As much as I have read about ultras, I have never heard of a race quite like the 2010 Western States endurance run. Something had to give in this race, as the three favourites; Journet, Krupicka and Roes have hardly lost a race between them.
In these kind of races you expect causulties, especially with such a high class field like yesterday/today. In this race it was Hal Koener, who one the race for the last 2 years. Anton, Geoff and Killian really took the race on as expected. In mile 80, Anton and Killian were neck and neck while Geoff was a few minutes behind. This is where Killian though started cramping and fell off the pace. At mile 89, Geoff passed Anton and ended up pulling away to be victorious in an absolutely astonishing time of 15 hours 7 minutes. Anton was second in 15 hours 12 minutes while Killian kept last year's tradition of a European finishing 3rd in a time of 16.04. Meaning Geoff now holds the course record, absolutely smashing Scott Jurek's old record of 15.35 and keeps his record of winning every hundred mile race he has entered. Anton even though second now has the second fastest time in the history of Western states which has been going for over 25 years!
It is always hard to compare a hundred mile races as they are all so different but this has to be one of the most competitive/elite 100 mile races ever. The even more exciting thing is that Geoff is 34 so has plenty of ultra years left in him. Anton is 26, while Killian is even younger at 22! There is no doubt Killian on a good day would have finished up there with the other 2. Being in the top 10 to they are all guaranteed a place for next year's race.
Meanwhile the lady's race was just as close, last years 1st and second place, Anita Ortiz and Beverly abbs were did not starts. So Tracey Garneux of Canada won in 19 hours 1 minute, Meghan Arbogast was second in 19.15 and Nikki Kimball was 3rd in 19.23.
Next big ultra events in America is the Hardrock 100 in Colorado and Badwater 135 in Death Valley. The next biggest ultra event in Europe is UTMB. This race has now offically got exciting as Geoff Roes and Killian Journet are both running! Britain's contender is the WHW course record holder and who was third at last year's western states; Jez Bragg.
Anyway after being ill pretty much all last week, I was back in the gym on Friday for a light session followed by a wedding. Up early on Saturday, to help my friend move house, then barbeque at night so just 'cross training'. On Sunday I was knackered from the rest of the weekend, so had a lie in. Just went out for a 3 miler to ease myself back into running. I did feel a bit sluggish but I'm putting this down to only having a muller rice for breakfast and sleeping for so long. So planning another short run tonight, then hopefully it will be back to hard training tomorrow.
Sunday 27 June 2010
Wednesday 23 June 2010
No Revolution this year so WHW analysis/WS Preview instead
I was planning on doing Red moss revolution hill race tonight but due to illness I’ve been kept on the sidelines no running – no nothing. I have been looking forward to this race more than most. It may seem a bit random, as there are loads of hill races and this is probably seen as one of the easier ones with 200 metres of ascent. But the reason I was looking forward to it is because I can see the hill the race uses from my desk in work! No exaggeration – I look up from my computer, out the window and there it is! The hill has been calling me ever since I moved desks a few months ago. Oh well maybe next year!
So 2 races I’ve been looking forward to reading about are arguably the 2 most prestigious ultras in Scotland and the USA. Last weekend it was the West Highland Way race in bonnie Scotland. In the history of the race, I don’t think there has ever been a more deserving winner. Ritchie Cunningham came 3rd last year recording the 4th fastest time ever. He just happened to be racing 2 other people that day who recorded the 2nd and 3rd fastest time ever. Meaning that had it been any other year apart from the year Jez Bragg set the record he would have won. So this year, in hot conditions, he goes and records the 6th fastest time ever and this time he comes first.
So what about the competition for Cunningham this year? The answer is some serious quality! When I looked at the results I didn’t even recognise second place Mark Godale. But after a quick google search (Assuming I’ve got the right Mark Godale!) turns out this is one seriously good American runner. Marathon PB of 2.38 and he completed the Burning River 100 miler in 16 hours 16 minutes. George Cairns, an experienced WHWer, came 3rd. Meanwhile race leader up until the 50 mile mark, Craig Stewart who also won the Highland Fling 53 mile race earlier this year was 4th. No doubt he’ll be back as if Ritchie and George’s results show experience seems to count for a lot as both of them have improved throughout the years and with his other ultra results it shows he is capable.
In the women’s race there was another incredible feet reached and like the men a highly competitive race. Kate Jenkins won the race for a 6th time. Second place was Donna Utakis who won the race in 2008. Third place was Jamie Aarons who as far as I can see is a newbie on WHW race scene but was 4th women in the Highland fling. Then you’ve got last year’s winner Sharon Law who came 4th. Other amazing stories include George Reid and Keith Hughes who set off 25 hours before the start from Fort William. They ran to Rowerdenan, slept for a bit, got a lift to the start and then completed the WHW race. Covering 168 miles in 53 hours! Then there is Jim Drummond who ran the race for the 12th time, equalling the most number of times anyone has run the race, joining Adrian Stott and Alan Kay. So all in all, a high class field and really for anyone to complete the course, never mind in those conditions is just awesome and I’m enjoying reading all the reports. But like all ultras, the real winners are the ones that have the guts to be on that start line in the first place; whether they finish or not.
