Caroux

Once again the family are in the south of France, a spur of the moment decision made a few weeks ago.
Two weeks split between Mediterranean beaches and mountain scenery.  I decide to limit the long runs during the holiday, it wouldn't be fair on my family although Lynne and I do a few 3 to 6 mile runs together.  I decide on one long run two days before departure as I should be acclimatised to the heat.
My destination is the Caroux, an imposing mountain range in the area which I have never ventured to in all the years holidaying here.  A quick look at the ordinance survey map and I think I have the route worked out.  I will run the road up the Orb valley early in the morning to avoid traffic, the most direct route to the mountains.  I'll ascend a steep track from Les Gorges d'Heric, once on the plateau I'll descend at the rear before following the beautiful Gorge back to the track.  From here I will make may way back through hills to the Orb valley, a figure of eight route with the Gorge being at the waist.  

0700 and it's time to leave, I have 2 x 1 litres of water in the back pack, a half litre frozen bottle and four chocolate brioche.

Vieussan with the Caroux mountains in the background.

A view from the road, there's not a lot of room to get out of the way of traffic so thankfully it's pretty quiet as I make my way to Tarrasac.

The bridge at Tarrasac, I'm crossing the Orb and making my way to the beautiful Gorge.

I have severe stomach cramps on arrival at the Gorge.  There are toilets in the car park and thankfully they are open which is a relief.

The Gorge has a clear stream running into pools, deep enough to dive and swim in places.  Not far up I reach a footbridge which crosses the stream and marks a serious uphill zig zag climb out of the Gorge.

The sign warns of falling rocks, particularly during stormy weather.

Precarious cliff edge paths on the way up.

The views begin to get spectacular, even if it is a bit misty.

The trails are colour coded, sometimes switching from one colour to another.  A sharp eye is required to follow the trail, rocks with dashes of paint can be easy to miss.  I start on yellow then somehow get onto red, the deciding factor was red seemed to be going up more than yellow.  I really should have a trail map.

Some spectacular views and a serious looking Deer Runner.

Now here is where the "run" goes a bit belly up.  Instead of making my way to the easier descent at the rear of the mountain I follow a faint blue trail to the left, it seems to be heading back down the Gorge.  The markings are old and hard to find, I begin to wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

The trail heads into a gully.  I pack all hand held items into my back pack, I need to scramble down this descent.  The track looks old and disused.  I lose the markings and decide to climb down some smooth rock to try and pick up the trail once more.  It gets steeper then ahead is a sheer drop.  No trail here, I have no choice but climb back up to rejoin the blue trail again.  I find where I have gone wrong and continue going down, the markings improve which gives me confidence during the descent.
The trail is steep where I have to slide down and cling onto trees and boulders but someone has marked this trail out so surely it's safe enough I convince myself.  The trail crosses a stream, I'm in the gully with steep mountain sides, it amazes me how these trails have been made in such terrain.  Blue suddenly stops, it join's a red trail, the red markings are very faint and the trail is horizontal.  I don't know whether to go left or right, which side is going up or down.  I take stock and decide right, it seems to be heading down more than the trail heading left.  I scramble down and reach parts where some rock climbing is required, this is where a reality check is done.  This is too dangerous to carry on,  I have not met another hiker or hill walker on the mountain.  My family know I'm on the Caroux range but not where.  I have no choice but to retrace my way back up the mountain in the blazing heat.  It's exhausting but must be a good workout.  

I stop at the stream to cool off and fill water bottles. I notice a face in the mountainside and take the picture above before heading back up.  Once back on the plateau I follow more established paths for the descent to Douche at the back of the mountain.  From Douche I head on the GR7 European long distance path towards Heric.

The path is not in great shape but the scenery is absolutely stunning before I cross the bridge and arrive at Heric.

I'm hot, dusty and thirsty, a dip in the pool is in order to cool down before having something to eat and drink.
The water is crystal clear, being so far up the Gorge means only a few walkers pass by.

I dry off running gear while having a snack in the sun, pure bliss but my run is not over.
I have a very hot journey over the hills to complete yet.

The Gorge is as beautiful as ever, even with lots of tourists further down.  It's getting really hot now, I stop at the car park cafe and order two cans of ice cold coke.  I down one before packing the second and make my way into the hills.  I have half a litre of water and the coke which turns out not to be enough.

