Carnethy scooped prizes for first male (Andrew Gilmore) and first female (Mary Lye) at Chapelgill on Saturday afternoon. When I heard there were only a few women entered, I thought I might be in with a chance to win the FV50 prize, but, no. This went to Joan Wilson, who finished miles ahead of me. However, at least I was 5th female (and not last runner home!). A great short, sharp race on a wonderful sunny day.
Margaret Forrest
After a busy day Junior running and Congrie Conga-ing, I was swithering about whether to put myself through the gruelling slog up Chapelgill, but Gordon clinched it for me by pointing out the low female turnout. For the cost of a bargaintastic £2 entry fee, there was a possibility of walking (stiffly) away with a bottle of wine.
Realising I hadn’t come prepared with a bumbag, I had to tie my jacket around my waist, and didn’t have time to remove my long-sleeved top. With only the faintest breeze softening the warmth of the sun, I regretted my over-dressing and had “glow” dripping into my eyes within minutes of the start. It was interesting to see how the field remains fairly tightly together on a super-short race like this, and it felt disconcerting to be among the fasties for the first few minutes of the ascent. I had Matthew breathing heavily over my shoulder all the way up, and knew he was using me as a pacer before leaving me for dust on the descent.
As with last year, my reasonably strong climb was countered by a cripplingly slow descent. Post-race analysis with Joan and Colin validated my suspicion that about half the field had indeed overtaken me on the way down. My time from top to bottom was 9+ minutes, compared to their 7.5ish minutes (and Matt must have greased himself up for a mere 6 minute hurtle). <sigh>
Despite being even slower than last year, I did indeed bag first lady and a bottle of fizz. Andrew Gilmore was first man, having finished the race before I even made it to the top! Al Anthony was second, and Joan Wilson was second lady (and first vet).
Mary