In 2016, I had made my debut at this testosterone fuelled race but felt that I still had more to give on the final couple of kms. Cleverly, the race organisers send out emails inviting you to sign-up for the next event within a few days of competing, with the carrot of early-bird prices.
I felt there was unfinished work so entered again without a second thought.
After the Kielder Marathon in October, I had done a couple of easy weeks, punctuated by a tough hill-run to chase a bus between Hillend and West Linton along the tops.
Sunday 5th November was dry and cool, but sunny so that shorts & t-shirt were sufficient with my windtop. This year, they had laid out four start pens, coloured white, red, yellow & green. White was for the elites, I was in the red.
The usual mad sprint down the Mound and then some jostling into the Princes St gardens before the field started to spread out into the High Street. I noticed at least a couple of female club runners setting a good pace and tried to keep up with them. I managed to pass them before Dynamic Earth, but they overtook me as we joined the Western Approach road.
Passing under the bridge of Morrison Street, I heard an approaching siren from behind, then shouts of other runners warning us to get into the side as an ambulance came roaring past. That added a wee spurt to everyone's pace but the long straight flatness of the old-railway line killed me again. Although I was up on my 2016 time, I still came in well over 41mins.
41m38s 199/1593
Sunday 5 November 2017
Sunday 8 October 2017
Kielder Marathon 2017
After the twenty flat miles of the Edinburgh to North Berwick race in May 2017 when I managed to just about cross the finish line running, the thought of another six miles was worth considering. Sally had suggested the Kielder Marathon as an option and having enjoyed our previous cycling visits to the Reservoir, it sounded like something I'd like to do.
Irrationally, I ended up booking a place on the Two Breweries hill race on the same evening. That race was scheduled for 23rd September, only a couple of weeks before the Kielder marathon, and at 18miles it looked like it would fit nicely into a training schedule.
In July after our summer holiday to Lochcarron and Glendaruel, I put a spreadsheet together of a planned training schedule leading up to the 8th of October and race day. I did a little bit of online research to find a schedule that would fit my current fitness level and aspirational finish time and then applied my own tweaks to that. Sadly life and work got in the way in a few places with childcare commitments and a marathon series of working weekends in September to make things awkward.
In July and September, I made two recce runs of the Two Breweries route for three reasons:
Firstly to keep the fitness levels in my training and some interest on the ground. Secondly to check the route of the race in preparation for 23rd September, but thirdly to see if I could actually achieve it within the cut-off times. The first outing from Traquair to Glenrath was dispatched in good time, no routing issues apart from on the first climb to Birkscairn Hill in thick bracken. However, the second outing from Glenrath to Broughton was more troublesome, especially when I got lost on the first hill, took the wrong line up Trahenna and badly sprained my left ankle coming off the latter.
I had a decision to make. Abandon the Two Breweries due to the risk of injury and keep training alone, or stick to the plan. On the week of the Two Breweries race, it was infact work that made my decision for me. I was not going to compete, so emailed the race organiser John Hamer on the Thursday and gave up my place.
My training included one big run each week, increasing by 5km each week to finish with my longest run at 33.7km. I enjoyed the planning and running of these training runs. I used the excellent Map My Run website to define bigger and bigger loops in my lunch hour. The two bigger ones were when I caught the bus to West Linton and ran home over the Pentlands from there. Then a long loop from the office into West Lothian and back after rush hour. I was pretty nackered after that one and was glad the office was empty as I staggered back from the showers.
Finally race week arrived and I limited myself to a single 11km loop on the Tuesday. On the Sunday and Wednesday I went to the swimming pool for some lengths as I was concerned about the lack of exertion. I guess this was my version of Maranoia, worrying about not being ready.
On Saturday 7th October, I drove south via Jedburgh to Saughtree and had a relaxed evening at the excellent Guest House on the old station platform. I made sure to carbo load with a big plate of spaghetti carbonara and apple strudel. In the morning, my pre-ordered steaming bowl of porridge was duly presented and set me up perfectly.
The air was cool - about 6C when I set off to the Border, but dry. There were a few pillows of hill fog rolling over Peel Fell and around the wonderfully named 'Deadwater'. I arrived at Kielder Village and followed the marshall's directions to the car park. Squeezed next to a Mini, the driver emerged and complained that he was having to park so far from the race start.
