Mynydd Troed

The first race in this year's Welsh fell running championships was badly timed, with a howling gale and freezing rain battering those of us who'd made the long trip down to Pengenffordd near Brecon. The route was shortened, probably inevitably, but still involved two steep climbs up Mynydd Troed. The wind blew us up the first climb, although sometimes came in from the side, knocking runners down like skittles. Simon R performed a full somersault on the descent then demonstrated an almost unbelievable level of stupidity by following the tape of the longer original route instead of taking a short cut back up the road. Jez had a much better run, finishing well up a very strong field drawn from across Wales (13th?). Sue also ran a good race, but the real hero was John - who finished with the most classic case of hypothermia I've ever seen. Unable to talk and shivering uncontrollably he was plonked in front of the pub fire to thaw out whilst receiving several full body massages. He then got a very comprehensive full medical at Abergavenny hospital (he's in fine fettle by the way) and ended up with a tremendous haul of outdoor gear, including a set of children's waterproofs, that kindly onlookers had stuffed into his bag...