I'm looking out the window as I write this post, it's dusk and the moon breaks away from the horizon and rises slowly into the sky. It's been showing off the past few nights, illuminating the landscape, a tantalising scene which makes me want to get out and run. Run with like minded people once again.
It's Thursday and three ultra runners gather in Blairgowrie. Conditions are perfect for a 32 mile trip north to Spittal of Glenshee. It's the Cateran, a beautiful circular trail in central Scotland. There's one thing in common that's brought them all together, the first ultra race in Scotland over 100 miles.
The streets are deserted, sodium glow is left behind. Uphill they run, general chat as they make their way to Drimmie woods where torches show narrow paths through outstretched limbs.
Islands of orange - streets, villages, towns and a city -Perth in the distance. All sparkle on this clear night as they descend the road to Alyth. All is quiet in a deserted car park, this is checkpoint Alyth for DC110 crew.
The streets are deserted, sodium glow is left behind. Uphill they run, general chat as they make their way to Glenisla where torches show tracks through fields of livestock and lambs.
Houses in slumber with a light on, sleeping with one eye open as runners pass by. Silent, mostly silent. Virtually no canine activity, surprising in the still early morning air.
Down off the hill, descend to rushing water. Cross the bridge, rapids white in torchlight. All is quiet in the deserted car park, this is checkpoint Kirkton of Glenisla.
The road is deserted, light is left behind. Uphill they run, general chat as they make their way to Dalnaglar where torches show tracks through fields, marsh and heather.
Mist lying low - hugging and hiding still water, dark Loch Shandra. Over the hill then descend, down to the river once more. A road this time, empty of traffic with bright light ahead. A celestial body has followed, lighting the wonderful landscape and hills around. Beauty through trees - flickering, tantalising, watching and guiding. All is quiet at checkpoint Dalnaglar.
The home straight, not so straight, or straight forward. Twisting and turning - stiles, track and marsh. A small detour before back on track. Lights ahead, the Spittal awaits, dawn prepares to chase the dark.
Job done, take a seat. Recovery drink and separate ways, until Fling in a few weeks.
Tues 4, Wed 4, Thurs 32, Sun 4. Weekly total 44 miles.
Tues 2, Wed 4, Thurs 4, Fri 4, Sun 3. Weekly total 17 miles.
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