Running festival TNH

The Eryri Harriers had planned a summer festival. The idea was that there would be something running-related going on every day. People could pick and choose which activities they would participate in. The Monday had its usual Monday training, but I was otherwise engaged. The Tuesday activity was a Tuesday Evening race, but I don't do these, so I was on the track (briefly). The Felinheli race was part of it. I did that! And then on Thursday, there always is Thursday Night Hill, and Dyfed had been asked to keep it accessible this week, so that also people who don't normally do this can participate. Dyfed, however, has strange ideas of what ‘accessible’ means, or ‘suitable for people recovering from a  knee injury (I had asked!)’, or any of that sort of concepts. 

We gathered, and there clearly were some new faces. I also spoke with a lady who had been before, but who hadn’t been for a while for reasons of tendon problems. Her name was Lena, or something you pronounce like that but spell differently. 

We set off in the direction of Dinorwic. Up the zigzags! I expected the big incline later. I was wrong. We went up the stairs, to the saw mill, and then over the spoil heap to its end. And at the end, we just clambered down the slate. This has absolutely nothing to do with running! And maybe not the most inviting thing to do to newcomers? 

In Dinorwic Quarry

Up the stairs

End of the spoil heap

Clambering down. Pic by Kasia

At the bottom we ended in some boggy terrain. Not my favourite. Maybe not good for tendon issues either. A good thing was that we crossed a little stream, so I could drink. It was warm and I was rapidly going through my supplies.

By the time we were back on a decent track again, it was already quite late. But at least from then on, Dyfed didn't do anymore Dyfed antics. We just ran a rather sensible route back to Llanberis. Lena’s tendon seemed to hold up, but how it would feel the next day would be more important. And by then, 2.5 hours after setting off, I was quite hungry and thirsty. I had sandwiches and water in the car, and thought I might consume these while doing a bit of after-run chat with the other runners, but the midges made me change my mind. Off home! And the next day I would be knackered…