This time last year I was up Carnethy hill watching the hill race. I was half tempted to go again - but running on the West Highland Way was more appealing.
I had heard from Norry that last time he was up there, Beinglass farm was closed for refurbishment. So I phoned them on the off chance, that since it was getting refurbished if we could park there. But no one was there/answering so Drovers Inn it was. I drove up and met Ann, Sue, and Helen there. They put some stuff in my boot then onwards to Auchentyre. We set off about 9am where they were planning to run to Inversnaid and back and I was aiming to do as much as possible.
On Friday I bought I hydro pack as Sue said it would be a lot easier. So thought no better time to try it than the present. The journey up through Crainlarich was awesome. The forecast was snow but in fact it was very mild with high clouds so we got some cracking views. There was still some snow but not enough for spikes. Then after about 3-4 miles I managed to make the nozzle for my hydro pack fall off. I put it back on but I could only get little bits of water out and even that was a great effort. So I was going to Beinglass farm probably having drank 200mls in the first 10 miles. Not an ideal start to a long run especially as I usually try and drink 750 mls for 10 mile stretches or 500 mls for 7 mile stretches.
It was the first time I had been on the section between Crainlarich and Beinglass farm and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of terrain and paths. There was also an awesome waterfall which I'll need to get a picture of next time I'm on that stretch.
Just before getting to Beinglass Farm, Helen fell awkwardly on her ankle and was limping for quite a bit. But she still managed to keep going. Once we got to Beinglass Farm we had a chat about a plan of action. I had to go to the car and get bottles of water and dump the hydro pack. So we decided that while I would do that, they would get to Inversnaid and I would turn round when I met them on their return. So I headed off to the car, had a bannana restocked with frusli bars. I was eating marmite sandwiches which I used a lot last year. But I don't know if it was because of the lack of water I was taking in. But I found them really hard to swallow. I also changed into my Hokas to give them a good test on the trails, since there were no icy patches on the high ground.
Off I went to Inversnaid, with some fantastic views down Loch Lomond. I got to the fun bit along the shoreline and found there were a lot of branches along the path from all the bad weather. So I cleared some of the bigger branches, as I was thinking - can't have the lead runners in the Fling getting injured because of branches!
I was wondering how far I would get before meeting them and it must have been about 200-300 meters short of the hotel as I could see it. They had a nice break though. On the way back I started to feel it and I am pretty much certain it's down to not hydrating early enough. I was tripping up quite a bit on the technical stuff. I have to remember that I have to lift my foot up a wee bit more with the Hokas as they have that extra inch on them. But they are fine on the less technical sections and road
I got to Beinglass Farm and ran back to the Drovers Inn, making I reckon about 25.5 mile including getting to the Drovers Inn. The ladies went on to Carmyle Cottage where I met them so they could re-stock before I headed home and they headed to Auchentyre.
Showing posts with label West Higland Way. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Higland Way. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Monday, 24 January 2011
Catch up - Running and skiing
Couple of weeks to catch up on
The first week I probably had one of the best weeks of training and really surprised myself . On Monday I had a rest day.
Tuesday I went to what I think is the hardest Merry. I took it easy for the first couple of reps then started increasing the pace and by the end of it I was sprinting up it. What I thought was a steep hill now it seems a lot less daunting.
Wednesday I can't really remember much about the run but did 4.7 miles.
Thursday I went to the club which I thought I wasn't going to make because my train was cancelled and had to get the bus home but I still made it. I'm glad I did as I had a great session. I went with the B group which only had 4 of us. I managed to keep up for 4 reps and was delighted to get them under 4 minutes. That was enough for me and for the last rep I just cruised round with the back of the C group.
Friday I did a run round Gogarburn with Alex which was great.
Saturday I was on the WHW with Sue, Ann and Mandy. I had a great time. We headed off from Auchentyre towards Crainlarich. It was really icey under foot and it was slow going out. Some bits were runnable but others were we just went on the snow on the side. We got to a river though which looked wild so we decided the best option would be to turn back and head towards bridge of orchy. At which time we put on our spikes and found it a lot easier to run back. I even found that spikes were fine on the trails which weren't icy. Lesson Learned! Once we got back to the road crossing we took off our spikes and went to Tyndrum. We jogged off for a bit then Mandy and I turned back as Mandy wanted a shorter run and I didn't want to burn myself out before the holiday. So Ann and Sue went off to Inveronan and back to Tyndrum where Mandy and I met them at the Real Food cafe.
