In The Zone

I was on a training course a couple of weeks ago about 'Constructive (Non-Violent) Communication'.  After the week I've just had, this sub-title of non-violent makes me laugh (well, sometimes you just have to....either that, or drink a lot of red wine, which is what happened first...).  I was reflecting on this a lot today, as Bob, Mossy Dog and I trotted along the WHW from Rowardennan to Doune Bothy and back (more of this later)!

One of the themes on the course was about how you approach your day/life/communications, and the impact that can have on those around you, and how they respond to you.  There were 4 (maybe 5 but I can only remember 4) levels:  Over the Top; In the Zone; Bad Day; Bad Life.  I like to try and adopt an 'in the zone' approach to most things, and think that most runners, especially those of the trail/ultra persuasion tend to be the same.  This really is the optimum place to be to get the best from yourself and those around you.  This week, I've been challenged (and on one occasion by what would verge on the more violent side of communication!), by others who are most definitely in the 'Bad Life' phase of the model.  What is it with some people not accepting responsibility for choices they themselves have taken, and apportioning blame and resentment on those around them?!

Anyway, I'm not going to dwell on the in's and out's of that, suffice to say, there's just no need! And that I'm happy that I'm an 'in the zone' runner, and surrounded by a lot of other like-minded friends!

Today was a run designed to over-come my wondering about the 'tricky' and much talked about section of the (WHW) Highland Fling route past Inversnaid, and get a 20+ miler in the bag.  So off we set, me, Bob and Moss in the dreich foggy damp, nil visibility through the forest and off towards Inversnaid.

The first 7 miles were fine (cheeky 'wee' hill not far out of Rowardennan made us adopt the 'ultra runners can walk the hills' mantra), and we hardly saw a sole (1 walker just out of the car park, and one runner (Neil Gibson I think) just before Inversnaid).  Eating and drinking to more of a plan, was the order of the day, and I think we both did ok on that front...albeit desperate for a vat of diet coke when we were done!  And luckily we'd both prepared so had plenty waiting for us!

The next section...the 'tricky bit' wasn't actually as bad as anticipated....I actually quite like that kind of stuff (when awake enough and paying attention!) and there were only a couple of bits I thought could be problematic on race day.  We'd planned to do 20 miles, but went on a wee bit further to ensure I'd seen all of the bad bit (thanks Bob!)).  A wee snack, change of gloves/buff and headed back to Inversnaid, passing a few more runners on the way (including 4 boys who appeared to be having a 'who can wear the most fluro clothing' competition!)

Inversnaid Waterfalls

Noticed a missed call from Clark when I stopper to take the photo....(a) wondering what was taking me so long and (b) to tell me he'd bought me a jam donut and it might not survive if I didn't run fast enough to get home before he ate it!  So that was cause to scoff my 'emergency' Mrs Tilly's (only 2 squares!!)

After the big climb about 3 miles from home, we managed to push the last couple of miles (downhill, LOL), thinking the car park must be closer than it really was, and I even managed an extra lap of the carpark to tip the Garmin over 21 miles!

A great day's running, no falling, and I think I've easily replaced the calories burnt off!  Quads a wee bit achy from all the extra big steps and clambering....here's hoping all's good tomorrow as I think I've a 6 to do!