Readers of this blog will notice no report of the much anticipated Glenmore 24, well my mum who had been ill for while took a turn for the worse the day before the race so there was no way I could head off for the weekend knowing what was going to happen. She sadly passed away and the last couple of weeks have been hard but she always encouraged her families sporting pursuits, although since I progressed to ultras she did worry a little more and a quick phone call or text at the end of a race always put her at ease. So having done all the training I was at a loose end and also feeling rather fit although not a fast fit and having ran Dumfries before knew it was an excellent event and well worth a wee drive down the M74.
Registration was in a lovely new building at the Glasgow University Crichton Campus, nowhere near Glasgow so if anyone is planning on doing this race check a map and get the correct postcode before you set off. Met a few familiar faces pre race and had a wee chat with Craig Reid who was adamant he was going to struggle after his run at the RAW last weekend, well he did not struggle and finished 3rd. A loop of the campus and then out onto country roads which were a bit windy but fine for running and I settled into steady rythm hoping to hit around about 1.20-1.21. The course is undulating for the first 6 miles then a drop down onto the road alongside the River Nith and head straight back into Dumfries. Well marshalled all the way and very little traffic it was a great run and as I came down to Kingholm Quay at 12 miles I still had plenty left in the tank so pushed on a bit and passed 3 runners I had been steadily reeling in. The last mile is flat on a cycle path but you cannot see the finish line till 100mtrs to go and it felt a long time coming. Well would you believe I was actually dipped on the line by one of the guys I had passed, I was not expecting that and it will teach me not to ease up at the line. Finished in 14th place, 3rd Vet 40 in 1:20:50 . Shower and cup of tea after and then hunt down wife and child who had not made it to the finish for the photo opportunity for a change!!
Garmin details : http://connect.garmin.com/goals?cid=2403989
Results : http://www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk/uploads/docs/Dumfries%20Half%20Marathon%202012%20results.xls