I cross the river Jaur and make my way through Ornac before joining the road to the hills.  It's well over 30 degrees. There is no shade on the exposed hillside, no respite from the sun. I begin to overheat and once again begin to wonder if I have done the right thing, but this is my choice and being stubborn means plans have to be adhered to.  Eventually I find shade under a tree and down the second can of coke in one go.
The gassy coke makes me feel queezy but I push on and make my way up in the baking heat.

Fenouillede, a deserted hillside hamlet in a beautiful location.  Usually I would have a walk around but I'm feeling ropey in the heat and continue up.  I have finished the half litre of water and begin to get desperate.
Next remote hamlet is Courbou where I will need to ask for water.  A bit further on I can hear the gurgling of a stream, not a fast flowing one but water all the same.  I grab a canteen and clear the undergrowth to gain access.  I place the container under a trickle, it takes an age to fill up before I can slake my thirst.  I fill it a second time then pour the contents over my head, pure bliss.  A third fill sees me on my way but I still struggle in the heat.
 

Courbou, an amazing remote hamlet has its own hillside swimming pool with a view.  I resist the urge to jump in and cool off, I don't think the locals would be too happy finding a hot and sweaty ultra runner in their pool.
Courbou is deserted when I pass through, all the shutters are closed and I'm not sure if anyone is here.
I'm now on a stony track making my way to the ridge where I can drop down into the Orb valley once more.

Over the ridge and the familiar sight of Vieussan.  Half an hour in the heat and I'll be done, mostly downhill which helps.  Through vineyards and rocky trails I return to Boissezon, my starting point eight hours earlier.

This "run" to the Caroux took an unexpected turn, more a scramble and climb than training run. Next time I need to stick to the more established trails or take a map, but I will be back for more Caroux running in this stunning area.

Caroux run Fri 38.5 kilometers.

WHW Race Report

It's taken me a while to begin this race report.  After the weekend, I have been walking around in a daze, wishing I could run and experience the whole thing again but time doesn't allow me to go back for some more of a great experience.  I have to settle for the memories of spending a brilliant time with families, both close and West Highland Way families, and to be honest I have been a bit low after my main event of the year.

Running the WHW race is a big commitment to take on after pressing the enter key in November. Marcothon winter training, building the miles up through January / February, completing early SUMS races, staying injury free, organising support, accommodation and logistics, all leading to one of the best weekends of my life.

It's a lot to ask of my family, to give up their weekend and travel across the country to lend their support.
For this I am most grateful as there would be no WHW race for me without their commitment, so thank you to Lynne and Skye, my parents George and Heather, and my youngest brother Philip.

Now for the report -

Leading up to the race I was a wee bit disorganised, well quite a bit disorganised to be truthful.  It was a bit stressful and my lack of planning wasn't impressing my support.  There were a lot of questions and heated discussions between me and my support due to the lack of information for which I must apologise.  I was still packing the Thursday evening before myself, Lynne and Skye departed on the Friday.  I didn't even have a list to work from, food was hastily bought earlier that day and my instructions to the crew were vague to say the least.

We pack the car and leave New Deer late Friday morning, destination this time is The Oak Tree, Balmaha which will be Lynne and Skye's base for Friday night.  We check into our room which is a converted cottage, the room is just across from the checkpoint car park so is going to be perfect for my first stop during the run.  It is a beautiful afternoon so we head for the bar and sit outside, with a soft drink I must add.  Skye takes a picture of Lynne and I relaxing in the sun and uploads it to the WHW Facebook page.  Within minutes someone approaches with an I Pad showing the picture, jokingly enquiring if we had seen these people?  It's Ian Minty, someone I know of but never met, it's good chatting to Ian, a fellow runner with less  than 12 hours to the start.

We go to the marina, find a patch of grass and relax in the warm sunshine before heading off for something to eat.  A light snooze is in order before getting ready and making our way to Milngavie.
Registration is quickly done which leaves a bit of time to kill at the underpass, messing around with Lynne and Skye uploading photos to FB.

