No photos for this one I’m afraid – I was busy running!

A week after LAMM my legs felt OK, so I dragged a hungover Jeffreys to Edale on Sunday morning for round four of the Gritstone Series. Weather jitters on the way up had me considering running in a long-sleeve top and waterproof, but it cleared up nicely to vest-wearing weather by the time we arrived. I learned my lesson from the Skyline start in the same field, and kept to the faster edge of the pack up the narrow zig-zags towards Ringing Roger.

I spotted the winner of last year’s ladies’ series on the way up, and matched her speed because I knew I’d finished at least one other race immediately behind her. My plan was to use her as a gauge for my pace, but after a hard push up Ringing Roger, I kept up speed to the top of Gindsbrook Clough. I still felt good on the summit of Gindsbrook Knoll, and pushed hard back down into the village. By the time I forced myself past a few people on the road and reached the turn into the finishing field I was just about out of energy, and my heart rate monitor was showing 200 bpm.

 View photos on Accelerate Facebook page

I crossed the line in 44th place out of 199, which I was pretty pleased with. I certainly couldn’t have pushed any harder! Ben came in shortly after, having put in a sterling performance given his delicate physical state, and we celebrated with burgers and fudge from the Edale country fair which was happening the same day. Another top race, and nice to get out in the Peak District again.