Rainow 5

My 3rd outing to Rainow 5 and this one is a lovely little race I'd be very sad to miss. The start is at the Rainow Institute and there are cakes and refreshments provided in the crowded hall by the Brownies and Guides which gives it a village fete atmosphere. The scenery around Rainow is very pretty and hilly but not aggressively so, it is the very edge of the Peak District where it meets the Cheshire Plain.

I was pleased to see plenty of familiar faces including Raj, Rebecca and Paul O fresh from their superb efforts at the London Marathon. My old nemesis Trevor from Wilmslow was also there.

The start along the lane is gentle enough and I ploughed along gamely my foot twinged slightly but didn't get worse. The route turns through the fields  and kissing gates down to the river. This start is, inevitably then followed by a climb up the path and then steeply up again to White Nancy. I lost loads of time on the uphill, I knew I didn't have the form to attack it and Trevor overtook me on the climb up, which pleased him no end. 

With lungs and legs burning, it's a straight run along the ridge to Kerridge end. The views are fantastic and make the run worthwhile. By this time I was right at the back but then again, I was last year too. The descent and run through the fields is straightforward enough.  The scent of bluebells was heavy in the air and the wooded countryside on a Spring evening was a delight that made up for my tiredness. I had lost all of my energy by the time I reached around the four mile mark and trailed wearily back up from the river, through the fields and down the lane to the finish. 

I was welcomed back by Trevor (gloating)  Tracey, Chris and other GVS and we went back to the hall for tea and fairy cakes. A good return to running, though there is still much to be done to regain my stamina.