I find the Skyline a bit strange. It was the first real hill race I did and I nearly didn't start due to being really intimidated by the folks warming up. That was back in 2003 (where it took me 3:40 to complete the course).
Despite being very windy, the tops were clear and it looked like being a great day to be out on the hill. Being a long wan, there is plenty of time to make places if the legs allow so I started fairly steady (also knowing I haven't done much in terms of miles recently) but got up a little and was soon blowing big style. Up over Caerketton, Hare and onto Castlelaw then down to the road - I was sweating and took off a layer before taking on some water! Had a reasonable climb up Turnhouse before struggling to breathe ...not due to effort but due to the silly high wind that was hitting square in the face. Along with Jamie Thin from HBT, had a brief stop to get a runner who took a bad fall upright again (was a little shocked at a couple of guys who never even asked if they could help and simply ran past) before the ascent of Carnethy. Over the Kips and time for food and drink. Had a bit of a sigh knowing the tough underfoot conditions were still to come !Settled down to the return leg over Hare and Black hills ...jist keep running knowing the legs were sore but walking would not help. Had breif delusions of being under the three hours but by the time I was back on Caerketton ...a sense of reality kicked in and I was grateful for another PB.
Was over the moon to find my sister Irene, brother in law Jim, Heather and Mirsia at the finish.
Sitting on the grass, my thoughts went back to 2003 - cheers for the encouragement Billy ...wherever the hell you are now brother.
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