While all the other kids were off playing at the Eildons SHR championship race, or maybe preparing for the Seven Hills of Edinburgh, I decided to take a short trip over the Forth for the Largo Law hill race. I had been thinking of doing the race for much of the week, but was still undecided on the day. The weather swung it though, it was a nice day and worthy of a trip to the seaside. Also, it was nice and short, which is always good.
So, “nice and short” never really works out that way, I don’t know why I say these things. It usually means, “heart-attack sprinting and a-lot-longer-than-you-think”, and that’s exactly what I got. The first mile or so was a rapid run round roads and forest trails, and I watched 7 Hills & Beers veterans Thomas and Jonny Knox fly off into the distance. Once my breathing settled down I managed to catch Jonny, and was gaining a little on Thomas, but then came the problem of Largo Law itself. It’s pretty steep, and I don’t do steep, so down the field I tumbled, Jonny bounding past me like I was standing still. No matter, it was a nice day after all, and if I ever looked up from my feet I’m sure the views would have been lovely! Back off the Law, I tried to reclaim some ground pushing hard along the grass covered trails with a little success. It was very pleasant running along thin trods, brushing past chest height grass and catching a few people. I caught sight of Jonny on the run-in, but was too far behind to get anywhere near him. Ah well!
Afterwards I remembered that I’m allergic to grass, chest height grass falls into that category too, and that was probably the reason why my legs looked like they’d been flash-fried in oil. It was all I could do to sprint to the nearest shop for some antihistamine, or an epi pen. Either would do, really, anything to stop MY SKIN BURNING LIKE HELLFIRE!! I sat through the prizegiving eating an ice cream to cool me down, and swallowing handfuls of piriton like they were pick n mix. Thomas scooped third place, Jonny first MV50, Michael G of Porty claimed 5th, these three were the only people I knew so they all get a mention! I finished 7th, which is my best ever result other than the Oldhamstocks Flower Show (2nd, btw). Fast lad Ben Hukins won the race for the third year straight, and Jennifer Cruikshanks won for the ladies. Charlotte’s female record is still safe, though! Many thanks to Anster Haddies for a great wee race!
Jim
Results