I grabbed my pre-packed bag, double checked everything and then headed down to the bus. Off we went south down the reservoir road to be dumped at Leaplish. Then our merry band strode through the cool morning air past holiday chalets to the lake shore and the race 'village'. I found a seat in the tea tent and settled down to read my book whilst sipping water and nibbling on a flap jack. I watched the other competitors. I wasn't really sure what I was supposed to be doing at this point pre-race so just relaxed as much as I could.
Eventually the geordie voice over the PA system bellowed that it was time to convene at the start. It was 10:45am. Along a single track road of tarmac we trotted, a lot of nervous laughter and comments. Checking of gear, drinking. I stood in the "Over 3 1/2 hours" area. Midges started to bite.
A quick countdown, and then we were off. A short trot, then walking and then after 60 seconds or so we were over the start line and running!!! This was it!!
The first mile or so actually goes south in a loop around the holiday village, slowly rising away from the lake shore along a single track tarmac road. I was surprised at the initial pace everyone seemed to be setting with hardly any jostling or mad sprinters up the sides. It took some will power to not zoom ahead and I spent some minutes observing the runners nearby to see if they looked like marathon veterans or noobs like me.
Irrationally, I ended up booking a place on the Two Breweries hill race on the same evening. That race was scheduled for 23rd September, only a couple of weeks before the Kielder marathon, and at 18miles it looked like it would fit nicely into a training schedule.
In July after our summer holiday to Lochcarron and Glendaruel, I put a spreadsheet together of a planned training schedule leading up to the 8th of October and race day. I did a little bit of online research to find a schedule that would fit my current fitness level and aspirational finish time and then applied my own tweaks to that. Sadly life and work got in the way in a few places with childcare commitments and a marathon series of working weekends in September to make things awkward.
In July and September, I made two recce runs of the Two Breweries route for three reasons:
Firstly to keep the fitness levels in my training and some interest on the ground. Secondly to check the route of the race in preparation for 23rd September, but thirdly to see if I could actually achieve it within the cut-off times. The first outing from Traquair to Glenrath was dispatched in good time, no routing issues apart from on the first climb to Birkscairn Hill in thick bracken. However, the second outing from Glenrath to Broughton was more troublesome, especially when I got lost on the first hill, took the wrong line up Trahenna and badly sprained my left ankle coming off the latter.
I had a decision to make. Abandon the Two Breweries due to the risk of injury and keep training alone, or stick to the plan. On the week of the Two Breweries race, it was infact work that made my decision for me. I was not going to compete, so emailed the race organiser John Hamer on the Thursday and gave up my place.
My training included one big run each week, increasing by 5km each week to finish with my longest run at 33.7km. I enjoyed the planning and running of these training runs. I used the excellent Map My Run website to define bigger and bigger loops in my lunch hour. The two bigger ones were when I caught the bus to West Linton and ran home over the Pentlands from there. Then a long loop from the office into West Lothian and back after rush hour. I was pretty nackered after that one and was glad the office was empty as I staggered back from the showers.
Finally race week arrived and I limited myself to a single 11km loop on the Tuesday. On the Sunday and Wednesday I went to the swimming pool for some lengths as I was concerned about the lack of exertion. I guess this was my version of Maranoia, worrying about not being ready.
On Saturday 7th October, I drove south via Jedburgh to Saughtree and had a relaxed evening at the excellent Guest House on the old station platform. I made sure to carbo load with a big plate of spaghetti carbonara and apple strudel. In the morning, my pre-ordered steaming bowl of porridge was duly presented and set me up perfectly.
The air was cool - about 6C when I set off to the Border, but dry. There were a few pillows of hill fog rolling over Peel Fell and around the wonderfully named 'Deadwater'. I arrived at Kielder Village and followed the marshall's directions to the car park. Squeezed next to a Mini, the driver emerged and complained that he was having to park so far from the race start.
