Layers of running clothes did little to keep out the icy wind blasting along the course of the Inverness Half Marathon, which took place in the Highland capital on Sunday, March 10.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold during a run, even when running in sub-zero temperatures. This was different. It was a couple of degrees above, but the driving rain and strong winds penetrated my three layers – base layer, T-shirt and jacket – leaving me cold to the core.
How those setting off in shorts and vests coped for 13.1 miles I’ll never know.
This event is always a good one to start the year with because it gives your winter training some focus. At least that’s the idea. I’d had a good January before being hit by the winter bugs in February, so I was just getting back into the swing of things when race day came around.
Considering the conditions, I was pleased to keep up a good pace – finishing in a time of 1hr 37mins 15secs – even when the wind was in my face, which seemed like much of the way!
This was never going to be a PB race for me but it has set me up for another year of trying to push the boundaries and get fit for more outdoor adventures and fun.