After race briefing and the poignant words of Fiona Rennie (words I would remember through various sections of the race), it's a nervous stand and shuffle around till the air horn goes off at 0100.  It's a great atmosphere being cheered, running through the high street, passing Lynne and Skye who are filming the start.
Into Mugdock Park and try to settle down, everyone runs in silence for a while before conversation breaks out.  I chat to someone from Devon / Dorset running the race for the first time which helps pass a few miles.
I run a steady pace, probably a bit too quick for the start of a 95 mile run but all is well. I also do my run / walk strategy on the uphill road sections before reaching Drymen.

On the uphill to the forest I hear an Australian accent and introduce myself to Keith Hughes, another runner I've heard of but never met.  It was a pleasure chatting to Keith as we passed each other up the Loch side.
I switch off the head torch as dawn appears, the morning is cloudy with mist at the top of Conic Hill. George and Karen are walking on the hill this morning, one of a few encounters throughout the race.  I take it easy on the descent where Loch Lomond magically appears out of the mist.
Once checked in at Balmaha, I run through the car park to where Lynne and Skye are fast asleep.  A couple of chaps on the window and Lynne appears with leftover Pizza from the previous night, fills my water bottles and sends me on my way.

I remembered Balmaha to Rowardennan as midge alley and this year is no exception.  They are all over my legs and eventually around and in my eyes.  I ignore the biting and concentrate on the amazing bird song. The pizza is not going down well so I resort to Hob Nob cereal bars to get me through.  I don't see many runners on this section before arriving at Rowardennan.

Pick up drop bag, keep going.  I've got a lot of time to make up from last years race by spending minimal time at checkpoints.  The bag contains a cheese and tomato sandwich, I have no appetite for it, eat a wee piece of bread and pack it into my pocket.  I know I'll be in trouble if I don't eat but I just can't stomach it.
I force down another cereal bar, half a banana and bottle of coke knowing full well sugar won't be enough to fuel 95 miles.  Again the run to Inversnaid is fairly quiet, I keep a steady pace and enjoy the surroundings although I can feel a lack of energy.  My dropbag at Inversnaid contains only a banana and bottle of coke so I will have to wait till Bienglas Farm to try something more substantial.  The midges are everywhere at Inversnaid where I resist the kind offer to sit in a netted off gazebo.  I fill the water bottles and run straight through.

I bump into Keith once more on the technical section who offers some tangerine segments.  I just about bite his hand off, they go down a treat and will definitely replace bananas for future runs.  I was happy to run with Keith on this section as I knew he would be posting a good time, the longer I held on the better time for me.  We pause at Darios post before running on to Bienglas Farm.  On arrival there is no sign of Lynne and Skye, it's my fault for vague instructions and not giving set times.  With no signal on my phone I wait for ten minutes before deciding to run on, but I have no food and need to refill the water bottles.
In the camp kitchen I chat to another runners support who immediately offer to help out, I'm sorry I didn't get your name but the food was needed and very much appreciated.  A peanut butter and jam sandwich (lovely, another food I'll try in future) along with a banana.  I also got an energy bar from Julia, thanks very much, I was all sorted and on my way, although concerned for my crew.

On leaving Bienglas Farm I manage to leave a voicemail on Skyes phone, I'll see them at Auchtertyre where I intend to eat.  This was a slight change of plan as I was going to pick up my food at Tyndrum and eat it on the uphill section but don't think I can wait till then.  There are some heavy bursts of rain on this section but I am well kitted out, carrying full waterproofs in my back pack.  The roller coaster forest takes a bit out of my legs but all is well as I cross the road and make my way to the wig wams.  Lynne, Skye and my parents are there, ready to spring into action and get me fed and watered.  Packet Thai noodles out of a paper cup and a bottle of coke, pure bliss. Something I can eat which energises my body straight away, this is sorely needed.  A rest stop, quick top up of water and I am on my way.

