Gibson's Mill
From there down to Blackshaw Head, along the Calderdale Way.
Down past Delph, through Jumble Hole Clough, past the waterfall and the remains of Staups Mill, across the railway and the road and then it's a climb up from there to Broadhead Clough. Past some ruins, you find yourself on the Pennine Way, then instead of heading for Stoodley Pike which monument stands there like a piece on a chess board, you follow Dicks Lane, cross a moor, and climb down into Broadhead Clough. From here, you head for Cragg Vale, turn round past Turkey Lodge and head back down to Mytholmroyd.
Today in sub zero temperatures, snow which was kneedeep in places, it was hard going, with a cold wind in your face some of the time.
What a great day running in snow on my favourite OL21 map.
Last year's time 5:09
This year's time 4:53
An improvement of 16 minutes explained by: not being so bleeding ignorant when it comes to the route, reducing the amount of time spent at cake stall/checkpoints and taking the food with me, meals on wheels if you like. Last year we were hampered by an elemental wind, with the emphasis on mental, especially for the last say 6 miles.
Being driven home, I find out that the Brass Monkey is cancelled, so I have a day off tomorrow...
Steve texts me to say he has actually lost 1kg on this race. Disqualified. The array of food you are treated to at the checkpoints is for the runner's benefit and welfare. To lose weight on this race shows you have insufficient regard for your wellbeing. He suggests a 10 minute penalty. OK.
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