Stirling 10k 17/9/06
I might as well be absolutely honest here in the comfort of the Porti website. I didn't go to Stirling for the goody bag or the scenery, which was minimal, despite the town's historic focal point. I was chasing a PB.
Pre-race nerves forced me into some bushes whilst doing some 'strides'. I was in good company as I saw Hayley Haining exiting some bushes across the road. That was where HH and I parted company. She ran an amazing 32.36 which is the 2nd fastest British time run in the UK this year.
I met Team Porti at the start, Willie, Scott and Ricky. (I think there was another Porti vest but I'm afraid I didn't know the chap.) The course follows a not very interesting route through Stirling's housing estates with a brief glimpse of the castle. To be honest I was not really looking at the scenery. My focus was on the Porti vests which were mostly in front of me. Ricky went past me very early on though he was always visible. No need to mention that Willie was well out of my sight from the off. Scott and I ran pretty close together and swapped places a few times until about 7k when either he surged or I died a bit. In between 7 and 8k an encouraging and smart marshall shouted that we were on for sub-40. Just as well. I determined that I would try and lift the pace at 8k. However, just around then I got a stitch which actually caused me to talk/shout at myself out loud. Up until then I thought people who did that were embarrassing themselves: I was. I regretted the generous bowl of cereal that morning. The last 2k of what was admittedly a flat course took us round the back of an industrial estate and I knew that a PB was not on the cards as I passed through 9k. Did I tell you the excuse about the munroes I bagged earlier in the week? Scott and Ricky had surged further ahead despite my best efforts.
Thanks guys for giving me a focus! 39.20 got me 6th place which was not bad behind the likes of Hayley H, Sandra Branney, Roz Alexander etc. Team Porti did well with Scott and Ricky battling it out with each other to 38.54 and Willie a cool 36.47. A well organised and marshalled race. Walkers Shortbread from the goody bag anyone?Report Julia Henderson
Photo Andrew HendersonWillie Jarvie 36.47
Scott Jarvie 38.54
Ricky Fraser 38.54
Julia Henderson 39.20
Derek Elms 43.06Full results here
