Mugdock Park Trail Race 3rd June 2018

Bearing in mind that Julie mentioned in a recent blog report that if any Harrier was running a race not in our calendar then they should write up a report about it, and also as another wee “Buchanan” ( you know who you are) has been blogging up a storm, as well as turning in several PB’s, so I thought I had better put down something about my efforts at the above race.

The reason for my entry was that Dawn and Matt live in Blanefield and Mugdock Park is on their back door so to speak and Dawn decided this should be a family affair. As the race advert stated a free beer and as much cake as you could eat at the finish no further incentive was required. Andrew had also entered but unfortunately a few days before the race he came down with a bug and could not compete or even in fact come over to support on the day.

Before

Race day was bright with no wind, and unexpected support from Jim Mearns who was their to cheer on Majella who had also entered despite as she said herself not being strictly a runner but had decided just to go for it. The course is 8.5 miles and heads out on the West Highland Way from Milngavie before branching off into Mugdock Park after about 2 miles for a loop of about 4.5 miles then the return is the same as the start 2 miles back. There are only 2 real hills at about 1 mile and then the main hill at 2 miles. I must admit that on the second hill I did walk, mentioning this to Jim later he said I have potential as an ultra runner as that is their tactic on steeper sections, I am glad I still have the potential for something , thanks Jim.

Despite my original intention of treating this as a “training run” as usual you see someone running and think they are looking quite good I shall try to stick in there and before you know it you are out of your comfort zone and into the “working hard zone”.

During.....

Anyway utilising this new motivation and with the fact that the 2 hills were done, with the remainder merely undulating and the last mile more or less downhill I managed to finish in 1 hour 14.43 which I was pleased with and 2nd V60, the 1st V60 was about 3 mins faster now why did I walk up that hill!!
To round off Matt was 4th in 57 mins 34 secs, and Dawn came in at 1 hour 31mins with a happy smile and a sprint finish. As this was her longest run for a while she did well and fully deserved her bottle of beer. Majella did very well (Jim’s coaching !!) coming in at 1Hour 38.50. A Harrier vest is waiting for you Majella. Despite what it looks like in the accompanying photo Finlay did not mention to get the screw top off, wee soul all he knew was that it was a “bottle”.

After

To round of it was a good course with great views in the open sections and some twisty trail through the woods to keep you amused. Certainly a well run event with plenty a signs and marshals and great cakes into the bargain, the scouts should be proud of their race. (and yes you really could have as much cake as you wanted).

Say no more (just eat)!

Certainly it will be in my diary for next year. What about yours !!

Billy