Two Breweries

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It felt like the start of summer on Saturday with bright sunshine and clear blue skies warming the day... too nice a day not to be out running. With 5 Westies runners at the George Cummings Relays there were another 8 down in the Borders for the Two Breweries - Chris, Alan, Owen, John, Richard, Brian and me with Ellie supporting. Each has there own story to tell as is always the way with these long races.

After a week of feeling ill I lined up with a big red nose, looking more like Rudolf than a runner. But I was determined to get out there and enjoy it - a sunny weekend is no time to feeling sorry for yourself. So I set off with up the lawn in front of Traquair House, along the road and onto the seemingly endless first climb. It quickly became apparent that I was not going to be able to work at my usual capacity so I settled into a steady pace surrounded by unfamiliar faces. This seemed to work for me as despite the racing heart rate I found myself enjoying myself immensely.

As I reached the top of the first series of climbs (nearly an hour gaining height) Chris was way out in front and nowhere to be seen. Owen and Alan were ahead also, but just about within sight where they stayed until we reached the top of the second of the big climbs. But that's not what I was concentrating on - those of you who have done this route on a clear day will know what a stunning view north towards Edinburgh you are rewarded with when running between Hundleshope Heights and Stob Law. Yesterday was no exception!

Coming off Stob Law I passed Owen who was starting to struggle - this was his first time running more than 10 miles and the steepness of the decent was proving tough on tired legs.The juice offered by the marshals at the Manor Water crossing perked me up and I felt confident I could maintain my steady pace. By now there was a wee group of us trotting along quite nicely and we started reeling in some of the runners who'd set off quicker.

Through Stobo Castle I caught Alan and we got a cheer from Ellie. She had none of Chris' magic juice for me this time though. So that just left the 1000ft of Trahenna to tackle. My approach was good, avoiding much of the boggy ground, though hearing Chris' passing manoeuvre on Peter Buchannan (he had no idea he'd been overtaken) I must find out Chris' secret route. But no matter how well you've done in reaching Trahenna it's this climb that makes or breaks your race. I was on hands and knees fighting it, but I reckon Trahenna won this year. I lost touch with the guys I'd been running with so just had to focus on keeping going over the top and home... something that's not too hard to do with the promise of a beer being thrust into your hand as soon as you cross the line.

It was a great day out and I enjoyed hearing all the tales over soup, tea and beer afterwards:

• Chris' mysterious overtaking move;
• Owen running further than he'd ever run before;
• Richard realising he'd set off too quickly, but successfully adjusting his pace;
• John's first race not to get a PB or a PW;
• Brian describing his mate Angus' language as they tried to descend Trahenna;

... and perhaps most amusing of all, after nearly 3 hours of battling together today (not to mention throughout the long classics series), the winners Stewart Whitlie and Mark Harris crossing the line holding hands - I wonder if there are any photos?

Posted by Cameron Burt on Sun 25 Sep 2011 | 3 comments

Category Hill Race