Combustion

BOOOOOM! Well.....nearly....!

I don't know if it's early taperitis, hormones or just a whole heap of mad stuff all going a bit bonkers at the same time, but maaaaaaan, it's getting increasingly stressful day by day, and keeping that spark from setting off the fuse is becoming a touch and go experience!

Not just a drip of blood -
actual cut right down

The irrational tears have started.  Thinking about the prize giving on 22nd June (I'll WILL be there collecting the first of my goblets for achieving something crazy and amazing); thinking about some of the superstars who'll be completing the race for their first, second, tenth or anything in between; reading blogs from those who've been there, done it, whether running or supporting (sometimes the crew blogs are the hardest...these guys selflessly sacrificing so much time and effort to help a friend achieve their dream); thinking about those who've had to withdraw from the race due to illness and injury; from stressing about running to much, too little, about not getting enough sleep, about not getting injured (at which point I promptly fell), about getting ill, about lists, planning and preparation; about work.......and well, about pretty much everything really!

However, the big miles are all done, it's all to play for now.  With just 3 weeks left to get through! Eeek!

And I've had some pretty good training runs (aside from the Glen Turret one where I fell!).  Last weekend we were up in Plockton for the Bealach Beag cycle sportive.  A weekend of mixed emotion as Clark's dodgy back has been bad so he decided not to risk racing.  Gutting for him as the training had been looking good, and the conditions on race day were as near perfect as we've ever seen in the 6 or so years we've gone up for the event.  On the plus side, dinner at the Plockton Inn (twice!) was to die for, and it was a great escape from a stressful week, with some great company, and the chance to see my eldest brother and some friends do well in the event.

Glenelg - from the ferry deck

On the Sunday I had decided I wanted to run from Plockton to Kylerhea on Skye, hop across on the Glenelg Ferry and run to Sheil Bridge.  Luckily I had uber support crew in Clark and Cori who pretty much bimbled around after me - with Cori running a couple of sections and Clark getting to see the sea eagle at Kylerhea (I missed it!!).

Climbing 1,000ft from Glenelg

It was a road run, with an epic amount of climbing and some challenging descent, but boy, the views are worth it! And after a drizzly start it fair heated up...good training for the potential race day heat...we've not had that many days of hot weather to prepare!

Looking down towards Sheil Bridge

St Andrews Beach

After a rest on Monday (a wee bit DOMS from tarmac ankles) I managed a couple of mid-week runs (busy week at work!) - one of which, after a late night of fancy dress, pub golf shenanigans with my marketing colleagues out along the Old Course golf course and back along the beach!

Bluebells, blue skies and hills in the distance

Today, with a hot hot hot forecast, and the scaling back of the long runs (the big miles are banked....no time for heroics!) Cori and I headed out to one of my favourite training grounds - Loch Ard Forest near Aberfoyle. 

(Thankfully) it was overcast for a large chunk of the run, but really humid (and I ran out of water....), but I can feel my skin tingling from the tan tonight, even having run with sun screen - gotta love a runners tan!

Rounded off a good day, with some beers (alcohol free!) in the sunshine in the garden...and then it all begins again tomorrow.....low miles again and hopefully some more sunshine!  

Life definitely feels less stressful when you've done some pounding on the trails!  Getting the balance of this over the next 3 weeks is going to be 'fun'...all these months of soooo many miles, so many hours out there training, and now it's time to nurture, compose, contain....rest, strengthen and BELIEVE!

Chasing the tail....

Me & Kirsty Burnett in FW 12/05/14

I ran home from work tonight, listening to the last podcast interview I did.  It's always interesting hearing it almost as other people would, and, in a self-reflective way, gives you a chance to read into the words you use, the tone of voice etc....or maybe I'm just too analytically critical of myself.......It did however help me gauge where I am, where I was, and feel good, calm and strong about where I am and where I have to go...(and yes, that'll be Milngavie to Fort William, before anyone smart says it!)

I didn't think I'd been that busy, but my weekly blogging plan has slipped again...and now there's a lot of things I should talk about......I'll try and be brief, but regular readers will know I'm not always very good at that!

So, the day after the Fling, I went and got some new shoes...dipping my toe in 'the dark side' and getting some Hoka Rapa Nui.  I sought advice, spending time at Run & Become, trying a variety of styles with Mrs Stott watching me run up and down the street outside the shop to see what looked best.  I took my scabby old shoes with me, and the evidence all confirmed I'm rolling in quite a lot on the right side.  The Hoka should keep me more stable.....  I would have gone for the Stinson Evo Trail....but they were white (?!?), for a trail shoe.....why, oh, why....

