Contributing to the wide dispersion of Carnethy members last weekend, a small group headed to Braithwaite to run the 23-mile Derwentwater Dawdle. It’s a tougher run than the name suggests with some technical sections over (slippery) rocks and bog.
The Lakes luckily escaped the wind that was battering Ireland and we were treated to stunning views between heavy downpours. Billy, Dorothy and I were returning for a second year. I was pleased to take a chunk off my time from last year but I have a strange habit of getting used as a windshield/navigation device and was amused to find out later that the runner who stuck to me for the last 9 miles (despite various efforts on my part to shake him off!) was the aptly named Mr Leech.
Billy and Dorothy would no doubt have also reduced their time if it were not for the temptations of the checkpoints, bickering over route directions, and Billy taking a dive into the undergrowth. All good preparation for the Lakeland 50. Meanwhile, Tawera added another long run to her belt as she also prepares for ultras later in the year. Good to see events with more female competitors than male. Results here https://www.ascendevents.co.uk/app/download/34069185/DWD2019_Results.pdf
Ken Fordyce