Starting in the Stripes

Hameldon Hill - my TAC debut...

After transferring from those in orange, I was keen to start afresh and hoping for a good race day. I had until a couple of weeks ago not intended on doing the GP this time. My transfer went through quickly and I even managed a Thursday night Seed Hill track session with Matt, which served well as a meet and greet with some new team mates, and was a good leg sharpener!

Having spent many GP races alongside TAC runners, I had made friends here and witnessed the legendary team spirit so hoped pre-race at Hameldon would be the same. Having had a nice welcome at the track, several messages from TAC runners soon followed on.

Race day did not disappoint. A fantastic atmosphere, handshakes, team photos and heaps of positive conversations happened below the hill!

Balancing triathlon training had resulted in minimal fell training as of late and I just hoped I could do the vest justice on my first outing! I felt good and paced the ascent about right. Aside from tricky bits of bog and technical stuff across the top I was able to shave 4 minutes off my Hameldon PB. It appears the go faster stripes may just work!

The shouts from marshals and support was superb on the course.

Afterwards it was nice to experience the typical GP atmosphere amongst all the club runners, but the welcome I've had to the club has been great and its really helped me want to push on this year. It's confirmed to me that I've made the right transfer.

Here's to a good GP and year ahead...