Kilpatricks C.U.T.E.

In the same week that the US Air Force convinced itself that shooting down an Illinois hobbyist’s balloon was repelling an imminent Chinese invasion, a hundred or so runners were under the shared delusion that by participating in a Competitive Unofficial Training Event they were racing in the Kilpatricks. From the outside it might have looked like a paired hill-relay and from the inside it definitely felt like one. It certainly wasn’t though. But, like asking if Deckard in Blade Runner was a replicant, to ask about the truth of the matter misses the point; namely, what’s the difference?

I was on Leg 1 with Dr McAlinden – a well-worn partnership operating on familiar territory. But I was nervous. I’d been on a covid-sabbatical from racing for much of the last 12 months.  I was confident of performance but what if I didn’t enjoy it? Weak legs are easier to deal with than a general redefinition of purpose.

There was nothing to worry about. Once I was past the initial five minutes I was focused, feeling strong and in the zone. Consistently taking better lines than the talented Shettleston team when we were close enough to see their irritated expressions was a delight. James B and Sam S caught us at the top of Doughnut hill and flew down the final slippy descent, leaving us in their dust. We were still going well, surprising Amanda and Megan on their warm-up with an early arrival; they had to do the final 100M with us. When we stopped I was buzzing – good to be back at it.

Amanda and Megan put in a strong shift to hand over to Rob and (new member?!) Eliot, the lads dealt with a challenging Leg 3 well and handed over to (new members?!) Angela & Maddie who led us home in a strong 5^thplace. The linear-relay logistics felt chaotic but, as always, things seemed to work out in the end. (My one attempt at being a hero was a dismal failure; Meg S running up from Dumbarton East faster than it took me to drive down.)

An excellent day all round with some strong Westies performances; well done to Niall for organising and all the marshals for helping.