Culter Fell

Blair asked for a race report in the following terms: The general experience; mental preparation; feelings of competition; what it's like winning.

As with all races, no matter how many one takes part in, there is some level of anxiety. This is a general phenomenon not confined to running and leads to/is caused by, adrenaline flowing. Everyone gets this, even Colin Donnelly and think how many races Colin has done. For me, the build up to Culter was like most of my best runs, relaxed and just aim to complete the course. No particular running schedule, I feel fit, but haven't raced brilliantly this year - no goals to achieve. However, Joe Blackett (for Nigel's info, Joe has been around the hill/fell scene a lot longer than Morgan. I'd never heard of Morgan until about 2 years ago. Joe beat Morgan at Jura last week and is wellknown for enjoying long events.) had indicated he was going to run. Having had the better of Joe a couple of times last year and liking Culter, I thought I'd go and see if I could give him a hard time.

On the day it was very hot, the hottest May day for 50 years. So, just wear shorts, socks and shoes. Carry water and body cover. No point in warming up in the heat, stretch a little. Joe didn't show up, but a lot of other people did, some of whom I didn't know. Plan was get to the top of Chapelgill (3rd top) and then start stretching out. After the obligatory sprint start, which some folk like, things soon calmed down. Finding myself at the front at the first top,

took it calmly down to the river crossing. Passed on the descent and asked what it was like to have a youngster ahead, think I commented something like "I don't mind at the mo', there's still a couple of hours to go." Running gently all the way up the next hill (Glenlood) seemed to open a gap, I dont look behind me so wasn't sure how much, I just know if anyone is front.

Jog/walk up Chapelgill then it is all runnable, even in the heat. The horseshoe is beautiful running and going along the ridge to/from Culter I was listening to the skylarks. It did cross my mind that most of the other runners might not be aware of their songs. Were any of you listening? It was a superb experience and shows why I'm not always too good at racing: thinking about more interesting things. Waved to Dave Cummins going in the opposite direction, as I came down from the top of Culter. Dave was out on a training run, just back from injury.

There could have been a zephyr pushing me up Coomb hill because it felt lovely running up. The descent into the valley was achieved with a little zig zag here and there, rather than a full frontal attack. The bit of farm road in the valley was incredibly hot (reflecting the heat), over 90 degrees easily. So run on the grass and throw some water over myself as the river is crossed. The final climb was to give the bizarre sight of two hares, both of which were sporting a fair amount of winter white! Anyone else see these beasts? Figments of the imagination, harbingers, global cooling or something else again?

Crossing the finish line first is good, but the experience of being out running in the sunshine on the open hill listening to the larks is unbeatable. Didn't quite get to the prize giving on time, so missed my moment of glory anyway.

Times for Drew, Dave, Al et al, are on the hillrunning.co.uk website and shr.uk.com

Posted by Ronnie Gallagher on Wed 30 Nov -0001 | comments are closed

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