Stornoway Half 26/05/07
Not many people know this but my interest in running stems from the Saturday Herald. I read a feature years ago about a new breed of races in the Western Isles which had attracted a merry following of hard core runners who raced around the islands each weekend. What a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. OK, so it took me over five years to get my act together but I’m finally there and have just completed the first ½ marathon race this year in Stornoway.
I believe PRC is usually very well represented at these races and was most excited at the thought of racing with kindred spirits. So, with a tent under my arm, a portable cooker, large sleeping bag, wet weather gear, running stuff, food and my race number, I headed up the road to Ullapool with Richard. These races require determination to get there in time and a bit of flexibility in the old working week – you travel up on a Friday, race Saturday and then dash back home for work on Monday.
We met up with Ben and his wife Alison on the CalMac ferry and enjoyed the 3 ½ hour journey chatting with other runners and tourists. Registration took place on arrival and then they drove us to the campsite for a soggy night under canvas.
The race itself kicked off at the local college at 10am the next morning – 132 competitors in the half marathon and a number of local kids in the relay. Thankfully I wasn’t as nervous as usual – I was feeling very much in holiday mode and the first ½ mile is all down hill. Wee buns*. Until at least Richard ordered me towards the front of the pack at the start (‘How can you expect to win if you start at the back Amanda?’)
The first half of the race takes in a six-mile loop of Stornoway. Unfortunately I ended up a little distracted by a two-women battle for second place. I really don’t enjoy ‘racing’ per se. I can’t focus on finding my pace and as Bert knows, there’s nothing I hate more than someone chasing me.
The half-way point is marked by a change of terrain as the race headed off-road and into some very pleasant parkland. I kept the second lady well in sight for most of this section as we twisted our way through woodland, along rivers, up hills and through hail storms. I just couldn’t catch her and in the last couple of miles she completely burned me off. Oh well, not to worry as I checked my watch – I was still on target for sub 1:30! Or so I thought until I was confronted with a couple of short sharp hills. The finish just couldn’t come quickly enough.
Alison on the seafront.Despite my whinging about racing super-fast ladies, I was really chuffed with my third place, not least because my effort was rewarded with a rather cool Lewis chess piece. Well done to Ben too for finishing third overall and to Richard and Alison. After a fabulous spread of homemade cakes and sandwiches, and the prize giving we were rushed back to the ferry terminal by the very efficient organisers and sent on our way home.
Look out for the next instalment…
Report Amanda Henderson
Photos Amanda Henderson - action photos: many thanks to Gavin Earons for permission to use shots from the SRAC Site where you can see more photos and results etc.*I asked Amanda what was meant by Wee buns and got the following reply....I thought everyone said this. I picked it up when working as a waitress back in Belfast but was sure I’d heard it here too. Perhaps I just heard myself using it here…. It means ‘no sweat’. Now I know.