So a fun day out. Sunday was off to France, skiing. The first half of the week was great and loved the skiing. The second half of the week I began to feel mentally worn out to the point I burst into tears on the slope. Sometimes I just think too much. This doesn't happen often, but when it does I really do need my friends and family to come through which they are doing with flying colours. I'm off work at the moment trying to recouperate but I hope to be back as soon as possible.
The first week I probably had one of the best weeks of training and really surprised myself . On Monday I had a rest day.
Tuesday I went to what I think is the hardest Merry. I took it easy for the first couple of reps then started increasing the pace and by the end of it I was sprinting up it. What I thought was a steep hill now it seems a lot less daunting.
Wednesday I can't really remember much about the run but did 4.7 miles.
Thursday I went to the club which I thought I wasn't going to make because my train was cancelled and had to get the bus home but I still made it. I'm glad I did as I had a great session. I went with the B group which only had 4 of us. I managed to keep up for 4 reps and was delighted to get them under 4 minutes. That was enough for me and for the last rep I just cruised round with the back of the C group.
Friday I did a run round Gogarburn with Alex which was great.
Saturday I was on the WHW with Sue, Ann and Mandy. I had a great time. We headed off from Auchentyre towards Crainlarich. It was really icey under foot and it was slow going out. Some bits were runnable but others were we just went on the snow on the side. We got to a river though which looked wild so we decided the best option would be to turn back and head towards bridge of orchy. At which time we put on our spikes and found it a lot easier to run back. I even found that spikes were fine on the trails which weren't icy. Lesson Learned! Once we got back to the road crossing we took off our spikes and went to Tyndrum. We jogged off for a bit then Mandy and I turned back as Mandy wanted a shorter run and I didn't want to burn myself out before the holiday. So Ann and Sue went off to Inveronan and back to Tyndrum where Mandy and I met them at the Real Food cafe.
So a fun day out. Sunday was off to France, skiing. The first half of the week was great and loved the skiing. The second half of the week I began to feel mentally worn out to the point I burst into tears on the slope. Sometimes I just think too much. This doesn't happen often, but when it does I really do need my friends and family to come through which they are doing with flying colours. I'm off work at the moment trying to recouperate but I hope to be back as soon as possible.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Club Christmas Handicap/WHW/and the rest
What a week! Full of ups and downs.
On Monday the pavements were getting really icy, so I decided to stick to main roads all the way round. This meant extending my route round to include Shawlands. It worked well and the pavements were fine on the main roads.
On Tuesday I had a really fun run. It was one of those I thought to do a 10-11 miler but at the same time I didn’t plan my route till I got to junctions. I ended up going up past Hampden which I liked because there are some good hills round there before heading off to Kilmarnock road and following the roads round. Somehow it came to exactly 10 miles door to door!
During that run though I was beginning to get a niggle on the inside of my right leg at sock line. I have had this before but usually ice does the trick. So I iced it that night and decided on Wednesday to do 3 miles to let it recover. By Thursday it was fine again so went up to the club and did the Handicap route. We started off fairly easy until just before the first mile, when I could feel Kevin who I was running with increase the pace. We pushed each other all the way round and ended up finishing the 4.6/4.7 mile run in 35.38 which was just a minute slower than last year’s time.
On Friday it was my Christmas work night out. So I had a choice, run early in the morning or run late at night. I set the alarm early but couldn’t get out my bed so it would have to be later. I was planning on doing the park run on Saturday and doing runs elsewhere to get some mileage in until I got a phone call on the way home from Edinburgh from Ann from my club asking if I was up for doing a bit of the West highland way, so I didn’t need much persuasion! I thought this was off due to the weather but turns out it wasn’t. So I got home at 9pm and had to go to the shops to get food for tomorrow. So I turned that into my run, doing 1 ½ miles out and back, 3 miles in all, stopping in the shop on the way back.
So Ann and Sue picked me up at 8am and we met Alison and Mandy at Balmaha. I know Ann, Sue and Alison well from my club but I didn’t know Mandy so made the point of running with her early on to get to know her. The first section towards Rowerdenan was icy in places but they could easily be avoided. I decided to wear my inov8’s today as we were going along beside the loch, I thought it wouldn’t be too bad and we saw Conic hill it hardly had any snow left on it. When we got to the road section, and the last trail bits before Rowerdenan. The trail got a lot icier in places. You had to go on the grass beside the path just to get some grip. We already made the choice just to go on the road for this section on the way back. When we got to Rowerdenan, Sue went into the hotel to make a booking and the rest of us used their facilities.
