Yetholm Hill Race 2009

After a romantic Westies weekend for two at Kirk Yetholm Youth Hostel (where the Calders were at least 20 years more youthful than any other resident), it was off to the local pub for a spot of morning coffee (caffeine that well known race stimulant). After the barman ascertained we were hinging about waiting for a hill race, and we knew Damon, he said, "Ah, he's that lad that built the house from hay, isn't he? But he's still nice". The aforementioned Damon did indeed turn up for the race (with family, all in fine form), sporting a Westies top, but, sadly, Gala trousers. The race, was, well a hill race. That means lung and leg busting hard. The course was backwards this year, seems like a good way to go about it - get the hard climbs over during the first half. I have to admit this is the loveliest hill race route I have ever done, the second half on the Penine Way was just superb. For a while I felt that I would never run again, after climbing that cussed Curr hill, but the views and a jelly baby from the marshall go me going again.

Damon was second, just beaten by Adam Ward. Dave was first birthday boy and I was 3rd lady and 1st very old lady. Dick Wall and Shelagh King turned the event into an International, after stepping off piste, into England (and back again).

Highlight of the day was soup with the Rodwell menagerie: lovely boys, clever cat, two dugs, a horse and a donkey. The last was saved from the cooker only because more Westies didn't turn up. Whilst I am glad the donkey was saved, it's a shame there weren't more Westies.

Posted by Muffy Calder on Sun 7 Jun 2009 | 5 comments

Category Hill Race