I've run in them about 6 times now, and it's still a test and learn.  As with anything, you need to take time to leg your body adjust to the change, and having rolled around for a long time, that's what my body is used to and accepting (ish).  So more stability and a different platform means all those muscles, from the feet right up to the head, are all impacted in a different way...Hmmmm....

First 'real' Hoka run.  13 miles around the hills at Glen Turret

Selfie with Cori Dog at Glen Turret

The first proper run they suited me just fine....once I tightened them better 3 miles in.  Tick.

Glendevon 

The following day, I headed on a mixed trail run from Blackford around the Frandy fishery/Glendevon trail.  Tarmac, trail, grass. A bit more difficult to get strong footing all the time, yet a decent enough performance. Left ball of foot got a bit hot, but maybe sock related? 29 miles in the week post-fling.  Tick.

Maxxium does Tough Mudder, Ginger Grouse Style

This week just passed I had my big weekend back-to-back planned.  And I needed it!  

WHW race nerves seemed to kick in that week, and I was feeling a bit jittery, unplanned and like bad stuff could happen at any moment.  Work was manic too and I was finding it hard to focus - 3 days of conferences in different locations, an amazing black tie dinner at Stirling Castle(heels, I need to wear heels?  And a frock?!).  And I opted out of Tough Mudder, for which I got some stick.....but, having spent probably 2 years building up towards WHW, I just can't take any risks with 6 weeks to go!

Saturday Run: Lorna Maclean, Alan Doig,
Running Gannet, Elspeth Luke, me

 I'd booked to stay at By The Way, Tyndrum for 2 nights in one of the Trekker Huts, and sent a rally call out for some running buddies to join me.
Saturday was an out and back, Tyndrum to Glencoe.  36 miles, 1,200m ascent.  The forecast looked grim....
The forecasters were WRONG!!  Woohoo!
Despite the photo here, looking like we're wrapped up for the elements, within the first half hour, the jackets were all off, never to be seen again!
We had a brief break at the ski centre for snackage, and a good day of running by all. 7.5 hours in the Hoka...a wee glimpse of rubbing on the arch....again, conscious that with the thicker drymax socks, maybe the feet were a bit hot....

Kirsty and I on the descent to KLL

It was great to be staying overnight.  Alan, Gannet, Noanie (who joined us after her run) all went for scoff in the Real Food Cafe and stayed over.  Plans were made, unmade, revised and improved for the Sunday run.

I admit (and I think it showed) that I was more nervous about Sunday.  The miles were big, the hills were big, the legs would be tired...and I was running with Noanie and Kirsty, who are both considerably faster on their feet than me.  Alan D had wimped out (sorry Alan..) due to commitments in the big city that evening, and our "complex" plans not quite hitting his timelines.

A few strides on FW High Street 

Lundavra

It turned out I had nothing to worry about.  We had a fantastic day.  26 miles (once I did a few lengths of FW High Street) from Glencoe to Fort William...the Devils Staircase, KLL climb (about 1,000 meters of total ascent)...tick! Making a 68 mile week.   And I ran much more of it than expected.  And the weather once again was near perfect (only 3 or 4 miles of rain for the descent into FW).  6 hours of great company, great views and a massive boost to how I feel about my training and where I am with less than 6 weeks to go.....

We ran past the WHW finish sign....we ran past the leisure centre, where in 6 weeks we will be 'sprinting' for the finish and slamming our hands onto the timing post.... I don't mind saying I almost shed a wee tear thinking about how that is going to feel.

The original plan was to run for the 2pm bus...but in an inspired move (and better for Noanie's dog since he wouldn't get on the bus!) we called a taxi, Noanie negotiated a good fee, and the guy basically was flexible on when he'd pick us up, called us with a dog friendly pub recommendation, waited while we refuelled with Ginger Grouse and Nachos...and didn't mind me leaving a soggy bum print on his front seat!!

After a quick coffee with John & Helen Munro in Tyndrum as they'd been up running, it was back home, for a mountain of washing, and a smug feeling of joy that everything is on track!

