strathearnharriers.myfastforum.org

McStecko · Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 294 Location: Crieff

Well done to the brave 7 Harriers that made the trip to FW for the 2009 Ben race in truly 'orrible conditions. According to the organizers at the start, the summit conditions included 50ft visibility and wind chill of -3 with heavy rain and wind gusting to 40mph...nice! After several days (weeks, months) of rain the underfoot conditions were also going to test the 475 runners who had made the start line.

First Harrier home in a really impressive 30th position (6th vet and 7th Scotland-based) and a Harriers' record of 1.50.52 was Will Manners who was showing no signs of the career-threatening Wink

tug-o'-war injury sustained at the 25th anniversary celebrations. Imagine what could be achieved if he ever makes the start line injury free!!!

Next home was Colin Glencorse in 2.00.38 - 20 seconds behind last years time in much worse conditions and despite a back spasm hitting him half way up the climb.

I was next in 2.06.06, 3 minutes better than last year. Digby was hindered by the wrong choice of garments Embarassed

for his lower half and wails of "They're the Wrong Trousers, Gromit" could distinctly be heard above the gales on the summit. Whether they were being controlled by Preston (the evil dog) is currently subject of a stewards' enquiry which could result in his time of 2.15.43 being reduced.

Kaz Nicholl had a great run Very Happy

showing what a gritty and determined person she is. Her time of 2.26.49 (17th woman) is an excellent showing for a first timer and I've no doubt this will be further reduced next year in better weather.

Gordon finished in 2.35.12 which, given a rotten season of injury and operations is a good marker for next year too.

Finally, a special well-done to Adrian who completed his 19th Ben race in 2.57.38. Just 2 more to go to collect the special 21 club award and bottle of malt.

All in all a great day out topped off by a stop at the Drummond Hotel on the way home, the chance to appreciate Adrian's insightful and illuminating observations of life Rolling Eyes

and a "discussion" with the grumpy landlord about a dodgy pint of 80 shilling Evil or Very Mad

.

Pearfect (as Beth MacMillan would say).

kaznicholl · Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 239

Yesterday was both truly miserable and absolutely fantastic! Well done to everyone - getting up and down safely yesterday was an achievement in itself, not to mention everyone's times!

I have to admit to being more than a little nervous at the start, and my pre - race worry (some may say faff) about correct layers very nearly reached fever pitch! As it turned out layers were O.K, but I do recall several BRRRRRRRs bursting forth from my lips during the last 20 mins before the summit. How some people can go the whole way up and down in a racing vest and shorts will forever be an enigma to me!

Highlights of the day:
Finishing in under 2h30 with all limbs attached.
Looking upwards on the way up and seeing runners snaking up the Ben. The caring nature of most runners - even stopping to check I was ok when I screamed like heck when I tripped on a rock - that was a definate heart stopper!
Being able to watch the first guys leaping down from boulder to boulder on their way down.
The support from people on the hill and along the road.
Being part of a race with International sponsored athletes in it!

Low Points:
Getting more than a little frightened as I scrambled up the scree slope and realised that, yes indeed we did have to return that route as the first guys leaped like gazelles downwards.
Sliding on to, not only my butt but my full back so that I was Luge stye coming down the grassy bank - quite funny until I realised that I wasn't going to stop very easily and before laughter turned into complete hysteria managed some how to get back to my feet.
Jumping down a bank and landing in a muddy puddle that splashed up over my head - still getting granite out of my hair now!!!!

It was Great!!!!!

I was actually 20th lady, but 14th British Lady which I totally can't believe - definitely need to work on my descents

Thanks for a great day, fellow harriers!

Kaz

runningpix · Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 211

Well done all - a great turn out from our wee club! Very Happy

Have to admit to being very relieved when Al texted me to say Will was down safely - was pretty anxious that the ankle would go again but fortunately it held out. Another reason why I did not go and support (apart from the awful weather!) as I sometimes feel he does better when I'm not there!!!!! Sad

Very well done to Kaz - a brilliant run - you did the women proud.

Report on the skyrunner series website:

http://www.skyrunning.com/index.p...ask=view&id=117&Itemid=59