What a run!!! The wind and rain made the conditions tough but the route was spectacular with a bit of everything to keep it interesting. Having it so well marked meant that I could just focus on the job in hand and enjoy the running. So, thank you KMF for that.
I set off wanting to run my race, not putting unnecessary pressure on myself, but equally give it my best shot. I needed to get my confidence and joy for running back, and this was really going to test my foot.
From the early on I, unintentionally, was in third place (ladies) and by the time I was going up to Walla crag I had put myself into second, just behind first lady. She was going quick and steady but not dissimilar pace to me. I decided that I wasn't going to try and overtake, just stay close by. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up with her pace or if the pressure would get to me so I decided straight away to stick with my plan of running my race. If I was meant to get ahead then I would. I wanted to give it my all but equally enjoy it as much as possible.
Going down to Rosthwaite we hit some technical ground and I managed to navigate my way down confidently where I took a lead, all the while trying not to put pressure on myself to keep it. Not always easy because who wouldn't like a win!? I was feeling good and choosing to mostly power walk up the hills meant that I avoided fatigue in my legs and running the slight gradients, flats and downs felt comfortable.
Going up from Honister was challenging with the wind but I didn't let it get to me and powered my way up still feeling strong. I surprised myself the most on my decent via Dubs Crag into Buttermere. I felt confident with the tricky technical decent, despite the wet and windy conditions and kicking a rock that I thankfully managed to not fall from, but left me with a bruised toe. It was a relief though to be running along the lovely trail beside Buttermere.
The section along Crummock was my least favourite, but I had expected that and used it as an opportunity to slow down and catch my breath and got a great welcome at the top end of the lake by a friend Raj and being told I was first lady did make me feel proud, although a bit pressured.
Newlands valley is a long valley! Running off camber and trying to keep a good pace, on wet ground was not easy. My legs were feeling good and knowing that we were well over half way and having some company kept me going, I was feeling confident that first place was mine.
The final sections of road were tough and I had to dig deep to keep up my pace because I wasn't sure how much ahead I was and really wanted the win by this point. However; I managed to smile on the last section into Keswick before being brought to a halt just after the Rugby club as the festival was shut down due to winds.
The last few km of the race we joined other runners doing a 10km route. I was a little disappointed that no one seemed to know I had just won first lady in the 50k due to the merge of runners and the hectic change in finishing venue. Nevertheless, I was chuffed to bits to have run it it 5.31, ten minutes from the record time and in harsh conditions. My training must have paid off somewhat and I have gained some confidence now. I just hope that I can carry some of it with me on the 100.
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