Having been sticking strictly to the 5k and 10k’s, I thought it would be a good idea to try out a 10mile race to test my endurance over the longer distance. I kept my eye on the weather forecast for Millport all week and, as race day approached, the forecast got increasingly worse. Leaving Glasgow, the weather didn’t seem too bad, but on the drive down to Largs the trees were definitely sitting at a more jaunty angle.
The seafront at Largs confirmed exactly what I was to expect of the days conditions – large waves and near gale-force winds.
After arriving in Millport and registering in the Town Hall, Evelyn and I took refuge in a cafe that was already full of other runners sheltering from the elements and getting a last heat from cups of tea. There was an air of resignation as everyone left the cafe and made their way to get changed for the starting line.
With the wind at our backs, the start of the race – particularly the first mile – didn’t seem too bad. We got a taste of what was to come with an early section that took us head first into the wind. This quickly passed and it was wind at our backs pretty much all the way to the 5 mile marker – where I arrived at 31.20, more than comfortable, and still managing small talk with fellow runners.
As the road began turning onto the west side of the island, the wind picked up a little. Still manageable. Another turn: not as bad as I thought. Another corner: mental. Having been motoring along at a comfortable 6:20ish pace, I was now nearing 7 minute miles. Another coupla turns and this was getting closer to 8. This lasted the entire way between 6–>9 miles. If you look at the data below, you’ll see that I was beaten down to around 9 minute mile pace. Brutal.
I managed to pass 4 other runners during this section, then found myself running alone for 20-odd minutes. My forehead was numbed by the wind and rain (Oh yeah, it was raining as well. Lots of rain.) My quiff was in bits and my right hip/groin was aching as I fought to stop the wind blowing my leg across my body with every step. The only comfort I could take from the situation was that every other runner was experiencing the exact same as me.
At the 9 mile marker, a marshall on a bike told me that the wind would ease here – and it did. It was like turning the corner into another world. A long, flat empty street with the wind at my back, and I was off again. A quick glance over my shoulder told me nobody was behind me, but this didn’t stop me tearing along the streets in an effort to make up some of the time I had lost to the ‘eye of the storm’ (ok, i’m hamming it up a little now.)
Many thanks to Evelyn who removed herself from the warmth and comfort of the car to cheer me across the line in a time of 65:37.
Already looking forward to next years race.
Full results can be viewed HERE.
(my garmin isn’t calibrated too well, but the squiggly bits here will give you an idea what I was up against)
