13.7m mountain trails

Mr Leakey was on time today and we were running in the rain by 6:35am.

By 5km we had accelerated to the giddy heights of 8:30 minute miles and I was thinking great, but then it was too fast too soon for someone and so to nip the whinging in the bug I just slowed down.

It had been chucking it down all night and was on and off for us. I had no intention of running on trails next to rivers today, so the only way was up and up we went. Very slowly to the castle of Aubonne, which is very nice indeed especially the steep last big though the gates and up to the top. Inside is a school with a stunning stone quadrangle.

Down the other side and Richard had to be reigned in from taking off on the Arboretum trail. We heading to Signal following the yellow signs, but no need as this was the Aubonne mini tri-athlon route and so Richard was on teritory he knews well.

Then the hill. Well mountain. Now Richard got us lost on a run in France once and I should have remembered that. Especially has he told me a story about ending up doing a massive walk up a steep snow wall that was unintended yesterday. But no. I let him talk me into not following those useful little yellow signs that tell you where to go and we took the forst track straight up, that must be signal up there. Oh yea?

I saw a fox in the stream, massive and he gave us a hard stare before vanishing.

Round the fallen tree and more up.

At the top a field. We cross it, now pretty much walking. Over the electric fence - Richard very carefully protected his vital organs!

Next we found a forest trail and then a road. Finally we were under the high wires of the tree top activity place which is the edge of signal. Phew. Nice one Richard.

Out the far end of Signal it was mist and fog. Normally there are stunning views from up here, but today could not see far in front of me.

Down the hill was a joy and Richard held it together to the bitter end, although the thought of breakfast at IKEA for 1 chf put a spring in my steps for the last few km.

New presonal worst for the half marathon, as 13.75 in 2h 18m is seriously slow, even with the walking up the hills. 2,316 feet climnbed, which must be some kind of record!

Garmin