This was a north district championship race so I wasn't expecting to place well but as long as I got PB I'd be happy enough. I did a 1:21 last year so I was keen to beat that time and see how well I'd gone over winter. Craig Dunnain was a bit of an eye opener after a winter going long and slow but I thought I'd maybe got some short speed back so I hoped I'd fly round Cioch Mhor.
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First climb |
I love this race! This was my 3rd year here and it's really good craic, organised well by HHR and they always have great race photos!
Starting on a farm track and then up through several rough farm parks it's onto the first top and then a long decent towards the burn crossing and then onto Chioch Mhor.
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Just about to jump into the FREEZING water for the first crossing |
There's nothing quite like jumping into knee deep, snow melt water in March! The problem is lead feet for the next km or so until your shoes either drain out or you get used to the extra weight! It's not so bad on the way back!
No snow this year which made the climb over to Cioch Mhor a little easier and maybe that's why I went a little quicker but I'd like to think I was stronger in general.
Once turned at the summit it's flat out back down to the burn and across for the 2nd time and more lead feet then a slow climb back up to the top of the parks and to the final very fast steep descent to the farm and and the finsh.
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Crossing on the way back with Cioch Mhor in the distance |
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Coming through! |
I managed a 3 min PB finishing in 1:18 and 17th/87, 5th V40. Not amazing but I'll take it as it was a championship and it's still early in the year. That time would've got me top 10 last year but hey ho..
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Myself and G-Man |