I grabbed my pre-packed bag, double checked everything and then headed down to the bus. Off we went south down the reservoir road to be dumped at Leaplish. Then our merry band strode through the cool morning air past holiday chalets to the lake shore and the race 'village'. I found a seat in the tea tent and settled down to read my book whilst sipping water and nibbling on a flap jack. I watched the other competitors. I wasn't really sure what I was supposed to be doing at this point pre-race so just relaxed as much as I could.
 |
| A kind spectator took this pic, a few minutes before the start. I was ready! |
Eventually the geordie voice over the PA system bellowed that it was time to convene at the start. It was 10:45am. Along a single track road of tarmac we trotted, a lot of nervous laughter and comments. Checking of gear, drinking. I stood in the "Over 3 1/2 hours" area. Midges started to bite.
A quick countdown, and then we were off. A short trot, then walking and then after 60 seconds or so we were over the start line and running!!! This was it!!
 |
| 1km down, looping around Leaplish |
After we left the holiday chalets, I decided I wanted to increase my pace and managed to skip past some of the slower pairs when we jogged through the car park. Sadly the opportunities to overtake were quickly reduced when we joined the actual Lakeside Way and the narrower gravel path. Looking ahead I could see we were definitely in a bit of a blockage with one runner holding back the crowd as a 50m gap built up in front of them. Losing patience, I joined a couple of runners in the grass and got into the open ground ahead.
As we continued north the field began to open up further and it became easier to pick off runners ahead. Although I wasn't running especially fast, I was definitely making progress through other competitors. At around the 6km mark, I saw a sign for toilets and decided I needed to go. I think I had taken on too much water before the start and could feel it sloshing around in my bladder. Typically, the one portaloo was engaged. There was no way I was going to wait so carried on to the next one at 10km, and the turn south at Kielder Village. This loo was also occupied, so I hid at the side and just got on with it.
The run down the east side of the lake was a real joy. I enjoyed it all, even the steep zig zags near half-way which required some walking. The sculptures dotted along the route held the interest and broke up each section. There goes the massive head of Silvas Capitalis, there go the Janus Chairs, there goes the Belvedere. I had managed to get on the heels of a pair of chatting men who sounded like they knew what they were doing by the snippets of conversation I could hear. I noticed we were consistently overtaking other runners; infact I don't recall being overtaken once on the east shore. At every hydration station I made sure to grab a water bottle or an isotonic carton. One of the stations had kindly pre-inserted the straw in them which was a God send. It made it so much easier to drink than from a bottle.
At the dam I was starting to struggle. This was at around 18miles. Everything I had read about the route suggested the dam would be a respite from the roller coaster lakeside path. Obviously it was flat and straight, but there was something mentally challenging that just made it harder than I expected. Perhaps it was the long sightline with runners far in the distance, and sadly the two men I had been tailing were now a long way ahead. I was slowing.
From studying the route map, I knew the next section would be the hardest not only from a physical point of view with more climbing, but I was worried about the frustrating direction change away from the finish when the lake shore heads east. The expectation of this had already sowed the seed in my mind, and I battled with this challenge. At Bull Crag it all came to a head and the series of 'steep' zig-zags up into the trees were a climb too far. I chose to walk and refuel, ignoring the other runners who passed me by. At the top of the climb, there was a race photographer trying to encourage everyone on. I noticed he didn't raise his camera to anyone who was walking. No surprises there!
The next couple of miles were punctuated by walking up the slightest incline and trying to get time back on the descents. I played cat and mouse with three or four other runners who were struggling like me, but in their own little worlds. When we passed the 23mile marker, it suddenly dawned on me that sub 4hours might be achievable. I did some calculations and realised that if I kept running at this (slow) pace, I would be well within that number.
A female in black passed me at a pace I was not used to, but then round the next corner she was bent double wretching into the grass. A couple of male runners slowed to check she was OK but she waved them on. I gave her a wide berth and plodded past. She then zipped past me again a few minutes later, not quite sure this was the best technique.
One of the cat-and-mice ahead of me stopped to walk on a flat section and as I approached to overtake I shouted at him to keep running "Come on! We can do this!!". He was part of my race, I didn't want to lose that cat.