It's strange to run straight through Tyndrum where the Fling finishes, its all quiet and the finish for this race is just a wee bit further on. I catch up and chat with a runner after crossing the stream, Alan if I remember correctly.  Its a short chat as he stops at the shop to speak to supporters which leaves me alone to walk the uphill out of Tyndrum.  With it mostly being downhill and flat to Bridge of Orchy this should be a good fast section but it doesn't feel like it. I have to employ the run / walk strategy on flat stretches.  Putting my Geek head on, I must mention the train that passes bye, pulled by a couple of rare Deltic diesel engines, their fantastic sound echoing off the hillside. Okay, that's my Geek head off now.  My parents are waiting in the sunshine at Bridge of Orchy.  More noodles, some Jaffa cakes and it's time to look at my feet which have been a bit uncomfortable.  Trench foot, blast!  Something I didn't expect in the drier conditions this year.
I decide to change out of Hokas and into road shoes for Rannoch Moor.  The support team next to us supplies vaseline for my feet, thank you very much as once again I didn't get your names.  Fed, watered, new feet and paracetamol, its now time to tackle my nemesis from last year - Rannoch Moor.

I bleep out of the checkpoint and head up the hill.  The Saltire is flying as usual and I stop and chat to Murdo for a few minutes before eating my Jelly Baby and continuing, thank you Murdo.  I'm passed by a couple of runners and their support, they are running well and continuous, I am not but I don't let it get me down.  Once again its a steady run / walk strategy which pays dividends as I retake the places up on Rannoch Moor.  There is a problem though, my hip has started to niggle, its complaining about the lack of cushioning from the road shoes and I make a mental note to change back to Hokas at Glencoe.  I really enjoy this section, I am in a much better place than the race last year, I take in the views before the descent into Glencoe checkpoint.

I am early, my parents are here but Lynne, Skye and Phil have not arrived yet.  Its no problem as my folks have all that I need in their car.  Phil does not need to accompany me on the next section either so I will meet them at Kinlochleven.  Karen comes over and says hello.  Karen is supporting her runner on the last two sections and is waiting for her to arrive.  I ran with Karen last month during the Glee training run.  I put in my order for a hot chocolate from the cafe.  There's none left I'm told, NO HOT CHOCOLATE!  This is what I was looking forward to at Glencoe, this is hot chocolate checkpoint and I WANT ONE.  Well I am a wee bit disappointed but hey ho, we'll just have to bring our own next year.  Next year?  Looks like I'll be doing this race again!  Noodles, chocolate, paracetamol, coke and Hokas before setting off down the hill, gently at first to loosen off the muscles before starting a jog.  Glencoe and the devils staircase look spectacular and moody in the evening sun. It's getting cooler so back on with the jacket it is.  Three runners arrive more or less together for the hard slog over the Devils.  Karen and her runner,  Gareth Bryan-Jones and his support runner plus me.  Little did I know it at the time but Gareth would become the oldest runner to complete the WHW race and would receive a standing ovation at the awards ceremony, brilliant stuff.  Once over the top of the Staircase it is all downhill on the ankle twisting rocky path to Kinlochleven.  Thanks for the Jelly Baby from mountain rescue half way down, it took my mind off going over both ankles several times on this section, tired muscles meant the running was getting sloppy.  I tail Karen and her runner all the way down to Kinlochleven, their pace helps keep me running so thanks to you both.

Phil is here all ready to go. After weighing in all I need is a coffee and change of socks, I can't stomach any food.  It's ten o'clock and it looks like I'm going to smash my time from last year, even if Phil and I walk it and take five hours.  We leave the checkpoint, telling our support we'll see them in Fort William between 3 and 4 AM.   It's another long slog up onto Lairig Mor, I have to stop and pause for a break now and again.
Another reassuring mountain rescue point is marked ahead with fire sticks.  You can see the lights from a long way off and we are drawn to them like moths to a flame.  Here we get some refreshment, plain water for me and Tizer for Phil.  We say our thanks after getting our picture taken and push on.  Phil is doing a great job, encouraging his grumpy brother to run the downhill parts of the trail.  I'm getting really tired now and start tripping and slipping all over the place in the darkness.  Phil steadies the pace and we eventually see the flames of Lundavra checkpoint.  There is a great party atmosphere here, we stop briefly for a heat at the fire and resist taking a comfortable seat, maybe next time.  We are handed a tin of 7 UP as we leave, this will give a great energy boost to get to the fire break road.  I'm now exhausted, I can't bend my left knee (never had any problems with my left knee before), my hip is protesting and I'm getting grumpier by the minute but all I have to do is recall the words of Fiona and I'm spurred on.  We reach the top of fire break road and the lights of Fort William are below.  Phil breaks into a jog and runs ahead while I shuffle as fast as I can.  We do run most of the downhill until it levels off where it is a walk to Brave Heart Car Park and into Fort William.  From the roundabout we run along the quiet main street to the leisure centre and get a cheer from our support at the entrance.  It's a quiet affair so early in the morning.  I weigh in and get my splits print out from Ian then take a seat.  Last years time is well and truly smashed (by six and a half hours) but so am I.
After some photos for FB, all I want is a shower and some kip.

