Livingston, X-country, 5/12/09
Sole representative at the Livingston x-country today, motivating myself with the knowledge that my club-mates were probably sleeping off hangovers, and as such I felt that I had to put in a performance!
I couldn’t make the annual Porty extravaganza as the plan was for a visit from my wee sister. Unfortunately she never made it down, but I ended up taking a shift at Pearces’ pub, where I am currently working part time. This meant a 2.30am finish, hardly ideal race preparation!
I was a little tentative as I lined up at the start, but I always enjoy off-road racing, so was really looking forward to getting clattered in mud up to the knees, and for once racing with my eyes firmly off my watch, and on the track ahead. I met Alex from Musselburgh at the start line, and he helpfully told me the course was 3 laps of 2 miles. The weather conditions couldn’t have been any better for a race too – cool temperature, slightly overcast, no wind at all.
I deliberately took the first lap at a slightly easier pace than usual, as I was wary my batteries may have been low after a recent cold and then a late night. The first lap nipped in relatively comfortably, and I had my eyes opened as to just how muddy the course was – a real bath of it, with purposeful strides completely impossible at times.
Lap one done, I began to move up the gears a little, feeling warmer and that a recent troublesome knee injury wasn’t bothering me (it was to completely lock post-race and was very sore, but now is fine!). Lap two saw me overtaking a few faces, and beginning to really race; with around a mile and a half to go I finally overtook Alex, who was working hard on a slippy uphill. The final lap saw me reel in around half a dozen runners, and make for the line with a grimace at 42min 30 (by my watch).
I have to say time was probably the least of my priorities today, enjoying the race and my body holding up properly being uppermost! I certainly enjoyed it, and was happily sporting a fetching pair of completely brown legs at the finish. I do feel I should maybe have taken that first lap harder, but for once I’m not going to report on being slightly miffed at my time – I achieved what I set out to, and in running I feel this is all we can do on some days (or, on some courses!).
Great organisation at Livingston, with parking and toilet/showers provided at New Deans High School. The marshals were all fantastic, and the large turn out across all fields accurately reflected the race’s reputation. I would thoroughly recommend this if you’re a x-country runner.
Report Phil Owens
Results here
