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Helensburgh Half Marathon - Sunday 9 August 2009‏ by Richard Beall

 

The Helensburgh half marathon was an early Sunday morning start (9:30) heading out along the water-front at Helensburgh. Driving over to Helensburgh the weather was very overcast but it was brightening all the way and by the time I arrived it was a lovely sunny day - although not ideal for a good race time, it did feel like summer. There was a good sized field - rumour had at about 300, with a lot of registrations on the day. I bumped into Robin Scott and had a wee chat before the start -he was recovering from an injury and not sure what to expect from the race. (Didn't see him afterwards but he certainly finished ok).

 

Kilbarchan runners assembled together for a chat just before the start and then we were off - because it is flat, it was easy to get into a steady rhythm and even pace. . There was good encouragement from the spectators all around (but especially near the finish)  - I will have to get my name on my shirt as even 'come on Kilbarchan' is quite motivational.

 

The course was a relatively flat out-and-back route with just a few hilly stretches, and good for an even pace. There were a good number of drinks stations enthusiastically manned, providing Lucozade Sport and water - which were definitely needed.  Near the turn at Shandon there was some welcome shade and a breeze, we were but soon back into the sunshine for the return leg. My pace had been fairly steady but about mile 10 it dropped a little as the effects of the heat started to feel like they kicked in and the last 3 miles were quite tough. Judging by times, I think everyone found it quite tough but a very good workout.

 

I hadn't done this race since 2003 - that was my first race in Scotland, after joining Kilbarchan the summer before. Not sure why I left 6 years between these two but will aim not to leave such a gap to the next one. For me this was intended to be a good hard workout about a month ahead of the GSR half marathon and it certainly provided that. Also, as it turned out practice at running hard on a hot day was good preparation just in case it's needed (don't get too much of that in Scotland!) 

 

Kilbarchan runners were cheering each other in at the finish and we assembled for a quick team photo taken by Lesley's husband. The first backdrop we had inadvertently picked was the St John's ambulance post .... that might have been appropriate,  but we felt our racing credibility might be restored by associating more closely with the Lucozade sponsor's pitch.  

 

By way of recovery, Monday I had a day off work and decided to climb Ben Lomond - another great day with good sunshine but not perhaps the ideal race recovery strategy. Needless to say, I didn't make the Monday evening club session this week !