FIRST PLACE
Moffat 15K Festival of Running 11/7/06
Having only heard of this race recently I decided it would be good to do this one because of having friends who live and work in the town.
People spoke about this race being a good one but beware of mile 4 and the ascent up “The Devil’s Beeftub”.
Legend has it that the lowlanders hid their cattle that they had pillaged down there!! Anyway, Moira and I travelled down after work and arrived in plenty of time to have a cuppa with oor pals.
So on to the start line, where I posed with Fen, Teresa and Dominic for photos (the photos are on their way honest). Would you believe it my camera just about made it to the start line before running out of petrol (sounds all too familiar doesn’t it?).
The race starts shortly afterwards so we head out of town and on towards the dreaded “devil’s”.
Dominic took to the front of us four so I left him to it then settled in for the three and bit miles to the bottom! Having freewheeled down the tub many a time before it was role reversal- this was a serious bit of climbing (not quite Arthur’s seat but tough all the same).
Adopted the stop – start method having remembered Bert saying that if you’re still running by half way up then you’re doing well! But made it to the top only to be greeted with a half empty bottle o’ Stella atop a gatepost – or half full – depending on how you look at things. Surely it wasn’t for me…could it be?
I steadied myself with a gulp (of water silly) then started my descent into town passing people as I went. Its always good when you can do that and still breathe!
I saw Dominic in the distance so headed towards catching him (maybe). Having managed it Dominic said to me “good effort” and we continued to push and pull each other down and back into town where we crossed the line in 73 minutes give or take (Always over-estimate because you sometimes get a surprise when the results are printed).
Fen and Teresa came in just behind with Fen running a great race and Teresa saying she might run this one again!
Thanks to Fen, Teresa and Dom.
With thanks to Moira.
Roll on Tomorrow!link to Fen's Moffat report here
SECOND PLACE
Jog Scotland Botanics 5K Challenge 12/7/06
and
Bert’s Training!
Having done Moffat last night some said I was mental doing this. Some might say it’s a walk in the park, well to some maybe but not to me!
Well here goes…
I ran this last year so had a time to beat. 24 minute something so had plenty to do. Legs are heavy but managed to soldier on through to the line in 22.45 (that’s minutes by the way). Whoopee, a PB for the course so not bad considering. A quick catch my breath and on to training – Bert’s Training!!!
I thought it wise to explain to Bert my last 24 hours (just in case eh!)
Up to the park we go to the dreaded voice of “If you can still talk to your partner you’re not putting enough effort into it”. Yes, It was Bert!
We did 5 laps of the park from the palace car park heading towards Portobello turning anti-clockwise heading towards the tennis courts to finish with a stretch that we used when sprinting with Lynn’s group (long time no see).
Found myself at the back so no danger of wasting my breath talking to my partner.
Finished in a heap but finished all the same.
Totally finished now.
Sorry Bert I was useless.
Bed-time
Night-Night ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ (p.s tomorrow’s another day)
THIRD PLACE
Musselburgh 6 miles 29/7/06
Having promised Peter a number of race reports but done nothing about it what better time to start than post Musselburgh?
Looking in the goody bag after the race, what better surprise than to find notepad, pen, pencil and much more!
So shall we begin Peter…
Having spent 30 minutes pre-race with fellow clubbers I got the sense that Peter was really up for the race which would explain his rocket-like start – or just my slow start!
The race started without ado so off we went.
I ran with Derek Elms up to 1.5 miles but he soon moved ahead but not out of sight (not at that point anyway) more of this later…
Shortly after that I tripped and fell (silly billy) but was only passed by one young lad with a football shirt on with the main sponsors logo Run4It on his chest.
He looked like a footballer who meant business because footballers are supposed to run between 5 – 6 miles during a football match so the distance shouldn’t have been a problem.
Once I’d dusted myself down I passed him a further mile or so on which was pleasing.
At about mile 4ish I was conscious of PRCers behind me so I tried to hang in and push on a bit and on to the finishing straight.
Approaching Ma Foreman’s and the 5 furlong marker I could easily have turned right and into the boozer for a Stella or two or four!!!
But having nowhere to keep my pocket money I turned right onto the straight.
I had a glance over my shoulder only to see Mary and Douglas too close but managed to stay ahead. I spotted Derek Elms up ahead. Good effort Derek considering he’s been on holidays and the rough time he’s had of late. Hope everything goes well Derek.
I crossed the line in 45 minutes-ish and you guessed it Peter was there to take the photos (smile please).
Good job Peter well done.
So there you are, my race report only a few days post-race, not bad eh?
My apologies firstly for the length of this report and secondly for the actual race news itself. Not at all bad and a good afternoon in all.
Thanks to Mary and Douglas for pushing me to the line and thanks to Peter for his patience and in the words of Alan Aitchison (Its Stella Time).
THE ENDReports Paul Edwards
photos team prc
Full results here
