ALLOA HALF MARATHON

Well the weather gods where kind today. After forecasts earlier in the week predicting awful weather it turned out not bad. Some old faces and some new representing the Harriers over the distance. The 1st Harrier home was Andrew J Buchanan in 1.28.24 which is excellent when you consider that Alloa isn't exactly flat and we had a headwind for the 4 mile straight along the foothills. Our female contingent were next with Julie Beveridge 1.31.20, Kay Conneff 1.40.30 and a new PB followed by Karen Allen in 1.43.46. Back to the men and Paul Rooney finished in 1.44.10. Some of the new Ladies in the club next both running fantastic times, Kirsty Wilson 1.48.26 and Sharon Gregg 1.49.41. That only left myself out there and it was going to be a while as I was still struggling with the cold virus. Had ran well enough up to 5 miles then suddenly there was nothing left and lost about 90 secs in the next mile and never recovered. Bit of advice, Probably not best to run off a stinking cold. Onto how the day was run. The organisers for the last few years have been increasing the numbers at this event which brings with it some new problems. The first 1.4 miles is looped round a narrow street with speed bumps. Not good in massive crowd but I think everyone got away with it. The course then moves east for a bit before turning North and the climbs between 2 and 4 miles and the grateful water station at 3.2. It was very warm out there when your running. After 4 you get the long descent to Tillicoutry and 6 miles. Now for the 4 mile straight a long road which takes you through Alva and onto Menstrie. 2nd water station just as you leave Tillicoutry gratefully received. Unfortunately that was the last of the water for me as the next 2 and the finish had ran out by the time I got to them (not happy about that). I also found out later the 1st 2 stations ran out before all the runners where through. Anyway back to the run When you turn off the road at menstrie you have about 0.5 mile flat before the big hill into Tullibuddy (I keep forgetting its a killer). This leaves a short straight through Tullibuddy till the left turn at 11 miles back to Alloa. Another long climb but not as steep as the last one. This bring you into Alloa at the old start/finish (wished I was at the finish at this point). One more mile and a bit to go and its slightly downhill and flat. Recovered a little bit of pace here but still heavy legged. Last left turn and 100 metres to the finish. Straight to the car for a drink that was sorely needed. Looked at the watch 2.18.33. Not my best run but it was probably good practice for London as that's probably how I will feel in the latter stages there. Nice to know I can put up with such discomfort. Well done to all who ran today. Many thanks to Lorraine and Julie cheering us on and anybody else out there as I heard a few shouts but don't know who they came from.