I feel the need.....the need for speed...(relatively speaking!)

Time flies when you're having fun!  I meant to start this post at the weekend, and now, all of a sudden, it's Wednesday, half-way through my holiday, and I'm only just putting a word on the screen!

I don't "do" speedwork...unless you count the training runs I do with Clark, since he is a significantly stronger/faster/more gutsy runner than I...that I inevitably try harder to keep up with him when we do go out together. I know there is mixed opinion on speedwork for ultra's, but in reality, most of the time it's a struggle to find time to train, never mind do speedwork!

Last weekend however brought the opportunity for a little "racing" over "short" distances, due to heading to Nethy for a week's holiday.

The A9!

Saturday was the Newtonmore 10 miler, starting at 11am...and on the way North, so no excuses really (even the drama of the A9 being closed for 24 hours before seemed not to get in our way!).  

The race itself was ok.....quite expensive I thought for a fairly basic, flat out and back (£16 entry which included a local beer), although we didn't stay for post-race scoff and awards (because the Mountain Cafe Aviemore all day breakfast was calling our names!!).  



The conditions were baltic (headwind all the way out) and snowy underfoot, so we both opted for trail shoes despite the terrain being mostly tarmac and cycle path.  The field seemed to be pretty evenly split between those in trail vs. those in road shoes.  Outbound the trail shoes were an advantage, gripping through the snow, and making me feel I had a wee edge over the road shoe runners...in fairness though I think they benefited on the return!  I did the usual race strategy and set off faster than I usually run (a 7:59 first mile), and tried to sustain it (8:21 average), although a poor fuelling strategy made the last couple of miles pretty tough going!  A decent enough time though at 1:22..and I only go overtaken by 3 runners on the return leg.....so I'll notch that one up as a speed-work session!



Sunday brought the "unofficial" invite only off road "half-marathon" at Munlochy on the Black Isle. When the alarm went off first thing, we both felt the affects of running 10 fast miles on tarmac in trail shoes the day before.....but this was the event we had both wanted to do, so, nothing for it, but MTFU, get the kit on, in the car and off we go!  Entry fee for this one was much more reasonable....cakes, a flask of tea/coffee and an optional donation to help the organiser's son go to the special Olympics!  A quick pre-race briefing in the village hall, followed by a mad car dash up to the Mount Eagle mast before the 11am start.  

Me, Cori and Kate (from Cairngorm Runners

Dogs were allowed to run too, so Cori got to try out his new cani-x kit (which worked pretty well, although I don't think made me run any faster!).  He ran with me the first 9.5 miles (by which point Clark had finished, coming 2nd no less!!!!), so I dropped Cori off on the way back through for the second section.  A really nice off road route with a few challenging hills in it, and some options for those who didn't want to do the full route (12.2miles), or wanted to bike it.  First Aiders on bikes and marshalls on all the key junctions, and on bikes were all on hand, as well as an official photographer!  Great organisational efforts put in for a "social" run.  I think there were maybe 30-40 people in all, and there was talk of making it official in year's to come as it was thoroughly enjoyable!  I still count this as speedwork as my average of 9:37 miles is faster than my usual!

Running through Ryvoan Pass

So, now we're firmly entrenched in Nethy Bridge, enjoying the peace and quiet....both pretty tired from the hustle and bustle of "normal" life, combined with a weekend of speed!  

Managing to make the most of the beautiful surroundings though, with a 15 miler yesterday through the Ryvoan Pass...at a "better" pace....albeit the last 4 miles were all around 9:30 or less....!  A sports massage yesterday, a rest day today and a 30ish miler planned for tomorrow!  All peppered with good scoff, and a few cakes/wine!  Perfect holiday!  Just can't believe how quickly the time is passing!

Lochan by Ryvoan

Oh yes, and we managed to find time to join Cairngorm Runners club....the things I'll do for a discount at the Mountain Cafe!!

So, that's all for now....back to the log fire, and to raise a glass to toast absent friends!

Run on, and stay safe.....