(Photo courtesy of Puds38 on flickr)

My complete lack of training kicked in after about all of 100m but I ran on around the gardens and up to the point first check point underneath the castle. It’s not difficult to keep going when you’ve 500 racers on your heels and the shouts of “Catch the rat!” from team 112. A very warm, sweaty rat took a rest on the bench after completing his run, waving the racers off to their day in the city.

I spent Saturday evening in the suit as well; half an hour in the Grassmarket and half an hour in Bristo. The Grassmarket was mobbed and I was a magnet for stag and hen do’s which was great for the camera crew who were following me. Luckily, I had a trusty helper who rescued me from a stag do who were all for hoisting me on their shoulders and into a pub with them.

After the run on Sunday I was stationed at the ropes section at the Napier campus in Craiglockhart. I spent a couple of happy hours harnessed to a railing, directing very weary racers to climb up a knotted rope. We had a few close calls, but only one person who attempted the climb didn’t make it up. Result!

My bag has now been emptied, the washing done and day one of being back at work is over. I’ve got a bunch of films to note down so I should really get onto that before I forget. Maybe I’ll attempt the Richard Herring style daily entry again, even if it’s just to note done some small event that occured during the day.

The Dirty Weekend was a couple of weeks ago so a quick recap. Helped out with the start of the Ace Race on the Saturday morning then jumped on a bike to put out a few caution signs for the Dirty Dozen. Headed back to camp, got changed, ran the dirty dozen in 1:06* then went back to marshalling. I spend a happy hour or so on the banks of the Tweed coming up to midnight. Directed kayakers out the water and up the hill. Somewhat surreal.

Got no sleep, staggered about a bit on Sunday morning and then headed off with the rope techs to help out at the tyrolean stage for the Ace Race. Came back, packed up, went home. I think I was probably quite smelly on the bus.

Despite the weather I had a good weekend, bumped into Martin Little for what was probably not the first time, but at least we recognised each other this time!

Having three events running around the event village was quite confusing at times but I don’t think there were any major hiccups. The Dirty Dozen definitely felt like the Deer Stalker’s underage sibling. It was a fun run to do, but the obstacles and night time setting for the Deer Stalker is a lot better. I’d run the race again, but I’d rather be out doing the Ace Race or Polaris.

Next up; last weekend’s Rat Race and the upcoming Helensburgh half marathon.

*Not bad considering I’d done piss all training due to the back pains.