Supporters on the Lakeside Path started to appear and I could hear faint loudspeaker announcements in the distance. "Not far now!" said an elderly couple on a bend. I must have looked tired. Finally I could see the start line through the trees on my left and I tried to up the pace for the big finish. Through more trees, right turn onto the tarmac and then a downhill dash towards the crowds. They were cheering loudly, jammed tight against the barriers, it was a wonderful sound and spurred me on. I dug deep and tried to focus on the line.
Over the line I stopped my watch. 3:54:12. Wow! Absolutely chuffed with that.
Immediately I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion at what I had achieved and that I had actually finished this race. I started to well up but held it together as I was passed a medal, t-shirt and yet another water bottle. I walked slowly through the baggage tent to collect my bag, then exited and found a picnic table in the sun to collapse.
Stuffing some more processed energy bar into my mouth I started to cry. I can't really explain it, but I think it was just the realisation of the achievement. I held my head in my hands and had a wee sob, snotters and tears combining with the salt on my face. Fortunately no-one saw me, or rather no-one cared so I didn't have to explain myself.
I pulled myself together, then headed slowly up the hill, crossing the race line and Alison Curbishley directed me onto one of the waiting buses. I lay my head against the glass and closed my eyes. I had done it.
From studying the route map, I knew the next section would be the hardest not only from a physical point of view with more climbing, but I was worried about the frustrating direction change away from the finish when the lake shore heads east. The expectation of this had already sowed the seed in my mind, and I battled with this challenge. At Bull Crag it all came to a head and the series of 'steep' zig-zags up into the trees were a climb too far. I chose to walk and refuel, ignoring the other runners who passed me by. At the top of the climb, there was a race photographer trying to encourage everyone on. I noticed he didn't raise his camera to anyone who was walking. No surprises there!
The next couple of miles were punctuated by walking up the slightest incline and trying to get time back on the descents. I played cat and mouse with three or four other runners who were struggling like me, but in their own little worlds. When we passed the 23mile marker, it suddenly dawned on me that sub 4hours might be achievable. I did some calculations and realised that if I kept running at this (slow) pace, I would be well within that number.
 |
| Not far from here I realised that sub 4hours might be achievable |
One of the cat-and-mice ahead of me stopped to walk on a flat section and as I approached to overtake I shouted at him to keep running "Come on! We can do this!!". He was part of my race, I didn't want to lose that cat.
 |
| I was starting to go a little mad in the last mile or two, with the knowledge that this torture would soon be over |
Supporters on the Lakeside Path started to appear and I could hear faint loudspeaker announcements in the distance. "Not far now!" said an elderly couple on a bend. I must have looked tired. Finally I could see the start line through the trees on my left and I tried to up the pace for the big finish. Through more trees, right turn onto the tarmac and then a downhill dash towards the crowds. They were cheering loudly, jammed tight against the barriers, it was a wonderful sound and spurred me on. I dug deep and tried to focus on the line.
 |
| Crossing the finish line, I was wrecked. |
Immediately I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion at what I had achieved and that I had actually finished this race. I started to well up but held it together as I was passed a medal, t-shirt and yet another water bottle. I walked slowly through the baggage tent to collect my bag, then exited and found a picnic table in the sun to collapse.
Stuffing some more processed energy bar into my mouth I started to cry. I can't really explain it, but I think it was just the realisation of the achievement. I held my head in my hands and had a wee sob, snotters and tears combining with the salt on my face. Fortunately no-one saw me, or rather no-one cared so I didn't have to explain myself.
I pulled myself together, then headed slowly up the hill, crossing the race line and Alison Curbishley directed me onto one of the waiting buses. I lay my head against the glass and closed my eyes. I had done it.
Sunday 18 June 2017
Wednesday 10 May 2017
Saturday 6 May 2017
Edinburgh to North Berwick Road Race (E2NB)
I wanted to increase my distance after following Craig Stewart's training runs for the London Marathon. The longest distance I had previously run was the 7hills 15miler so decided to test myself by running 16miles. If that was ok, then the 20miles of the E2NB was also achievable. The logic followed that another 6miles on that distance would be straightforward to do.
On the 23rd of April, I ran from home to South Queensferry to join the John Muir Way for a section past Hopetoun, Blackness and finally to Linlithgow where I caught the train home. This was 26.3km (16.3miles) and I definitely still had something in the tank. I therefore entered the E2NB race on the back of that effort.
