Dollar Hill Race 2011

With the offer of a conditional release from Saturday Dad duty (my 13 year old wanted to hang out with her pals but also wanted a lift home at some future point whenever suits her), I took the opportunity to dive up to the Ochils for the 2nd time in a week.

Driving up to the “academy” i got to thinking that not many poor kids attend that skool – the fact the race registration was in the “cricket pavillion” confirmed the fact.

Went for a wee warm up run with Julia Connor from Moorfoot up the glen and realised is was going to be a warm wan indeed.

After a fast start things slowed down whilst folks negotiated the gate before heading along the road, up the glen and finally onto the open hill. Had a bit of chat with Laurie Anderson on the first climb and we agreed that it would have been a perfect weekend for the Bob Graham Round …

Over the first summit and it was good to be able to stride out a bit and really enjoyed the run along the tops. Hung onto the back of a wee group consisting of two carnethy vests for a bit before making a push up onto Andrew Gannel Hill only to lose a place on the descent towards the bealach below Kings Seat Hill.

The long descent from Kings Seat was going well until gravity took over and I bounced down the hillside head over heels. Dignity in tatters, it was good to get back down into the glen, along the road and over the line.

Huge congrats to new Westie Iain Stewart who was 3rd in 1:27 with me being the other Wesite in 14th position (fae 100 runners) in 1:36.

Had a nice wee cake on the lawn afterwards ….