Buttermere Horseshoe (Short) Fell Race - Saturday 25th June 2016

'Short' fell race should really be called 'Shorter' because it's still long and still tough, proved by it being classified as a AL race. 

It's a hot and humid day and with our big race just a few weeks away switching to the 'not quite as long' race is a sensible plan. It's starts at Loweswater, a glorious and unspoilt area of the Lakes, and also famed for Loweswater Gold, a fine pint ! :-)

It's a flagged start and both races head off together. We take it steady, it's a tough pull of Whiteside, then along to Hopegill Head and a fast descent to Coledale Hause. A steady climb to Grasmoor, same route as,TWA race, and I to Whiteside and the Buttermere Sailbeck race route to Buttermere. 

Now the going gets tough, it's hot and humid in the valley and after a mile or so around Crummock Water we start the gruelling dorky ascent of Mellbreak. In hindsight I think there was a better option, slightly longer in distance but would have been much easier going. 

Anyway we dig in and finally get to the last summit, then it's a steep descent and mile or so on track to the finish. We have no idea of our positions at this stage, it's only a small field, most preferring the longer race, and we know there are a few runners not far behind.

It's a relief to finish and fantastic to find out that we are 2nd and 3rd, with KA being first lady and that must mean I am 2nd man and 1st V40, thinks are finally starting to look up ! :-)

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