Mandy and Alison headed back to Balmaha. While Sue, Ann and myself headed for Invernaid. This was the first time I have been on this section and I’m not likely to forget it. The first mile, the road was just sheet ice and we were running on the edge of road on the snow covered grass which was a lot better for grip. Then there was the long climb up, followed by some short steep single track which had bits of ice but was easily avoided. We then got to a house which we couldn’t see any way to get there apart from the path. Sue reckoned it must be a bothy or something. We continued on and I really enjoyed being on good trails. We got to 14 miles from Balmaha and looked at our watches. We were about 2/3 miles from Inversnaid but it was 12.30pm so we decided just to head back as it had taken 3 hours to get out and we wanted to be back before it got dark. Then the snow started which we really weren’t expecting but we were all wrapped up enough.
Then things got dangerous. On the long descent down the forest track, the snow covered all the ice which was so easy to avoid on the way there as you could see it but now you couldn’t at all now. About 3 miles out from Inversnaid I had a fall, coming down on my left arm which took the full impact. It was agony! Sue and Ann were great and calmed me down. I had a seat as I was feeling a bit light headed. This is when we saw another runner (who was the only person we’d seen on the WHW), turns out it was Jamie who came 3rd women at the WHW race this year. She was running from Bridge of Orchy to Milngavie. She stopped and said hi as she knew Sue then on she went. I sat for 5 minutes just eating and drinking.
When I got up it took me a while to get going and my confidence had gone so was just taking it really easy. Irony is I had brought my micro spikes but left them in the car as I thought I didn’t need them. Lesson learned! My arm was sore when running or walking. At the time I thought I’d still make it back to Balmaha but with a mile left to Rowerdenan, my sensible head took over and I said to Sue I was stopping at Rowerdenan. They seemed happy to do that too. Luckily for us we knew Alison and Mandy were hanging at the Oak Tree in and came and collected us. I couldn’t thank them all enough! I did really enjoy the run despite this. The company and the scenery were brilliant and it was good to get back in one piece! So 20 miles in 4 hours 38 minutes (including all stops and falls!) and it was my longest run since August. Other positives for the day was that I tried fruslie cereal bars and ride shots which worked well. Also I put NUUN in my water bottle, something I haven't done since Loch Ness training/race 2009 and that was fine too.
I put savlon on my arm and after assessing the damage it was just cut. It’s still sore to touch but I can run fine feeling no pain.
Today was the Club’s Christmas handicap where I completed the 4.6 miles in 33.42. My handicap was 34.00 so pretty close. To be honest I thought I had a chance of winning when I caught Gordon with a mile to go. But when I looked up Kilmarnock road and the 3 in front were out of site and filled the podium poisitons. With a about ¼ mile to go Luke past me and ended up getting the fastest time of the day, then a few others followed. The handicaps did work out really well this year (for me anyway!) with many of us within 3 minutes of each other. Will be interesting to see the final results. Most of the attention was on my Hokas which worked well today and was a good laugh seeing people’s reactions to them.
So overall a great week and my 3rd consecutive 50 mile plus week. Still on course for Marcothon and the arm is just sore to touch now.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
WHW = West Highland Wollercoaster
Another solid week in the bag.
Monday I was feeling surprisingly good after Sunday's hill run. Usually my legs are aching but I think because of the soft ground my legs didn't take as much of a pounding as they would have. So 4.5 miles nice and easy and felt really springy.
Tuesday was an interesting one. I set out to do a short loop of all the Merries. After a mile warm up, I started on the first one, then the second. When I was going up the third, I thought to myself that I really fancy doing a flat tempo run as I haven't done one in a while. So I set off up the main road and did a 5k tempo run. I felt like I was pushing it and was sure I was doing 7 minute miles. When I got back and looked at my garmin stats to find I was going at 7.41 average pace I was quite surprised but there was a long gradual hill at one point. But even then I thought I was faster but it does show that maybe I don't push myself as hard when I'm by myself. I finished off with a mile warm down making about a 7 mile run.
Wednesday I just did a 4.5 mile loop again.
Then Thursday at the club! WOW! Now there are not many sessions at the club I get nervous about but tonights was definitely one of them! This session really takes everything out of you. The warm up is 1.5 miles with the last half mile being a gradual uphill. I had to make a decision tonight what group to go with as there wasn't really much scope for changing this week. I chose B group and decided no matter what I would stay with them to the end. The session is split into 3. The first is 5 times half mile loops. The first half is downhill, the second half is up with a steep finish. I placed myself at the back and most of the reps took the same pattern. I would by slightly off the pace downhill, then start reeling a few in, on the uphills. I made sure I didn't push it too much on the last steep hill, as there was still a long way to go. For these reps I was averaging between 6.11 and 6.20 pace.
