church steeple to church steeple through fields and woods, across trails and taking in some incredible views, before arriving to face the final hill in theheart of the Peak District. There is of course a twist. At each steeple, the final group

-run the same (hopeless to queue by my 3.34 finishing time), but marshals were cheery and Ron Hill was a welcome start line MC. Supporters lined 90% of the flat smooth course, with brass bands, cars blasting the Rocky theme and sweet old ladies banging pans

.GET AHEADChange gears early – you’ll probably want a lower gear for hills. If it’s tough, try a set of revs while sitting, then a set out of the saddle. Breaking it up can help psychologically and physically.SHOE DOWNComing to the bottom of your downward push