Barrathon 28/06/08
I was beginning to think that this year was going to be a complete wash out for the Hebridean Island Races. Barra is however my favourite and I’d managed to secure one of the last places before it reached capacity last month (a first for the Barrathon but then good news travels fast).
Ben and his wife Alison kindly offered Richard, Izzie Knox (HBT) and me an excellent chauffeur drive service to Oban, which got us to the CalMac Terminal in good time for the 4 ½ hour ferry journey to Castlebay. The boat was packed to the gunnels with racing snakes although on closer inspection we decided that Ben would probably have a clear race the next day. With Julia Henderson and fellow Burgh Babe, Michelle on board the ladies race seemed pretty sewn up too. Not to worry, this was an important race for me to ascertain my fitness levels and boost my confidence.
We had all opted for the wild camping option this year (yes, Richard too), so laden down with rucksacks, tents and trolleys we pitched up by the hospital again for our first overnight. The first night under canvas for me is usually not great but at least I could comfort myself that I didn’t need to re-inflate my mattress every couple of hours – Richard, invest in a ThermaRest! Cheap imitations are a false economy!
Miraculously Saturday dawned dry and not too windy (for Barra). After the usual pre-race rituals we were piped to the start which had moved back from previous years – apparently my worst half-marathon time last year, wasn’t even a half marathon!
Not clear who these dudes are but my guess is the photographer is amongst them.Anyhow, the priest duly said his bit and we were off, haring down the road, past the flag-festooned finish and up the first hill. Ben could be seen disappearing off into the distance. I on the other hand played it safe with a comfortable pace in a bid to avoid a humbling blow up later in the race. OK, that’s not quite the truth. Richard had let it be known that he was gunning for me (à la Paul Edwards) so I struck out at just under 7-minute miles and hoped to hang in there.
By the time we edged east along the northern part of the course I was pleased to be holding my pace. I was accompanied by a friendly chap by the name of Bert….. I took this as a sign to get my head down and keep the pace up. Izzie Knox was within sights with a pack of male runners but there was no pulling her back – she’s on great form (another convert to ultras).
By the time we hit the east coast I discovered where the wind had been – behind me. Great, I’d have a head wind for the last five miles and the massive hill. With the fear of Richard upping his pace at this point, I ploughed on with the incentive of reeling in a triathelete who had dropped off the back of Izzie’s group. As the hill loomed in the distance I could still see Izzie but also a Helensburgh vest – presumably Julia.
My time was still good – on course for sub 1:30 but then the hill hit. As my legs groaned and my lungs gasped my pace dropped to a shocking 8:50 minute miles (oh the joy of owning a Garmin). My triathelete guy dropped to a walk but belligerent Amanda struggled on to the top. Where he promptly blew past me and down the hill. Free-wheeling back into Castlebay, I hung onto his coat tails and made it over the line in 1:33 - a two minute improvement on last year. Result!
Ben had cruised in at 1:21 in first place and Richard stormed over the line 3 minutes after me after a tremendous run (beating several old rivals but thankfully not me this time!).
Of course the Barrathon doesn’t finish there. The sea food buffet was as outstanding as ever and was followed by the ever-generous prize giving. Ben’s collection of Barra crystal ware must be pretty impressive by now and PRC swept the team prize from HBT by a mere 20 seconds or so.
Barra’s never going to be a PB course but then that’s not why we travel for eight hours there and back. If you fancy a race with stunning scenery, excellent post-race rewards and an excuse for a long weekend, I’d get your entry in for the Barrathon '09 pretty sharpish.
Report Amanda Henderson who may send some more photos
Photos: dude at table? (JKMacP)
