Just keep going

The Trunce is a somewhat legendary trail race that started in 1968 as a training run for a Steelworker's football team. They would have been tough Yorkshire blokes and, accordingly, it's a tough (but enjoyable) route.

It's one I've been meaning to do for a while and I experienced it for the first time on Monday.

We set off from the Trans Pennine Trail above Oxspring at around 18:45. Conditions were perfect. I was reliably informed the stepping stones on the River Don crossings were "like glass" and best avoided. The advice was to plough through the river instead.

I sometimes question my decisions to enter fell and trail races, usually when I'm struggling up a steep hill. But the exhilaration of the downhills quickly cancels out those negative thoughts. It's like being a kid again. Bombing down a hill, trying not to trip over a root or a rock and go flying. Your mind is completely on the task at hand. Your problems are elsewhere.

I came 60th in a field of 320 runners with a time of 34:10. I was happy with that. The race is just under 4 miles, so it was a decent time, given the 633ft of elevation. Most importantly though, I had an absolute blast and I will definitely be back.

Life away from running has not been so straightforward. I'm questioning whether my current career is still worth the stress and hassle. It will be a year tomorrow since my Mum passed, during my third of chemotherapy, so it's a difficult time.

I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.