The second part to the session is a quarter mile loop times 5. I thought this is where I would be totally lagging behind. Again the loop started flat, then downhill with an uphill finish. And again I was slightly off pace, flats and downs. Then reeled even more in on the up. This time the first rep was 6.26 pace. But the ones after were 6.04, 6.09, then 5.45 and 5.45 min per mile pace! The 3rd part to the session is long hills times 5. These are about 1/5th mile. There is a wee up bit followed by flat to about half way. Then there is a steep incline followed by the same steady climb that was in the 1/2 mile loops to finish. I found this was really where I came into my own and was running with the group for the first couple. Then it got spread out because you wouldn't stop at the top or bottom. For these reps I averaged between 6.48 and 6.57 mins per mile pace so very pleasing to get under the 7 minute mile pace for all reps especially the hills. After it everyone shakes hands then gets back to huffing and puffing. Then saunter back to the club to finish off what adds up to a 9 mile session.
Friday I went with Alex on a 2 mile loop in Gogarburn. Not as muddy as last week, but still soft.
Saturday I was planning on doing the park run with Gary and Michael, but slept in. Gary came 10th and Michael 3rd! I got up feeling a bit rubbish and really struggled round my 4.5 mile loop. I use to have rubbish Saturday runs all the time, are they back again? I wouldn't be surprised though if I hadn't fully recovered from Thursday!
Sunday I took a trip up to Balmaha and ran to Rowerdenan and back on the West Highland Way. I see this as the start of my Highland Fling training and also I had an urge to do some distance again. I have never done this stretch before so didn't really know what to expect. I knew the road was up and down but I don't think I realised just how hilly this stretch would be on the way. This again reiterates my thoughts of the WHW of being like a rollercoaster, it seems to go up and down most of the way. But that is the great thing about it! I tried to run as much as I could, although there were quite a few hills where I walked. The way out I did it in 1.22.45 and the way back 1.21.43. I did think I was running more of the hills on the way back but maybe not as I definietley wasn't running slower. Overall though I absolutely loved this run, I like forest running at the best of times but when you have views over Loch Lomond too it's just awesome. My pacing averaged out at 10.35 pace. It may seem a bit early to be thinking about pacing for the fling but the time limit for senior males is 13 hours, which equates to just over 4 miles an -hour. This is more than do-able but my pacing really has to be spot on.
Next month signals that start of Marcothon which is an event devised by the Consani clan. Basically the challenge is to run everyday in December, a minimum of 3 miles or 25 minutes which ever comes first. I've decided to try and do this in November as a trial and so far so good. I've decided to ignore the 3 mile bit as Friday's with all that's going on at the moment, I can get out for a run but would be pushing it to do 3 miles. So as long as I get out every day and average at least 3 miles that will be fine with me. Whether I have to change it to my own event like Stueython as I don't meet the criteria to Marcothon will have to wait and see, haha!
Monday I was feeling surprisingly good after Sunday's hill run. Usually my legs are aching but I think because of the soft ground my legs didn't take as much of a pounding as they would have. So 4.5 miles nice and easy and felt really springy.
Tuesday was an interesting one. I set out to do a short loop of all the Merries. After a mile warm up, I started on the first one, then the second. When I was going up the third, I thought to myself that I really fancy doing a flat tempo run as I haven't done one in a while. So I set off up the main road and did a 5k tempo run. I felt like I was pushing it and was sure I was doing 7 minute miles. When I got back and looked at my garmin stats to find I was going at 7.41 average pace I was quite surprised but there was a long gradual hill at one point. But even then I thought I was faster but it does show that maybe I don't push myself as hard when I'm by myself. I finished off with a mile warm down making about a 7 mile run.
Wednesday I just did a 4.5 mile loop again.
Then Thursday at the club! WOW! Now there are not many sessions at the club I get nervous about but tonights was definitely one of them! This session really takes everything out of you. The warm up is 1.5 miles with the last half mile being a gradual uphill. I had to make a decision tonight what group to go with as there wasn't really much scope for changing this week. I chose B group and decided no matter what I would stay with them to the end. The session is split into 3. The first is 5 times half mile loops. The first half is downhill, the second half is up with a steep finish. I placed myself at the back and most of the reps took the same pattern. I would by slightly off the pace downhill, then start reeling a few in, on the uphills. I made sure I didn't push it too much on the last steep hill, as there was still a long way to go. For these reps I was averaging between 6.11 and 6.20 pace.