Now on to Western states 100 mile endurance run which takes place this weekend in the Sierra Nevada hills in California. Some might say other ultras in America are bigger but for me it looks like WS has the edge. Especially when you see this year’s line up! It could go anyway but the 3 names that stand out, and could potentially get under 16 hours and maybe even Scott Jurek’s record are Killian Journet, Anton Krupicka and Geoff Roes. The most exciting thing about these 3, is that this is the first time any of them have raced each other and first time any of them have done WS. Here is a brief background to each:
Geoff Roes – Lives in the Alaskan mountains. Geoff has won every 100 miler race he has entered. This year he has done 2, 50 milers. One called the American River 50 coming first in 5 hours 50 minutes and the other being the Bear Mountain 50 miler which according to his blog he just ran ‘steady’ to finish first in 7 hours. - blog is Fumbling towards endurance (on my blogs I follow section).
Anton Krupicka – Lives in Boulder, Colorado so altitude shouldn’t be a problem. Anton has won every ultra race he has finished. He has won the Leadville 100 miler twice and DNF (did not finish) once. This year he did the Miwok 100k in just over 8 hours which is the 2nd fastest time ever recorded on that course. - blog is Riding the Wind (on my blogs I follow section).
Killian Journet – I think lives in Spain – he is Spanish! He has won the UTMB (Ultra trail mount blanc 100) for the last 2 years which is the biggest ultra event in Europe. Has a blog which can be found from Anton's blog but I can't read Spannish, d'oh!
All these guys live and breathe the mountains and with the randomness that comes with ultras, anyone could take this. These guys are obviously the favourites but there are others of course who could win it. Hal Koener has won Western States the last 2 years and there are always people I have never heard of. So his experience of the course may pay off. Also the leaders could easily burn each other out! Britain’s representative/contender would have been Jez Bragg who was 3rd last year. But unfortunately he is just back from injury so is having to pass up on his place and focus on UTMB instead.
The women's race is set to be just as exciting with a number of women capable of breaking 20 hours and many 19 hours. Nikki Kimball has won the race 3 times and came 4th last year and is probably the favourite as her PB at WS is 18.12. Tracey Garneau has never ran WS before but is an experienced ultra runner, running 6 hours 43 minutes in the American River 50 miler earlier this year. Anita Ortiz won the race last year in a time of 18.24. Beverly Anderson-Abbs was second last year and has a PB on the course of 19.16. Then of course there are loads of others who could be up and around the podium positions depending on how everyone's race goes.
I can’t wait to see how it pans out!
So 2 races I’ve been looking forward to reading about are arguably the 2 most prestigious ultras in Scotland and the USA. Last weekend it was the West Highland Way race in bonnie Scotland. In the history of the race, I don’t think there has ever been a more deserving winner. Ritchie Cunningham came 3rd last year recording the 4th fastest time ever. He just happened to be racing 2 other people that day who recorded the 2nd and 3rd fastest time ever. Meaning that had it been any other year apart from the year Jez Bragg set the record he would have won. So this year, in hot conditions, he goes and records the 6th fastest time ever and this time he comes first.
So what about the competition for Cunningham this year? The answer is some serious quality! When I looked at the results I didn’t even recognise second place Mark Godale. But after a quick google search (Assuming I’ve got the right Mark Godale!) turns out this is one seriously good American runner. Marathon PB of 2.38 and he completed the Burning River 100 miler in 16 hours 16 minutes. George Cairns, an experienced WHWer, came 3rd. Meanwhile race leader up until the 50 mile mark, Craig Stewart who also won the Highland Fling 53 mile race earlier this year was 4th. No doubt he’ll be back as if Ritchie and George’s results show experience seems to count for a lot as both of them have improved throughout the years and with his other ultra results it shows he is capable.
In the women’s race there was another incredible feet reached and like the men a highly competitive race. Kate Jenkins won the race for a 6th time. Second place was Donna Utakis who won the race in 2008. Third place was Jamie Aarons who as far as I can see is a newbie on WHW race scene but was 4th women in the Highland fling. Then you’ve got last year’s winner Sharon Law who came 4th. Other amazing stories include George Reid and Keith Hughes who set off 25 hours before the start from Fort William. They ran to Rowerdenan, slept for a bit, got a lift to the start and then completed the WHW race. Covering 168 miles in 53 hours! Then there is Jim Drummond who ran the race for the 12th time, equalling the most number of times anyone has run the race, joining Adrian Stott and Alan Kay. So all in all, a high class field and really for anyone to complete the course, never mind in those conditions is just awesome and I’m enjoying reading all the reports. But like all ultras, the real winners are the ones that have the guts to be on that start line in the first place; whether they finish or not.
Now on to Western states 100 mile endurance run which takes place this weekend in the Sierra Nevada hills in California. Some might say other ultras in America are bigger but for me it looks like WS has the edge. Especially when you see this year’s line up! It could go anyway but the 3 names that stand out, and could potentially get under 16 hours and maybe even Scott Jurek’s record are Killian Journet, Anton Krupicka and Geoff Roes. The most exciting thing about these 3, is that this is the first time any of them have raced each other and first time any of them have done WS. Here is a brief background to each:
Geoff Roes – Lives in the Alaskan mountains. Geoff has won every 100 miler race he has entered. This year he has done 2, 50 milers. One called the American River 50 coming first in 5 hours 50 minutes and the other being the Bear Mountain 50 miler which according to his blog he just ran ‘steady’ to finish first in 7 hours. - blog is Fumbling towards endurance (on my blogs I follow section).