I love the awards ceremony.  For me this is what makes the race so special.  The fact that everyone involved comes together despite all they have been through and acknowledges the finishers, organisers and supporters, this is what makes the race "Family".

It's time to say thank you to Ian Beattie and his team, the marshals and checkpoint organisers, mountain rescue and all runners support teams.  Hope to see you all next year!      

Mon 3 miles, Wed 3 miles, Sat/Sun 95 miles  Weekly total 101 miles.



    

Rain in the Summertime

Time for another quick update as I am still packing for the race this weekend.

I've deliberately kept the miles low for the past couple of weeks to shake off the niggle I was experiencing with my hip and I think it has worked. This also helped to make sure I tapered properly and didn't do too much training leading up to the WHW race.

A change of accommodation for tomorrow night, we will be using Balmaha as a Friday night base, this means Coach and Skye can see me off at 0100 before returning to Balmaha and getting some rest. Then they can pop out to the car park as I run through the first compulsory checkpoint then return to the room for some more rest. Well that's the plan anyway.

I need to thank my support in advance as the lead up the this weekend has been a bit hectic for all.

Thanks as ever to Lynne and Skye.
My parents for making the long journey once again.
To Philip for being my support runner.
And possibly to Kevin who might have to step in last minute.

With long periods of rain forecast this weekend there has been one song bouncing round my head all week, it just won't go away - Rain in the Summertime by The Alarm - very appropriate.

Good luck to everyone running the race and their support this weekend.

Mon 3 miles Wed 3 miles Fri 3 miles Sat 12 miles Sun 4 miles  Weekly total 25 miles.

Taper

Thought I'd better update my diary tonight as my posting seems to be as sporadic as my running. After the Cateran I lost my running mojo, with the usual low after a major event. I couldn't muster any high mile training until last weekend.

I decided on two 22 milers, back to back. Same route each run, one of my favourites, taking in the Braes.
Saturdays run went fine, I didn't take things too seriously with plenty of breaks and walking the uphills.

Sundays run didn't quite go to plan. It started good enough, with a lot more running and effort put in than the previous day. After clearing the Braes I was on the road, homeward bound when I started to have problems with my hip. I never get problems with my hips. It became rather uncomfortable to run, and when I slowed to a walking pace it never improved. With five miles to go I had two choices - stubbornly continue with the problem and finish the run (my usual choice) or listen to my body and call international rescue.
I did the latter and called Lynne for a lift home. With three weeks till the big race I'm sure I made the right decision, although I don't like chucking in the towel!

I'm not sure what brought this on, but these runs were mostly on road, maybe a mixture of pounding and the camber of the road. It's now a niggle in my mind, if this problem appears on race day it's highly likely to be a DNF, something I'm not familiar with.

I did three miles on Wednesday with some trepidation. The hip seemed fine so I did eight miles tonight at the Braes, and once again it seems okay. I'm typing this up on a Friday night as I don't intend doing any more running this weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to dust off the bikes and go cycling with Skye.
Sunday I intend having a family hill walk up Bennachie, although Lynne and Skye don't know it yet.

I forgot to list my mileage on the last post, so I've got quite a bit to catch up on -

Cateran week - Weekly total 63 miles.
Post Cateran week - Weekly total 14 miles.
Last week - Weekly total 47 miles.
Wed 3 miles  Fri 8 miles   Weekly total 11 miles.

Cateran Ultra 2013

I can't praise this Ultra enough, I simply love it!

Friday evening, we are all packed and on our way to The Spittal of Glenshee - Lynne, Skye, Harold and me.
The forecast wasn't too good for the weekend but we had a lovely run up Deeside with blue skies and sunshine. We arrived in good time, unpacked and ordered supper from the bar. I registered while waiting for the fish and chips to arrive, I'm still a pescetarian. After the food and a swift pint it was back to the room to get drop bags ready and have an early night.