As always, there were some learnings to be had or reminded of:
- hydration, hydration, hydration (especially when it's warmer)
- lubrication!  Body parts which don't see the daylight often need some tlc (knees?!?).  My upper arm got a bit of a rub off the UD pack (which was rammed full, and with both bottles)
- Food - tick!  Especially on Sunday when I consciously ate more!  My staple favourites of rice pudding, gels, cheese, Mrs Tillys (and Kirsty's reece's white choc peanut butter cups!)
- Hoka's need tested more...on a long run, with thinner socks
- talking is very powerful and settling...on Saturday, hearing Lorna and Elspeth share their experiences good and bad was great.  And on Sunday, we talked a lot about our plans, our expectations, our crews....
- having a VERY understanding and supportive husband is a massive bonus!

May is a big month, for the body and the head....it's real, it's happening, and it's just over 5 weeks away.  Control what you can control, and try not to let the monsters mess with your head!

Ding Ding, The Highland Fling

Like escaped criminals we ran, with our ankles tagged, and determined hearts and minds.  We ran with hope, some for glory, or away from pain, away from demons, each with our own story, our own journey, reasons to be there and reasons to believe.

This was my second year at the Hoka Highland Fling (53 mile ultra from Milngavie to Fort William along the WHW), and a monumental milestone in my plans for this year.

After struggling with calf issues for the last month, even being on the start line was a massive achievement.  Many times over that period I had doubted I would get that far, never mind finish!  And if I wasn't at the start, that would be game over for the WHW race in June!  

However, I did the rehab - I dropped the mileage right back, I went for sports massage, I self-massaged, hydrated, stretched, foam rollered, cross-trained....and was pretty darn annoyed (and probably pretty annoying)...but, it's rehab for a reason....and while it's a big case of 'suck it up', it's worth it in the long run (no pun intended).

I did the bulk of the rehab running in road shoes, and as the forecast for Fling day was looking ominous, that was the next big question....switch back to the cascadia's or stick with the cumulus road....

I opted for the latter...slipping and sliding a bit was less of an issue than a lack of cushioning causing the calves to seize up.  I'd also bought some new calve sleeves (purple to match my waterproof) and some new drymax socks.  In hindsight, I could've worn shorts...but I didn't want to pin my race number onto them as they're fairly new...

Friday night registration in Milngavie...a chance for a wee catch up with old friends, and some more food (I'd been scoffing all day Friday) with Alan, who had come across with me to save logistic problems.  An early bed, with kit and breakfast laid out ready for the 4am alarm call.  A decent enough sleep and I woke just before the alarm.  It seems to take a ridiculous amount of fannying around to get ready, force feed yourself porridge and coffee, dress, check and re-check the bags...and you always forget something.  

Emma Hamilton, me, Alan Doig

A short walk up to the train station, drop bags dropped (check, double check that they're in the right car), and lots of hugs and nervous pacing.

A 'ding ding' briefing from Johnny Fling, paying homage to Iain Beattie's song, covered by Running Gannet (many many times) and we were off!  Great crowd there to cheer us on our way, a respect to David Mooney and Julie Docherty who seemed to be almost everywhere throughout the day to cheer us on!


My main goal was to finish safely, not broken, and with that in mind I was cautious to hold my pace slower, and on a few points during the day consciously slowed a fraction.  Emma, Alan and I ran together for a while, and in between various pee stops etc.  Emma and I then ran most of the day together (albeit in the latter stages more for company, with a headphone in, rather than chat).  I don't think my patter was on good form yesterday, so fair play to Emma for sticking near me!  I knew she would be much stronger on the downhills near the end, and as it happened, beat me by a few minutes. As her first big ultra, and longest run to date, I'm sure there's great things to come from her in the next year!

People often ask me how I handle running for 12 hours, but really the day just flies by.  You're either eating, wondering when and what to eat, concentrating on not falling, wondering about your pace (trying not to run someone else's pace), playing mind games about whether that sore bit really is sore, thinking about the next checkpoint or whether that person up ahead is so-and-so...

Photo by Stuart Macfarlane

I was slightly slower to Drymen (12 miles) than last year...there's a lot of flat and tarmac on this section, and in all honesty it's the most boring part of the route.  The field spread out quickly, and aside from sinking ankle deep into the mud when I went for a quick pee, a stop to take my jacket off, and hearing from Karen D that she'd fallen and hurt her hand (covered in blood and mud), before long we were at Drymen....where a great crowd cheered us through.....let the trails begin!