The second part to the session is a quarter mile loop times 5. I thought this is where I would be totally lagging behind. Again the loop started flat, then downhill with an uphill finish. And again I was slightly off pace, flats and downs. Then reeled even more in on the up. This time the first rep was 6.26 pace. But the ones after were 6.04, 6.09, then 5.45 and 5.45 min per mile pace! The 3rd part to the session is long hills times 5. These are about 1/5th mile. There is a wee up bit followed by flat to about half way. Then there is a steep incline followed by the same steady climb that was in the 1/2 mile loops to finish. I found this was really where I came into my own and was running with the group for the first couple. Then it got spread out because you wouldn't stop at the top or bottom. For these reps I averaged between 6.48 and 6.57 mins per mile pace so very pleasing to get under the 7 minute mile pace for all reps especially the hills. After it everyone shakes hands then gets back to huffing and puffing. Then saunter back to the club to finish off what adds up to a 9 mile session.
Friday I went with Alex on a 2 mile loop in Gogarburn. Not as muddy as last week, but still soft.
Saturday I was planning on doing the park run with Gary and Michael, but slept in. Gary came 10th and Michael 3rd! I got up feeling a bit rubbish and really struggled round my 4.5 mile loop. I use to have rubbish Saturday runs all the time, are they back again? I wouldn't be surprised though if I hadn't fully recovered from Thursday!
Sunday I took a trip up to Balmaha and ran to Rowerdenan and back on the West Highland Way. I see this as the start of my Highland Fling training and also I had an urge to do some distance again. I have never done this stretch before so didn't really know what to expect. I knew the road was up and down but I don't think I realised just how hilly this stretch would be on the way. This again reiterates my thoughts of the WHW of being like a rollercoaster, it seems to go up and down most of the way. But that is the great thing about it! I tried to run as much as I could, although there were quite a few hills where I walked. The way out I did it in 1.22.45 and the way back 1.21.43. I did think I was running more of the hills on the way back but maybe not as I definietley wasn't running slower. Overall though I absolutely loved this run, I like forest running at the best of times but when you have views over Loch Lomond too it's just awesome. My pacing averaged out at 10.35 pace. It may seem a bit early to be thinking about pacing for the fling but the time limit for senior males is 13 hours, which equates to just over 4 miles an -hour. This is more than do-able but my pacing really has to be spot on.
Next month signals that start of Marcothon which is an event devised by the Consani clan. Basically the challenge is to run everyday in December, a minimum of 3 miles or 25 minutes which ever comes first. I've decided to try and do this in November as a trial and so far so good. I've decided to ignore the 3 mile bit as Friday's with all that's going on at the moment, I can get out for a run but would be pushing it to do 3 miles. So as long as I get out every day and average at least 3 miles that will be fine with me. Whether I have to change it to my own event like Stueython as I don't meet the criteria to Marcothon will have to wait and see, haha!
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, 9 May 2010
Some days you just don't want to end...
That is how I felt after yesterdays epic adventure.
Stephen and myself set off for Crainlarich at 7am and got there about 8.30am. The plan for the day was to go on the West Highland Way from Crainlarich to Inveronon.... and back again. It was both our first attempts at beyond marathon distance but we were both pretty clued up on what strategy to take and what we were doing. So it was to run the flats and downs. If we were runnning for 15 minutes then we would walk unless we knew there was a long up coming up and then walk the ups. After a cold start we started our climb up to join the WHW which was about a kilometre which was really a warm up and it wasn't long till we were running in t-shirts. When we joined the WHW it continued to climb and then dropped a fair bit down to the road. We ate a sandwich pretty much every hour and took it out of each others bags while we were walking so that we kept moving forward. The first checkpoint was Tyndrum, then Bridge of Orchy and finally Inveronon. I took the chance at Inveronon to refill my water bottles as it was beginning to heat up.
On the way back we decided to have a stop at Tyndrum for an ice cream. It was a great incentive to keep going and tasted so good! We then went over to Auchentyre farm and then we were climbing back up to Crainlarich. I kept on thinking that the climb was short but it lasted for ages! My legs were still feeling good though and I was actually running some of the more gradual ascents. In fact I was actually shocked at how my legs felt after 32 miles (30. something on the actual WHW). We paced it really well, Actual movement time on the way was 6 3/4 hours. Everything including breaks and up and down to Crainlarich was probably about 7 3/4 hours. But today wasn't really about time it was more about getting use to spending time on feet. Stephen also enjoyed it and he is looking good for his ultra adventure next month.
I have never done this section before and have to say I loved it! The scenery, the trails and the weather helped too!
The good news is too that I had no stomach problems - I was just eating sandwiches and had one mars bar which took a while to digest but it got there. So I won't be eating mars bars again. Not surprisingly I'm tired today but my legs although tired are not sore. But my back and neck is which is down to my bag bouncing off my back and not having any sort of cushioning for it on it. So I'll need to buy a new backpack with some support and straps. In the end we didn't actually need the running for 15minutes walk for 5 minutes strategy as it was up and down most of the time. But this is something I'll need to practice before Clyde Stride. Will try this on the route in 10/20 mile sections.
