Grinning On The Gyrn

Anna Bartlett

Another pre-Snowdon trial race on Saturday, saw a quick trip to Llansilin near Oswestry on an invitation from Margaret Morris (Oswestry Olympians) to compete in the Gyrn Gallup. Recently, re-introduced, this pleasant 1800' hill race saw a relatively small field of approximately 50 runners compete over a distance of approximately 7 miles. I was joined on the race by Welsh mountain team runners, Anna Bartlett and Andrea Rowlands and their appearance afforded an interesting race. As the gun went, off they went leaving me wondering if I am ever likely to be able to start a race quickly. However, after approximately two miles I managed to get within throwing distance of the pair who seemed to be working well together and consolidating first and second place between themselves. I managed then an interesting climb and then confident in my new Innov8 330's , I set off on the decent. Now those of you who read my blog occassionally, are aware that I am probably the world's worst descender, but for some unknown reason this was not the case today. I saw myself 5.30 miling on the way down and I felt strong enough to catch both Anna and Andrea on the ascent back into the finish. I was overjoyed and please with the result considering the quality of the oposition. Now, to focus on this Sunday and the trial races for the World mountain running championships. Watch this space for an update.....Bye for now  ... The Tamster..