Top of Conic ((c) monument photos)

Onwards to Conic and we seemed to breeze up it fairly well, rewarded with the cloud lifting and a view across Loch Lomond that makes you happy to be alive.  Dropped down into Balmaha (and Emma was way ahead) to the checkpoint to be greeted by UltraBob, who I think I just barked instructions at and threw my jacket at (sorry Bob!)....hoping there was to be no rain for the rest of the day!  This proved to be a wise decision!  

I also think I got the drop bags nearly right this year...eating, or replacing everything at each checkpoint.  The only thing that wasn't floating my boat yesterday were the pretzels.  Otherwise, a combination of cheese, mini rice pudding, gels, haribo and coke/irn bru (250ml bottles) did the job.  At Balmaha I also had an Ella's Kitchen apple/pear/baby rice which went well, and at Bein Glas a can of Red Bull, which was ok....but not great (caffeine good, taste rank!).  I also carried some Mrs Tilly's fudge (life saver at Bogle Glen) and drank about 1.5-2L of nuun (Kona cola / berry).  I'm not sure if this was enough liquid (at Inversanid I remember saying I was thirsty)...maybe I just needed a different taste.

Along to Rowardennan (27 miles), and progress felt good.  I felt stronger on the hills than I remember.  Just before the checkpoint, one of the spectators shouted 'Are you Amanda? I read your blog!'...awesome!  (and sorry, I didn't ask who you were, I was kind of thinking about cheese and haribo!).  I was aiming to get in and out of the checkpoints quickly this year - last year my Garmin stats seem to suggest I was stationary for almost 50 minutes!  So, a quick scoff, a chat to Angela who would be running a stage of the relay, and I tried to get her to text Clark, and then couldn't remember his number!  Emma and I left the checkpoint together (Alan appeared to be having a sit down chit-chat and picnic....).  Another thing I noticed yesterday, was that Emma got back into the running quicker than me after the checkpoints...not really sure why...

Over half-way done!!  A quick chat with George Furmage (not sure my answer to his question about whether this next bit was hilly or not would have helped him....), and then the long climb out of Rowardennan and off to Inversnaid.  I like these next 2 stretches...you really have to concentrate on the technical parts to avoid tripping, thumping into, banging your head off rocks/trees and the like, and it's a couple of paces running, a wee scramble, a wee clamber, a wee run...  My feet were a wee bit sore on the rocky bits (and I did kick a couple of things I shouldn't), and there were a couple of 'uh oh' moments on some of the bigger climbs up that I felt either calf tighten...but thankfully no lasting problems (or the 2 paracetamol I took at Inversnaid killed the pain!)

Photo by John Kynaston

In and out of Inversnaid (34 miles), refueled and stocked up, after a friendly welcome from Sandra McD, Iain B and John K.  It's always quieter at this one as it's a nightmare for people to get to.  All the checkpoints were really efficiently manned to help us transition as smoothly as possible.

At Bein Glas (41 miles), you almost feel like you've cracked it.  Less than a half-marathon to go, but you know it's more like 3 hours if you're my pace!  Final drop bag, and last chance for supplies.  And some friendly support from Sam Crowe of the Skye Wee Grumpy Runners relay team, who kindly helped me find my phone (to text Clark with my ETA)  as my sausage fingers weren't fully functional by then!  Also had a wee sip of Emma's vodka/coke here...not entirely sure that was a good idea....

Again it took me a few miles to get going from the checkpoint.  We joined up with Lucy, and for a while I was just holding on until some energy kicked in.  Karen Robertson went flying passed us just after the Falls of Falloch....clearly recovered from her recent injuries and running like a dream (she put it down to the sugar!)!  And I almost fell a couple of times, but managed to stall myself.  

Cow poo alley was mostly avoidable this year...and no cows!  And you start to get the feeling of the finish...but there's still the rollercoaster to go.  I seemed to be on my own for a while here and passed a couple of guys.  

My quads bizarrely were cramping on the first big climb from Bogle Glen which seems to go on FOREVER....but a square of cheese seemed to help.  I caught up with Mike Adams on the downhill, just after Emma had gone storming passed us...he was cramping a bit too.  Dave Hetherington then went storming passed too, and once we'd crossed the road there we were in a close-ish group of Dave, Emma, Knoxy and me.  

It was pretty sunny by this point, and I was just counting down the final 3 miles...I was looking to come in slightly ahead of schedule over this last section, but knew 12 hours was slightly out of reach. There was no point doing anything 'crazy' at this stage, and I was more than happy to still be running!

