Notes
Ran this race as a training run, at a target HR of ~163.
Pete and I took the first mile far too easy as a result; this can be seen by the first split (which was on the flat, mainly) being over a minute slower than the second (some of which was near vertical)!
Me, Pete Croall, James Potts and Vickie W came in 4th team.
It was really tough, particularly the first 5.5 miles which ran up across some of the Beacons along the old Roman road which is now basically a waterfall if it has been raining (which it had). Intentionally walked some of the hills where it was going to be no slower than running, mainly as a result of the HR target. GPS short likely due to the steepness of the hills; Ian measured the course so it will be right.
The descent off "the gap" at miles ~5.5 to 7 was wonderful, not quite fell-race descending but nicer for it.
Weather was a mix of rain and bright sunshine (I got burned actually).
The organisation was amazing; for an entry free of £15.00 you got 6 water stops, a technical tshirt, mars bar, water, squash at the end, a bus ride to the start from Merthyr, free tea, sandwiches and chocolate bars at the end
Very nearly didn't run this as was concerned about my shin, but it actually seems to have done it some good.
Would be interesting to try this again next year and really throw everything at it.