Anton Krupicka – Lives in Boulder, Colorado so altitude shouldn’t be a problem. Anton has won every ultra race he has finished. He has won the Leadville 100 miler twice and DNF (did not finish) once. This year he did the Miwok 100k in just over 8 hours which is the 2nd fastest time ever recorded on that course. - blog is Riding the Wind (on my blogs I follow section).
Killian Journet – I think lives in Spain – he is Spanish! He has won the UTMB (Ultra trail mount blanc 100) for the last 2 years which is the biggest ultra event in Europe. Has a blog which can be found from Anton's blog but I can't read Spannish, d'oh!
All these guys live and breathe the mountains and with the randomness that comes with ultras, anyone could take this. These guys are obviously the favourites but there are others of course who could win it. Hal Koener has won Western States the last 2 years and there are always people I have never heard of. So his experience of the course may pay off. Also the leaders could easily burn each other out! Britain’s representative/contender would have been Jez Bragg who was 3rd last year. But unfortunately he is just back from injury so is having to pass up on his place and focus on UTMB instead.
The women's race is set to be just as exciting with a number of women capable of breaking 20 hours and many 19 hours. Nikki Kimball has won the race 3 times and came 4th last year and is probably the favourite as her PB at WS is 18.12. Tracey Garneau has never ran WS before but is an experienced ultra runner, running 6 hours 43 minutes in the American River 50 miler earlier this year. Anita Ortiz won the race last year in a time of 18.24. Beverly Anderson-Abbs was second last year and has a PB on the course of 19.16. Then of course there are loads of others who could be up and around the podium positions depending on how everyone's race goes.
I can’t wait to see how it pans out!
Sunday 20 June 2010
14th to 20 June + WHW extended edition
This week was an up and down one.
Not surprisingly it took me till Wednesday till I was out running again and the good news is shin splints are completely gone and legs were only a wee bit stiff. So I just did 3 miles and felt good so upped it for the last 2.
On Thursday I went to the club thinking I was just going to do the warm up and warm down. One of the reasons for this is because it is the longest warm up/down at just over 2 1/2 miles down to Pollock Park. The actual session was daffodil hills which are right next to the back of Pollock Park House. I decided to start the session and see how I got on. It was 2 sets of 7 with 10 minutes rest in between. I actually got stronger as the session went on and the second set was faster than the first so very pleasing.
On Friday, Alex was up for a run round work at lunchtime which was about 2 miles. He did say at the start he just wanted to take it easy, but by the end he was saying he wanted to go out longer! But due to time restrictions it was just a short one today.
On Saturday it was down to Park run to help out with registration, then ran down to the gym to join as my upper body is seriously week at the moment and needs some work. So I have taken the plunge and if it benefits my running that will be a bonus but really its just to get some strength in my arms.
Today I had big plans for a long run but I knew as soon as I left the flat it just wasn't going to happen. I felt sluggish, sore throat and decided that instead of slogging out miles just for the sake of it and potentially make things worse. I came back after a mile and that was it.
So I have now done the extended edition of the WHW video from last week. Unfortunately the interviews with Stephen during it I could barely hear so decided it wasn't worth putting them in as even at the highest volume I'd no idea what he said. But there is some extra stuff in there. But apparently Stephen can hear them fine so will try and make another version at some point. Also tried to improve the volume balance between music and videos so hopefully that is better this time.
Half the West Higland way in a day from Stuart McBeath on Vimeo.
Not surprisingly it took me till Wednesday till I was out running again and the good news is shin splints are completely gone and legs were only a wee bit stiff. So I just did 3 miles and felt good so upped it for the last 2.
On Thursday I went to the club thinking I was just going to do the warm up and warm down. One of the reasons for this is because it is the longest warm up/down at just over 2 1/2 miles down to Pollock Park. The actual session was daffodil hills which are right next to the back of Pollock Park House. I decided to start the session and see how I got on. It was 2 sets of 7 with 10 minutes rest in between. I actually got stronger as the session went on and the second set was faster than the first so very pleasing.
On Friday, Alex was up for a run round work at lunchtime which was about 2 miles. He did say at the start he just wanted to take it easy, but by the end he was saying he wanted to go out longer! But due to time restrictions it was just a short one today.
On Saturday it was down to Park run to help out with registration, then ran down to the gym to join as my upper body is seriously week at the moment and needs some work. So I have taken the plunge and if it benefits my running that will be a bonus but really its just to get some strength in my arms.
Today I had big plans for a long run but I knew as soon as I left the flat it just wasn't going to happen. I felt sluggish, sore throat and decided that instead of slogging out miles just for the sake of it and potentially make things worse. I came back after a mile and that was it.
So I have now done the extended edition of the WHW video from last week. Unfortunately the interviews with Stephen during it I could barely hear so decided it wasn't worth putting them in as even at the highest volume I'd no idea what he said. But there is some extra stuff in there. But apparently Stephen can hear them fine so will try and make another version at some point. Also tried to improve the volume balance between music and videos so hopefully that is better this time.
Half the West Higland way in a day from Stuart McBeath on Vimeo.
Sunday 13 June 2010
West Highland Way Video - 12/06/10
http://stuartmcbeath.blogspot.com/2010/06/14th-to-20-june-whw-extended-edition.html
I found this useful in passing the time on the climbs and put my mind off what I was actually doing, especially early on. So I plan to do more for other races/training runs of length.
Steven's brother also took video's of us running in to meet him and also interviews with Steven. So if I manage to get a hold of them I'll do an extended edition.
