"Puff, pant..." |
So there I was charging down the final hill at the British Masters Cross Country Champs at Rhug in Denbighshire. Just look at that lovely close cropped green sward that I'm floating across. The photo doesn't do it justice - it was a muddy quagmire and I felt as if I'd been running through treacle for the last half an hour! It seemed to be worth it as some time later, revived by a cup of tea and a large picnic lunch I found that our over 65 team had come third to win nice shiny bronze medals. Oh the memories will come flooding back when I show them to the great grandchildren.
Put that bow and arrow away! |
The venue for this years race was the Rhug Estate which is a 12,000 acre farm and manor house right by the A5 on its way to Holyhead. Travellers flashing by on their way to catch the Irish ferry are likely to look twice as they pass the spreading pastures for, having sailed past plenty of flocks of sheep on the Welsh hillsides, they are likely to suddenly get a glimpse of a herd of American bison! The current Lord Newborough (a runner himself) has played host to national cross country events several times now and he enjoys welcoming runners and supporters who gather at the estate farm shop and cafe where the farm's organic produce can be purchased. Yes maybe I should have bought a couple of their bison steaks - maybe next time!