This does just cap off an amazing few months. 4/4 PBs, Kintyre way relay and now my first successful attempt at plus 26 miles. Now it is back to training which I'm looking forward to as due to all the races I've not done proper training for the last few months.
Stephen and myself set off for Crainlarich at 7am and got there about 8.30am. The plan for the day was to go on the West Highland Way from Crainlarich to Inveronon.... and back again. It was both our first attempts at beyond marathon distance but we were both pretty clued up on what strategy to take and what we were doing. So it was to run the flats and downs. If we were runnning for 15 minutes then we would walk unless we knew there was a long up coming up and then walk the ups. After a cold start we started our climb up to join the WHW which was about a kilometre which was really a warm up and it wasn't long till we were running in t-shirts. When we joined the WHW it continued to climb and then dropped a fair bit down to the road. We ate a sandwich pretty much every hour and took it out of each others bags while we were walking so that we kept moving forward. The first checkpoint was Tyndrum, then Bridge of Orchy and finally Inveronon. I took the chance at Inveronon to refill my water bottles as it was beginning to heat up.
On the way back we decided to have a stop at Tyndrum for an ice cream. It was a great incentive to keep going and tasted so good! We then went over to Auchentyre farm and then we were climbing back up to Crainlarich. I kept on thinking that the climb was short but it lasted for ages! My legs were still feeling good though and I was actually running some of the more gradual ascents. In fact I was actually shocked at how my legs felt after 32 miles (30. something on the actual WHW). We paced it really well, Actual movement time on the way was 6 3/4 hours. Everything including breaks and up and down to Crainlarich was probably about 7 3/4 hours. But today wasn't really about time it was more about getting use to spending time on feet. Stephen also enjoyed it and he is looking good for his ultra adventure next month.
I have never done this section before and have to say I loved it! The scenery, the trails and the weather helped too!
The good news is too that I had no stomach problems - I was just eating sandwiches and had one mars bar which took a while to digest but it got there. So I won't be eating mars bars again. Not surprisingly I'm tired today but my legs although tired are not sore. But my back and neck is which is down to my bag bouncing off my back and not having any sort of cushioning for it on it. So I'll need to buy a new backpack with some support and straps. In the end we didn't actually need the running for 15minutes walk for 5 minutes strategy as it was up and down most of the time. But this is something I'll need to practice before Clyde Stride. Will try this on the route in 10/20 mile sections.
This does just cap off an amazing few months. 4/4 PBs, Kintyre way relay and now my first successful attempt at plus 26 miles. Now it is back to training which I'm looking forward to as due to all the races I've not done proper training for the last few months.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Saab Salomon Turbo X, Mugdock + WHW - 12/09/09
After a week of fun trail running, how could I possibly top it/finish it off?!
How about by running a 10 plus mile trail race followed by an out and back section of the West Highland way?! Ok then! So before the race started, I wanted to treat this more as a long training run and try and do about 22 miles all together, so on top of the race I wanted to try and run to Dumgoyne and back which adds up to approximatley 12 miles I think!
So I situated myself towards the back of the pack and aimed for a pace of about 10 minute miles. The course did not have mile markers so pacing was really just what you felt comfortable doing! I reckon the first couple of miles ish, were all on park paths. I think they do this to spread the field out before all the single track and fun stuff starts! I looked around at one point and saw the marshall at the back bringing up the rear. I never expected to be this far back but surely people had gone out too fast. This was my first time doing the event but looking at the course description and the way it is advertised - it sounds tough! So even though I was doing it as part of a longer run I think I would have taken it easy anyway (I right, lol).
Anyway after 2 ish miles we veered off the path and onto a boggy trail of long springy grass. The first real obstacle was a burn about 2 foot wide and quite deep. People were queueing up to get over it. Some seemed to stop and ponder how to get over it but i just went straight in and got straight back out. Then the route went back through that long, wet springy grass which was so nice to run on before turning back on to the path. The route then climbed up the first hill, but with a slight difference. There were dead trees on either sided and the actual track was up and down, with big puddles on every down. But there was a higher track you could take which avoided some of the puddles. Once reaching the top the hill, we went through more puddles till eventually going back down the other side where I managed to overtake a few people.
