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A flurry of late call offs led to a depleted squad setting out for the Mull Half Marathon. A combination of injuries, work commitments and general apathy had taken its toll! 
DERMOT SCOOPS SECOND PLACE
What was billed as the clubs annual trip ended up being me, Jan and Roland (who joined us on the Sunday). Undeterred we set out and spent the Saturday touring the island. By the evening Jan had returned to her base at Balemory while I pitched camp at Craignure. I spent the evening trying to stay out of the pub and went on the search for otters. These are mythical creatures that are said to inhabit our rivers and shores. Alas,my quest was once again unsuccessful although I did encounter a solitary rabbit, a kelpie and several million midgies. 
AN OTTER
Sunday morning dawned wet with a persistent drizzle and a headwind for our run from Craignure to Salem. A field of 109 entered the half marathon with a few club runners including the ubiquitous Iain from Ferranti. He is a hardy soul and had just run the Argyle half marathon the day before. We set of and I found myself in 4th position and tried to settle into a rhthym. Howvever, the undulating course quickly ended any aspirations of even mile splits. Instead I concentrated on racing for a podium finish and by midway was running with a young local lad as we tried to reel in the front 2. We worked together and could see our quarry slowly getting closer. By mile 10 the weather closed in and a sharp shower put paid to my comrades ambitions and I pushed on in solitary pursuit. With a mile to go I moved into 2nd and held on comfortably to finish in 1.22.10. A new PB and delighted with my run and overall strategy. The winner, Scott Kennedy from Bellahouston Roadrunners, finished ahead of me in 1.19.23. I had been speaking to him before the race and he had assured me he was coming back from injury, taking it easy and was aiming for a 1.30! Jan ran well and came in 62nd with a time of 1.50.07. Taking into account the course and weather she was pleased with her run. I refueled with a few pints of beer and was surprised to receive a cash prize of 50 quid. I'm thinking of giving up work and going professional! With Jan and Roland staying 
JAN LOOKING HAPPY on for a few days I set of for the journey home. A steady flow of alcohol got me back to Waverley Station for 11pm.
A very enjoyable weekend. I love these small community races as they do feel alot more intimate. Also an excuse to ramble around our beautiful islands looking for otters. My thanks to Jan for the lift, company and general logistics as well as to Roland for the post race support! Results: http://www.mullrunners.com/2011-half-marathon-results.htm
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