An epic battle with the elements

My first hill race since May was a bit more epic than I'd expected. We've had strong winds for the last couple of days and it was really gusty today. Added to that the Ochills were on the wet side of Scotland's east /west weather split :-0 The hills rise steeply from a flat area north of the Forth and this was the view as we crossed. The climb onto the hills was wind assisted but the rolling run west along the tops was an epic battle with the wind. Every now and then you'd suddenly take an unplanned step to the right. Trying to run downhill into was a struggle in the gusts. What an adventure!!! Loved it.