Notes
First race in 15 months. I was very excited but also worried because I had a 4 day chesty cold and I knew for fact was going to cause me trouble with my breathing. I , however, made the decision to position myself at the Start Line for this race and take what I had to thereafter.
The weather was on our side. 6 to 8 C but sunny and crispy with no rain as had been expected or wind. Stranraer is located exactly across the water from the coast of Ireland. Beautiful but pretty exposed to all weathers. However this was just fine. I was told by the Officials that the course had changed over the last three years with a mile long steep hill at high elevation at approximately 2nd mile. The course was divided in kms rather than miles which psychologically does not go well with me for Marathon or other distances. I would rather have it in miles. It throws me when I need to assess what I am doing during my running and distracts me. However, this was not an issue either. This was the course I did 20 years ago (5th May 1990) which also was my first race in Scottish Land. My time then as a 2nd Lady overall was 39.33 PB. So the excitement was double. Only this time I was running 20 yrs later and as a Barbetsea Lady.
Alasdair was running with me too as well as another load of fellow runners from my Club but also runners I had not met for at least 10 yrs. This was Alasdair's very first road race since 3 yrs ago when for the same distance had achieved a 43 min. Alasdair is an exceptionally good hill long distance runner and does not know really know how good can be on the road. It was my very first ever time that I happened to position myself on the very first at the Start line. I said to Alasdair 'what am I doing here? and he smiled. Then I said ...well I am next to you so it will be fine. That was it. The next thing I knew is that I couldmsee Alasdair's bright yellow top (Alasdair is as tall as my Frankie) in the distance widening the gap and chasing the first group.
From the very first step I took my breathing let me down badly. It was so erratic and I could hear myself (something that very rarely happens with me). I knew my chest was playing with me and the thought came into me that I would not make it. It was far too early for this to happen. So, I brought all positive stuff together and I knew I had to 'dance'. When reached the 4 km my Golgatha started too. One mile long steep hill. my legs although strong felt tired and my chest was roaring and I was purring like a cat. Only not out of pleasure but struggle. Half way up I felt physically sick to throw and pushed not allow my body to walk. This is when Boston came to me. If I did not walk at the Heart break hill then this was a doddle ... I said to myself and tried to believe it at at the same time. No - one overtook me up that hill. This gave me a boost. I was still going strong. The rest of my run was a pure miracle. After th km I was running strong, not to my best ability but not struggling anymore. I was in control and knew that I would be able when entering the track to have a powerful finish. After all this run was dedicated to my Mother. She has left just about 17 yrs now with the 19Th of this month be her anniversary of her loss. I made her proud and I Could feel her for those last 100 yards looking from up there smiling away.
Alasdair had promised to wait and cheer me up and so did some other spectator. It was a powerful finish to a difficult run. Alasdair did a 39.43. A wonderful time without any training whatsoever on the roads. This young man is going to be a STAR for the DRC. It is a matter of time. We were both delighted with the result and promised that next year we will bring a prize home on the same race.