Glen Rosa Horseshoe Hill Race

SAT 19 JUNE 2010
20km 1700 metres

This was really a race of two halves for me - a staggeringly bad first half and a second half transformation back to mediocrity. Plodding along at the start of long races is my usual strategy, so I wasn’t too worried initially but it soon became apparent that my legs were dead to the world, as most of the field eased past on the runnable tracks down to the river crossing. I was hoping that the steep walk up the first climb would settle things down, but oh no, I crawled slowly baby step by baby step. I reckoned that I should at least head for the first checkpoint, before giving up but after a few mental debates I decided that as it was a gorgeous day and fantastic scenery (and a Championship counter for the famed SHR mug) I should plod on regardless.

The first steep descent was a bit of relief, though the long plod up to Cir Mhor less so. To make matters worse I had developed a blister on my right heel, but the kind marshalls plastered me up and I got back on my way. Cheering on all the Westies and other friends as they descended past me was good, though it showed that I was 20 mins down on them after 2 hrs of the race, which was less good. At this point I regained a vague semblance of normality and gained a few places on the contour from Cir Mhor to The Saddle. The views all around were stunning and irrespective of how anyone’s legs must have been feeling, it was simply a pleasure and privilege to be there.

I had a good relaxed climb up to Goatfell, picking the safe route round the crags of Stacach. At the summit I was so pleased to know that I would finish that I actually enjoyed the rocky descent, to cross the line (the correct way, unlike many others!) in 3h 46m (79/115), about 20 mins down on what I might have reasonably expected. Despite that I was so pleased to have got round after my awful start, and it was such a stunning day, that I was feeling great (though physically knackered). A walk back to the Ormidale Bar for a pint of Arran Ale, before the 7.30 ferry with Gordon and Laurie rounded off a grand day out.

There was a great turnout of Westies with Manny leading the way in 18th place in 2h 43m 51s and Pat completing a good turnout for the Westies Women’s Team in 5h 39m 32s.The winning man and woman were 2h 26m 24s and 2h 55m 52s. The results and a report are on the SHR website.