westies ten take on balfron

A good crowd of Westies turned up today for the ‘scenic traffic-free, with beautiful views of the Campsies’ Balfron 10k , scenic being a euphemism for slightly hilly, which suited us fine. Early dull skies burned off on cue to present a crisp sunny morning – sunshine with enough lingering coolness just right for running. I set off steady, watching the leaders drift away while sizing up those in the second pack, wary not to overdo things too soon. The course meanders out into farmland countryside, revealing itself through the hedgerows, undulating down to a low point at 3km, climbing back up to the turn, and then all again in reverse. The out-and-back route made for a sociable occasion, with greetings and support being exchanged between the opposite runners. I gradually made places up the field, taking advantage of the gradients (actually gaining more rapidly on the downs than the ups), reeling in the last runner in my sight after 8km before gritting to the finish worrying that I too was being reeled in. But fortunately not, and I was extremely pleased to take 4th place and 1st vet.

A good show by all – Cat, Bill pleased with a PB boding well for flatter courses, Val 7th lady and Rob acquitting themselves well after a late start, Ellie 3rd lady, Chris 6th and 2nd vet, Andy Freer, Jacques, Pat, and me with a PB too. Robert Gilroy (Cambuslang) and Kirsty Husband (Garscube) took the main honours in a well organised and supported community event.

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