Today saw some excellent running by five Maryhill Harriers at the Balloch to Clydebank half marathon: Maggie, Gordon, Chris, Fletcher, Sam. A very good turn out of runners, along with Kenny Alastair and Andrew marshalling – plus John (with his dog) waiting at the end!
A pretty early start was needed for today’s nine ‘o’ clock race with eight am shuttle bus, 6.30! Killer. Perhaps a little hasty to get there quick as I got pulled over by the police for speeding on the way there, luckily for me and Chris’ race chances, I just got a friendly warning. After parking and getting changed quickly Gordon arrived just as we were about to get on the bus, Fletcher then seemed to make it just in time before the buses left.
A little rain saw a chilly wait for the starting horn, but after a few minutes running things soon heated up.
Pretty steady going course really, nice mix of roads, cycle paths and pavements. Water stations at five and ten miles. Enough undulations for an interesting run, but nothing to tire you out.
Started my marathon stomach training today, a gel at seven miles, which I accidently squeezed a third of all out down my front and legs. Ah well, guess my legs needed some energy too! Might be able to train my stomach to like gels, but don’t think my taste buds ever will. However, at about 58 minutes I suddenly felt a jolt (perhaps from the gel) and had an enjoyable last few miles overtaking a few people who were starting to slow down.
Quite chuffed by the race all in all, first time I managed not to speed off in a sprint. I thought about 1:30-1:35 was reasonable for today, so was happy to come in at 1:29:32 (by my watch), averaging 6:47 minute miles. Slight knee trouble at 22 mins and ankle trouble at 35 mins but all in all a great run. Lovely course, well supported, most marshals I’ve ever seen at one event!
An especially good performance by both Maggie and Chris Heaver who got PBs. Not to mention Fletcher breaking the two hour mark ‘from the inside out’ (you’ll need to ask him what this means). Thanks also to Kenny, Alastair, Andrew and John for helping out.
Maggie Darroch: 1:48:44
Gordon Curran: 1:33:40
Chris Heaver: 1:48:29 (PB)
Fletcher Murdoch: 2:01:17
Sam Thomson: 1:29:32 (PB)