I found this useful in passing the time on the climbs and put my mind off what I was actually doing, especially early on. So I plan to do more for other races/training runs of length.
Steven's brother also took video's of us running in to meet him and also interviews with Steven. So if I manage to get a hold of them I'll do an extended edition.
A wee jaunt down the west highland way
Background
This was Steven from my clubs big day which he has been planning for months. His fiftieth birthday is this month so to celebrate he wanted to run around 50 miles from Fort William southwards. I have been training with Steven and planned on running with him for 35 miles as I didn't want to go further than the Clyde Stride route next month which is 40 miles. That is until one of my fellow club members Jim put this on the Giffnock North messaage board on the Thursday before the run:
"Only slight disappointment is that young Stuart is only going to accompany him for a mere 35 miles. Come on Stuart,surely if the old buffer can do the whole thing you can manage it as well!"
So that put a whole different idea in my mind, both a competitive one and the thought that it might actually be a good idea to go for more than 40 as it would be a big boost ahead of Clyde Stride knowing I could do the distance. So I decided I would see how I was at Bridge of Orchy and take it from there.
Friday night
On Friday night I headed up to Bridge of Orchy where we stayed in a bunkhouse which was hired out by the club for the weekend. Giffnock do this every year and use it as a base to go hill walking or running. So it was an ideal weekend for Steven to choose for the run.
Saturday
We got up on Saturday morning at 5.45am and headed up to Fort William for 6.45am. Steven's brother Andy drove us up and would act as our support crew for the day which we really could not thank him enough. He would drive to points along the route which meant we only had to carry what we needed for each section and also store spare clothes.
Fort William to Lundavra
It may sound weird starting from Fort William and not doing the traditional south to north route, but since we weren't doing the whole WHW and Bridge of Orchy was our base it made sense. After a mile running up the road to Glen Nevis, the path turned right up the hill which meant a lot of walking but there were a few stretches of running through the forest which was so much fun. We ate something every half an hour. To start off with I had half a sandwich while Steven was using gels. When we reached Andy at Lundavra he was chatting away to the Caledonian challenge volunteers while we got new water and supplies and had a banana.
Lundavra to Kinlochleven
I like this stretch as you just feel like you are so far removed from civilisation. You go along a forest track which is in the middle of a valley with a river for company. After about 5 miles along this stretch, we started meeting the first of the WHW walkers coming the other way and one topic was first on the agenda: 'Are you doing the Caledonion Challenge?', 'Well done you're first!'. Steven and I had a difference of opinion on how to reply to this but both were a good laugh. I would be the honest one and say 'We're just doing this for a laugh', while Steven couldn't be bothered explaining and just thanked them. But I drew the line when it came to the volunteers and made sure they were aware that we weren't in 'the race'. I put race in inverted commas because I really don't see it as a race. I see it as a charity event as it is predominantly walkers. I know there is army guys and others who run it but at the end of the day getting money to the charity is the main aim. Unlike things like Devil o'highlands and Highland fling which are races on the west highland way where the aim is more for a time or winning. So basically even if I was doing the Cally challenge i wouldn't see us as being in first place, I see it as pushing ourselves and raising money for a good cause. Anyway so we got to Kinlochleven, the volunteers were trying to get us to go into the entrance to the Ice factor where the checkpoint was, so I explained.
Kinlochleven to Kingshouse
The climb up out of Kinlochleven is hard! It is the longest and highest ascent on the WHW from either direction. As I was getting towards the top my calves were burning but we made it and were rewarded with a brilliant downhill down the Devil's staircase. Half way down there were photographers with well fancy cameras about to take our photos. I knew they were there for the challenge so I waved to say 'Not in it', so we chatted for a bit and we were telling them what we were doing and took our photos anyway! We got to Kingshouse and were making good time. So again reloaded. It was getting a bit breazy so I changed into my long sleave top.
Kingshouse to Inveronan
I have never been over Rannoch Moor before but it sure won't be the last time I do it. Again you just feel like your in the middle of the wilderness. The climb out of Glencoe ski centre we walked all of it. Which meant when we got to the top we were charged up and ran loads on the down hill stretch to Inveronan. Andy met us on the bridge just before Inveronan and we made sure to have extra drinks as it was a long stretch over Rannoch Moor and it was heating up. So I changed into my vest and had another banana.
Inveronan to Bridge of Orchy
We decided to walk to the bottom of the hill and over it at Inveronan as we were ahead of schedule and we were meeting Steven's partner Jacqui in Bridge of Orchy. When we got to the top of the hill we could see Jacqui's train leaving the station. So we made out way down to Bridge of Orchy. We knew Andy was going to pick up Jacqui from the station take her and her stuff to the bunk house then join us till the end. The thing was because we were so early Jacqui still had to get sorted out and because we didn't have phones on us we weren't sure where they were. So we headed up to the hotel just in case and they weren't there. So Steven headed down to the bunkhouse which is at least a mile. Where he met them and he came back with Jacqui already to go. The thing was having hung about for about half an hour, Steven and I were raring to go again and Steven managed to forget his water! From my point of view here, there was never a moment were I even contemplated stopping here as I felt totally fine. I had been eating and drinking well and felt I could run whenever I wanted to .
