Two races, so different

Selected races were always planned in the build up to the Pennine Way run and two events in two weeks were both intended to be stepping stones to improving different elements of fitness.

Stamina obviously is a requirement for ultra distance running and the Howarth Hobble/Wuthering Hike over 32 miles of Bronte Country and Calderdale was to provide just that test. This event is for pairs or solo entrants and this year I was paired with regular training partner Julie and we were accompanied by a further training partner Pauline, both of whom will be part of the support team.

Soon after the start the group swelled to five as we linked with two members of Horwich RMI Harriers Paul and Geraldine, both very experienced and setting a sensible pace. This was to pay off later as the miles ticked by taking us to Top Withens, Widdop Reservoir and the via the Causeway to Todmorden.

From there the route was via Stoodley Pike to Hebden Bridge and then Hepponstall, Hardcastle Crags and back over the moors to Howarth. The last climb is always energy sapping but on this day there was enough left in the tank to keep a decent pace over Penistone Country Park and a resulting time 27 minutes faster than last year. Very encouraging -time taken 7hrs 12mins

By total contrast the second race was the pre-London Half Marathon in Fleet, Hampshire, an event that beckons on account of family ties in that town. This event was to be a token commitment to "speedwork" and in perfect weather conditions it ticked all the boxes with a two minute improvement over last year - time taken 1hr 40mins (and 6secs). Again, very encouraging.

Son Eden and daughter Sally, also in the support team, were also running, making it a great family outing.

The effect of all this racing has made it difficult to achieve the weekly mileage targets so with two weeks to go to the next race, the Coniston 14, there are a lot of miles to cram in.