Mid Argyll

Seems only fitting while the anoraks fight out to get the fastest time over a mile that I would look for something completely different, after another yawn at the saga that continues with Matt, Whizzer, Heron and the others on that elusive time that really as each day they get older only slips further away , it is time to introduce something much more fun (or stupid!!)

I like running I enjoy it and I find it good for body and mind, I don’t mind if it is for 20 minutes or 2 hours, I just simply find it a good thing to do, so why take up the Men's Health survival challenge. Simple, I like to run but I like to have fun more.

Concept is simple 10km, 10 obstacles all through the middle of my favourite city Edinburgh.

So as a novice race reporter here is how it went, Registration was simple and done the day before, giving more time to relax on the Sunday morning. Collected my race number, colour wrist band (run in waves), timing chip, and the compulsory t shirt, which the sponsors’ insist you wear, Really not a problem as a good t shirt and much respect for their marketing skills (think of those photo opportunities 1500 runners with your brand on?)

Race day, relaxing breakfast, change into running gear, quick kiss from my three girls ( no I am not Arabic I have two daughters and just one wife) and off to race briefing, they will go to the start which is located in another area.

Race briefing held in princess street garden at the band stand (same location as finish) was usual safety matters covered, direction signs shown, so no excuses to get lost, and then sent of to start, UP HILL to High street (royal mile).

Actually been reasonably relaxed, up to now, but as I stand looking at the first obstacle just 200m from start I am now feeling the nerves, but worse the competitive edge is now coming in and I am thinking already about my result, where will I finish, what will my times be like, damn those anoraks have got me hooked now as well. Only bonus I remember looking at entry list and no other MATCC members so I can say what I want right!!! (only problem Sister in law watching and she is a loyal member, damn there goes my cheating), back to my focus this is about fun.

My wave started at 10:45 and it was as I said only 200m till first obstacle, 3 rows of straw bails, 1 high then 2 high then 3 high. Actually was not too bad and managed to get over without falling , down high street and into one of Edinburgh’s famous wynds, down narrow slippery stairs, but relaxing and getting into the swing. Then out towards Carlton hill and up loads of stairs to the top, onto an army assault course, and by the end of that I was sore my chest hurt, and my lungs felt like they were going to explode, but we have to “soldier on” (get the Pun?)  down hill.

Rather than tell you about each obstacle in detail, to prevent the boredom of me writing it and you reading it I will keep it simple, there was a steep water slide , lots of stairs, climbing through scrap car, lots of stairs, muddy paths through holyrood park, lots of stairs, construction site style obstacles, lots of stairs, spiders web through trees, lots of stairs, inflated obstacle course (at this point there was a queue and only stage there was a back log, but actually a very thankful 4 minutes rest if I am honest), lots of stairs, another urban assault course, more stairs blasted by fire hoses, and yes more stairs.

You get the idea Edinburgh is not flat and this whole race was up and down nearly always using the wynds and stairs, did I say this was my favourite city?

The last 1 Km went from princess street gardens up winding path towards castle then back down, it was a killer and every competitor I seen walked this hill, that was something being able to get 1500 competitive runners to walk the last 1 km!!

Now the last obstacle was tough, the wall of Fame, simple concept 8 feet wall with finish line on the other side,  but remember lots of stairs (have I mentioned stairs a lot?) along with the other crazy 9 obstacles, and as I arrive at the wall I am alone no other competitors around to help or work as a team, thankfully the marshal was right in there giving me a bunk up, but as I get to the top, there are 2 more competitors, at the bottom, well this is where real sportsmanship comes in so before jumping down I help pull one guy up then we both pull the other guy up. Actually more than happy to jump down the wall as I know that’s it finished then, great  what a really fun event, and so happy to have done it. Roll on next year.

Each obstacle was fun, marshals’ were great support and everyone helped each other were they needed it, I have to say a real team effort and lots of good banter as well.

Now all I can say is to all the “how fast can you run” competitors, watch out one day you might find an obstacle in your way, but remember it is not always how fast, but how much fun can you have along the way.