The snow was coming down and I decided to set off into Edinburgh early in case my car wouldn't make it through the inch of snow. German engineering at it's best!
Iain Taylor sent me a text to enquire if I was doing the evening head torch 10k race in Dalkeith Country Park. I replied that I'd wait and see. The day wore on and as I watched the rain thrash the Morningside roads I decided that I would just head home. I phoned Iain and advised of my decision. It was a short lived decision as 5 minutes later I changed my mind and decided to do it. I needed to nip to Decathlon, the Tesco of the sporting goods world, to pick pa base layer and gloves which I had forgotten. Muppet!
I changed at dad and mums house with a welcome cup of tea and a slice of mums amazing fruit cake. I was well set with that energy boost on board. Once I'd registered I found Iain and John Woodrow sitting in their car and we blethered away the time. I find both of these guys inspirational because they are both hugely talented athletes but down to earth and are happy to swap stories with a back of the pack like like myself. It was good because I also met Andrew Kinninmonth another Dunfermline Multi Sport athlete just before the start.
So the the race brief was basically the course is wet, it's cold and muddy. No great dangers - more of the dangers later! The race start was fast, Iain was at the front of the pack and I started towards the back. The paths at the start were very boggy and slippy. I not sure where but I understand that John Woodrow twisted an ankle in the mud and ruts. It wasn't long before his race was over when he twisted the other ankle - nightmare for John and I hope he recovers quickly with no long term damage.
My race was a bit of a slog as I slipped and slided through the mud. to be honest I wasn't sure if I was enjoying myself. Things were ok with people round me but when the pack split up I could see hee haw with my failing head torch - schoolboy error not checking the batteries! The last section is a downhill run to the finish and with no vision I tripped on a branch and my knee landed heavily on another. I hobbled to the finish line and was advised that I was the muddiest finisher to date! I crossed the line in 58.55 and to be honest I was quite pleased to break and hour.
My knee was seizing up so I decided to jump in the car and get home. It was a muddiest in the utility when I stripped off. My knee had a nice golf ball sized lump and is all cut. So I'm limping around the house! I called Iain and he let me know about John's troubles and that he had finished in 44 minutes and in the top 15 finishers. Very impressive stuff! Not sure how Andrew got on but I'm sure he was well ahead of me.
I suppose a few days rest will do me no harm so I'm going to take it easy and start to plan the next 26 weeks before the Ireman!
This s a picture of Iain towards the finish - still looking strong!
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