Pentland Skyline Hill Race

Signed up for this to complete my 4th race from the Long Classics series. About 16 miles and 6000' of ascent over 16 hills. Started at the back and took it easier than usual, 9 hills on mainly grassy trails on the way out to the Drove Road water station, 7 hills on the way back, the first 4 on heathery boggy stuff just when your looking to take it steady then back on to grassy trails for the last three, a good test in judgement of pace and effort. Cool at the start, soon heats up under clear sunny skies on the way out, not much of a breeze. Walked more than last year. Reached the Drove Road comfortable and set off for the rougher run back. Ease back through heather and bog keeping cramp away ss long as possible. Jog and walk to the last two tops then push on to finish in 4 hours 10. A great run.