Peebles Beltane 10k 14/06/09
Welcome back Amanda - her report, photos and captions follow...Another year, another illness and another comeback. This has to be the slowest one yet. But hey, at least I'm finally off the sofa and moving faster than a snail. I've no idea what possessed me to partake in the Beltane race; I guess the thought of social interaction with PRCers and testing the old pins to see if they'll go faster than 13 minute miles, was too tempting. I'm delighted to report that I survived the experience physically although the old ego is a bit sore.
The boys pre-race
The ladies pre-race
I'm enjoying this too much
Friendly couple on routeMy initial plan of attack had been to start out at the back and to keep my heart rate below 130 bpm. The gun went and suddenly everyone was charging for the first corner. Yes, at the back of the pack, they charge too and were leaving me for dust. I'm afraid to admit that that was the last time in the race that my heart rate was below 130. With the very distinct possibility of being the absolute last person and by a long stretch, I revised my initial plan and decided if I kept it below 140, that would be ok. By the 2km mark, this was re-revised to 150.. then 160... oh and by the final stages, I'm afraid to say, it was pushing 170. This is an amazing achievement in light of the fact that my average speed was 10.1 minute miling. Yep, you read that right.
Evidence of the high heart rate
Still smiling at 8k
the bunting is outDespite what my heart was doing, everything else was fine. I wasn't gasping for breathe. I didn't walk the undulations. In fact, I revelled in greeting every marshall, supporter and dog. I took photos. I noticed butterflies. I marvelled at the triathlon dudes with their impressive bikes. This was a great route (excluding the long stretch along that busy road into Peebles) and it's a novelty receiving your medal from the Beltane Queen. Well done everyone at the front of the race on some fantastic times - Melanie, Jacqui and Richard are going great guns and making me very jealous.
triathlon transition areaThanks to everyone for their support over the last few months and today. Seeing everyone so fit and winning prizes is very encouraging. I hope to be joining you properly soon.
Report Amanda Henderson
Results here
Moorfoots report hereWell done Amanda proving sometimes it is the taking part and not the winning that counts. This marks a real step in the right direction towards a full recovery and although its a gradual recovery, its a testament to Amanda's strength of character that she was able to run a race while so far from her previous form. Not all of us could do that with such grace. But Grace is Amanda's middle name. No really, it is.
Shelagh's report...
It was good to see lots of Porty runners turning out for the 4th club championship race of the year and to see Amanda back on the gentle road to recovery. It was warm and sunny in Peebles and the course was said to be undulating so I wasn't holding out much hope of breaking any records in this one, although I do always start a race clinging to the hope of beating Paul Eunson. In fact, I have been waiting 10 years for my chance to pip Paul to the finish line for only the second time ever and so as I set off I was pleased to keep Paul in my sights from the word go. I gradually started to pull him around the 6 km mark and detected a worried look behind the beard as he glanced over his shoulder and saw me just a matter of feet away. I debated whether to overtake him then or not since I know from past experience that he always has a sprint finish up his sleeve and I don't. However, I decided this time to go for the kill and run past him as there seemed to be a bit of downhill ahead. I sneakily looked over my shoulder as we hit the dog-leg turn at the river and I saw there was a reasonable gap between us. I knew I just had to keep it going on the grass for the final circuit leading to the finish line. One more sneaky look back and no sign of him breathing down my neck as I headed to the line. Yes, I had done it, finishing about 20 seconds ahead of him. Paul was as courteous as ever and magnanimous in defeat, admitting he was relieved to get the monkey off his back!* It was a good day overall for PRC at the prize-giving ceremony with Mel and Jacqui taking 1st and 2nd place, Gillian getting 1st over 21 and a bit, and Willie and Peter also winning their age category prize. I thought I too might squeeze in a prize by being part of the winning ladies team but sadly there wasn't one on offer. Never mind, I have been running long enough now to realise in my supervet years that winning isn't everything - but beating Paul Eunson is!
Shelagh asked me to illustrate this. Careful what you wish for Shelagh.PS Poor Sue, who set off hell-bent on getting a 10 km PB, collapsed from heat exhaustion at the end. Paul and Gillian were immediately at hand to offer first aid, helped by the Glentress Mountain Rescue team. They got Sue up and moving and John F and I took her home. I am pleased to report that she is now well on the mend, having received 4 hours of IV re-hydration in A&E at Little France on Sunday afternoon.
Report Shelagh McLeish
Being overtaken by a train of 4 Moorfoots
Got one back but only briefly. Marc in the background.
Graham H was just spectating today but emailed in the following...
The day was rounded off 2 hrs after the race with me bumping into Ricky Fraser who had decided to cycle towards Selkirk. He broke a spoke. Only thing missing from the day was a bit of blood but that will be sorted this weekend no doubt at the 7 hills. Winners, PB's, an episode for casualty. An all inclusive adventure show. I even ended up talking to the local policeman for 30 mins who has done Two Breweries etc.
That is the best race I have ever watched.
Graham Henry
Sprinting towards a 2 minute pb!
Sue nearly expired.
Peebles or maybe Glastonbury?
Here is a report from Sue - back from the dead!
As races go it was a disaster. I am still struggling to remember the last 1km or so when I am told that Scott literally held me up and got me to the finish line. Thank you, Scott and everyone else who pitched in and came to my aid. The end of the race is still a bit of a blur. I had been pushing myself from the start. After the Rigg race 6 miler and Silverknowes 5km, which both left me feeling I could have pushed myself a bit more, I decided to engage new tactics for the Peebles 10km. They were to keep as close to people who were faster than me whose times I aspired to and indeed anyone in a Porty vest. I had gone through the normal rituals of drinking plenty of fluids in the days running up to the race and eating a good hearty breakfast, so while not exactly looking forward to the race I felt ready for it. I started off far too fast but managed to keep it together until 8km when the wheels came off. My legs felt wobbly and my breathing was dodgy. However, while I toyed with slowing down I couldn’t bear to feel like I did for much longer so I thought the faster I went the sooner it would all be over. How wrong I was. The last two kilometres took me forever. I vaguely remember stumbling from one side of the road to the other and the next thing I was on the ground being sick and getting oxygen. Dehydration is quite a frightening thing and having suffered from it before I knew it was only a matter of time before the stomach pains and violent headache started. Thanks to our great NHS I got express rehydration via four hours of intravenous fluids at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Suffice to say I won’t be engaging the same tactics in my next race.
Report Sue Leonard.
A post race cool doon.
Due to knee problems Paul was spectating rather than running.
Another first place to Mel.
Second lady, Jacqui
Age group prizes for Gillian...
Willie...
and Peter.
Nice trophy.Many thanks to the organisers and marshals - the whole event went off very smoothly and the route was very well marked with a marshal at every junction to keep us right. The prizes were generous and the weather sunny - perhaps a little on the warm side for Sue. Several pbs.
Photos Amanda, Peter, and thanks to Moorfoots for use of some of their action shots - you can see the whole set here. A special thanks to Rosie Bowick, the Beltane Queen who presented the prizes.
pb
