Warm Weather Training...Ding, Ding, The Highland Fling...Round 3!

Yesterday I completed my third Hoka Highland Fling, the 53 mile trail ultra race from Milngavie to Tyndrum...the first 'half' of the West Highland Way.  I mean no disrespect to the event talking about it as a 'training run', and I think that's actually how the race originated 10 years ago, as a progression to the WHW race in June.  Regardless, for me that is how I've treated this Fling, and last years too.  It's a clear line in the sand about whether I'm going to be ready for the full WHW or not...it will be my longest and toughest 'training run', and yesterday fulfilled all my expectations, and then some.

 

I had a couple of aims this year - 1) less faffing at the checkpoints and 2) to run a PB. Tick.



Donald Sandeman finishing. 
Photo Clark Hamilton.

 The event goes from strength to strength every year, and with something like 1,000 entrants this year, I don't know how Johnny Fling, Noanie and the army of marshals managed to remain so calm. 

From race hotels, multiple sites to register, chip timing, drop bag stations, fearless marshals stopping us getting run over at crossings/carparks, post race ice-cream/soup/beer/showers, reasonable entry fee with goody bags filled with tech t-shirts/medals/prosecco/buffs, photographers everywhere, finish chute that makes you feel like a superstar.....the list is almost endless!    

In the week before the Fling, the forecast was looking a bit ominous, despite mid-week temperature hitting 20 degrees.  Cool would be good, wet and wild less so......  Cleary Johnny Fling had a word with someone and after a cool-ish start and some light drizzle, the skies cleared, the sun shone, and if anything(sorry to all the people I moaned about this to), it was a little hot for me at several points!  I'm just not acclimatised to running in the heat!

 

My tapering went a bit more extreme than planned, and I didn't run or train all week for one reason or another...I don't think it did me any harm, and maybe even helped....I did a good job of using the  excuse of stuffing my face all week too though.  I also didn't have time to start my prep until Thursday night, so I delayed my travelling through to Milngavie until fairly late on Friday night to try to alleviate the stress that was starting to build, knowing I had drop bags to sort, kit to organise etc etc.  Clark, as ever, was on hand to drive me through, and after a quick dash in to registration (some hugs and a quick blether with Sarah, Ada, Alice and Fiona and Rachel) he ditched me at the hotel.  £68 for about 8 hours seems a bit pricey but saves an even earlier alarm call, and it's an easy walk to the start.  Went to see Helen and John, and had a quick dram to avoid catching any of their germs...and then straight to bed with a 4:05am alarm call...eeek!

 

Peaked out the window....light drizzle...mild-ish....Hmmm, kit??  A couple of changes and I opted for the most flexible options (and avoiding panicking and putting my thicker waterproof on!).  X-Bionic shorts/t-shirt/vest/arm sleeves, compressport calf sleeves, dirty girl gaiters, Hoka Rapa Nui, drymax socks and a lightweight wind/shower jacket and thin gloves.  Good choices!  Jacket was off before Drymen I think and the arms came down and then off a little later.  There were a couple of light showers (hail?) nearer Tyndrum but never came to much and the kit caused me no issues.  I kept the gloves on all day, using them to wipe sweat, dip in streams to cool my face...and wipe the rice pudding/gels etc off when I slittered!

 

I was feeling a little weird...I think the enormity was bubbling up inside me...This would be my longest run since I dropped out of Glenmore, and I think there's always some questions how the day is going to shape up...  I checked out and walked up to the start alone...the street and hotel was quiet (I checked my watch again to see if I was too early/late?!).  Nearer the station car park and walking past the tunnel, the butterflies jumped in my tummy..  Drop bags delivered to the right vehicles and a fanny around like an amateur trying to squeeze by big duvet coat into my finish bag.  Thankfully Davie, Julie and Janette came to my rescue!

 

Said hello to a few folk and then kind of stood on the sidelines and watched the world scurry around me, some familiar faces but many I didn't recognise.  I think I was just focused, and contemplative of trying to run a PB.