The finish was even more spectacular this year, with a long stretch of red carpet, flags, cow bells, cheering crowd..... And yes, I cried......I tried to hold it in, and Clark was taking pictures told me to 'fecking smile'....hmmm.....can't imagine those photos are going to be nice!

Finished 323/499.  12 hours 6 mins 39 seconds (about 8 mins slower than last year, less time 'stationary', but slower average moving pace).  Not broken!

A great finishers goody bag - bottle of prosecco, tech t-shirt, buff...and beer, water, soup, massage, showers etc.  Amazingly good value for money!

A few more sweaty hugs, a sit down and cocooned myself in my duvet coat.  Wee bit of cramping and a drop in body temperature.  Clark had left Cori in the car along in Tyndrum and was keen to get back to see he was ok, and the shower queue was massive, so we made a stealth like exit...home for Chinese and a lie down.  It took me until 10pm to build up the courage for the stairs and shower...chaffing, thankfully, wasn't as bad as anticipated!

Could I have kept going for another 43 miles? Well, there's a few more weeks before I have to, and yes, I think I could... A few things to think about before then, and definitely no sitting down, as that's when my temperature always drops.  

But it's hard to compare, as yesterday I knew Tyndrum was the end....on 22nd June, I know Fort William is the end.  

Today, I feel tired, and only a little sore...maybe there's day 2 DOMS to come tomorrow, but I don't care!  Mission accomplished, job done, see you on June 21st!  

Bring it on!

The wheels on the bus....

The wheels on the bus....sometimes go a bit wonky....

After all my recent positivity, it's time for a little grumble. I haven't run this week, in fact, I haven't really run since last Friday...and my efforts last week were actually a bit mediocre (a 6.5 and a 3.5).  

So what happened?

Well, there was a bit of work intervention...not quite jetting off into the sunset...more like jetting down to Stansted, to see customer, to go to Luton to fly home....TWICE...in the same week....highly abnormal (albeit, useful meetings)!



And there was the sleep monster.  The Tyndrum weekend left me a bit sleepy, so I had some 'extra' rest days at the start of the week (which is never a great start to the week), and it never really recovered.  

The dog has also taken to causing increased mayhem in the hours of darkness, by going ballistic at the milkman, or anything that seemingly makes a noise in the wee small hours...I don't function well on lost sleep (haha...remind me why I'm doing WHW?), nor do I get back to sleep easy once I've been disrupted!




That aside, I headed out to Aberfoyle on Saturday morning for 22 miles in the rain...well, best laid plans and all that.....and 1 mile in....OUCH...calf seized up for no apparent reason.  I tried to rationalise the situation in my head, give it a wee massage, walk a wee bit, and then the logical, sensible part of my brain kicked in, and I bailed on the run, and walked (albeit a slightly scenic route) back to the car.

Afternoon of sofa-coma was the answer of the day...rest, ice, compression, elevation...we all know the drill.  Oh yes, and the power eating of family bags of crisps....(thanks Tyrell's for answering my complaint with a big box full of "complimentary samples" to retain my custom!

To fend off some of the grumpiness, Sunday morning I beat the crap out of the punchbag and lifted some weights.   

Sunday afternoon I had a massage booked, so got a taste of my own medicine (yes, I'm a squealer) to try and work the lumps and strains out of the offending leg. 



And since then, more rest, some anti-inflammatories, some stretching, some more crisps.... and a wee spin this morning....gently does it..... There's less pain, and more strength, so I'm hoping positive progress!



Tomorrow morning I'm going to try a wee run...short and slow and flatish....no heroics!  I'm working from home tomorrow, so at least I can sit with my leg up and the ice on if need be...no-one will hear me scream....

I've been trying to analyse the potential causes...no real conclusion as yet:
- 3 or 4 recent runs in new trainers (Cascadia 8 rather than 7's)
- couple of bigger mileage weeks (but not beyond the realms of sensible progression)
- some recent road running (but in tried and tested Asics Cumulus)
- pain in my big toe (left foot...usually I only have some intermittent pain in my right big toe), I think due to a change in gait I hadn't picked up on...maybe older shoes wearing out, maybe a delay in getting my massage done, maybe a lapse in stretching/foam rolling?
-general tiredness (possible dehydration after day travelling on Friday?)
- increased amount of driving during the week (I'm a clutch-rider with my left foot)


So, with 72 days left to toe the WHW start line (and 16 until the Fling), sensible is the order of the day, regardless of cause.  Little by little I'll chip away and test and learn and get better, stronger and fixed!



