Balloch Park Cross Country

Perfect conditions with the sun filtering through the trees before the off. The first of the clubs own cross countries, three laps round Balloch Park. Good mixture of soft and firm ground with a mandatory muddy chute thrown in for fun. 19 runners and plenty of supporters giving encouragement round the undulating course. Set off keen for a steady start and just about managed it, at the end of the first lap I was lying sixth, a slower second lap and nearly overtaken but with a slight gain on the runner in front. Lost a place on the downhill, tucked in behind and was dragged along to the guy in front passing him just before the muddy chute. Took it steady on the up from the chute holding my place until near the top of the last hill, pushed on near the top then eased back along towards the finish at Balloch Castle, the runner behind nearly caught me and I had to kick a bit early which discouraged him enough to give me a few seconds cushion going into the last hundred yards, relaxed then pushed again over the last 50 yards. Good competition on each lap helped me finish under 36 minutes for the first time in 11 attempts.