A race of two halves

I ran the Glentress Marathon today, and went off far too fast, thinking that it would all be on easily runnable trails, but no. It's two laps of 21.1km, each with 550m climb, and after the first I didn't feel like going out again. I was 30 minutes slower on the second lap, and it was far from enjoyable. However, much to my surprise, I was first M50. It's a fine place, with great views on such a lovely day, but there was no time to enjoy them, for once. So, after waiting 39 years for a trophy, two come along in three months! Trail running suits my physique better than hill running but, once again, the bits of the course I enjoyed most were up high, above the trees.