My 11th
Skyline in a row started in sobering mood with a minute’s silence to reflect on
the passing of Darren Holloway at last Sunday’s Ian Hodgson Relay. John
Blair-Fish spoke a few words, and emphasised the importance of stopping to help
fellow runners in difficulty.
Once
underway, the race followed a slightly new route to gain the gateway and path
above the ski slope. I’d already
constructed a plan in my head that involved setting off ridiculously slowly,
and putting in no effort until after Turnhouse, and even then saving myself
until Bell’s
Hill when I hoped to have a strong run to the finish.
I’d also
decided to eat and drink more than before, and to start eating and drinking
earlier. Therefore I’d decided beforehand exactly when and where I would take
my 4 gels.
I arrived
at the top of Castlelaw pretty much with Jasmin Paris and Iain Walker, and
caught Jon Gay on the descent. After
Flotterstone, I took it pretty easy on the climb up Turnhouse watching Stuart
Smith of Cosmics disappearing off into the distance and wondering if I’d catch
him later.
I jogged
over the 5 Carnethy hills pretty much together with Iain Walker, and was with
Iain more or less to the climb up Bell’s
Hill. I had a chat with Stephen Winter
who was sheltering in the gully, took my last gel and some more drink and tried
to get organised to run from the of Bell’s Hill to the finish in under 40
minutes.
I passed 2
runners more or less straightaway, but then there was a big gap in front. Strangely I suddenly caught Stuart Smith, but
it looked like he’d taken a route diversion, since he then took off again, and
I had to chase him all the way to Allermuir before I finally caught him again
as he hesitated in the mist, not knowing which path to take towards
Caerketton. I made my move and jumped
back, and tried to finish strongly down the super muddy slippery descent to hit
the track running above the ski slope. I
wasn’t 100% sure of the final section, but forced the pace to the gate and then
put in one last effort to the new finish, which gives a much nicer run in.
I was
pleased to finish in 13th position in 2:54:18, having made up 6
places in the second half of the race, although in less soft and muddy
conditions I’m sure I could have run sub 2:50 again. Perhaps next year...