The cottage is not quite as cheap as it was 10 years ago, the last time we stayed here, but getting a cheap holiday in Scotland is nigh on impossible these days. Upon arrival it seemed to have changed little and after we unloaded the gear, we nipped out to the hotel round the corner for a nightcap.
On the Sunday, we made our way to Markinch. It was cool and dry. Marg went to the hall and get the numbers and we then drove to Balbirnie Park and parked up. As the dog is with us, we took her out for a runaround before the race.
There were around 100 pre-entered, but that translated to around 75 starters. The course was a 2 lapper around the undulating park. There is some woodland stretches and a stream crossing. We set off and I fell in around 10th or 12th. There was no one I recognised. I hadn't done a warm up around the course, so wasn't sure what to expect, but soon I was up to 6th, having caught the lad in front at the end of the first lap.
The second lap was run alone. I nearly went off course, having become distracted at one corner, but didnt lose much time and I plugged on following the trail of white flour arrows on the ground to finish in around 32 minutes for the 4.4 mile course.
Marg came in a little later and, after changing, we took the car back into the town for the presentation at the Memorial Hall where the scouts had organised tea and cake. I won a 'Nuts' T shirt and 2 bottles of beer. Happy days. Looking at the results, the M60 entry wasnt as soft as I originally thought and there were two other crusties within 2 or 3 minutes of my time. Marg was 2nd F60, so will need to be doing a few hill reps up the Law this week. After the race, we lunched at the Covenanter Hotel in Falkand where their steak pie is just the job.
With Gilmore, Davis and Crowe down to run Birnam on Saturday, the Birnam Hill Race beckons and should be a stiff challenge. I'll be doing well to finish in the top 3.
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