As part of my marathon training for Copenhagen in May, I included this race as a way to assess my progress. The theory was that I had done Alloa Half in March, then the longer 15miler in April would be a nice distance.
I underestimated the time it would take me to get to the start from 13:00 so when I did get there, the hooter was imminent. I joined the throng of runners, spread out along the single track tarmac, probably about 100m back from the start arch. Off we went, and I quickly realised I was in the slow part of the field. This meant I was able to constantly overtake through the field in front, initially in groups, but as I worked my way forward and the field became more spread out, it was reduced to individuals to pick off.
The route followed the Dee for 10km or so, eventually petering from tarmac to LR track, then to footpath. It wound through the beautiful Caledonian forest, the sunlight dappling through the branches above. Turning east, we started to ascend away from the river and up towards the foothills of Lochnagar. I still was managing to pick people off until the final water station when a couple of runners started to pass me on the descent.
I had been aware of a 'sting in the tail' on the route with a steep hill climb through the woods back to the Castle. It was a sting indeed, and it reduced us to a slow jog. On the rapid careering descent to the tarmac, a Penicuik Harrier came thundering past me and I sprinted (I thought) after him towards the finish line.
I had felt great on this run so was encouraged that my training plan was working. Copenhagen here I come!
1hr 53m 36s
54/497
