12/02/2022 – 3 is definitely the magic number with 3rd place in the D33 today. My adventure started yesterday, heading up to Aberdeen I had a pit stop in Perth to help Active Root who hadn’t managed to get their kit up to the race. Couldn’t leave us runners without Active Root so took delivery of the supplies and also a lovely wee goodie bag for being their saviour. Next stop was the B&B for a quiet night by myself (no kids so bliss)!
Race day started off with running chat over breakfast with other runners doing it. As with ultra running it turns out we know the same people and run the same hills. Active root soon dropped off at registration and then the biggest debate in my head for the day….jacket on/jacket off, gloves on/gloves off…this went on for a while but decided for on. The cold driving rain at the start wasn’t the most pleasant. It was typical Scottish weather and kept us guessing; bit of rain, wind, sun, rain, sun, wind……
So, the race. This is run along the Deeside Way taking in much of the old railway line. Starting in Duthie Park the route was mainly pavement, hard packed trail and some mud with little elevation. I’d opted for the sparkling white road shoes and it was the right choice although now much better looking with mud splatter. The River Dee ran along much of the path and was in spate at points. There were so many remnants of the old railway from parts of platforms, stations and even train carriages. Often lovely painted stones too. The race was an out and back so did pass runners going the opposite direction, the front runners were speedy and every runner had a smile on their face. At the turning point a family were waving Shetland flags which cheered me up. The spectators and volunteers did a great job with encouragement. Luckily I’d been warned that the final part of the race was a lap of Duthie park and that’s when the headwind really hit! With finish line in sight it was the final push. I thought I was 5th but was told I might want to check and that’s when I found out I was third! Result!!!! Medal and trophy both amazing with the D33 train ticket. Given I work for ScotRail I just loved it although I’m not sure it’s valid for actual travel.
Lovely to meet running friends and make new ones. Good luck to all those I met running the Highland Fling Race and the WHW race. See you there.
Race done and I made the most of being in Aberdeen and visited a friend I hadn’t seen since pre Covid. Hot shower, cuppa and chat before the long drive home. 3hrs later with another cuppa and goodie bag emptied.
