Andy, Sarah and I entered this English Championship and British Championship race recently. Being a champs race meant that ordinary people such as me can line up with the top fell-racers on equal terms; not many sports where this is the case.

Coledale Horseshoe starts

However, the equality ceases as soon as the starting gun goes off…

Andy - the "before photo"

It was fairly cold: on the top there was snow on the ground and hail fell on top, but the temperature was good for running.

Underdressed

It was a tough run, the longest fell race I have done and with real hills. I can make up ground on scrambles – up and down, because rock doesn’t worry me – but proper runners pass me on flat bits all the time

Andy - the "after" photo - still going and beating 2 hours

We earned our cake!