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RSPB Abernethy 10 mile road run
Two intrepid Westies went north to Nethy Bridge on Saturday for a great race: a run through a bird sanctuary with a finish on the track at a highland games. Captain Chris had a stunning start, leading the field of 75 around the track -3 times before we were allowed to leave- we then left for a smashing route throught forest tracks and very quiet single track roads. I don't know what Chris's place was in the end (near the front!) but I know that he made an impact - literally so I hear, when he ploughed into the marshall on the way back into the field (will he go right, will he go left, will he go right, oops!).
I was aiming for 7.30 miles and managed to cross the line (without knocking over the marshall) at 75 minutes dead (spooky). And I didn't get lost, I was pleased. 10 miles is so much better than 13.1.
Good pipe bands, lots of caber tossing, and running comraderie.
Thanks to Dave (with a sore calf) for cheering us on.
Posted by Muffy Calder on Sun 13 Aug 2006 | 2 comments
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Comments
Dave said...
Chris's collision with the marshall when entering back into the Highland Games arena illustrates a common hazard at such events. Those of you who ran at Dufftown Highland Games (Ben Rinnes) a couple of weeks ago will recall having to weave around spectators, tuggers-o-war, caber tossers and hornpiping sailors before arriving at the finish line. I also recall running the 3000metres at Cowal Highland Games circa 1981 , neck and neck with another runner going down the back straight for the last time when both of us were stopped dead in our tracks by the Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band marching across the track to the central area. A similar thing happened at Bute Highland Games circa 1986 during the 12 mile road race when I ended up slaloming between pipers and drummers in order to get back into the stadium.
Far be it for us to criticise this unique feature at these events; rather, we should seek to gain a competitive advantage from it. Maybe we should start an obstacle training night to prepare us and enable us to steal a vital few seconds? How about it, Charlie or Chris?
Finally, this is a cracking wee race. The memory of seeing a Westie striding out 20 yards ahead of the field around the grass track brings a tear to my eye and sure makes me swell with pride ( despite him not wearing his yellow vest). I recommend sending a posse up for next year's event. Let's make sure we're all wearing shoulder pads!
Monday 14th August 2006 6.34pm
Marc said...
Dave, are you implying that you want Charles to be an obstacle and chris to run around him in a grass track race reconstruction ?
This point links me directly to my real reason for this post, the bigger you are the more popular you are at a highland games.
I also remember circa 2002, racing round the 3000m in the Cowal Highland Gathering with 10,000 people cheering from the stands, unaware a track race was actually in progress......
Tuesday 15th August 2006 8.34am