One year, still here

The recent cold snap has kiboshed tomorrow afternoon's trail race at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Plan B is to get out in the Peaks for a steady one after the school run. I'm approaching the six week mark, when my broken toe should be healed, so I'll be ramping up the training.

It was the first cross country fixture for my local running club on Sunday. My legs were still a bit shaky from Wormstones Fell Race but it was a good day out. Despite sub zero temperatures in the morning, we were treated to bright winter sun and clear skies. 

The course starts and finishes close to Retford United Football Club. There's just over 350 feet of elevation through fields, trails and woodland. The numerous stiles become increasingly difficult to negotiate. It's a difficult one to pace, as it finished earlier than I expected and I still had a bit left in the tank.

The highlight was a high five from my Daughter, close to the finish line. My partner captured the moment brilliantly in her role as club photographer for the day.

I think I came 39th out of the 200 or so runners. Most importantly, the team are top of the league! It was a pub lunch after and quality time with family.

Next up is a Services Cross Country in Northamptonshire in a couple of weeks, followed by another club fixture. 

I've recently signed up for a fast 5K in March, with hopes of a PB, and a 10 mile fell race in May which will be a real challenge. 

It's almost a year now, since I was diagnosed with APML. I don't know if I'll ever get back to the level of fitness I had before, but I'm giving it a bloody good go.