Back in the saddle

After my successful completion of the Echappe Belle last year I fell out of training.  In September, I competed in a 16km race in Wales.  This was part of the Up hill down dale series of trail runs.  The weather was cloudy but dry, as a relatively small group of runners gathered.  The run was on a private estate, over heathland with great views of Bala Lake.  The start was very fast but I was disciplined and paced myself.  This tactic paid off on the first hill where many runners were forced to walk.  I was able to overtake some of the more enthusiastic starters.  The race consisted of two 8km circuits.  I was faster after the first as I knew what to expect and avoided the boggier parts of the course.  I finished respectably and was pleased with myself. 
A few months later, in November, back in the UK I participated in one of the weekly Park Runs that take place across the UK every Saturday.  Only 5km, but amazing to see how many people turn out for this event (1000 participants on the day I ran).  The Park Run concept has become a global phenomenon and is a really fun event.  There are both serious runners and families.  The atmosphere is friendly and, despite being run by volunteers, very professional.
Since these two races I regret to say I have been very lazy.  The occasional short run around my local reservoir or a longer run in the mountains, but nothing like my build up to the big race.  Now with Christmas and a bout of flu out of the way I have made my resolutions.  Gym, short and long runs, a series of core exercises every day, and yoga for stretching.  My goal this year?  The Echappe Belle again, but this time the 85km Traversée Nord.  My wife has also signed me up for the Trail des Passerelles in July, so no excuses.