“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first”. Matthew versed off at 1930 but we had started at 1830 so by then it was too late for such advice. (Look the quote up).
For the second time in as many weeks I had the pleasure of organising a run over the—inner city—but still rough bounds of Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat. Last week a modest run for a “Speed of Light Run Leader’s” reunion—this included at least 5 Carnethy members—and last night for—what has been for some 12 years now—the handicap series finale.
Some 35 souls—a wonderfully rewarding mix of members and non-members and complete newcomers—strayed out on what turned out to be a surprisingly warm, windless run, taking in each of the tops including the somewhat slippery summit of Arthur’s Seat and the highest point of Salisbury Crags by every which way imaginable—some unimaginable, or at least unlikely. One runner—despite the helpful, indeed, sage, advice of the Race Organiser—opted to cut through the trees at the start and leg it up the road for his summit approach thereby adding—as predicted —a minute and forty five seconds to his ascent. Sadly, his status as Men’s Captain precludes me from naming him.
Mike Lynch, with knee problems (“WKP”) set off and returned almost immediately recognising he was still crocked but still managed to cycle to pertinent points to film / photo events and to make acerbic, sorry observant (damn you non-predictive text) comments. President Willie G arrived (WKP) and post Paddy Buckley Round recce with no heel pads either but helped with the finish recording and to make acerbic, sorry again, observant comments.
People won and people lost in terms of their aspirations and abilities, runs and results, hurdles and handicaps but our superb—competitors please feel free to choose your own adjective—handicapper Phil Young will fill you all in on all of that—but for me the winners were quite simply Anya and Mary as “many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first”. Last? No, easily first—Anya for giving it her all—perhaps even leaving bits of arse (her seat) well behind (that was the big pun and joke folks) on the descents and Mary for selflessly hanging back to guide Anya whilst abandoning her own chances of winning anything, except our thanks and impatience.
Post-race—pints, pizza and prizes poured promptly in pure perfection in the pub found our measure—both the pub and measure being the Kilderkin. A Kilderkin is traditionally a measure of 16 – 18 gallons of ale but although we consumed 16 pizzas I doubt we did justice to the ale unless someone can unravel the ale algebra around—3 Hops plus (X) PA = ?…
A fine night and a fitting end to the 2014 handicap series.
Nick