SL: 15.6/695
I'd been looking forward to this but not really preparing for it - kind of takes the enjoyment out of it when you're out there really! Duncan had shown me an old map last weekend but from that all I really garnered was a lot of rock detail, and from the course distance that it's be shorter grass rather than heather. So a burn up it was (and not just on my shoulders as I opted for a vest with no suncream). The only vague plan I had was to keep it clean (easy to say) and not to run too fast when nav got tricky. I'd likely need the energy later.
#1 and off to an inauspicious start as it takes a while to get into the map and I pop out onto the knoll SE of the cirlce. Easy (albeit maybe slightly fortuitous relocation) - 40secs.
#2-4 Back on the wagon, running well but carefully and spiked.
#5 mince thru tussocks at start.
#6 out to track as easier, TTDP takes time out by going straight.
#8 ultra-cautious RC using wall/river as handrail as long as possible before working way through marshes. TTDP has same leg, goes more direct but takes same time. For me that's OK (a miracle a year ago).
#9 Oh look, I can see the big AP from a mile off. run, then go a little further.
#11 no real plan other than stay high. At least 2 big hesitations en route but rather that than get well lost. Ended up a bit high at the end (a novelty for me), 30secs here.
#15 stop a bit early but soon sort it out. At this point I have a cheeky look behind and can see Dr. Rocke (12min) en-route from 14. Takes longer than I expect to catch me.
#18-19 V hesitant to both, rather that than lose time. Went a bit right to 19 but JRhys lead me in.
#20-23 John has caught me and we've both caught Jon Rhys (my 6min man) as we hit a vague bit of map and I wrestle with a gel. Glad to have people to work off. John loses us to 23 but Jon and I muddle through.
#25 - North seem flatter and the marsh is very dry and quick. Cntrl not visible from miles away like the south route, but AP is big and less chance of dropping a few contours. Pleased I backed myself after seeing John go south
#26-28 some hesitations to make sure but generally OK.
#29-31 slow right down in the woodland to make absolutely sure. Drop low out of 30, but makes it a safe route into 31.
#32 - first time I actually got up to full speed at any point!
122% of winner (HHaines 92:01 - for comparison at Coledale I was 120% of winner's time) 16th (same day as Tio).
All in all a very satisfying run. Mistakes wise I lost only 90secs throughout I think. At times I was very hesitant, but this is a sound investment to minimise big time loss like I often do on 'easy' open hillside where I get cocky. A bit more assertiveness could have got me a few more scalps, but I need to make sure I have the technique down before I start ramping up the pace.
Excellent area, map and course, although glad I had people around me in the vague tricky bit in the early 20s.
Now - try to replicate this in the forest. Starting on High Dam in a fortnight.