Haddington Half Marathon 9/08/08
A mixed day out for me. Went along expecting pouring rain and coolness and was surprised to find sunshine, pockets of outrageous heat and quite strong headwinds at times. I knew I shouldn't have worn my warm Helly Hansen pants! I'd also forgotten about how hilly this course is. Some say its fast but I think its a toughy.
A strong field including "ultra" Lucy and "king of the hill" BrianQuite early in the race Kerry went ahead and I was already giddy with the heat and had no choice but to let her, despite Bert's exhortations not to “let them get away”. My needle was already far into the red. Mentally I was all over the place, sometimes feeling fine and other times feeling sick and that I would like to stop and walk. This was reflected in very uneven splits which I'm sure also reflected spells into and out of the wind and the up and down hills.
Moray - back from a break
Scott - still brokenI revived a bit later in the race. Worked with a chap who bore a passing resemblance to Scott Ferguson for a while into the wind swapping the lead at regular intervals to conserve our energy. Somewhere before the 10 mile marker Scott Hutchison shouted something like “Kerry's a mile ahead”. Thinking that Kerry must be having a stormer I accepted this information until I rounded a bend and saw her not far ahead with Jim Buick. I held them in my sights but was making no inroads on them and any attempt to speed up led to a consequent downwards swing so it seemed better to stay steady.
Great to see Mike Lieberman have a good run.By this time (I know, I know you shouldn't ever settle) I had thought to myself that Melanie and Kerry were ahead of me so I would be third counting Porty for the team prize which I was pretty sure we'd get as had not seen any other teams of women out. I hadn't realised, guess I've not been at club enough, that Jackie in the red t-shirt was also a Porty. Damn I could almost taste that wine!
A Ferranti lady who I'd passed earlier clearly in distress at the side of the road came past me in the closing part of the race. Not keen on this I raised my game, somewhat reluctantly and actually surprised myself with how much speed I had left.
Good to see so many Porties out. Scott Hutchison provided enthusiastic support despite having broken his ankle doing long jump at his work. (What did you say your job was Scott?) Moray Paterson was back and coming back into form after a lay off after breaking his leg in a pothole the week before the Edinburgh Marathon. Sadly, Bert hurt a calf muscle early on and pulled out. Katie also had a bad day and pulled out.
Melanie Henderson was third lady in a great time for such a tough course. Lucy Colquhoun obliterated all opposition and looks in amazing form coming up for the Ultra tour du Mont Blanc CCC on August 29th. (Ben is also doing this.) Willie took yet another 1st o/50 prize.
Lots of older Porties looking good! Scared to expand on this in case I get myself into trouble. Douglas (ever) Young was 2nd o/60 and didn't look it. Quite a lot of Porty over 50s now and all as fit as fiddles.
Meantime, Richard Dennis, Ben Kemp and Robert Kinnaird were in the West having quite a different experience at the Devil o' the Highlands 43mile footrace running hilly terrain in the rain. Fortunately the blustery wind was behind them most of the way. All survived, Ben was 7th, more details when we receive their reports soon!
Report Mary Hunter
Results here
Ladies Team Prize (with Mel)
Very well run Willie! (First o/50)Update - here are some photos Moe sent in: some are more abstract than others!
Kerry wasn't really riding piggyback down the hill
If you've got it flaunt it.
Photos Maureen G - thanks for cheering us on!
