Well, the weather wasn't so great on the way up to the Salomon Ennerdale 25km Trail Race, but I told myself - hey, it's good practice right? For bigger races, where the weather is unpredictable - and sometimes the really big rain is better than just the intermittent light drizzle.
By the time we arrived (and many thanks to a very dedicated boyfriend for a lot of driving very early on a Sunday morning) the weather had stabilised, and it was time to register - rather last minute!
The trail starts on very clear, flat trail paths. I didn't particularly find the beginning of this race very inspiring - flat, fast and the constant thought of placing in your head. However, at the half way checkpoint - the attitude changes. Nice rocks to hop along, streams to get the feet muddy and some very beautiful trails in very scenic Autumn surroundings.
The downpour came when there was a kilometre to go!
Photo: John Roberts
Shorter races equate to a faster pace - which isn't my real favourite, however it is good experience for speed work. It is also more feasible when you are busy and don't have the time to train for regular very long distance races. 25km is actually a really nice distance for a shorter trail - longer than a half so you do feel you have time for exploring, yet not too long that very regimented training is an actual necessity.
Happy to come 1st woman, beating the last years first place result on a slightly longer route and to win a new pair of Salomon shoes!
