Saturday 23rd September it is time for one of my favourite races the Two Breweries. Traquair to the finish at Broughton Ales the home of Scottish Classic Beers like Greenmantle Ale. It was my 5th time at this course which is 18 miles long but due to the lovely Border Hills my PB is 30 mins longer than a marathon. The weather was fantastic, sunny and warm. Before the start I just lay on the lawn of this imposing Traquair House and yes I wanted a beer. For the first time I got lost on this race, took a brainstorm when I was on the right track and went off it. Cost me about 10 mins but was so glad to see a Trotter, I will not foget that one. Finished in 4.03.06 which is 30 mins down on last year but had a great day. Got sun burnt a bit but it really is a cracking course. The day was rounded off in the village hall with minestrone soup and a free bar. If I was not driving I would have done a Robin Thomas who positioned himself an arms length from the pump. Karen Meikle from Carnethy won two prizes, which came to 12 bottles of beer, I said I would carry the spoils of war to her car and she gave me 6 bottles of beer. There is talk this may be the last year, I have started praying it is not.
Sunday 24th September it is pissing down and it is off to the Pans to see the troops in the half marathon. Just over a mile to go and there are 3 in the lead and it is getting tactical. There is also another runner only 25m back so it makes for a finish. Next point of interest for me is Alan Lawson from Dundee who is over 50 and organises the 7 Hills. Alan is on for a sun 80 mins. Then comes the Jarvie/Buchanan duel. I await the result. Jill comes into view and is running really strong and a certainty, I look for a bookie but too late. Great result. Scott Jarvie and Tom Watson are also looking good and hopefully you all get a decent time. Kate Jenkins advised me as she passed that she was never running again, I had seen her on her bike at the Brewries race. That is the edited version, seemingly her foot was sore. I think it might be a Stephen Redgrave job.
Reports Graham Henry
Further reports on Pans Half here
Report on Two Breweries with photos on SHR site