All week the wind was blowing from the east, without relent and when I disembarked the 26 bus on Portobello High Street it was still gusting in my face. I registered at the Powerleague building near the shore, pinned my numbers (front and back unusually) and then sat down to wait. I noticed a lot of people were hydrating. Of course I had stupidly wanted to be independent without a bag drop so now realised my error. I ventured along the High Street to a newsagent to buy some water and sweets.
Eventually we were shepherded onto the Promenade into the wind, the sun shining brightly off the lycra and sweat bands. Westwards we walked at a trot, some nervously chatting, others silent and alone. Some running, others jogging, most walking. Eventually, almost at the Edinburgh Cat and Dog home, we turned to face east and the start line was established. In the very far distance along the curving coast I could just make out Berwick Law. Oh my goodness, that is a long way. "Don't think about it, don't look at it again," I told myself and focused on the starter.
This race started with a gun. Not many of those!! Off we went along the prom dodging the other strollers. I got past a few slower runners and aimed for a couple of blokes who seemed to be going at my kind of pace. I joined in behind them and we cruised along. Coming through Musselburgh the older bloke introduced himself as Roger and we had a nice chat while passing the race course. At around 7miles I started to feel the pace and gradually dropped off with a couple of other runners coming in between us.
After Longniddry Mrs AB and kids passed me in their car and peeped the horn/waved out the window. A bit of encouragement got me into Aberlady where they were waiting at the roadside for some more shouts of support.
Things became rather jaded between Aberlady and Gullane except for a fairly bad fall by a runner in front. He had just overtaken me and 5metres ahead tripped over a large lump in the pavement to fall in a heap, water bottle spraying over the road. Suddenly there were 5 other runners stopped helping him, we got him up, checked he was ok and we all carried on.
The hill into Gullane was torture with the wind gusting over the exposed golf course and my pace really took a drop. But I kept going and managed to 'power' through the town. On the other side, the long sections of straight road were quite draining and I had to stop to stretch as an excuse for a break.
Short of Dirleton, a mother and son stepped out from a driveway offering a box of Jelly Babies - "You're a life saver! I'm dying!" I said and grabbed a handful.
After Dirleton I was sure there'd be a water station and thankfully my prayers were answered with sponges and cups of water. I stopped again and guzzled the rest of my sweets from Portobello.
I was really struggling now, and restarting running was tough. With the wind still blowing strong in my face it felt like walking would be quicker. I tried this for a few metres but realised my legs were so attuned to running that I looked drunk as I staggered long. The buildings of North Berwick were the marker I headed for and knew I could reach the finish line from there. Throughout all of this faffery I was being overtaken by stronger runners and slipping down the field.
Down the hill to Beach Road, I upped the pace and across the links to the finish waving to Roger on the way in. I collapsed in a heap just past the line.
2hr 48m
66/139
On the 23rd of April, I ran from home to South Queensferry to join the John Muir Way for a section past Hopetoun, Blackness and finally to Linlithgow where I caught the train home. This was 26.3km (16.3miles) and I definitely still had something in the tank. I therefore entered the E2NB race on the back of that effort.
All week the wind was blowing from the east, without relent and when I disembarked the 26 bus on Portobello High Street it was still gusting in my face. I registered at the Powerleague building near the shore, pinned my numbers (front and back unusually) and then sat down to wait. I noticed a lot of people were hydrating. Of course I had stupidly wanted to be independent without a bag drop so now realised my error. I ventured along the High Street to a newsagent to buy some water and sweets.
Eventually we were shepherded onto the Promenade into the wind, the sun shining brightly off the lycra and sweat bands. Westwards we walked at a trot, some nervously chatting, others silent and alone. Some running, others jogging, most walking. Eventually, almost at the Edinburgh Cat and Dog home, we turned to face east and the start line was established. In the very far distance along the curving coast I could just make out Berwick Law. Oh my goodness, that is a long way. "Don't think about it, don't look at it again," I told myself and focused on the starter.
