Highland Perthshire Marathon (Aberfeldy)

5th Sept. 2015

Karen Campbell

This race may seem expensive at £40 ( £35 for early sign up) but it is run by local rotary and charities benefit from the proceeds. Included in ticket price is 2 nights camping in a field, a pasta party, post race massage, use of swimming pool/ sauna and entry to Ceilidh. There’s a lovely medal and a mug. And snacks at finish line.
This was my second year running the full. I’d gained a pb last year and hopeful to match it. Training had gone injury free but blighted with being physically unwell.
I met with Ros and we walked the 1km to the start. It was cool but sunny. The race is time chipped for finish only and is 2 laps of half marathon route. We said our good lucks at the countdown and we were off. I had plan of slow first 2 miles then build. I checked my watch regularly at start to reassure myself I wasn’t going fast but felt I was quicker than 9:30 average pace, so I aimed to drop it to 9 and was dismayed I was slowing. I overheard a runner in front ask his friend ‘what pace we doing?’ The reply 7:55. I looked at my watch and it was 9:37? Yup, I was looking at the time all along! So, I got myself in check and settled into a comfy pace. The first 4.5 miles are undulating and just beautiful. The hills in the sunshine make such a peaceful backdrop for the exhausting task at hand!
There is quite a sharp climb at Kenmore at 8 miles ( and again 21 miles) after a mile or so through the estate grounds. Plenty of encouragement throughout this section. The only safe place for spectators as the narrow roads weren’t closed to traffic.
The climb is mercifully short and there is a lovely mile of downhill to get back into stride. I was playing safe and not powering down, I was conserving energy for 2nd lap.
At 12.5 miles we pass what will be the finish line, I was comfortably past this before I heard the half marathon winner being announced ( the hm starts 30 mins after full 0.1 miles behind)
At half way I was 1:52. I knew I had work to do to match last years time. I passed a few runners second lap. I was taking fuel and fluids routinely. The climb through Kenmore second time was tough mentally but I then knew I had 4 miles to go. I was really tired but no niggles, my pace was still good and I was on for another pb. I was informed at 20 miles I was 5th female and seeing a lady in front of me at 23 miles sure made me push!
I finished in 3:42:15 and a mere 30 secs behind 3rd lady, but 4th place I was delighted with. I then discovered I was 3rd vet ( at this event you get open prizes, senior, v40,v50, v60 and vet 70 so the top 3 got 2 awards).
Would thoroughly recommend this event. Although undulating it is definitely a pb course.