KATE WINS LOCHABER MARATHON USING HIGH TECH PACING!! 29/4/01
Kate Jenkins
Summer arrived in Fort William on Sunday
just in time for the marathon, which I was asked to do as training for the
forthcoming 100km. Feeling very 'un in the mood' I took on the 'flat out
and back' supposedly 'fast marathon' with a yawn and a groan. Despite the
heat I bounded along nicely averaging 6:22s up to half way, really appreciating
the number of people supporting who seemed to know who I was despite me
being clueless. The only benefit is you can see your fellow runners once
you have turned round. John Coyle was supporting in his camper and swerved
accross the road with a loud beep in his usual supportive way. Being in
another world I got a huge fright and gave the universal sign which silly
drivers get. Much to my shame I realised it was John- sorry (and thanks
for the support!). As a suprise Dave popped up on his way north and met
me for a minute at mile 18 on his bike at which time I poured some water
over me. Keen to see! other folk and the turning point he didn't hang about
and I saw him for a few seconds at mile 21 again. Sadly a Perth Road runner
took it upon himself to use this incident to try to get me disqualified
and also arranged for 2 other people who hadn't even seen me to compalin
that I was PACED all the way..er excuse me?!!! I was pulled up by the organisers
and boo-ed in the background at the prizegiving. Well worth the 400 mile
round trip and a huge effort to achieve 3:03!!! as well as winning. Nevermind
the fact that at least 100 other runners received water and jelly babies
from friends and family! I think incidents like this need to be publicised
and the people in question put to shame. So Jim Scanlon, keep your triathlon
rules to yourself as they have as much relevance to our sport as basketball
and well done for spoiling an otherwise perfect day. |
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