Most Runningist Year Ever: Berwick Law Hill Race

Last of today's 3 updates....

Yesterday I ran the Berwick Law Hill Race. It was my second hill race and the first one where I didn't get lost. It would have been quite difficult to get lost as it was only 4.8km and in the middle of North Berwick. Great race. Really enjoyed it and completed it in a good time of 27mins 21secs. Or at least I think that was my time - I am not sure where the finish line was :-D

UPDATE: Results are in - 27mins 23 secs is the official time.

Cool number. And upside down it compliments my ~~Hell~~ Fell Raiser shoes!

The run up the hill is brutally steep but there were a few wide sections where I was able to run past slower, walking speed racers. I mean I was walking up it mostly too, but it was a short race so I decided that the pain of running a short burst to get by people was worth it because...well...it's a short race. On the way back down my Salomon Fell Raisers did their job brilliantly. I totally trusted their grip and could just concentrate on a speedy decent without worrying about falling to my death or embarrassment. Kata's advice on running down hills (lean forward, tiny steps) worked well and I kept it in mind. It'll be a long time before I am as confident running downhill as Kata, but her coaching did me proud. Also, Kata was photographing her friends and I (she's still injured) and it was great to hear her cheering me on as I ran into the park at the home stretch of the race. I heard her before I saw her and it was a nice boost. The whole town seemed to be out to watch and cheer the runners on, and there were a few pipers too. I felt like a hero on final straight. There was a gentleman trying to catch me on the final straight and he sounded like he was on the verge of a heart attack. He was really forcing it. I decided he deserved it and maintained my speed and so kind of 'let' him past. Maybe pushing someone harder who is already on the verge of cardiac arrest wouldn't have been wise?!

Great race. It's tough but nice and short. I'd definitely do it again.

Oh yeah, and lest we forget, that was day 62.

Couple of Trotters. They guy on the right (Don) in the REALLY crappy vest won the race.

This girl won the race too. First lady. A good day for HBT.

This is Brian. I caught and passed him at the top. Collecting an extra band (the band proves you made it to the top) by mistake, then dropping it, then stopping to pick it up helped me pass him. :-D