(24-05-2015, 03:26 PM)tomroper Wrote: If you're looking for autumn targets, no need to take yourself off to the Lakes. Much closer to home is our own dear Jog Shop 20, http://www.jogshoponline.co.uk/jogshopjog.html or if you fancy something less demanding, the Lewes Downhill Ten, which revisits the early stages of the Moyleman. Ignore the fact that the Jog Shop 20 page is still advertising last year's race. The organisers would rather be out running than updating websites, and I have to say I think their priorities are correct.
Funnily enough I mentioned both races this morning, although I think Duncan was enduring his own private hell at that juncture, definitely not in the mood for tall tales of torturous terrain. Rumour has it 2015 could see the last ever Jog Shop Jog. As ever, the vagaries of my work diary will dictate if I'm able to take part, as competitor or marshal. To do so will be top of my list this autumn.
We brushed the LD10 route as we headed home today, crossing the misleadingly pleasant trail that heads into the woodland just before and below Blackcap that winds up into a hellishly steep, leg-sapping ascent. I was, in truth, grateful for Duncan's struggle. I'd convinced myself that I would be the one hanging on, eyes bulging, legs failing, lungs wheezing. Despite chugging a man-sized potion of Chia Fresca I'd resigned to bailing out before the going got too tough.
As it turned out I felt pretty good. Those woeful hill rep sessions appear to have restored a smidgeon of form. I'm struggling with stamina, but that will come with a gentle, sustained increase in mileage. The frustration is that, for runners of a certain age, this process can be painfully slow.
