With a wind chill of -6c, the pre-race warm-up was more about conditions reconnaissance, plus delaying the removal of insulating layers, than stretching the legs.
Most of the course was perfectly runnable, including the very steep wooded climb with a sufficiently ice-free corridor down the stepped descent. The most treacherous sections resulted from rutted footprints in the snow having frozen solid overnight. Unbreakble by foot strike, these had to be navigated with careful steps and good fortune!
It was not a day for PBs, taking lots of effort and concentration to stay upright and avoid others! But still our club enjoyed a small but jolly turnout. All five of us just about making it round unscathed.
I hope to see you at the last race of the series, which will be held at Holmebrook on the 15th February.