In my first attempt at this race I did the course in 3.33 and my PB time on the course was 3.08. I decided I wasn't "racing" as Juliet is only 12 weeks old and I didn't want to push myself too much.
I had been out recceing the course with Katey and Tim to show them the route and to remind myself of the best tracks to take. We had gorgeous days of beautiful sunshine for our recces...but of course race day offered something else.
Initially I had decided that I would be happy just to get round in one piece, then I decided 4 hours would be a good target, then this decreased to 3.34. By the day of the race I had decided really I wanted around 3.33.
I set off on the long track and felt good. I was secretly pleased it was misty as local knowledge is always a bonus in these conditions. The first climb up to the trig was fine and I really enjoyed the trod over the bog to join the main track towards Sabden.
There was great support on the route as there always is at this race and it was lovely to see Lou and made me laugh when she shouted "You are mental!" at me as I ran past. I felt good as I made my way past the reservoir and towards another fairly steep climb. I was near Molly Ralphson at this point and we exchanged chat as we slogged our way up towards Geronimo.
I always take the right hand line on Geronimo and was ashamed of my now abysmal descending technique as Molly shot off into the distance.
The usual crowd were gathered at the foot of Geronimo to observe the spectacle of ass slides and rolls down one of the most notorious hills around, Thanks to Julia Hartley for water and Jelly babies at this point,
It was here that I also caught up Donna Edmonson Booker, superstar triathlete. we had a chat and Donna was quite vocal about her dislike for the descent we had just tackled......
"Er Donna, do you know the course?"
"No why? Are there any more descents like that?"
Hmmm a moment....is honesty the best policy?
I decided it best to be straight. I am not sure the three massive hills and three massive descents left which I informed her of was what she was expecting but she buckled down and tackled it like a pro! Although her language was rather fruity at times!
We Yo-yo d over the next two hills, on hill number two...I also caught up Glen...same place I always seem to catch him who was struggling with cramp - the hills on this part of the course are brutal. It was great to see Adrian as well who took some superb photos on the first climb.
To be totally honest I loved the whole day. I didn't push myself too hard, I enjoyed it and I was delighted to finish in a time of 3.11......putting me in 124th position and 9th lady.
Accrington Ladies also won the Team prize too - well done to Debbie Gowans and Lisa Parker for helping us achieve this.
I was really surprised with how good I felt and how my lungs and breathing in particular felt super. now I just need to work on the legs.
Thanks to Helen Leigh for providing smiles, water and support the whole way round. Also a huge well done to Katey Foster and Tim Pigott on their first Tour!
As always I was fueled by 9Bar and always proud to run in their kit. My hydration was Biosteel and as my first race with this product I was really impressed. My Trionz band as always on my wrist to help any aches and pains and a visit to Duncan Mason at Athlete Matters on Wednesday prior to the race meant that my calfs, quads and shins were ready for anything.
http://tourofpendle.co.uk/results-2014/
A great first race back.....roll on Frostbite 30 Miler in December.
http://www.trionz.co.uk/
http://www.athletematters.co.uk/
http://www.9bar.com/
http://www.biosteelsports.co.uk/