This race started with a gun. Not many of those!! Off we went along the prom dodging the other strollers. I got past a few slower runners and aimed for a couple of blokes who seemed to be going at my kind of pace. I joined in behind them and we cruised along. Coming through Musselburgh the older bloke introduced himself as Roger and we had a nice chat while passing the race course. At around 7miles I started to feel the pace and gradually dropped off with a couple of other runners coming in between us.
After Longniddry Mrs AB and kids passed me in their car and peeped the horn/waved out the window. A bit of encouragement got me into Aberlady where they were waiting at the roadside for some more shouts of support.
Things became rather jaded between Aberlady and Gullane except for a fairly bad fall by a runner in front. He had just overtaken me and 5metres ahead tripped over a large lump in the pavement to fall in a heap, water bottle spraying over the road. Suddenly there were 5 other runners stopped helping him, we got him up, checked he was ok and we all carried on.
The hill into Gullane was torture with the wind gusting over the exposed golf course and my pace really took a drop. But I kept going and managed to 'power' through the town. On the other side, the long sections of straight road were quite draining and I had to stop to stretch as an excuse for a break.
Short of Dirleton, a mother and son stepped out from a driveway offering a box of Jelly Babies - "You're a life saver! I'm dying!" I said and grabbed a handful.
After Dirleton I was sure there'd be a water station and thankfully my prayers were answered with sponges and cups of water. I stopped again and guzzled the rest of my sweets from Portobello.
I was really struggling now, and restarting running was tough. With the wind still blowing strong in my face it felt like walking would be quicker. I tried this for a few metres but realised my legs were so attuned to running that I looked drunk as I staggered long. The buildings of North Berwick were the marker I headed for and knew I could reach the finish line from there. Throughout all of this faffery I was being overtaken by stronger runners and slipping down the field.
Down the hill to Beach Road, I upped the pace and across the links to the finish waving to Roger on the way in. I collapsed in a heap just past the line.
2hr 48m
66/139
 |
| Me chasing Roger and son |
Sunday 16 April 2017
Bunessan Easter Road Race (10k)
When our plans for an Easter holiday in Mull were made, all the appropriate fixed self-catering property was booked up. So we came up with the novel idea of a touring campervan from mullcampervans who met us off the ferry at Craignure.
I had been looking at an events calendar for Mull and discovered this event listed on the Mull Runners website which happended to coincide with our itinerary. We spent the Saturday night at the excellent Fidden campsite south of Fionnphort before rolling into Bunessan on the Sunday morning. Race information online was sparse so I was not quite sure what to expect, but we parked up near the centre of the village and awaited some developments.
Within an hour the place was bustling with men in shorts and wooly hats (it was raining and a bit parky). I made sure to register and pay my £6 in the bus shelter and then at 12:30 we all gathered at the start. When I say 'All' I mean about 20 folk. Due to the layout of the roads, there was a shorter race option that would go in the opposite direction to the 10k, both starting at the same time from the same place. A funny situation!
The organiser sent us off and I quickly settled into a pace near the front of the field. After the first loop to return back through the village I was in 4th position but I could see numbers 1 & 2 starting to stretch away in the distance. Number 3 was not far in front, still in touching distance. We were now running along the 'main' road which wasn't closed to traffic; infact none of the the race was, so we had to allow traffic to pass a few times on the single track road.
After 5km on a downhill section, I realised I was closing on Number 3 and managed to pass him as we turned left onto the Ardtun loop. We were now neck and neck for the next 4 km and I think we both kept each other going at a good pace. Numbers 1 and 2 were a loong way ahead now, but still visible in the loops and turns of the narrow road.
We were now overtaking the competitors on the shorter route and they all gave us encouragement without fail which was gratefully appreciated. The village now came into view but at the turn on the bridge back to the main road, my companion now slipped strongly into his original 3rd position and I struggled to match his pace. Nevertheless I found something and was able to put on a spurt into the finish line with the small crowd cheering.
46:53 4th position out of ??
I had been looking at an events calendar for Mull and discovered this event listed on the Mull Runners website which happended to coincide with our itinerary. We spent the Saturday night at the excellent Fidden campsite south of Fionnphort before rolling into Bunessan on the Sunday morning. Race information online was sparse so I was not quite sure what to expect, but we parked up near the centre of the village and awaited some developments.