It's tough, mentally painful and frustrating...but I know it's right!  And, above all, I know I can do this!

Let the wind blow high....let the wind blow low....

Keep your eyes on the prize.....

I've just finished my 3rd podcast interview as part of the newbies who are being tracked for this year's WHW race, and oooooooh, it's exciting!  

In general, things are going pretty well, and it's a fairly positive experience talking things through with JK, and thinking that people might be listening and interested in how I'm getting on.

HOWEVER...there's also not actually that much time until the race, the clock is ticking seemingly ever faster, and as you continue plotting things into the diary (and on the wall chart in my case), it makes you realise how precious time is for getting that quality training in!  Hence, keeping the eyes on the prize!

Pre run? (Saturday).  Almost colour
co-ordinated aside from that pesky
Fling t-shirt!

This weekend just passed was the last of the Highland Fling training weekends (of which I went to 2).  I took a shocking lack of pictures, so this blog will be peppered with those stolen from others (Keith Ainslie mostly!)

Another great weekend, hosted by Kirsty at By The Way in Tyndrum, and organised by Johnny Fling.  And the interesting addition of a 'happy bus' for those of us who wanted to run Drymen to Tyndrum, thus ticking off the last 34 miles of the Fling route.  I say 'happy', but actually I'm not that clever on buses, so sat right up front to avoid too much desire to vomit my hearty breakfast back up!  On the plus side, it meant I got to listen to Noanie and Sharon's entertaining banter for most of the journey!

The weather was pretty decent, and a few miles after we set off, jackets were peeled off, and not back on until Bein Glas.  A few of us had agreed to run together...although we did lose a couple of folk early on (something to do with the excitement of running with Sharon I think.....;-)).  But for the rest of the day, there was a core group of myself, Emma, Stevie, and mostly Johnny, Katie, Minty and Julie and Alan R on and off (the latter a little too quick in the final stretch)).

It was destined to be, and was, a BIG day out.  For me, key was a reminder of the Inversnaid to Bein Glas section...a part I love, but haven't been on since last Fling I don't think...and was a stark reminder of how much you really have to pay attention on that section...and the perils of getting stuck behind groups of walkers struggling to clamber down the steep sections!

The bit I found most challenging was the stretch up from Falls of Falloch to Bogle Glen...and not due to killer cows (there were only a few out) or cow poo (it wasn't too deep).  I was quite tired at this point, and the wind was pretty fierce (why is there never a tailwind on the tough bits???)! Once we got up into the forest above Crianlarich I started to get a second/third/fourth wind and the latter stages felt ok....

Food and drink wise....I don't think I started early enough as I was a wee bit queasy after the bus, and I don't think the High 5 drink I was testing was that nice...(Keith pointed out the obvious to me later on...why hadn't I chucked it and filled the bottle with water...duuuuuh!).  At BG I had a nice medley of mature cheese, rice pudding, crisps and gel and I think once that kicked in it was the business!  I wore my SJ pack...and I'm still not 100% convinced I can access food well enough with both big bottles in it, so I'm going to look to change at least one for a soft bottle on my next long run, as I'm mostly too lazy to bother taking the pack off to go into the back.  I do like having 2 drink options on hand though, as I had flat coke in one bottle. 

Emma, Stevie and I finished together...just in time for the last dregs of Johnny Fling's mum's soup (which was awesome, and has kept us going those last few miles), and a quick shower before the talk on tapering and race prep from Team GB ultra athletes Sharon and Debbie.

Post run stretching (practice what you preach)

I hit bed pretty early after the yummy pasta bake and puddings (I had fruit before anyone accuses me of being a scoffer!).....as I said, it was a big day out with big tough miles...and there was the promise of another run, and some metafit (WTF?) on Sunday morning!

I headed out intending to do 6...and did 9 instead as once I got going, things seemed pretty comfortable...and I was enjoying the chat with Carol Martin and David Meldrum who were heading out to BoO.  On the return leg, I tried to push myself to run further up the inclines than I normally would before walking.

And then, there was metafit....not sure if my sides hurt today from the laughing, the metafit (all 10 minutes of it I lasted) or the running...but it was a good end to a great weekend!  Not sure Kirsty's grass will ever be the same again though!

