Moors The Merrior

Moors The Merrior. 10th December 21.12 miles 1,231 m of ascent. 5 hours 12.56 minutes, 14:48 minute miles. Joint 80th of 160 finishers 31st lady and 5th FV50

Snowy underfoot, a few snow flurries but a dry day really, a little cold at times. Forecast was between -1 and 1.

Before the race I was really excited to be racing, so much better but I know Andy still has a cold so that was my only concern.

How did you feel the race went? Awful. I felt dizzy within minutes of the start which was a steep uphill climb and very quickly went single file, Andy disappeared off and I just marched it and adjusted my speed to how I felt which really helped. Luckily the fast ones were already ahead and there was quickly a gap behind me so I felt so pressure to move any quicker. Once on the top I felt fine again, no more dizzy spells all day but I didn’t feel I had any power in my legs at all, especially my hamstrings felt tired so although I was still strong on the hills I’m usually stronger than Andy and he disappeared! Having said all that we did a really good time, we were aiming for 15 minute miles as we knew it would be hilly, 1,231 m of ascent, and we were quicker than that just. There were a few times I was a little anxious on the downs because of the snow under foot and worried about falling but it was fine. I was delighted my achilles didn’t bother me, my right knee twinged a few times but not much.

Did you work to your nutrition plan throughout the race? Awful. I felt dizzy within minutes of the start which was a steep uphill climb and very quickly went single file, Andy disappeared off and I just marched it and adjusted my speed to how I felt which really helped. Luckily the fast ones were already ahead and there was quickly a gap behind me so I felt so pressure to move any quicker. Once on the top I felt fine again, no more dizzy spells all day but I didn’t feel I had any power in my legs at all, especially my hamstrings felt tired so although I was still strong on the hills I’m usually stronger than Andy and he disappeared! Having said all that we did a really good time, we were aiming for 15 minute miles as we knew it would be hilly, 1,231 m of ascent, and we were quicker than that just. There were a few times I was a little anxious on the downs because of the snow under foot and worried about falling but it was fine. I was delighted my achilles didn’t bother me, my right knee twinged a few times but not much.

How well did you cope with any low points in the race? I ate and tried not to moan to Andy. I was so happy to be racing I kept focusing on that. I did get annoyed at the runners who ran past me that ignored my well dones but was delighted by the few who were friendly and chatted

What would you do differently next time? Not be poorly for so long before and get some training done! I know doing all the DIY stuff won’t have helped either. I’m also aware I’m due on and this often has a negative effect about how I feel the few days before it or has done since perimenopause started

Did you follow a plan or go by feel? Aimed for 15 minute miles as we know we will be quicker on the downs and we just accept the ups will be slower, we just try not to go too fast too soon

How did you feel at the finish? Delighted as they had cheese and onion pie with mushy pies which lifted any doubts. I was sad that one of our friends was so much slower than us but I was delighted that another friend was only 24 minutes quicker than us and she is super speedy but this was her first event like this. I just wanted to get home

How was your recovery in the next 24hrs? Hot bath for 90 minutes and pizza. Stretched a little but not enough. Must book next sports massage!