Dechmont Law 10k 8/06/08
This was my second attempt at running the Dechmont Law 10k. The first, two year ago, ended in failure as I could not find the place of registration, nor start line. This time I knew the registration place well, at Deans High School, as this is one of the regular venues for the East of Scotland cross country events.
The event appeared relaxed, quite low key, and laid-back in comparison to the cross country events here although still popular, around 150 took part in the main event. There was an earlier children's fun event. Two other Porty runners joined me in the race, Leo Zijerfeld and Lesley Landels.
The course was mixed terrain, some on grass, some on good wide paths, some on narrow paths and other parts on stony ground so it would be a good all round test. The course had a few hills though these were reasonable and nothing extreme.
I started off quickly, or faster than planned, behind Sue Ridley of Edinburgh AC. In past years I have run in others races close to her so felt her pace would be right. The race quickly headed along a good path into forest land. There was the odd twist and turn and gradually I passed a few quicker starters and remained a yard or two behind Sue.
Sooner than expected we headed back towards the starting line and headed into a second and longer loop. Just beyond this we had to take on the the longest ascent of the course which was reasonable. Near to top there was a '5km to go' marker. I looked at my watch which showed I had been running for less than 17 mins. I was a bit suprised as this suggested I had just run the first 5k in under 17 mins, faster than I had ever run a 5k. Possibly the course was short of 10k or the marker was out. I think a bit of both. I passed Sue around this point and as time went on assumed I had got a bit of ahead of her, I was wrong.
Though starting along a similar route to the earlier loop this lap was quite a lot longer. We headed across a bridge to the other side of the M8 and then around 8k returned across a different bridge onto the main part of the course. Between 7 and 8km I began to feel a bit tired and legs a bit heavy. However with less than 2 miles to go you just have to keep on pushing. Around this time someone appeared on my shoulder, Sue Ridley, who then proceeded to go by. I tried to keep close to her but eventually, with the mixed surfaces taking their toll I fell behind.
Finally we headed back into the main area, about 400 yards to go. I could see Sue 70 or so yards in front and doing battle with a Pitreavie runner. I knew I wouldn't catch them but just keep on going.
Crossing the line I turned around to greet a runner coming in just behind me. Lo and behold it was Leo. I had managed to run the entire race unaware that he was in the vicinity. In fact Leo said afterwards that he was getting very close to me up til the second crossing of the motorway and it was then that his legs suffered and so he didn't get by me. Close one but well done Leo given you haven't been able to put much effort into your training of late. And well done to Lesley who is getting back into running and was happy with her performance.
So all round good performances by the three of us and a good race to participate in.Report Gerry Scullion
Results here
Many thanks to Richard Moir, Peter West and David Bauchop for the use of their photos.
More here and roadrunpics here