Fuel for the day ahead - breakfast was served 0530 where I downed scrambled eggs, toast and cereal. I had three drop bags, each containing a packet of jaffa cakes and a small bottle of coke. These were for the last three check points - Blairgowrie, Bridge of Cally and Enochdu. In my rucksack was a tuna mayo sarny, chocolate bars and a Mrs Tillys Fudge out of the Cateran goody bag.

Before I write about the race I need to explain my tactics for the day. In my previous blog I mentioned how good I was feeling despite the low miles covered in recent training. I listened to the Stuart Mills podcast, read his latest blog posts and thought, why not start an ultra race strong for a change? Now I'm no expert on the subject of a Negative Split in racing, and I'll never be competing at the quick end of an ultra but I had my own reason to start faster than normal. On these ultra races I usually view them as training for the big one, start slow and plod to the end. Get the miles done without injury ready to taper and be fresh for the 22nd June. But not this time. I wanted to exhaust myself, get the feeling of nothing left in the tank, struggle towards the end, that was going to be a realistic training race for the full WHW run.

The morning was cloudy with a strong northerly breeze, runners and support congregated outside to the tune "Justified and Ancient", a great early morning atmosphere before the Race Directors briefing. It's a 5 minute walk to the start, crossing the main road and over a stile.

0700 and we're off where I somehow find myself right at the back, so much for a strong start.
The first couple of miles are through gates and fields where there's a bit of queuing to get through.
Some runners are trying to avoid the mud and puddles but I immediately adopt the run straight through method, jokingly saying it will knock ten minutes off my time. I make my way up the field, running way faster than I normally do and find my race slot. I have passed a lot of runners and feel like some sort of impostor who shouldn't be at this party, punching well above my weight and who will be found out later in the race.
Approaching the first checkpoint I'm passed by a runner going strong and I think "here we go, I'm getting overtaken already and I'm not even at the first checkpoint". This person stops for water so I regain the place as I go straight through. Another runner is walking and eating after the checkpoint so I pass and take another place.

Pace is being assisted by the strong wind which means it could be tough in the second half of the race but "make hay while the sun shines" I think to myself. I can see a couple of runners ahead but there's no way I'll catch up on the road section so its a run walk strategy uphill then coast down to the first large stile of the day. I grab half my tuna sandwich on the first uphill walk of the day but struggle to get it down. I'm getting closer to the runners ahead so pack away the other half for later, take a good drink of water and march on. I manage to pass one before the summit but the other is off down the hill. I tail him but he is doing a good pace so I don't want to pass, not yet anyway. There is a boggy patch of downhill just before Loch Shandra where I pass the second runner and employ the run straight through method once again, not bothering to avoid deep water or mud. My only worry is a Hoka might come off in the mud.

After Loch Shandra I manage to convince myself I have taken a wrong turn and double back, only to find I was originally going the right way, you wouldn't think I've done this ultra twice previously. I come across a runner who says he's been waiting for twenty minutes as he didn't know if he was going the right way. I advise him we are only 10 minutes from the next checkpoint so we run and chat for a while before he slows down. I ask if he's okay, the answer is fine so I run on alone into checkpoint Glenisla.

George and Karen are there, all I need is a top up of water. I take the other half of my Tuna sandwich from my back pack ready for another uphill walk and get going. The sandwich is soggy, I've no appetite and don't want it but force down a couple of mouthfuls. After passing a few hill walkers the rest of the sandwich goes to the birds. Another drink of water, it's hot this morning. I look back after entering the woods, there's a runner not too far behind. I've got to keep going, I don't want my race to fall apart. More water, I'm in trouble, the supply is not going to last until Alyth. I'm determined to keep going as I know runners are catching me up.

After a short road section the trail heads up a steep field. Someone is closing on me and I'm not happy. The legs are tired and I'm out of water. The trail levels out and I manage to keep ahead of the runner behind but not for long. The path twists uphill again through trees and I stop to get the fudge out of my back pack.
The runner passes by, we exchange "Hows it Going?", "Not bad" I lie, because I feel crap and don't want to be passed by runners so early in the race. I eat some fudge which makes me even more thirsty, there's a fair bit to go to Alyth. Negative thoughts begin to enter my head, like pulling out at the next check point as I am walking sections that I should be running. On the descent to Alyth the clouds look ominous, it's time to put the waterproof jacket on, I'm surprised the weather has held for so long.