Within an hour the place was bustling with men in shorts and wooly hats (it was raining and a bit parky). I made sure to register and pay my £6 in the bus shelter and then at 12:30 we all gathered at the start. When I say 'All' I mean about 20 folk. Due to the layout of the roads, there was a shorter race option that would go in the opposite direction to the 10k, both starting at the same time from the same place. A funny situation!
The organiser sent us off and I quickly settled into a pace near the front of the field. After the first loop to return back through the village I was in 4th position but I could see numbers 1 & 2 starting to stretch away in the distance. Number 3 was not far in front, still in touching distance. We were now running along the 'main' road which wasn't closed to traffic; infact none of the the race was, so we had to allow traffic to pass a few times on the single track road.
After 5km on a downhill section, I realised I was closing on Number 3 and managed to pass him as we turned left onto the Ardtun loop. We were now neck and neck for the next 4 km and I think we both kept each other going at a good pace. Numbers 1 and 2 were a loong way ahead now, but still visible in the loops and turns of the narrow road.
We were now overtaking the competitors on the shorter route and they all gave us encouragement without fail which was gratefully appreciated. The village now came into view but at the turn on the bridge back to the main road, my companion now slipped strongly into his original 3rd position and I struggled to match his pace. Nevertheless I found something and was able to put on a spurt into the finish line with the small crowd cheering.
46:53 4th position out of ??
Sunday 26 March 2017
Saturday 11 March 2017
Ben Gullipen Hill Race
After last months slopfest at Glentress I was ready for another hill race in any conditions. This race fitted the calendar nicely, although the distance wasn't massive (13km). The Skidaddle event company seemed well organised from their website and entry process so was hoping for a good event.
Sadly the weather didn't agree and it was pouring with rain when I arrived at the car park start point ninety minutes early. After registering, I sat in the car watching other athletes arrive. The event was also advertised as a Cani-Cross race (dogs on leads) and there were several fit looking dogs straining at their leashes.
I went for a short warm up along the road and a 'comfort break' near the bridge before returning for the race briefing and finally we were off. The route was a simple up and down/out and back following vehicle tracks initially through the forest and then on the open hillside above 300m but still on vehicle track.
The surface for the couple of kms was large rocky compacted hardcore. Not very friendly to run on, but it was the start and everyone was jostling for position so passed quickly. After 3km I was into a stable position and the course began to stretch out. The rain had stopped, but a mist hung over all the trees and the air was very damp.
We left the forest through a metal kissing gate and then followed a rather churned up track towards the summit of the hill. Within 500m the leaders passed on their way back down; they were going hell for leather and some of them looked like they were flying. It was think mist now, and only knew I was at the summit when a parked Land Rover loomed out of the gloom marking the turning point. I grabbed a cup of water from the tail of the LR and then headed down.
The two figures (male & female) I had been following disappeared into the mist and I struggled to keep up, but once onto flatter terrain out of the mist I upped the pace and drew them back. Unfortunately once back in the forest, I was struck by abdominal cramp and it slowed me up. Looking over my shoulder I was alone - nobody in sight so I plodded on. I felt I was in 12th or 13th place so quite happy. Back on the rough gravel track, I then discovered a group of runners behind me approaching fast! I tried to up the pace but to no avail and they were obviously using me as a stepping stone to the finish.
I lost at least 5 places and came in 19/76 in 01:05:12 but not too unhappy.
Results here
Sadly the weather didn't agree and it was pouring with rain when I arrived at the car park start point ninety minutes early. After registering, I sat in the car watching other athletes arrive. The event was also advertised as a Cani-Cross race (dogs on leads) and there were several fit looking dogs straining at their leashes.
I went for a short warm up along the road and a 'comfort break' near the bridge before returning for the race briefing and finally we were off. The route was a simple up and down/out and back following vehicle tracks initially through the forest and then on the open hillside above 300m but still on vehicle track.
The surface for the couple of kms was large rocky compacted hardcore. Not very friendly to run on, but it was the start and everyone was jostling for position so passed quickly. After 3km I was into a stable position and the course began to stretch out. The rain had stopped, but a mist hung over all the trees and the air was very damp.
