Today I ran in one of Scotland's best races, the Aviemore half marathon. The route goes through some of the most scenic trails in Scotland - round the Badaguish Outdoor Centre estate, up to Glenmore, round Loch Morlich, then down the new cycle track to Aviemore before finishing at the Macdonald Hotel in the centre of the town. It is one of my favourite races and I made sure I had plenty of time to enjoy the stunning scenery, finishing in 1 hour 31 minutes and 32 seconds - 4 minutes or so slower than last year. Phil was about 4 minutes ahead of me in a season's best of 1.27.50.
It was my first race since the Perth 24 hour ultra and I ran as hard as I could, but didn't feel I had any speed in my legs at all. Not to worry; it was an excellent day out. It even stayed dry for all of the time we were running, and the strong wind was behind us for most of the route. If you are looking for a half marathon in October next year, I would strongly recommend this one.
Now it is time to start training properly, and to get my half marathon time back down to the low 1.20s :)
5 comments:
Well done, Ian. I've always had great intentions of doing this race. The first year it was full, last year I was on Kili and this year..well, 13 miles is not in me. Maybe next year.
Take care
For that course I don't think you need to feel too ashamed of a 1:31! Well done.
Wish my own running was going as well. Maybe next year I'll remember to enter in time. Sounds like a great race.
Good to see you at the start Ian and you're right about the course, it is a good one. Think I'll try to enter again next year.
John
Good time - well played. I know what you mean about sluggish legs though. I've run 6 ultras this year and I've been tempo and interval training like mad since the last one in mid-September to get some speed and liveliness back in my legs. It's been a slow process with a lot of huffing and puffing.
Nice one Ian - was up there camping with the kids in August - can see why you enjoyed it !! Cheers - Keith
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