Bridge of Orchy to Tyndrum
So it was good to have Jacqui on board as we walked up out of Bridge of Orchy. We ran for quite a while down the hill as we knew there was a long climb back up the other side. Steven was struggling a wee bit here but battled through it as we shared the water amongst us. By the time we were approaching Tyndrum he was fine again as this is where we met up with Steven's family who were joining us for the final stretch. We had our traditional ice cream which tasted so good as usual then headed off.
Tyndrum to the end
With a big group the pace is always going to vary greatly especially as most of Steven's family are not runners. However everyone gave it everything they had, while some went on ahead others pushed on behind. So we were walking bits, waiting, running a bit, walking etc. The advantage of finishing along this stretch is that Andy could pick up any of the kids who were struggling and take them to the end point. For the first time in the run I was going through a bad patch as shin splints started in my right shin. I knew it wasn't far so just ignored the pain and battled on. As we headed along past the Caledonion challenge tent a few of the kids took the opportunity to practice their moment of glory of running through the finish which was funny. While Steven and myself pushed on for our finish round the corner at the bridge which was a special moment for Steven with all his family there. As we congratulated each other and took a few pictures it was in to the river to cool off the legs. ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
We were just short of 50 miles in the end but at the end of the day, finishing the other side of Crainlarich was not an option for safety reasons and the big climb up for the others. I can totally understand why he chose the finish he did as it just wouldn't have been the same otherwise.
Afterwards
We headed back to Tyndrum for drinks and watched the start of the England game. Then headed back to the bunkhouse armed with fish suppers. The rest of the gang was there who went hill walking for the day and we had a lot of fun/laughes into the night.
What an amazing day: great company, great route, great support, great scenery, great weather....
Video here: http://stuartmcbeath.blogspot.com/2010/06/14th-to-20-june-whw-extended-edition.html
This was Steven from my clubs big day which he has been planning for months. His fiftieth birthday is this month so to celebrate he wanted to run around 50 miles from Fort William southwards. I have been training with Steven and planned on running with him for 35 miles as I didn't want to go further than the Clyde Stride route next month which is 40 miles. That is until one of my fellow club members Jim put this on the Giffnock North messaage board on the Thursday before the run:
"Only slight disappointment is that young Stuart is only going to accompany him for a mere 35 miles. Come on Stuart,surely if the old buffer can do the whole thing you can manage it as well!"
So that put a whole different idea in my mind, both a competitive one and the thought that it might actually be a good idea to go for more than 40 as it would be a big boost ahead of Clyde Stride knowing I could do the distance. So I decided I would see how I was at Bridge of Orchy and take it from there.
Friday night
On Friday night I headed up to Bridge of Orchy where we stayed in a bunkhouse which was hired out by the club for the weekend. Giffnock do this every year and use it as a base to go hill walking or running. So it was an ideal weekend for Steven to choose for the run.
Saturday
We got up on Saturday morning at 5.45am and headed up to Fort William for 6.45am. Steven's brother Andy drove us up and would act as our support crew for the day which we really could not thank him enough. He would drive to points along the route which meant we only had to carry what we needed for each section and also store spare clothes.
Fort William to Lundavra
It may sound weird starting from Fort William and not doing the traditional south to north route, but since we weren't doing the whole WHW and Bridge of Orchy was our base it made sense. After a mile running up the road to Glen Nevis, the path turned right up the hill which meant a lot of walking but there were a few stretches of running through the forest which was so much fun. We ate something every half an hour. To start off with I had half a sandwich while Steven was using gels. When we reached Andy at Lundavra he was chatting away to the Caledonian challenge volunteers while we got new water and supplies and had a banana.
Lundavra to Kinlochleven
I like this stretch as you just feel like you are so far removed from civilisation. You go along a forest track which is in the middle of a valley with a river for company. After about 5 miles along this stretch, we started meeting the first of the WHW walkers coming the other way and one topic was first on the agenda: 'Are you doing the Caledonion Challenge?', 'Well done you're first!'. Steven and I had a difference of opinion on how to reply to this but both were a good laugh. I would be the honest one and say 'We're just doing this for a laugh', while Steven couldn't be bothered explaining and just thanked them. But I drew the line when it came to the volunteers and made sure they were aware that we weren't in 'the race'. I put race in inverted commas because I really don't see it as a race. I see it as a charity event as it is predominantly walkers. I know there is army guys and others who run it but at the end of the day getting money to the charity is the main aim. Unlike things like Devil o'highlands and Highland fling which are races on the west highland way where the aim is more for a time or winning. So basically even if I was doing the Cally challenge i wouldn't see us as being in first place, I see it as pushing ourselves and raising money for a good cause. Anyway so we got to Kinlochleven, the volunteers were trying to get us to go into the entrance to the Ice factor where the checkpoint was, so I explained.
Kinlochleven to Kingshouse
The climb up out of Kinlochleven is hard! It is the longest and highest ascent on the WHW from either direction. As I was getting towards the top my calves were burning but we made it and were rewarded with a brilliant downhill down the Devil's staircase. Half way down there were photographers with well fancy cameras about to take our photos. I knew they were there for the challenge so I waved to say 'Not in it', so we chatted for a bit and we were telling them what we were doing and took our photos anyway! We got to Kingshouse and were making good time. So again reloaded. It was getting a bit breazy so I changed into my long sleave top.
Kingshouse to Inveronan
I have never been over Rannoch Moor before but it sure won't be the last time I do it. Again you just feel like your in the middle of the wilderness. The climb out of Glencoe ski centre we walked all of it. Which meant when we got to the top we were charged up and ran loads on the down hill stretch to Inveronan. Andy met us on the bridge just before Inveronan and we made sure to have extra drinks as it was a long stretch over Rannoch Moor and it was heating up. So I changed into my vest and had another banana.