Then there was the water station which signified the half way point and I was feeling good. There were a couple of more uphills on the paths before veering right up a very steep slippery hill! people were sliding back down all over the shot. Must have been the shoes, but I managed to get a good grip and strided right up it over taking even more people. Then the second most fun bit of the race. A long trail, up and down through the forest, jumping over logs and the ocassional mud! I then heard music - Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses blasting out! But before I got to that bit there was thigh deep liquidy mud which went round a corner then gradually climbed out of it. I almost fell completely in, but somehow kept my balance.
Then I arrived at where the music was blasting out from. This section is the start of a 1-2 mile section of the most extreme terrain on the course and its also timed with chip mats. The start of it you go into cloud of smoke and you are just guessing you are going straight, when it cleared we were back on the trails. This time the mud was really thick, to the point where I was struggling to lift my leg up and thought I was going to lose a shoe! There were also steep rocky ascents and slippery decents. At one point a women let me past her as I was climbing over a log, forgetting that I was in a mud pit and splashed her, whoops! As the race results show though I did pretty well in this section. Going into it I was 318th going into the Turbo. For the actual Turbo section I did it in 23 mins 18 seconds and was the 236th fastest person to do that section.
After the Turbo X section finished it was all path with a nasty wee incline at the end. Overall I finished in 291st place in a time of 2 hours 2 minutes and 44 seconds. I actually completed the last section of the course between the turbo X finish and the actual finish in 7 mins 44 seconds which was 178th fastest for that section!
What an event! So much fun, I had a smile on my face for pretty much the whole race. Its not about getting a PB unless its for this specific course. Its about getting really muddy, challenging yourself against the tough course and enjoying the wonderful trails around Mugdock Park. You have to be patient at times because there are back logs at some of the obstacle as people try and find there ways round them with out getting too dirty! Trust me, in the end you will get dirty no matter what! I actually did most of my overtaking on the steep climbs and muddy bits. Just because I didn't think about it. I just went for it! At the end of the day the mud comes off.........after about half an hour in the shower! Also the goody bag was superb! An actual Salomon wicking t-shirt, for goodness shakes milk shake, water bottle, energy gel, fruit bar, training log etc etc.........Well worth the money!
Anyway now for phase 2. I dumped my goody bag in the car, had a few fudges and got my new water bottle and headed for the West Highland way which I reckon was about a mile away. I got there after a steep uphill and a very steep downhill. Joining the West Highland Way about the 3 mile mark there were plenty of walkers along the way asking how I got so dirty which was good banter. I decided just to run for an hour out the way and I pretty much got to where the WHW meets the A81 at Dumgoyne, then I turned back and realised I was really beginning to feel it! The first couple of miles back from Dumgoyne were flat which I managed ok, but then the hills got steeper and steeper and I walked every one of them and ran the flats and downs (the one or two that were there!). I was spent and it was really hot, I wish I had more water and thought 750 ml would be enough but not on this day. I got to the 3 mile mark on the WHW and headed up the road to the car park which I knew was only a mile away. But I had forgotton just how steep and long the hill was that I had ran down earlier. I struggled to walk up it! I finished in about 2 hours 18 minutes.
This was easily the toughest training run I have ever done, I have only ever been on my feet run/walking for that long once and that was the London marathon. In total I was run/walking for more than 4 hours 20 minutes. I don't know why I suffered so much in the last 4 miles. Maybe it was my mind, I definetley did not have enough to drink considering the heat for the 10-12 miler on the WHW. It may be because I haven't done a run lasting over 3 1/4 hours. Or it was just because of how technical the whole thing was! Or because i ran/walked 15 miles the day before with nearly 1000 metres of ascent? I don't know but I am still pleased to have completed this run (even with walking) and have my 3rd 20+ mile run in the bag.
3 weeks today until the Loch ness marathon! and planning another hard week this week and then its taper, taper, taper for the final two weeks.
Loch Ness Marathon Training week 13
What a week! This has been the most fun week of the year by far!
After spending the day recovering from the Great Scottish run the day before, I was pumped and ready to go on the Tuesday. Having the week off from work, I decided to take my running to new extremes. My brother and his girlfriend Nic were doing the West Highland way, so I decided to help them out as well as getting some good running in!
Ken and Nic spent the night in Rowerdenan Youth Hostel next to Loch Lomond which is about the 25 mile mark on the WHW. So I met them at 9am, took their bags and shoved them in the car so all they had to carry was day sacks that day. I then drove up to Inveranan (Beinglass farm) which is about the 40 mile mark of the WHW and parked at Drovers in. Steven and Liz met up with Ken and Nic and started walking towards Inveranan. Once at the Drovers I put on my trail shoes and headed the opposite way down the WHW. Straight up a big hill which I managed to run the most of the way up. The trail was so much fun with lots of puddles from all the rain. As I got down to the loch side, although a lot of it was not runnable it was fun going up and down all the rocky bits. I got to Inversnaid, the half way point at 12.10 which was only 10 minutes behind when the gang got there from the opposite direction. In effect it was the longest 7 miles I have ever done taking just over an hour an half, but if you've seen the trail you'd know why. I then grabbed some lunch with the gang and we walked to Inveranan which took just over 3 hours.
