Playing with the big boys

I thought today might be a first for me - being the last in a race. I'd entered the Eildon Hill Race which was a Scottish Hill Running Championship race so all the big boys were there. The race left from Melrose, went up the side of the green field behind the trees and then straight to the top - getting steeper all the way. Then down to the col, round behind the hill on the right to a lower hill (some lovely running) then down and up to the hill on the right before heading steeply back to the start. A lot of walking took place and the down wasn't as quick in some places as it might have been as it was wet, claggy clay getting wetter with every shower (and many feet).
However, despite starting last, I managed to overtake 2 people going up the hills, though one did get ahead again on the final down where I was being quite cautious (don't want any injuries before the holiday).
So, another 2nd last and a bit faster than expected - though still took more than twice as long as the winner.
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