Monikie Duathlon

7th January 2007
Monikie Country Park, near Dundee
4km run, 22km bike, 4km run
Results  |  Website
My second ever duathlon, and first time I've been out on my bike in 18 months. Dropped 20 places during the 22km cycle, but retrieved 15 places on the final 4km run. Finished 24th in 1:17:09.

Drew Sharkey of The Bicycle Works won in 1:06:10. Shona Robertson was first lady in 1:18:42 and 34th place, despite her chain coming off and someone on tri-bars crashing into her while she fixed it.

Nigel Barge 10k

6th January 2007
Maryhill, Glasgow
10km road race
Results
Had a right good battle with Euan MacKay and Helen Stuart the whole way round. Robert Rogerson snuck alongside with 2km to go - on the scenic road past the Dawsholm Recycling Centre. Somehow I managed to dig deep enough for the climb back up to Maryhill Road and final slog along to to Kelvin Campus. Finished 23rd in 36:20. Helen was first lady in 36:43. The race was won by Chris Mackay of Greenock Glenpark in a very fast time of 30:45.

Greenmantle Dash

2nd January 2007
Broughton, near Biggar
3.2km, 200m
Results
Fine weather in Broughton for first hill race of 2007. Almost made it first to the wall hurdle, but just let Brian Marshall sneak in front. Achieved my best clearances of the initial wall and fence obstacles. Then hit some badly softened up ground before the road. Managed to get ahead of David Riach at the base of the hill and kept the gap. Wondered why my feet kept slipping on the climb. This became obvious on the descent, which was like running down a comedy cartoon oilslick. Was pushed hard along the final road section by junior Andrew Tully, and very nearly caught Sandy Bennet and Bill Fairmaner.

The race was won by defending champion and record holder Scott Fraser who finished in 16:09, only 1 second off his 2006 record. Second was Alasdair Anthony running his first Greenmantle, and 3rd was Brian Marshall who's won the race 3 times in the past. The first 2 ladies were both juniors and sisters - Mhairi and Sarah Inglis.

Portobello Prom

1st January 2007
Portobello, Edinburgh
4 miles
2007 Results  |  Results Archive
Moderately foul weather for seeing in the New Year. Cold and windy with torrential rain. Wind-assisted until halfway, then tough after the turn until welcome shelter from the buildings near the end.

Iain Donnan of Lothian won the race, with Allan Adams of Clydesdale finishing 2nd. First lady was World duathlon champion Catriona Morrison. I just failed to get under 23 minutes, with a time of around 23:03.