Inveronan to Bridge of Orchy
We decided to walk to the bottom of the hill and over it at Inveronan as we were ahead of schedule and we were meeting Steven's partner Jacqui in Bridge of Orchy. When we got to the top of the hill we could see Jacqui's train leaving the station. So we made out way down to Bridge of Orchy. We knew Andy was going to pick up Jacqui from the station take her and her stuff to the bunk house then join us till the end. The thing was because we were so early Jacqui still had to get sorted out and because we didn't have phones on us we weren't sure where they were. So we headed up to the hotel just in case and they weren't there. So Steven headed down to the bunkhouse which is at least a mile. Where he met them and he came back with Jacqui already to go. The thing was having hung about for about half an hour, Steven and I were raring to go again and Steven managed to forget his water! From my point of view here, there was never a moment were I even contemplated stopping here as I felt totally fine. I had been eating and drinking well and felt I could run whenever I wanted to .
Bridge of Orchy to Tyndrum
So it was good to have Jacqui on board as we walked up out of Bridge of Orchy. We ran for quite a while down the hill as we knew there was a long climb back up the other side. Steven was struggling a wee bit here but battled through it as we shared the water amongst us. By the time we were approaching Tyndrum he was fine again as this is where we met up with Steven's family who were joining us for the final stretch. We had our traditional ice cream which tasted so good as usual then headed off.
Tyndrum to the end
With a big group the pace is always going to vary greatly especially as most of Steven's family are not runners. However everyone gave it everything they had, while some went on ahead others pushed on behind. So we were walking bits, waiting, running a bit, walking etc. The advantage of finishing along this stretch is that Andy could pick up any of the kids who were struggling and take them to the end point. For the first time in the run I was going through a bad patch as shin splints started in my right shin. I knew it wasn't far so just ignored the pain and battled on. As we headed along past the Caledonion challenge tent a few of the kids took the opportunity to practice their moment of glory of running through the finish which was funny. While Steven and myself pushed on for our finish round the corner at the bridge which was a special moment for Steven with all his family there. As we congratulated each other and took a few pictures it was in to the river to cool off the legs. ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
We were just short of 50 miles in the end but at the end of the day, finishing the other side of Crainlarich was not an option for safety reasons and the big climb up for the others. I can totally understand why he chose the finish he did as it just wouldn't have been the same otherwise.
Afterwards
We headed back to Tyndrum for drinks and watched the start of the England game. Then headed back to the bunkhouse armed with fish suppers. The rest of the gang was there who went hill walking for the day and we had a lot of fun/laughes into the night.
What an amazing day: great company, great route, great support, great scenery, great weather....
Video here: http://stuartmcbeath.blogspot.com/2010/06/14th-to-20-june-whw-extended-edition.html
Sunday 6 June 2010
Weekly Summary - 31st May to 6th June
Photo by someone who knows Chris Upson
This going to be the shortest post for a while because of the hill race in midweek.
On Monday I just did a leisurely 4 miles which felt good considering the previous Saturday's long run. Tuesday I was tempted to go out but decided against it because of the hill race the next night. I knew that I would need all the energy I could muster so resting was really the sensible option. Wednesday, deservedly had a post of its own and I'm still buzzing from it. There was quite a difference of opinion about the race amongst fellow club members. Some vowed never again while others are either already converted or are now. I actually enjoyed it so much I am trying to throw in other hill races. Cort ma law is this Wednesday but again I have put the sensible hat on and am going to miss it as a very long run is planned for next Saturday. The thing is as well, hill races are so easy to enter! You just turn up! Red Moss Revolution is another tempter as it is handy for me to get to and is later in the month so may do that.
Anyway, Thursday was a good day for another reason I have been converted to the hills. I felt pain in my legs! For the last few months training has been going so well that I have been recovering overnight. But because of using slightly different muscles and pounding more, I got that happy pain feeling. Ok maybe I'm just weird :-)
Anyway Thursday night I still went to the club and after the mile and a half warm up my legs had loosened up and was ready to go. We were doing the Roukenglen 10 route tonight. I was kind of stuck in the middle tonight. The A and B groups were away and everyone else was taking it easy as quite a few were doing the 10k on Sunday. But I managed to get one of the new guys Paul to go along at a steady pace. Once we reached half way though it was clear he was suffering and had a stitch. I was trying to get him to run though it but turns out he had a fish supper before he came out so lesson learned! So we took it easy till Whitecraigs train station. I was feeling great and my legs were litrally begging me to go fast. So I said to Paul to go straight down the road and I would take the long way round and meet him at the Eastwood toll. It was great to bash out a few fast miles as it doesn't feel like a Thursday session unless you speed it at some point.
Friday res... nope not this Friday. One of the guys fancied starting doing jogs on Friday lunch times, so I took my stuff in only to find a text saying he injured his leg. But it was such a nice day I did a quick 1.5 mile run round the office which is so nice as its got its own cross country track! It is awesome.
Saturday I went to the Park run with my bro and just went round with him at the pace he wanted. Didn't even look at the watch in the end and the way he started sprinting down the hill at the end maybe he paced it a bit too well! As last time he did it he went out so fast he was nearly walking down the same hill. He'll get it right eventually, it is on every week after all.
