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Borders Cross Country Series, Race 6: Peebles. 28/02/10

Rachel drove Alex, Johnny, James and myself down to Peebles for the last in this terrific series of races. The day went very smoothly: the juniors doing their race while we warmed up before the start which is usually around noon (a civilised time for a Sunday run i.m.h.o.). Graham was also there and the weather while not exactly sunny wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Arriving there plenty early we had loads of time for a recce during which James honed his route over a kissing gate about a mile in, that might give him a second or two's advantage over the front runners. Given how damp everything was I was not prepared to risk my unbroken limbs and so instead upped the pace just prior to the gate to avoid queuing.

Checking out the route beforehand. Pretty riverside trails.

Photo DG

Photo DG

Photo DG

That was about the nearest to the front I found myself today, feeling okay over the first mile before we came to rising turfy ground and a swath of runners went past like it was flat. Johnny was amongst them and he quickly disappeared into the distance before the second hill of the day which was more substantial, as was my distress. Many more swarmed past before things levelled out and slowly we came to the necessary downhill to lead us back to the start/finish.

This hill is steeper than it looks. Photo IN

Although I enjoyed the course and surroundings today I have been lacking the va-va-voom I had in the first few rounds of the series. Mary and I have been “going long” in training for the Highland Fling's 53 miles in April, and sadly this seems to have trashed our speed in short races. I usually have a pretty quick recovery from longer runs but they still take the shine off the shorter events the following week. However today was okay by comparison to last week at the nationals where I set off in usual sprint mode but felt wrung out before lap 1 (of 3) was over. Running backwards through such a large pack was very dispiriting as I realised all too late that the week's previous Carnethy 5 followed by a 22 miler next day were still in my legs.

Photo IN

Photo IN

Today, talking to Stuart H of Dunbar, he suggested team-mate Ian was going through a similar conversion from fast to long, losing pace along the way. I'm sure lots of Spring marathoners are experiencing the same, as well as the tiredness that can creep into your bones after a long weekend pounding the roads.

Photo DG

Photo DG

Photo DG

James set off today with a vengeance at the front of the pack and I heard later while he did go over, rather than through, the kissing gate it wasn't at the pace it might have been had it been dry. However the seconds he saved may well have come in handy as he overtook the second placed runner just approaching the line to sprint to a second place finish himself. A fine performance winning him third senior overall in the series.

Johnny also had another cracker, taking 6th place. (I think we may well have come about 3rd or 4th team for the series.) Rachel's run was hampered by a dodgy back (pulled muscle?) which has plagued her for a few days since she injured it while (wait for it) drying her hair. However it didn't stop her completing the series and coming (I think) 2nd in her age group. Nice trophy, nice hair, hope the back mends soon.

Although absent today, Mary had done enough already to win her a second place trophy as well, in her age group. So Portobello were well represented despite a small team. The organisation of the races was excellent, the courses very varied and scenic – making them tough but attractive. And the value for money outstanding: cheapskates like myself could scarce believe 6 quality races for £12, with today's followed by hot hot showers (a nice change from driving home with filthy legs) free soup and roll, tea and scone, and a technical t-shirt and horse brass for anyone completing 4 or more.

Juniors

And a very generous prize list, with age groups of 5 year spans meaning dozens of first, second and third glass trophies. Similarly loads of junior prizes which will encourage the next generation, already strongly in evidence from what we could see while warming up. If you are uncertain about the joys of cross country and want a friendly but exciting introduction then look no further than this great series. Highly recommended.

Report pb
Photos pb, Danielle Glendinning, Ian Nimmo (Well done Anne for age group trophy.) Ian's photos here
Results/website here

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