First run of 2014

I had a decision to make: drive to Broughton for the Greenmantle Dash or go for a run in the Pentlands. It was forecast to be sunny so, although I've never done the c.25-minute [for me] Greenmantle Dash (or any hill race of less than an hour), the Pentlands won! I also have to admit that I was disappointed to learn that the Greenmantle Dash is not even to the summit of Trahenna Hill, just to the end of the steep bit.Of course that's the hard bit, but it seems unaesthetic. So I drove for 5 minutes to Nine Mile Burn and warmed up by jogging off to Spittal Farm. I felt sluggish, worse on the steep bit to the col by Patie's Hill, and worse still on the climb up to The Mount. Could be for various reasons: body poisoned by Festive indulgence? [but I've hardly indulged]; legs stiff from the Festive Frolic (orienteering)? [but that was on Dec 28]; unaccustomed to running uphill on soggy grass into the wind? [sounds more reasonable]; in my 50th year and getting slow [even more likely]. Once on The Mount, it was windy and wet underfoot, but largely sunny and a pleasant experience. Stopped to tighten my laces in Deer Hope and overtook two walkers when I set off again: unusual to see anyone in this area. Couldn't see the point of taking in the summit of East Cairn Hill and was keen to enjoy the 4.5km undulating traverse of the Bore Stane and Kitchen Moss. It was wet as expected, and good training since you have to keep an eye on what's underfoot most of the time and inevitably get some bad footfalls which build strength. After that, it was good to stretch out a bit on the drove road down to the Logan Burn and I was pleased to be able to keep going up the other side and to the top of Cap Law. After that the run down the Monk's Rig (past the Font Stone) was a joy, even with a stiff cross-wind. For the record: 15km with 700m climb in 1h50. Feel OK now. As usual, fingers crossed that the left tib-fib ligament doesn't get inflamed.