It's practically impossible to take a wrong turn in Alyth but I manage despite this being my third Cateran.
I convince myself I've passed a turn off for the checkpoint, take the next side street down and turn in the opposite direction from Den of Alyth. I lose about five minutes and finally check-in for some much needed water. No drop bag here although I am offered food from the marshals which I decline. I do take a cup of coke though before being chided by Johnny Fling for spending too much time at the checkpoint.

After the checkpoint it's a nice run through the valley before a long road walk uphill, time for more Tillys Fudge. Someone is catching me so it's a run / walk strategy to try and get away. It's not till I reach the forest where I take a look back and find I'm alone. Onto the 2 mile downhill section to Blairgowrie and there's a runner ahead. I slowly catch up but don't pass until the Blairgowrie checkpoint, I want to save the quads.

A quick top up of water from Bill, grab the drop bag and go as I know there is another uphill road section.
Two Jaffa cakes, that's it, that's all I can eat. Usually at home I can demolish a whole packet in one go!
The bottle of coke goes down a treat. This ultra is fueled by sugar. Onto the long farm track and back to my run walk strategy. I keep expecting runners to catch up and pass me, runners on a far better strategy than mine but it's all clear behind.

I'm getting tired and can't keep a steady run on the flat sections. I count the steps - run 30 walk 30 run 40 walk 30 run 30 walk 40. Depending how I'm feeling, I change things around. Sometimes more walking than running and vice versa but the important thing is I'm still making good progress. There's quite a few walkers on the moor and this helps to keep me running, I don't want to walk past walkers if you get my drift.

I'm approaching Bridge of Cally checkpoint so it's time to put on a happy face despite feeling exhausted.
A water top up then I grab the coke leaving the packet of Jaffas behind, I still have a packet, minus two in my pocket. Another long uphill forest section so it's back to Mrs Tilly for fuel. I convince myself I'll be getting passed by runners soon so this jolts me back into the run / walk method.

I must admit, I am a bit done in at this point but this was my intention. The bog section is approaching and I'm cautious.  The Hokas don't have a good reputation in mud. I come up to a deep muddy bit of track and take the split second decision to run around it, so much for the run straight through method. Its a slope of wet grass and before I know it I'm on the ground winded with a face full of mud. I get up quickly and run on, it's an instant reaction when I fall, I've got to keep going. A check while i'm running confirms all is okay but the bog is approaching fast and I have lost confidence with the shoes, mind you there's not a lot out there that will grip on the steep side way slope of the bog section.

I have a cunning plan, I fell because there was no side way grip from my shoes. On the bog section I point my feet uphill for grip but run side on. It must look ridiculous but there's no one around to see. This technique works as I complete the mud slopes without falling down.

Run walk run walk, I'm on the way to Kirkmichael and still no one has caught up. I've not seen a runner since Blairgowrie and I certainly don't want to see one now. Although I'm exhausted and feel done in, I put on my "checkpoint" face for the marshals at Kirkmichael, ask how they are doing, decline the offer of a Gel, check my water bottle, thank them and push on for Enochdu.

It's pretty flat here, run walk run walk run walk, keep it going, I want to keep this place I've worked hard for. I eventually arrive at Enochdu, swap the open packet of Jaffa cakes for a full one, I don't know why as I don't eat anything else for the remainder of the ultra. Coke, a lovely bottle of coke then it's onward, I'm on the home straight. Up the track and through the forest I march on but there's a sting in the tail for this race today. The higher up I get the stronger the wind. The wind gave us time at the start as it blew us along, now it was pay back time, big time as it is head on and must be gale force. Once on the hill I have to lean forward and march on, I couldn't run into this wind even if I had the energy. Wind, rain and hail, it's a final test which sucks the last bit of energy from my body. The track can be seen way back on the hill and there is no sign of runners gaining so I just have to keep going and grind it out.

