AYR TURKEY TROT

Having done this race for most of the last 20 years this was a new experience. Never have I experienced a side wind like it along the seafront. 4 Harriers made their way to Ayr today for the Annual Boxing Day 10k. Having arrived I took a walk down to the front to see how bad the wind was and I was nearly taken off my feet as I passed the flats leading to the front. Having retreated to the Citadel centre I was wondering if this was a foolish move today. Eventually we lined up at the start and we were off. the first 3k and last 3k being along the seafront was going to be hard with the wind coming off the sea. After the 1st k was done everyone had to run with a hand covering their faces as the sand was being blown off the beach giving us all a good facial. We reached the point where your running behind the dunes and a relief to get the hands down as although still very windy we where no longer getting sandblasted. This was a short respite as we where soon open to the elements again until 3k when we turn inland along the riverside with a little tail wind to help. Up onto the main road with wind blowing us everywhere again and round the houses through halfway. Tried picking the pace up a little but was only showing a slight improvement to 7k at which point were back on the seafront. With 3k to go time for a final effort which was successful taking about 30 secs a k off my previous kilometre times. Straight back to the car for warm dry clothes and the heater on full blast. First Harrier home today was Graham Ramage with a chip time of 45.22 followed by Kay Conneff 46.23. Next in John McBride running 52.02 and finally Russell Couper 57.31. I didn't hang about today for tea and cakes and went straight home to shower all the sand off. A great event again this year despite the stormy weather and well worth putting in your diary for next year.