Frostbite 4 - The Final One!

Sunday saw the finale to the race series hosted by Fife AC at Falkland estate. After having competed in 2 races so far Frances and me were well up for this one. A wee short run on Thursday and an early night on Saturday for me, while Frances claims to have had just the one drink during her night out with Geo on Saturday!?!
As usual, we arrived in plenty of time, but considering the freezing strong wind it was a minimal warm up.
Both races so far were slightly different which can throw out the timing slightly. But we knew roughly what was ahead of us, burn jumping (neither have quite managed that yet) and the odd fallen tree. So we jogged down to see burn crossings and if the fallen tree was still there. It's funny how you can easily clear the tree with fresh legs, totally different when hitting it after a mile, through 2 burns and when it's on the incline.
There was a bit of fancy dress here (no-one told me?) with the GRIM REAPER appearing at the back of the stating line up and threatening to claim as many souls as he can!! One of his young apprentices then kicked off the race with his whistle. So we are off.....Frances decided to stick with her previous race tactics of controlling her start and putting in a stronger second lap. Me on the other hand wanted to try something different, and instead of a controlled start, I sped round the football pitch twice and hit the road into a strong head wind, fairly well placed though. Before too long I realised that I had made the wrong call as couldn't pick up on the big down hill as the previous race. It was all confusing at this point as I was closer to some runners than I had been in ages, whereas others that were usually behind me, where in front...no watch either as I had forgotten it. Frances was well out of sight, so I thought I was still doing okay!
We are soon on the second lap, I was starting to tire and just wanted to get back. The finish is uphill with a final lap of the football pitch and it couldn't come quick enough. I crossed the line in 54th place out of 160 in 27.10 with Frances in 56th and 27.21. It was a bit of a strange one as many runners had their worst time (a bit muddier and certainly windier), whereas others seemed to had performed well (Frances!).
We then headed to the village hall for the prize giving, free tea and biscuits too. There was plenty of prizes including the best tree fall, the best water dive and best face down in the mud...glad we missed out on these though!!
A big thanks goes to the race organisers who put together the 4 race series. It was put together because not everyone is a club runner and apart from park runs, there's not that many races available in the winter months. There was a number of very fast runners taking part, but the vast majority did it for the fun or because it's something different.

The next Falkland race is on 23 March, 5 mile trail. Hopefully we'll get a few more harriers out.
George