This Strathaven Striders Run with the Wind 10k always sells out really quickly but I decided to try my luck on the waiting list and found out a few weeks before I was in! I was really looking forward to it but had missed the previous days club park run due to a cold so was all a bit touch and go whether I would get to the start line. Eventually decided to man up and make my way to Strathaven park where the buses were waiting. There was a short drive up to the start at Whitelees Windfarm during which I got the low down from other runners about the course
Always a bit strange doing a race without fellow Maryhill banter but soon spotted a few people I knew from races to pace myself with. The first 2 miles were undulating but mostly downhill and felt like a breeze. This was followed by a punishing 3rd mile which was uphill and against the wind. Slowed right down from 6:50 min miles to 8! The race then continued its undulating route back into Strathaven and I was able to get back on pace for a good time.
Was delighted to finish in 45:53 which was my fastest 10k since having wee Skye (I will stop using that as excuse one day :)!)
At the end you got a nice hoodie which was absolutely needed and made a nice change from a badly fitting t-shirt. There was also soup and a roll to warm us up.
It was a really good race; very well organised and a lovely route. Will definitely be a major target for next year.
The race was won by William Richardson of Irvine Running Club in 33:54 and first female was Yana Thandrayan of Portobello Running Club in 38:59
Maryhill Harriers Results
141 Catriona Nisbet : 45:53 (30th female)