The Wednesday I just took it easy and did a 7 miler on the pavements around the south of Glasgow. Was a bit weird after Tuesday's escapeds, so decided to try out my new earphones which wrap around the ear and they were excellent so may use them in the future for easy runs. On all other runs I would barely pay attention to it as either I'm switched off or far too switched on!
On Thursday I thought about doing a speedwork session but then I thought about my schedule for the next few days and decided against it! I headed up to the Kingshouse Hotel in the afternoon which is in the Glencoe region to meet up with Nic and Ken who were just finishing their longest day yet on the WHW, 20 miles! So I had dinner with them and headed up them and headed up to my hotel in Kinlochleven.
On Friday morning I managed to set off running from Kinlochleven and headed up the hill on the opposite side of the Devil's Staircase. Man was it tough! I ran/walked all the way up and there was some breathtaking views. Then there was the fun bit! The descent! Dancing round the rocks and there was opportunities where I just tore down the hillside until I got down to the A82 where I ran round the hillside until Kingshouse Hotel was in sight, which is also where I met Ken and Nic. I reckon I managed about 7 1/2 miles in 1 hour 38. It may sound a little long but with about 500 metres of asecent over 4 1/2 miles! may have something to do with it! I then walked back up and down the otherside of the devil's staircase and headed back to Kinlochleven. Some of the folk on the trail actually recognised me from Inversnaid and stopped short of calling me a complete nutter! haha
and then there was Saturday........ which deserves a blog of its own!
After spending the day recovering from the Great Scottish run the day before, I was pumped and ready to go on the Tuesday. Having the week off from work, I decided to take my running to new extremes. My brother and his girlfriend Nic were doing the West Highland way, so I decided to help them out as well as getting some good running in!
Ken and Nic spent the night in Rowerdenan Youth Hostel next to Loch Lomond which is about the 25 mile mark on the WHW. So I met them at 9am, took their bags and shoved them in the car so all they had to carry was day sacks that day. I then drove up to Inveranan (Beinglass farm) which is about the 40 mile mark of the WHW and parked at Drovers in. Steven and Liz met up with Ken and Nic and started walking towards Inveranan. Once at the Drovers I put on my trail shoes and headed the opposite way down the WHW. Straight up a big hill which I managed to run the most of the way up. The trail was so much fun with lots of puddles from all the rain. As I got down to the loch side, although a lot of it was not runnable it was fun going up and down all the rocky bits. I got to Inversnaid, the half way point at 12.10 which was only 10 minutes behind when the gang got there from the opposite direction. In effect it was the longest 7 miles I have ever done taking just over an hour an half, but if you've seen the trail you'd know why. I then grabbed some lunch with the gang and we walked to Inveranan which took just over 3 hours.
The Wednesday I just took it easy and did a 7 miler on the pavements around the south of Glasgow. Was a bit weird after Tuesday's escapeds, so decided to try out my new earphones which wrap around the ear and they were excellent so may use them in the future for easy runs. On all other runs I would barely pay attention to it as either I'm switched off or far too switched on!
On Thursday I thought about doing a speedwork session but then I thought about my schedule for the next few days and decided against it! I headed up to the Kingshouse Hotel in the afternoon which is in the Glencoe region to meet up with Nic and Ken who were just finishing their longest day yet on the WHW, 20 miles! So I had dinner with them and headed up them and headed up to my hotel in Kinlochleven.
On Friday morning I managed to set off running from Kinlochleven and headed up the hill on the opposite side of the Devil's Staircase. Man was it tough! I ran/walked all the way up and there was some breathtaking views. Then there was the fun bit! The descent! Dancing round the rocks and there was opportunities where I just tore down the hillside until I got down to the A82 where I ran round the hillside until Kingshouse Hotel was in sight, which is also where I met Ken and Nic. I reckon I managed about 7 1/2 miles in 1 hour 38. It may sound a little long but with about 500 metres of asecent over 4 1/2 miles! may have something to do with it! I then walked back up and down the otherside of the devil's staircase and headed back to Kinlochleven. Some of the folk on the trail actually recognised me from Inversnaid and stopped short of calling me a complete nutter! haha
and then there was Saturday........ which deserves a blog of its own!
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