Pre-metafit snacking, caught by Keith

So, 3 weeks til the Fling, a couple of weeks to recover afterwards, then 3 weeks more training, and then it will be taper time before the big day!

Lots of prep and planning still to do, but feeling like it's all progressing ok (fingers and toes all crossed!).  And by race day everything will be 100% ready - no doubt, no question!! 

Sharon demonstrates how it 'should' be done

Out and Back and Back to Back

View from Sherrifmuir today

It's been a pretty good week this week...training has pretty much gone according to plan without too many distractions.

That's not to say I'm not feeling it...that's 2 fairly hard weeks back to back, with D33 last week (albeit with less actual training sessions), and I've just skipped over 50 miles for the week with a cracking sunny sunday morning run. 

Factoring in a return to the gym this week (squats and lunges to build on the power in the legs, coupled with chest, back and arms work), a return to pilates (where has my deep core and rotational strength gone?), some foam roller action, and 2 mid-week runs, it's fair to say the legs (and body) are feeling it this week....and hey, it feels GOOD!!

An unusually high number of out and backs over the last 9 days...D33, both mid-week runs, and the back-to-backs this weekend....out and back.....not my favourite...but maybe it's good for the mental strength??

Yesterday there were demons to try and slay....Drymen to Sallochy and back....I've never had a particularly great time doing that previously.  Last year I ran it with Jo Rae and wore new shoes (WTF was I thinking?) and ripped my feet to sheds.... Later in the year I ran it (to Rowardennan and back) with Noanie (and later joined by Johnny Fling) and it was a killer....I took the opportunity to bail as JF's car was nearer than mine.  Maybe my mistake is choosing machines to run with (wonderful people though they are!!)

With a lot of climb (Conic twice) and lots of undulation, it was always going to be a toughie but that was why I wanted to do it! And because the course profile on Garmin amuses me...

Moody Millarochy (by Clark)

Originally I'd planned just to go it alone, but luckily Viki W (and then Clark and Cori Dog) decided to join me.  The day dawned cold and windy, with a bit of drizzle but then we had the joys of sleet on Conic, heat (a little too much) for quite a while...and generally just an unpredictable mix of everything!

Lots of runners, some familiar faces out (including an unexpected 'drop bag' style pause at Balmaha when we bumped into Helen Munro) and we made pretty swift progress in the early miles...maybe actually a wee bit fast given the climbing to come! The chat was flowing (which on the way back it wasn't really!), and it was great to catch up with Viki's training and thoughts for the Fling and WHW...many of which are similar to mine!  

Clark, as usual was skipping up all the hills (including running up Conic both ways!) but was supportive of our slowing efforts to keep up (especially on the return!)

Ultra runners 'we walk the hills'

As we climbed Conic on the return, I was feeling a wee bit nauseous...I think I probably hadn't drunk enough in the earlier stages when it was hot.  This feeling didn't really abate in the final 6 miles, but I kept trying to eat and drink as we counted down the miles!  Thoughts of some cold, fizzy lucozade and an ice lolly motivated me onwards!

Fuel for the day had been a chia charge banana flapjack - I think this worked pretty well, with it's wee salt flakes to offset the sweetness; some gels (a mix of Gu and SIS), a small handful of pretzels and a wee square of Mrs Tilly's when I was feeling low.  I wore my UD SJ pack, and had more success with the bottles (filling one half full of coke and one with nuun), but could've benefited from taking a spare nuun tablet for when I needed to top up at Millarochy on the way back.  

Anyway, a good run, good company, time on feet and some epic climbing.  I think I do a fair bit of ascent on average, but the thought of having to do yesterday's run 'another 3 times' in June puts a bit of perspective on things!  And I guess only really about 9/10 real weeks of training left before the tapering begins?!?  But there's no point in being ready now!

Today rounded off the week with another back-to-back - a solo, hilly road run under sunshine and blue skies with only the podcasts for company.  Felt like I could have kept going for ages today....and that's got to be a sign of positive gains in fitness! Happy me, happy Sunday!

Run to the hills.....aye, right.....

Collage by Stuart McFarlane

D33...#doepicshit

Well, what can we say about the D33.....hmmm.....in all honesty, the people, the atmosphere and the sunshine made the race....the route, well, it's a bit on the flat, straight and not very scenic side for me....but that's what it says on the tin, so can't complain really!

