Bein an t-Sidhein, Hill of the Fairy, back to the usual route for this 3 1/2 mile 1400' up and doon race from Strathyre. Bigger field than usual attracted the expected midges and any more than the 2 or 3 minute delay to the start and all that would be left was lots of pairs of trainers. Idea was to take it smoothly to minimise any damage for Glen Rosa on Satrurday.
Thankfully we were soon off scratching along the road before turning up through the forrest for the 1400' in 1 1/2 mile climb, basically a 24 minute power walk, through pine needle, mud and rock strewn sort of path. As you come out the forrest near the top the climb steepens up for the last few minutes.
Straight over the top and down the back of this fierce little hill. The slightly longer return route loops anti-clockwise round and back into the forrest eventually re-joining the outward route. The whole descent is tricky and you are liable to crash most of the way down.
Caught up with the 2 runners in front but the path is too narrow to pass, had a couple of goes but kept pulling back until the 2 in front went slightly left so I went for it only for one of the runners to cut right so took evasive action and ate tree, rock and then mud. A quick check & no evidence of serious damage, so back up and running again but taking it a bit easier.
Finished in just over 36 mins, a few seconds outside previous best, to feed the midges again. Quick "Ben Sheann" change back at the car and off home via the Tesco Express in Calendar.
No comments:
Post a Comment