We left the forest through a metal kissing gate and then followed a rather churned up track towards the summit of the hill. Within 500m the leaders passed on their way back down; they were going hell for leather and some of them looked like they were flying. It was think mist now, and only knew I was at the summit when a parked Land Rover loomed out of the gloom marking the turning point. I grabbed a cup of water from the tail of the LR and then headed down.
The two figures (male & female) I had been following disappeared into the mist and I struggled to keep up, but once onto flatter terrain out of the mist I upped the pace and drew them back. Unfortunately once back in the forest, I was struck by abdominal cramp and it slowed me up. Looking over my shoulder I was alone - nobody in sight so I plodded on. I felt I was in 12th or 13th place so quite happy. Back on the rough gravel track, I then discovered a group of runners behind me approaching fast! I tried to up the pace but to no avail and they were obviously using me as a stepping stone to the finish.
I lost at least 5 places and came in 19/76 in 01:05:12 but not too unhappy.
 |
| Nearing the summit in the mist |
 |
| On the way back down - abdomen cramping |
Results here
Saturday 25 February 2017
Glentress Trail Race 2017 (21k)
The first race of my year was perhaps a bit of a shock to the system. In 2016, I had competed in the 10K version of this event on a wonderfully sunny but cold day. I had vowed to enter the longer version this year so was signed up as soon as the entries opened.
Sadly the weather wasn't as kind as 2016 and on the Thursday before the race, a winter storm passed through the Borders dumping a huge amount of snow on the forest. Then on Friday night a mild thaw turned everything to mush so that come race day the entire course was a quagmire.
Nevertheless I drove south in the murk to Glentress only to discover the flat field car park was closed due to waterlogging and we had to park on the edge of the muddy tracks in the forest. Not an idela situation. In addition, the start/finish tent had been destroyed by the storm so the race organisers had decided to move the start/finish to the top of a steep hill off the main road. Bit odd.
I watched the 42k group set off in fine fettle before taking my place near the start line. I noticed Donny Campbell flexing his muscles right at the front. A fast pace to start as usual, but soon settled into positions running the familiar route from last year. I overtook Madeline Robinson (Michelle Hetherington's daughter) and started a wee conversation about the Highlander & LAMM. She then proceeded to chase my heels for the next 10km which was slightly unnerving, but made me keep my pace up I guess.
The route climbed upwards on a general trendline with a few bumps and soon enough we reached the snow line. The highest points of the route were pretty awful running rivers and shin deep mud. I got trapped in a tight group of gents where passing was tricky due to the narrow path. One of them was Ross Rennie, the ex-Scotland rugby international.
The descent to the finish was joyous as 2016 and I was happy to achieve 34/394 in 2:03:46.
Route map here
Results here
Sadly the weather wasn't as kind as 2016 and on the Thursday before the race, a winter storm passed through the Borders dumping a huge amount of snow on the forest. Then on Friday night a mild thaw turned everything to mush so that come race day the entire course was a quagmire.
Nevertheless I drove south in the murk to Glentress only to discover the flat field car park was closed due to waterlogging and we had to park on the edge of the muddy tracks in the forest. Not an idela situation. In addition, the start/finish tent had been destroyed by the storm so the race organisers had decided to move the start/finish to the top of a steep hill off the main road. Bit odd.
I watched the 42k group set off in fine fettle before taking my place near the start line. I noticed Donny Campbell flexing his muscles right at the front. A fast pace to start as usual, but soon settled into positions running the familiar route from last year. I overtook Madeline Robinson (Michelle Hetherington's daughter) and started a wee conversation about the Highlander & LAMM. She then proceeded to chase my heels for the next 10km which was slightly unnerving, but made me keep my pace up I guess.
The route climbed upwards on a general trendline with a few bumps and soon enough we reached the snow line. The highest points of the route were pretty awful running rivers and shin deep mud. I got trapped in a tight group of gents where passing was tricky due to the narrow path. One of them was Ross Rennie, the ex-Scotland rugby international.
The descent to the finish was joyous as 2016 and I was happy to achieve 34/394 in 2:03:46.
Route map here
Results here
Friday 17 February 2017
Sunday 15 January 2017
Sunday 1 January 2017
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