This was the second year I've entered the event...last year was a DNS as I went to Madrid with work the 3 days before and wasn't home until late...and made sufficient excuses not to go... This year, I entered again in the Hogmanay frenzy, and then found out I was getting to go to Dublin with work for a couple of days before hand...deja vu...?!

Sitting in Dublin Airport on Friday night with 'delay' flashing on the departures board didn't bode well...I'd already almost talked myself out of running anyway......I'd made no plans, was going to have to drive myself to Aberdeen and back on race day (missing the post-race party!)......and had sampled the late night delights of Dublin bars and a whiskey or two on Thursday night....

I text home to Clark to inform of my DNS intention...to which his reply was something along the lines of 'quit whinging and MTFU'....hmmm.....not the response I'd been expecting!  So, by the time I get home, I've almost convinced myself that actually, given the bigger picture for 2014, the WHW race demands that I have the capacity to run tired, it might actually be a decent 'training' experiment.....and after catching up on the Facebook chat, slightly jealous that everyone else already seemed to be in Aberdeen or Stonehaven, I chuck a random selection of food in a carrier bag, chuck the minimum I think I might need in a drop bag (adhering strictly to the 'Tesco bag with race number written on it' rule), set the alarm for 5:15 and head for bed...still not 100% convinced I'm going!

Photo by Stuart McFarlane

Race briefing

Fast forward to 0845 and I'm in Duthie Park listening to the race briefing in a light drizzle and catching up with friends.

The race started without fuss and we all streamed off along the flat, tarmac path towards Banchory....and that was that...


I chummed David Ross for about the first 10 miles and his patter and pace were good, easing the miles away.  I didn't have a plan...and the best I could come up with was to try and keep at around 10 minute miles and not overdo it ('training run' Clark had reminded me in a last text before I started!).

Conditions were heating up, and the drizzle didn't come to anything.....the goretex jacket I had put on just before the start became totally unnecessary (when will I learn?!). No real issues as the miles passed...hamsrtings felt a bit tight at about 7/8 miles (I guess due to the flat terrain) but this eased off.  After David held back to chat to someone who was dropping out, I caught up and chatted with a nice girl for a while about the Scottish Peaks sailing/hill running (sorry, I forgot to ask her name), but then moved ahead at some point, and on to the turning point (the bonus interest factor of returning runners kept me amused for a couple of miles), to be welcomed by the ever cheery Sandra MacDougall and Johnny Fling.  Had a wee chat to Mr Mike from Out-Run whilst scoffing some pretzels and drinking my fat coke; took off my jacket and then had a wee sprint to catch Minty, thinking I could chum him for a while, only to be told he was burst.   Hmm....bit bored now, so headphones in and some cheesy dance and pop to entertain me back to Duthie.  

Photo by Stuart McFarlane

I was feeling pretty strong most of the way back, and soon started passing runner after runner whilst singing along to my tunes.  Passed the Grim Sweepers and had a quick high-five...and had a wee chuckle as I ran up one of the 'hills' (small blip) to be told by a guy I must be strong to be 'running up the hill'....ha ha ha.....  I stuck in with my pace, and managed to retain the average just under 10 min/mile all the way back, and for the whole race...probably a slight negative split (and there was a slight tail-wind at points).

Photo by Stuart (again)

For me, the strong point was that I finished feeling like I could go on, and hadn't overdone it.  I managed a "comedy" finish...and actually managed that some "nice" photos were taken.

Great goody bag, medal, beer, buffet table and friendly hugs to round off a good day of running.

The drive home was smooth and uneventful...and my legs still worked when I tried to get out of the car!

So...what did I learn:

• don't panic about the weather and over-dress (maybe a light waterproof in my pack would've been a better choice)
• in hotter conditions remember to sudocrem/bodyglide everywhere pre-race!
• remember to 'flatten' the coke I put in the drop bags
• chia flapjack made quite a nice 'second breakfast' in the car journey up...and didn't seem to have any adverse effects (need to try this mid-race)
• not 100% convinced the mango baby brekkie was a good fuel choice
• I ate/drank less than I think I should have....about half litre of nuun...wee bit of coke...maybe 4 gels (still loving GU salted caramel, but interchanged with SIS berry) and a handful of pretzels

Really well organised event, great value for money, and despite the flatness and lack of mud, I'd be fairly inclined to do it again!

Garmin Stats