Well, another race on another very hot day. I just can’t get enough of this weather, but Matt J was sighing heavily at the prospect of another scorcher, and maybe others felt likewise as it seemed a smaller field than usual. The Carnethy contingent was comprised of me, Matt, Jane J, Neil B, and Fergus J, plus a cameo from Matt Grove who had sneaked over from ‘Merka without telling anyone. He also ran as “unattached”. I guess we’re not good enough for him anymore :-(.
We sizzled our way up Saddle Hill to White Wisp, and thankfully some clouds drifted in with a light breeze which made for a very pleasant ridge run round to Andrew Gannell hill. I had two ladies breathing heavily on my shoulder which scuppered any hopes for pausing to appreciate the views. I also had TWO shoe lace stops in which I frantically and hamfistedly tried (and failed) to relace without losing places.
From the top of Kings Seat to the finish is about 5km, and for me, the moment of truth as all the hard work I put in slogging uphills and chugging along the flats is usually undone as everyone flies past me on the downhill. So it was with breath-that-would-have-been-baited-if-it-wasn’t-panting that I made my way back down to Dollar with at least one lady hot on my tail.
Back at the finish Neil and Fergus were cooling their boots (and possibly filling their boots too? The cakes were pretty awesome). I beat Matt J (yay!!) and got a prize, as did Jane. (Sadly we missed out on the ladies’ team prize to Ochils, although it was a close run! The Ochils men also came out top). Catriona Buchanan was first lady, and I don’t know who was first fella as I was late for the prize-giving.
One of my favourite races – thanks to Ochil Hill Runners for organising. Results
Mary Lye