I had already made my decision before Friday but didn't want to make it public. That's why it was so important for me to see all my WHW family before the start. And that's why I was so upset when I managed to get myself lost en route to the start! No idea how I managed to get lost on a road I have travelled many times over the years.
I eventually arrived in Milngavie around midnight. First person I saw was JK and I nearly lost it when he gave me a great big bear hug. A succession of hugs from good friends made me realise I had to pull myself together damned quickly before I saw Debs. This was all about her race, not me. Beardie told me I could do this. So I went to find my runner and get my instructions.
The rest of the time flashed by so quickly and before I knew it we were listening to the race briefing. Or more accurately we saw the briefing and couldn't hear a word!
Then the countdown began and I frantically gave hugs to as many people as I could. I'm so sorry if I missed you. The runners went off and I went to the loo and cried (Don't even say it BDTP!!!)
The first few checkpoints went like clockwork. Everything was going to plan and Debs was running bang on schedule. She makes it looks so effortless!
Before I knew it we were at Auchtertyre and ready to hand over to the second crew of Debbie's Angels. We all had t shirts on and lined up as she came storming in to get weighed. Brilliant!
And then my part was all over. Beardie joined another crew and I went home. No tears :-)
For the rest of the day and throughout the night I kept thinking about you all. And I really missed not being at the prizegiving to hear everyone's stories. But I don't regret my decision not to attend. My life is going in lots of new directions and I'm doing lots of new things. It's the end of an era and it was significant to me. Now I'm entering a new one and loving every minute of it.
Congratulations to everyone who earned their goblet. And very special congrats to my very special friend Debs on her 3rd place. You are awesome sweetie!!!
Ali xxx
7 comments:
Thanks for everything honey. You were a star. Seeing you all in your t-shirts was brilliant. Love you lots xx
Alison, it's going to be hard to think of the WHW without you after all these year. It was Ian who introduced me to ultra running and it feels like you've been part of the scene forever.
Still, things change and life moves on and it's great that you can now look forward to moving off in a different direction. I hope that I'll still see you occasionally and I'll keep my fingers crossed that one day you'll go mad and enter the West Highland Way race yourself! ;-)
It was great to see you on Friday and fully understand your decision.
I'll know we'll keep in touch and I look forward to seeing how things develop for you.
Lots of love from us all.
I didn't get a chance to speak to you as I thought a conversation might annoy those who were straining to hear the briefing. Wish you'd stayed a while though, I kept expecting to see you at the Bridge although I didn't think I'd see you at Balmaha.
Anyway, will we see you at any other races (the Stride for instance)?
And BTW, I don't know what you mean!
BDTP
Nah, it ain't over until the fat twin get's a hug! xx
Never saw you or got my hug either!
P X
Glad I got my hug! Understand your decision but it doesn't make it any easier for you or anyone else. Keep in touch. Caroline x
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