Black Pudding Supper

Howling gales -- torrential rain -- great black pudding suppers -- just about sums up the Scottish seaside at this time of the year. Conditions for the 24th Troon Tortoises 10k race were far from ideal last night -- though that didn't prevent a couple of notable PBs -- fella Bellas Scott Johnson and Louise Gray being just two. I was happy with my performancve on the night. Taking into account the weather I planned to run about 7.00 minute miles. My trusty Garmin 50 tells me I averaged 6.58.76 a lap. I deliberately ran the first lap a little fast to get a good position for the bottleneck at the end of the promenade where the path narrows. I then settled down quite nicely at around 7.00' miles. Slowed a little on the last mile as the wind and rain seemed to get worse but picked up on the last kilometre when Scott Johnson overtook me. Nothing like a challenge from a fellow club member. Scott is running like a champ these days !!! Attempted to take him with my sprint finish but finished 1" behind him in 43.26. When the chip timing was taken into consideration that became an 8" gap. Felt really strong all the way round. Happy with that performance on the night. The post-race visit to the chippy was the icing on the cake. (pic by Kenneth Phillips)