Pitmedden Forest Race, 17/12/05We got out the car in Auchtermuchty just 20 yards from the Jimmy Shand Memorial - surely a fine omen! The sun was shining but the day was ice cold. We registered at the community centre where there was a table strewn with cakes and Christmas mince pies and the atmosphere was heavy with the smell of homebakes. Big incentive to get the race over as quickly as possible.
We jogged up the mile of road to the start line just at the edge of the woods. The weather was so cold it was only after a couple of fast strides up and down the rutted woodland paths, that I reluctantly doffed hat and stripped down to vest and shorts but kept my gloves on. There was a strong field of just under 200 runners at the start and after very little messing about we set off. I found myself blocked in by the front runners and although it was tempting to run round the soft ground to the sides of the wide path I thought there would be plenty of scope for overtaking later, so conserved energy and stayed on the path. The course started upwards but very quickly followed a series of undulations that were never too steep to run up (slowly) or hare down at top speed. I had worn Walshes which I felt was not the best choice initially as the ground was frozen solid and they hav
e no cushioning. However they proved themselves later when through the woods it was more sheltered and softer underfoot.
Willie had been alongside for a while but after a couple of sharp hills I didn't see him again. You could tell the roadrunners from the hillrunners with the latter unfazed by the steepness of the terrain. We swooped up and down through changing vistas and along pine strewn paths and I realised, despite aching lungs, I was really enjoying the run. I couldn't tell you the route again as it doubled back on itself, crossed roads and went up narrow nearly unmarked paths, and I gained little idea of the overall course route - whether it was a big circle or an out and back. But the whole thing was marked with tape and marshalled so well that when the guy in front got a couple of turns ahead I had no tro
uble in following the right track. All of a sudden we popped out onto the tarmac for 20 yards then off the other side and a big puddle of icy water meant at least one foot soaked through. Julia Henderson said later that rather than try to minimise wetness she just romped right through the middle. I rather poofily took a couple of steps to the side and made a long jump with only one foot getting damp.
The joy of the surroundings - not that you could take your eyes off the rutted dirt tracks for long - kind of seeped into the run and I found myself caught up in the pine smells, the sun dappling through the trees, the occasional marshal shouting you on, getting faster and faster and all the time aiming for the runner ahead. I checked my watch a couple of times, once halfway, once towards the end, as there were no mile-markers to judge where we were. In the last mile there was some splendid downhill single track and I gained a few places catching up on the guys ahead as we rattled through with no time to thi
nk; just instincts carrying you between the bushes either side that grab for your legs. More tarmac then back off-road and there's more spectators and cars letting you know the end must be near. A final push and a couple of race officials take your number. I am almost disappointed its over. A beautiful and exhilarating course, slightly changed this year, possibly around 6 miles.
Willie comes in breathing hard but smiling lots as well. Julia manages third woman - obviously the taking-no-prisoners tactic working for her. Mary arrives, delighted by the course also. Though now our minds turn to that table of cakes, and we jog down to the hall where very quickly they get the results together and award bottles and chocolates to the winners. I came 3rd vet40 but due to the exceptional Tom Scott (mv55) being further up the field, miss the last bottle by 9 seconds. Not bothered; the real prize was being able to run such a dynamic and glorious course on a beautiful day.
A great end to the years racin
g. Well done Fife AC. Top Marks.
Peter Buchanan 38.14
Willie Jarvie 40.12
Julia Henderson 43.19
Mary Hunter 49.17Full results here
Report and blurry photos Peter Buchanan
Proper photos, below, Andrew Henderson
