Results | Garmin Data | Photos
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling pretty excited: Rosie, H1 and H2 were coming along to support me and it would be my first time racing in a Bellahouston Harriers vest.
After feeling pleased with ourselves for finding the Piazza car park with little strife it turned out it wasn't even open. So after a short reverse down the ramp we abandoned the car in St James Street and hot-footed it back round to the start at County Square.There was a great buzz in the air with plenty of spectators and supporters for the runners. After a short spiel from the Lord Provost and a warm up act that seemed only to be fully appreciated by two synchronised stewards busting some moves by the side of the stage it was time for the off.
Start
I got into position a few rows back from the starting line and bumped into Bellahouston Harrier Iain Burke who encouraged me to get right up to the front with Mark Paterson and Brian Douglas so I nudged my way forward in time just in time for the starting gun to fire. The race started with a mad sprint through the streets and around Paisley Abby before heading under Gilmour St. railway bridge and onto St. James Street. I tucked in behind Shettleston Harrier Denis Williams and tried to settle into the run.
I turned into Gilmour street for the final 200m but Brian Douglas and Peter Gallanagh had already started sprinting and flew past. Part of my brain said "let them go", but the other part yelled back, “start sprinting!!” So I opened up with all I had and tore down the last 200m. I'd left it too late to catch Brian but focused my eyes on Peter Gallanagh and chased him down.
Start
I got into position a few rows back from the starting line and bumped into Bellahouston Harrier Iain Burke who encouraged me to get right up to the front with Mark Paterson and Brian Douglas so I nudged my way forward in time just in time for the starting gun to fire. The race started with a mad sprint through the streets and around Paisley Abby before heading under Gilmour St. railway bridge and onto St. James Street. I tucked in behind Shettleston Harrier Denis Williams and tried to settle into the run.
Miles 2 – 3
As I turned onto a windy and exposed Feguslie Park Avenue the leaders were moving just out of sight but I could still make out Ronhill Cambuslang Harrier Shazad Hakeen in 10th. Shazad is on fire at the moment. I stared to feel the sub 6:00 pace at this stage but stuck with it and kept up with Brian. Mark Paterson breaks away and starts to close down the distance between him and Shazad.
Miles 4 - 5
Beneath an underpass into Linwood Road the route then turned up the N75 cycle path for a mile and half. As expected the pace increased. Sweating, I check my Garmin, there was a good chance I would beat my 36:58pb. So I gritted my teeth and held on.
As I turned onto a windy and exposed Feguslie Park Avenue the leaders were moving just out of sight but I could still make out Ronhill Cambuslang Harrier Shazad Hakeen in 10th. Shazad is on fire at the moment. I stared to feel the sub 6:00 pace at this stage but stuck with it and kept up with Brian. Mark Paterson breaks away and starts to close down the distance between him and Shazad.
Miles 4 - 5
Beneath an underpass into Linwood Road the route then turned up the N75 cycle path for a mile and half. As expected the pace increased. Sweating, I check my Garmin, there was a good chance I would beat my 36:58pb. So I gritted my teeth and held on.
Finish
We burst off the N75 at 5:45 pace, crossing Canal Street, onto Lady Lane and past the 1km to go marker. I turned into the last hill and gave it one final push passing Brian with Donald Petrie of Kilbararn AAC in my sights.
We burst off the N75 at 5:45 pace, crossing Canal Street, onto Lady Lane and past the 1km to go marker. I turned into the last hill and gave it one final push passing Brian with Donald Petrie of Kilbararn AAC in my sights.
I turned into Gilmour street for the final 200m but Brian Douglas and Peter Gallanagh had already started sprinting and flew past. Part of my brain said "let them go", but the other part yelled back, “start sprinting!!” So I opened up with all I had and tore down the last 200m. I'd left it too late to catch Brian but focused my eyes on Peter Gallanagh and chased him down.
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| Final sprint for line. Bryan Douglas (724), Peter Gallanagh (1004), Myself (740) and Donald Petrie (992)
We crossed the line at full speed together before slowing down and grabbing the cold steel barrier so as not to fall over. As I got my breath back I felt the adrenalin flow around my body and felt completely elated.
I finished 18th in 36:41, a new pb. |
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