Photo by Shirley Tulloch
On Sunday I was planning a long run but I started running to the Roukenglen 10k and my legs felt like rubbish. So I just did 3 miles there and 3 miles back. The actual event went really well as Giffnock not only put on the event so there was tonnes of people I knew. They also had winners in the 5k for both men and women completely dominating the podiums. Then in the 10k, Luke Traynor from Giffnock won the race with Graeme Croll also from Giffnock third. My duties during the 5k was to shout out the numbers on the vests of the finishers and in the 10k I was marshalling the Deaconsbank golf club entrance which was interesting to say the least as some drivers were more patient than others!
Ok so maybe it wasn't such a short post :-)
Thursday 3 June 2010
02/06/10 - Kilpatricks Hill race
Last night was my second ever hill race. I had done a recky about a month ago but took a wrong turning early on but was on course for the rest of it. From the recky I thought that road shoes were the best option as quite a bit of it looked like it was on road and forest track. Since my fell shoes are still brand new I didn't want to wreck them on tarmac. So when I turned up and realised that a) most people were wearing trail/fell shoes and b) The start was a lot further up the road to where I thought it was which meant less time on tarmac; I knew I had made the wrong decision. So lesson learned and the race hadn't even started!
There was a record amount of Giffnock folk tonight for a hill race with 9 of us running along with Bernie, Doleen and Hazel supporting. The main reason for the big turnout was because it was part of the men's club championship. Therefore there was quite a few people there, like myself who wouldn't have run it otherwise. As previously mentioned I'm not in it for the championship, it's just good to turn up at a race and know people there. So I got there in plenty of time, paid the huge entry fee of £3 and got my number. Then headed to the start. I learnt from Tinto hill race, that the majority of people who run hill races are good at it too. It doesn't really attract the fun runners you get at 10ks and nowhere near the amount of people. So much so that you just turn up on the night and enter. Tonight there was 117 people entered the race which is actually the highest number they have ever had in this race. So I positioned myself pretty much at the back.
After a few announcements which I couldn't hear, I did hear 'GO!', so off we went. The first kilometre was on the road and had a gradual ascent. I knew it was important to take this easy as it would be so easy to go off too fast and in hill races you really do pay for it later! The course then went left across a field where Graeme Aitken was hanging supporting a fellow Lomond hill runner and gave me a shout. Then the steep bit started and is where Bernie was taking photos along Doleen and Hazel supporting. The slope alternated between steep and gradual eventually reaching the top. Most people seemed to walk the steep bits and jog the gradual. I even managed to overtake people who were attempting to run while I was walking! Once we reached the top I was sweating buckets as it was a muggy night. Then there was a steep and technical descent. This is where the hill shoes would have come in handy and also more practice at descending! I was overtaken by probably 4 or 5 people here. The course then went on to forest track, winding down to the reservoir which was nice easy running where you could stride out. The next hill then started but it was all runable until we turned left off the forest track. Then it was up and down till we reached the top of the second hill. I reckon that if I had done even a wee bit of training on hills this would have all been runable. Then there was the long, winding descent which crossed 2 burns and was soft underfoot. I was overtaken by a few people here, one lady from Carneigie and a Ochil hill runner.
By this point we were well over half way and we were on to the second reservoir which was nice up and down trail with a few boggy bits. The course then turned right across the dam and then we faced the last climb called 'The Slacks' which was not as big as the first climb, but bigger than the second. I overtook the Carnegie lady and the Kilmarnock Harrier up the climb and said to them 'I'll see you on the down' knowing they would pass me again. I was feeling surprisingly strong on the climb and managed to jog the gradual ascents until I reached the trig point where there was volunteers and supporters. So as I was running up to it, I raised my arms like Rocky, as I knew this was the last ascent of the day. Then I upped it and felt really good coming down. In fact it took a while for the Ochil hill runner to overtake me and the Carnegie lady overtook me just in the bit before the field. I was so knackered by this point my brain had switched off for most of the descent barring a few tricky bits. When the Carnegie lady overtook me she said 'See you on the road'. I really didn't expect to see her again till the finish. But I hadn't lost that much on the descent and wasn't far behind her. So when we got to the road I just went for it and managed to overtake her. I then just kept pushing down the tarmac and got to the finish. I stopped the clock at 1.03.57. I never really had any time expectations going in but if you told me before the race I would get this I would have been happy.
I spoke to a few people afterwards and overall Giffnock did really well with some great times. The winner was Deeside's Robbie Simpson who at 18, is already one of the best hill runners in Britain never mind Scotland and also broke his own course record. Due to no hill races being the same you can't really get a PB unless it is on the same course. But one of the things www.scottishhillracing.co.uk does is clever. They take your time, so 1.03.57 in my case. Then take the winners time which is 42.59 in this case. Then take the percentage of the winners time compared to your time. So the winner gets 100%. Then I would get about 150%. This way you can compare all the hill races you've done. The thing is of course is that it all depends on who turns up on the day! Some years I would have been below 140% but of course the two races I have done either Robbie Simpson or Prasad Prasad have turned up so my percentages have been higher. There are quite a few people in the hill running community who half jokingly/half seriously get wound up when Robbie, Prasad, Symonds or Rob Jebb along with others 'up their percentages' by running fast times but personally I'm not bothered. I can see why people get frustrated as you can run one race, one year and get 126%, then the next year get 140% by running faster time but higher percentage because someone really fast made it to that race. But its one of those sports where it is always going to be difficult to have a fair measure when every race is so different. I thought maybe you could use the current course record, instead of the winners time (unless it was a course record) but I have a feeling that might mess up the winners percentages.
