Harriers Hill Runners Festive Frolics
January 13th, 2009The weather gods shone once again on the hill runners as they ran off their excesses on the 27th Dec. A baker’s dozen gathered at the Rhymer’s stane – literally in the shadow of the Eildon’s to see just how much damage had been done to their fitness levels over the previous few days.
An “exploratory” route was taken winding around the far side of the hills and through the woods, There was much slithering on ice, a bit of cursing on steps, and even an attempt at desertion (otherwise known as taking the wrong turning), before eventually arriving at the foot of the steep side of the smallest (Bowden) EIldon. At this point many failed to believe that I was serious about climbing through the steep heather to the summit, but a few minutes later we arrived, with only two casualties.
The climb up the second summit was another test of stamina, but the real challenge was the final descent off the third and final summit. Whilst it was pleasantly warm in the sunshine, this side of the hill was both steep and frozen hard. The best line was undoubtedly through the heather for those who were confident enough, with the group spreading out all down the hillside before regrouping for a final jog back to the car. Once again there was general agreement that we had spent a couple of hours most enjoyably in good company, and with the benefit of building a bit of stamina.
January’s run will test the luck of the group to its fullest. With meteorologists around the globe looking on with interest, we are changing the date of the run to the fifth Saturday in the month. Will the deities express their displeasure at the casual way in which their gifts of sunshine are treated, and causing lightning, and plagues of locusts to descend upon us? Or will they once more express their joy at the sight of a happy bunch of hill runners out for a good social jaunt. Come along to Gala pool at 9am on 31st Jan, or meet at the car park in Yarrowford at around 9.30am to find out.
