Monday 22 June 2009

West Highland Way Race 2009

Woohoo I finished the race in 23:33:47 and 38th position. I just want to say thank you to everyone that wished me well or came out to see me. Most of all I would like to thank my fantastic support crew, Debbie, Athole, Rob and Kas. Thank you so much guys. You kept me going through the good and bad times.

There was some fantastic performances this year.
Scott Bradley was first in the second fastest time ever in 16:11:56. Sharon Law was 1st "lady" in an amazing 19:55:28 and her first race over 55 miles.
Richie Cunningham took 2 hours off his PB to finish in 16:24. George Cairns again finishing strong in 16:46
Neal "pacepusher" Gibson had the race of his life (so far) and finished in 18:42. I have to admit Neal that I thought your pacing was suicidal but you proved me so wrong. John Kynaston taking more time from his PB and finishing in 19:51:59. I told you you could do it John.
Ian Beattie putting last years DNF to rest with a 23:11:19 finish this year.
Other finishers Gavin, Billy Minto, Jody, Mike, George, Stan, Karen, Davie all doing fantastic.

I really trained for this one but in the end I was slower than last year. What went wrong I really don't know. It was just not my day. I finished though and have another goblet for my collection.
I will try again though. I still feel that me and this race have unfinished business.

Race report to follow... while I am sipping a beer in Rome. :-)


6 comments:

Rachel Jayne Stevenson/Rogers said...

Well done Marco.
x

Murdo80bob said...

Congratulations on finishing, a fine achievement.

And you seem to be ahead of JK in telling us how long it is 'til next year's race!

Ben Melby said...

congrats marco. sorry i didn't make it out to cheer you on! performance in these long distance races is all about timing - truism I know, but it is difficult to peak performance without either prematurely breaking down or just not catching the physiological system in that right phase where everything clicks. Hopefully with experience, we can get better at the timing. Enjoy the beer and sunshine!

Brian Mc said...

Well done Marco, a great achievement. You definitely have unfinished business with the race though! :-)

"e Brutto" said...

Impressed me not something I could do easily.
Reading the blogs of you true ultra runners has me determined to stick at 50K max.
As to child birth what do they know of the awesome task of creating millions of sperm DAILY, which leaves as exhausted and unable to train properly;¬)

Marco Consani said...

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I feel a bit embarrassed this year as it promised so much but in the end the race didn't pan out the way I had hoped and all my hopes for sub 20 evaporated. Oh well at least I finished and there is always next year.

Thank you again.

Marco