So overall I am delighted with the way the race went as I really enjoyed it especially considering I have not done any proper hill work this year. It was amazing that one minute you are looking over Glasgow and the Clyde; then the next minute you are beside the most peaceful reservoirs with nothing but forests and hills for miles. Naturally I'll be back at some point to try and break the hour mark. It has also tempted me to concentrate on the hills after Loch Ness but in the mean time it's back to the roads.
There was a record amount of Giffnock folk tonight for a hill race with 9 of us running along with Bernie, Doleen and Hazel supporting. The main reason for the big turnout was because it was part of the men's club championship. Therefore there was quite a few people there, like myself who wouldn't have run it otherwise. As previously mentioned I'm not in it for the championship, it's just good to turn up at a race and know people there. So I got there in plenty of time, paid the huge entry fee of £3 and got my number. Then headed to the start. I learnt from Tinto hill race, that the majority of people who run hill races are good at it too. It doesn't really attract the fun runners you get at 10ks and nowhere near the amount of people. So much so that you just turn up on the night and enter. Tonight there was 117 people entered the race which is actually the highest number they have ever had in this race. So I positioned myself pretty much at the back.
After a few announcements which I couldn't hear, I did hear 'GO!', so off we went. The first kilometre was on the road and had a gradual ascent. I knew it was important to take this easy as it would be so easy to go off too fast and in hill races you really do pay for it later! The course then went left across a field where Graeme Aitken was hanging supporting a fellow Lomond hill runner and gave me a shout. Then the steep bit started and is where Bernie was taking photos along Doleen and Hazel supporting. The slope alternated between steep and gradual eventually reaching the top. Most people seemed to walk the steep bits and jog the gradual. I even managed to overtake people who were attempting to run while I was walking! Once we reached the top I was sweating buckets as it was a muggy night. Then there was a steep and technical descent. This is where the hill shoes would have come in handy and also more practice at descending! I was overtaken by probably 4 or 5 people here. The course then went on to forest track, winding down to the reservoir which was nice easy running where you could stride out. The next hill then started but it was all runable until we turned left off the forest track. Then it was up and down till we reached the top of the second hill. I reckon that if I had done even a wee bit of training on hills this would have all been runable. Then there was the long, winding descent which crossed 2 burns and was soft underfoot. I was overtaken by a few people here, one lady from Carneigie and a Ochil hill runner.
By this point we were well over half way and we were on to the second reservoir which was nice up and down trail with a few boggy bits. The course then turned right across the dam and then we faced the last climb called 'The Slacks' which was not as big as the first climb, but bigger than the second. I overtook the Carnegie lady and the Kilmarnock Harrier up the climb and said to them 'I'll see you on the down' knowing they would pass me again. I was feeling surprisingly strong on the climb and managed to jog the gradual ascents until I reached the trig point where there was volunteers and supporters. So as I was running up to it, I raised my arms like Rocky, as I knew this was the last ascent of the day. Then I upped it and felt really good coming down. In fact it took a while for the Ochil hill runner to overtake me and the Carnegie lady overtook me just in the bit before the field. I was so knackered by this point my brain had switched off for most of the descent barring a few tricky bits. When the Carnegie lady overtook me she said 'See you on the road'. I really didn't expect to see her again till the finish. But I hadn't lost that much on the descent and wasn't far behind her. So when we got to the road I just went for it and managed to overtake her. I then just kept pushing down the tarmac and got to the finish. I stopped the clock at 1.03.57. I never really had any time expectations going in but if you told me before the race I would get this I would have been happy.
I spoke to a few people afterwards and overall Giffnock did really well with some great times. The winner was Deeside's Robbie Simpson who at 18, is already one of the best hill runners in Britain never mind Scotland and also broke his own course record. Due to no hill races being the same you can't really get a PB unless it is on the same course. But one of the things www.scottishhillracing.co.uk does is clever. They take your time, so 1.03.57 in my case. Then take the winners time which is 42.59 in this case. Then take the percentage of the winners time compared to your time. So the winner gets 100%. Then I would get about 150%. This way you can compare all the hill races you've done. The thing is of course is that it all depends on who turns up on the day! Some years I would have been below 140% but of course the two races I have done either Robbie Simpson or Prasad Prasad have turned up so my percentages have been higher. There are quite a few people in the hill running community who half jokingly/half seriously get wound up when Robbie, Prasad, Symonds or Rob Jebb along with others 'up their percentages' by running fast times but personally I'm not bothered. I can see why people get frustrated as you can run one race, one year and get 126%, then the next year get 140% by running faster time but higher percentage because someone really fast made it to that race. But its one of those sports where it is always going to be difficult to have a fair measure when every race is so different. I thought maybe you could use the current course record, instead of the winners time (unless it was a course record) but I have a feeling that might mess up the winners percentages.
So overall I am delighted with the way the race went as I really enjoyed it especially considering I have not done any proper hill work this year. It was amazing that one minute you are looking over Glasgow and the Clyde; then the next minute you are beside the most peaceful reservoirs with nothing but forests and hills for miles. Naturally I'll be back at some point to try and break the hour mark. It has also tempted me to concentrate on the hills after Loch Ness but in the mean time it's back to the roads.
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