The Coo’s Tail at Cow Hill

Brenda headed off to the last race in Lochabers Triple Hirple series with Alan & Tilly Smith, all aiming to come home with one of those famous LAC mugs, whilst I intended an easy cycle through to Fort Bill in time to watch them cross the line and maybe take a couple of photos.

What actually transpired was a epic time-trial against a head wind covering the 50 miles in just over 2.5 hours, getting to the start line just as the runners were lining up!

What should I do as I had no running shoes?

With massive cramps setting in up the back of both legs, I was quite happy at not taking part, but Davy Rodgers scuppered that plan by offering me his spare shoes, how could I chicken out now – the organsers had spotted my prediciment and delayed the start for a minute or 2 while they help me on with the footware, before “GO!” and the 49 other runners shooting off in front of me up High Street.

Walking/running like one of the Doctor Who’s Cybermen I wobbled after them all only passing my first runner at Cameron Square (memories of a Westies Hokey Cokey after WHW relay!!) before tuning up the hill.

Creaking up throught the houses I passed a few more places and was starting to feel as though I might be ok, with cramps easing off , so starting jogging a bit.

Just after passing Tilly I was hit by a massive cramp attack and was instantly reduce to a slow hobble with everyone passing me once more, some shouting “Are you ok son? You’re doing well! Keep going! etc” as must have resembled an old man out for his first race.

Further attempts at passing people met with the same results and I was having another standstill painful recovery when the leaders came hammering past me on the way down, Donnolly, Rodgers, Watt, Smith…..

Good to watch but bloody frustrating not to be in amongst it!

Anyway I managed to peg back Brenda before the top and we jogged down together, almost without further incident, until B fell on the rockiest part of the route, turning black & blue in an instant!

Alan picked up his Trophy as overall weekend winner, Tilly & Brenda proudly claimed their hard earned mugs, while I picked up the various pieces of my broken body and headed for the pub via the chippy…

It’s nice to be running again even if it is at the back.