I travelled up to Patterdale for the Arnison Dash fell race. On a warm sunny day the race was part of the village show with lots of different stall and attractions to look at. At just 3km it was a short fast race. A short run off the starting field before ascending Arnison crag. After a small loop on the summit it was straight back down the way we came and back into the finishing field. I didn’t feel great when warming up, my legs felt heavy and tired. I was starting to think it was a mistake coming. However, we set off and I felt great. The pace felt comfortable as we left the field to begin the climb. I was in about 5th position. As we started to climb I found myself at the front so I just went for it. At half way I looked back and had a decent gap so I just put my head down and maintained my rhythm. I turned at the top and this gave me an opportunity to see the rest of the runners. The decent wasn’t blistering, but I felt I came down pretty well. It was abit rocky underfoot so I was conscious of not injuring myself. As I came into the finishing field I had a quick glance around and I couldn’t see anybody. I managed to win. As of today I haven’t seen any results but from memory I was circa 45 seconds ahead. Very happy with the race, I felt I had a good climb.
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* Joe Crossfield Archives
August 2015
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