Season 2016

[Bierzo Baggie]

Cross de Ponferrada

This was the third in a series of 3 cross-country races organized in El Bierzo and it was held on the day that winter finally decided to make an appearance. 
3 laps of soggy grass, gravel and ankle deep mud ended with a flurry of sleet and an icy wind that left snow on the nearby hills. The bad weather meant that only the most committed made it to the start line and I found myself well towards the back of the field. Running in an old pair of road shoes that sent me slipping and sliding at every slight change of direction certainly didn’t help. Many ran with spikes and the winner crossed the line in his socks having lost a shoe in the mud.  Enjoyed it though and it reminded me of running cross-country at school many many years ago.
7.25 km, a shade under 36 minutes; 85th out of 100 finishers.
Youtube video courtesy of a bloke with a camera in his hat.