Bog and Burn

Around Central Scotland there is a midweek series of twelve hill races called the “Bog& Burn” – tidy mix of short sharp blasts (such as  Caerketton), fast trail likes (Red Moss) and some longer ones with a wee bit of everything (Kilpatricks, Maddy Moss and Cort ma Law being amongst my favourites). Best six results count in a wee league that matches the race series.

The Bog and Burns have been part of my life every summer for nine years. During my “vacation in the ghetto” last summer …I was in danger of missing the majority of them. Only when I wasn’t there did I realise how much running in the hill meant to me. The physical bit and the landscape matters for sure but it was the social bit of seeing like minded folks that I really missed.

Couple of weeks ago saw the Kilpatricks race. A mixed course with a fast road start to the bottom of the first climb. The open field gives an opportunity to settle into climbing mode before the short ridge run along to the track. Was pleased to see the usual suspects around me for the best part of the route but painfully aware I hadn’t had as much ascent in my legs as I would have liked during April and early May. Regardless, the last climb to the summit of the stacks was good sport and all that was left was the long descent from the Stacks. Ended up in a wee sprint finish along the tarmac (which I lost) before crossing the finish line. My time was a bit slower than previous years but I smiled when I noted that it was still three minutes quicker than when I first ran this race nine years ago !

This Wednesday saw the Cort ma Law race. Fact …the high section of the route is over a raised bog which never dries out …ever. Another fact, it is currently the wettest and most boggy since records began (actually, there are no records but everyone agreed it was very wet). I am not a great believer in warming up for a race. I prefer to start slow then see what happens but with the rain and accompanying wind chill …running around at the start line was essential to keep hypothermia at bay. Kit check done, folks counted over the start line, shout of “westeeeez” and we were off. With my nose to the ground the only thing I was aware of was the heels of the runner in front during the climb. As always, great to see my pal Charlie Campbell out marshalling. For those who aren’t familiar with Charlie …have a read about his legendary Munro run.

Up on the bog section the super talented young Helensburgh runner Madeline Robinson cruised past (she did the same the week before) in good style and looking like she was skimming the surface of the bog whilst the rest of us floundered either ankle, knee or waist deep depending solely on luck and chosen line. Clubmate Stefan went past shouting some encouragement and that helped drag me over the summit of both Cort ma Law and Lecket hill before the descent to the stream crossing. I took a slightly cunning line which results in a less than glorious tumble which negated any time closure whatsoever. Over the stream and back to climbing mode …and trying to keep Stefan in sight. The descent to the finish was fun even if the relative race positions didn’t change.

Next up is the Red Moss event in a few weeks since I am off to see the Dan Reed Network play live this Wednesday.