An early season favourite around a hilly course on the edge of Kirkintilloch and one which often sees extreme weather conditions. I’ve raced through flooded roads and torrential storms; ice and snow; and ever the beginning of an almighty storm. This year was not as extreme but there was a biting cold wind and the start line had loads of runners jumping and down, trying to keep warm. Or they must just have needed the toilet.

When I arrived to collect my race number the toilets were still on the back of a truck, and that truck was still driving along the road. Cross legged runners were looking desperate as I checked in. I daren’t look at the neighbouring field as I suspect some of the runners would be on the hunt for a tree or a bush.

I usually go to the toilet before the race but as the queue, when it did form in front of the portaloos, was long, I raced corked.

It was a few miles before my hands started to warm up. The wind cut through my fingers and I tried running faster to stay warm. I wonder if anyone has thought to hold the 100m men’s final in the North Pole. I bet, if they did, world records would tumble.

The course continues to be a tough start to the year with very few flat parts. However it is an enjoyable and scenic route through farm fields and across the M80 into Gartcosh and back. And, for all the climbs, the last 1 km is an enjoyable downhill run back to the start.