Saturday, May 08, 2010

Baby Cateran

At the moment I can't face a 55 mile race so soon after the traumas of the Fling, so I've pulled out of next week's Cateran Trail Ultra. However I really enjoy the route and the area, so decided to do the 'baby' 23 mile version which took place today. And what a cracking run it was. There were about 30 of us at the start, including Scott, Lucy and Richie, 3 of Scotland's top ultra runners, so a more quality field would be hard to find anywhere. The weather was ideal for running; sunny, but not too warm. There was also a 3 leg relay which started half an hour later. Although the race was only 23 miles (how ridiculous does that sound - 'only' 23 miles) it was a tough old day out, especially the 5 mile climb just before the finish. I finally made it to the top - an ascent that my calves certainly felt, particularly when I tried to run hard again down the last steep hill to the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel - but I was delighted to cross the line a few minutes quicker than 4 hours, in 3.57.10. I think I ended up in 7th place, but a couple of people who were in front of me went off route at one point (including Bobby) which definitely made my finishing position a bit more flattering.

All in all a great day out. Well done to the organisers and to the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel, who put on a barbeque and generally made us all feel very welcome.

5 comments:

Peter Duggan said...

Sure you know what's best for you, Ian, so hope you get what you need from the change of plan! :-)

Fiona Rennie said...

Don't think about what is not to be next week, just take from today what was a bloody good run. Come the one that counts, ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!

Subversive Runner said...

Top run mate.

Thomas said...

Very strong performance! In particular just two weeks after the Fling. You are in great shape!

John Kynaston said...

Good run Ian. Any tips on the route for next week?