am much fitter now than back then.

Under a grim and very humid sky, I was soaked in sweat even before we set off,  the assembled runners gathered ready for the off and I noted several familiar faces from the Bramhall Running club. And that was the last I saw of them because after an initial gallop around the field being used as a car park they were over the hills and far away. And there were lots of hills. Nothing too brutal but the course just seemed to go up and then back down and then up and then back down just for the sake of it.

Add to that the potential slippery nature of some sections, including the wade across the river which just made my legs feel even heavier, and with no one, including me, wanting to go arse over elbow it was never going to have made for a record breaking run. I recognised some sections that I had run back in 2014, even through the veil of blood, sweat and tears but other bit were new including a section that climbed up through the narrow gorge known locally as Lud's Church (go on google it) which despite the steep steps offered a lovely cooling respite from the humidity.

Thankfully like all good runs, the final part of this one was a beautiful long descent back down to the finish line at the Winkle Brewery and a present for TOM's tea that amazingly had the same expression on its face as I did having completed just completed the race.



 

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