The last uphill, it's steep and I have to take a breather now and again on the way up. My heart is hammering, I can feel it in the pulse in my neck. Over the top and the wind driven hail stings my face like little needles, nothing is going to stop me now as it's a one mile downhill stumble, trip and slide all the way down to the best finish in ultra racing, The Spittal of Glenshee Hotel.

 

Now there was a wee bit of calamity at the finish line, as my lovely wife and support forgot to take the lens cap off the SLR camera. It took a few attempts to cross the line and get the above picture, courtesy of Johnny Fling.

A quick shower then something to eat, all the while cheering and clapping the finishers as they enter the bar. And the biggest cheer? For the sweepers and deservedly so.

After everyone was in, it was time for prize giving, a great atmosphere cheering everyone from first to last.

Harold and I

So that's another PB for me, 20th place in 11 hours 48 minutes, well chuffed with that.

A massive thank you to Karen for organising the best race in the world, and to all the marshals and helpers who contributed and made it happen. Roll on next year.

Freewheeling

It's been a busy week at work, being on call means the miles have tumbled. I've been nowhere near the distances in my training program, in fact the program practically gets binned once I start running the ultra races. Last week was a grand total of 22 miles, this week only 8 so far.

I'm not exactly meeting my training targets but on the positive side I feel quite good and have no injuries.
Tomorrow I leave directly from work for the Spittal of Glenshee, it's time for my favourite ultra, non other than the Cateran.

The weather forecast doesn't look too good but I don't mind running in the rain. My plan is to leave the watch behind and just run as I feel. I've already had PB's at the D33 and Fling ultras, dare I look for another on Saturday? only time will tell.

A short post this week as I'm still packing, good luck to everyone running the race on Saturday.

Tues 4 miles Thurs 10 miles Sun 8 miles  Weekly total 22 miles.

100m sprints, a 34 year gap.

Keeping up and encouraging Skye's interest in running has been a struggle lately, that is until she came home from school and announced the class was doing athletics. She really enjoyed the 100 mtr sprints so I was dragged out to the country road where a rough 100 mtr stretch was measured.

As the photo shows, this 100 mtr stretch wasn't exactly straight and it had a wee bit of an incline. What I thought was going to be a bit of fun turned into a deadly duel. The last time I did 100 mtrs was when I was 12 years old and to say running flat out in a race was a shock to the muscles is an understatement. Skye took great delight in beating her Dad at running, so I had to resort to the tactic of barging, pushing and shoving.
On a serious note though, my legs were still recovering from the Fling and I had to beware of muscle strains, well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Saturday was an early 0330 departure for Glencoe, I had my first meeting with the Glee Club which would depart for Fort William at 0800.

I've always been fascinated by Loch laggan and it's Dam so I stopped on the way to take some early morning pictures. The moody sky was a sign of things to come. We arrived with 15 minutes to spare where I  immediately bumped into Stan who introduced me to the rest of the club. The runners left at eight sharp while Lynne and Skye made for Fort William and some retail therapy. The nickname for today's jaunt was "Beat the Bus", everyone had a ticket for the 1400 bus returning to Glencoe.

The day was bright as we started for the "Devils", I was really looking forward to the descent into Kinlochleven and seeing it in daylight for the first time.

The snow capped mountains were spectacular and very picturesque. A quick egg sandwich at the top of "Devils" and it was onward and downward.

We ran straight through Kinlochleven then began the long climb to Lairig Mor.

Kinlochlaven was bathed in sunlight while the weather moved in all around. We were passed by scrambler motorbikes on the way up, revving engines and fumes are the last thing you expect on the hills but they were polite and said thanks as they rode by.

Rain driven by a wicked northerly wind greeted us on Lairig where it was difficult to break into a run, walking made more progress. Then, we seemed to turn a corner and it was behind and pushing us along, very strange conditions.

I find the landscape at Lundavra a bit mysterious.

I really enjoyed the last part of the run where I was in much better shape than June last year. I'm glad to report that everyone caught the bus back to Glencoe, leaving me and the family to enjoy an overnight stay in Fort William.

Thank you to Jenni, Jo, Karen, Lorna and Stan for making me most welcome.

Tues 1 mile Thurs 1 mile Sat 26 miles Sun 04 miles  Weekly total 32 miles.