Devils Beeftub 2007

In how many races can you say that having your fingers stood on is a very real risk?

Nige, Murdo & I drove to Moffat on a beutiful sunny day, with only one scary moment when the track went through. the middle of a farm and we feared we had gone wrong and were driving in to someones house. However on the other side a good turnout was soon sunning themselves and chatting after a long drive for this short race. This included a good showing of 9 westies, three women and six men.

A ten minute trot got us to the start and then a little hill climbing got everyone well and truly warmed up.

Brian Brennan was sporting some stonking bruises from the Ben Nevis race and Pete Baxter said they'd only just landed from Canada, so surely this was my best chance to catch them, despite having felt a bit peelywally all week.

The start was over the fence and therefor right at the foot of the first, crazy steep climb. From the off it was pretty much hands and feet, hence the finger injury question. Also I had hoped it was a steep climb then a flat run before the descent, but oh no. After six or so minutes I got to the top for the middle half of the race, but it never let me into my stride, rushes, tussocks, bog, little hill, nice fast descent, ooh stones, wet grass, stones, big climb.

Brian stayed tantalizingly (?) thirty or so feet in front. Then Elspeth walked past in her distinctive GrouchoMarx style, but it is effective. Finally on the last climb Pete passed, but we were still all within a few yards of each other so everything to play, run, slide and swear for. Unfortunately Brian tore off down the final hill, as steep a descent as the first climb, but with fern, stones and holes to keep you guessing. Pete was after him but not closing, Elspeth had an ankle wobble as I passed her. You could say she fell for me (har de har!). I caught my ankle in knotted ferns and nearly lost it. Then a dip, a bump, a more runnable final slop and a stream to jump and everyone screaming at the finish. I thought someone was behind me but it was to get me under 30 minutes. I think.

I finished very tired, stomache and thighs aching, in 29:59. The next day I was spent, so a hard 2 miles which packs a lot into it and I would recommend it to you all at least once.

Manni had a blinder, Brian and Pete clearly weren't as disabled as they pretended (Ellie Syndrome?) and Elspeth was first westies woman so must be pushing in the club league.

Oh most exciting news, I almost forgot but when the shr published the results and updated the championship I have my first ever and totally unexpected points. Yes thats 2 points in the SHR V40 class. Little things!

Posted by Jason Kaushal on Tue 11 Sep 2007 | 1 comment

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