The Deer Runner

The Deer Runner

Saturday 10 December 2016

Roller Coaster

This will be my last post for 2016 so will use it as a review as well as a look ahead to 2017.

Running wise, 2016 was a bit of a roller coaster where I am sitting typing this with a twisted ankle. My weak right ankle managed to find the only water filled pothole for miles during day six of Marcothon.  In and over it went with what felt very much like tearing and it was a limp home.  This was the same ankle that put me out for two months last year.  I had a pipe dream of doing something special as I approached my 50th birthday.  I was toying with the idea of doing a winter West Highland Way over a couple of days but with my ankle in recovery I doubt if I'll manage to pull that off. 

My 2016 running calendar finished off with a nice surprise, I had forgotten I entered the Glen Ogle Ultra, not realising until the Friday before.  It was a mad panic packing then driving down on the day to take part.  This was a week after Jedburgh which was still in my legs.  I deliberately ran out too fast then paid for it on the way back with lots of runners passing me by on the way up Glen Ogle.      It was a great day out with good company, running the last few miles with Sharon.  Unfortunately I couldn't stay for the caleigh as I had the Fraserburgh Half marathon the next day. 

The Broch half marathon was my last event of the year and having run two ultras the week before I wasn't expecting anywhere near my PB of 1.45.  It was a nice clear day where I went out and gave it my all, not quite under the 2 hours I was after but happy with 2.05.

I can't post about 2016 without noting my WHW dnf.  I read my blog post again before typing this.  Its true to say I have not been at my fittest throughout the year, a distinct lack of training hampered me in a few races including the WHW.  I am going to take it on again but not next year, I'll aim for 2018 and there is a reason for this.  I'm going to take on my personal challenge, East to West Scotland.  As you may know from previous posts, this has been in my head for a few years now. Turning 50 has made me determined to make this happen next year.  I've yet to do the logistics but I have kept my running diary clear during summer to accommodate this.

So 2017 will look like this -

March 11th - D33.
March 18th - Hardmoors 55.
April 29th - Highland Fling.
May 13th - Cateran 55.
Summer - Personal challenge.
Late August - Speyside Way Race.
September 2nd - Glenmore 24.
October - Jedburgh Ultra (running or marshalling).
November - Glen Ogle 33.

I may add extra events, depending how it goes and availability.

So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, I'll start posting again in January.

Week ending 6th Nov - Sat 33, Sun 13.  Weekly total 46 miles.
Week ending 13th Nov - Mon 3, Fri 3.  Weekly total 6 miles.
Week ending 20th Nov - Mon 3, Fri 3, Sun 8.  Weekly total 14 miles.
Week ending 27th Nov - Mon 3, Fri 3, Sat 18.  Weekly total 24 miles.
Week ending 4th Dec - Thurs 3, Fri 3, Sat 8, Sun 3.  Weekly total 17 miles.
Week ending 11th Dec - Mon 3, Tues 3.  Weekly total 6 miles.