 



With about 10 minutes to go, the race briefing gave us a quick heads up of litter, birthdays and starting waves.  I shuffled into the second pen for runners aiming for 10-12 hours, to the faint strains of Loch Lomond by Runrig.  Probably a little near the front of this group, and I edged back a little, bumping into Rhona Red Wine Runner, as she was saying a good luck/cheerio to hubby Graeme and sending him to the 12 hour+ group ;-)

 

10, 9, 8......Go....and the elite wave were off.  Nervous shuffling....and a couple of minutes later we were off.  Eyes prickled with tears.  And breathe....deep, calm breaths.  Move slowly...and if the breathing rate increases, ease off......'If you think you're going to slow, slow down'....

 

I felt pretty strong and steady on the stretch to Drymen.  A couple of times I wondered if I was going a little quick, but my heart rate was reasonably low, breathing was easy and I didn't push it.  I focused on trying to keep the pace good, and to glide up some of the inclines I would previously have walked.  Marginal gains, marginal gains a mantra for the day. I remember being surprised how many people sounded like they were already busting a gut so early on.

 

The reception at Drymen was great, with loads of cheering and noise. I grabbed a quick water and pushed on through.  Conic was looming under the blue skies.  I'd been nibbling on some banana loaf so far, and one wee block of cheese, drinking regularly (kola or strawberry nuun intermittently).

 

Descent from Conic - photos by Ian Anderson

Conic passed smoothly.  A hot climb, and the relay runners started to pass, blasting up the climb.  The ground was dry which made the descent easier.  Part of Clark's advice on improving time had been to try and go a bit quicker on descents and I put that into practice, mindful of not trashing my quads this early on, and eating more cake...inevitably when there was someone to take pictures!

The checkpoint at Balmahahaha went in a blur.  Janette had my drop bag ready, Karen filled my water, and Helen (who sadly, but wisely had pulled out of the race) helped me with my rice pudding.  I think I was in and out in about 2 minutes, chewing a mouthful of Haribo infused rice pudding washed down with coke as I went back onto the trail.

Along the next stretch to Rowardennan the temperature was rising.  Nothing much to report, still focused, trying to relax, and generally a bit inwardly focused (apologies to anyone I might not have been overly chatty to other than a wee hello and well done).  At Millarochy a few folk in front of me missed the sign for the beach but were out of shouting distance....and it won't have made a massive difference.  At the steps about a mile or so before Rowardennan a girl fell, looked painful but she said she was ok....I promptly then almost did the same (clearly thinking 'don't fall, don't fall' isn't a good idea...must make me more likely to fall) but managed to recover before hitting the deck. Pheeeeew!

The checkpoint was mobbed.  Cars clogging the road, being assertively directed by Angela, who ensured I didn't get run over!  Again the plan was to be in and out....Sean filled my water, I guzzled my coke and stuffed everything else into pockets on my bag.  I'd decided the half-way reward was to get my tunes on, and that caused me some faff digging my phone out of it's waterproof bag, unravelling the headphones, trying to squeeze and re-squeeze everything into the front pockets while walking out of the checkpoint (note to self either pack less stuff or get a bag with more front pockets!  This was a theme from all subsequent checkpoints!)

And so it continued...in 3 miles I'd be at 30, and then it's 'only' 23 to go. Ha ha, the logic is great.  Climbing with a strong march and brief shuffly runs.  Marginal gains, marginal gains.  I passed a few folk I wasn't expecting to on this stage (Alan Robertson being one I fully expected to come blasting past later in the day!).  I felt pretty strong for about the first 5 miles of this section and then had a wee wobble.  Tried to keep the head, and focus on the goal.  I was still on for a PB if I keep going, especially the downhills and flats.  Even on the climbs, while they were hot and I was getting grumpy, I was still powering on in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes it's so much more about keeping the head than anything else!

Usually I love the technical stretch of the lochside, both before and after Inversnaid.  Yesterday I did find it was a little 'busy'....runners getting stuck in a wee convoy which makes it harder mentally and physically.  Those in front disrupt your pace, and those behind make me a little stressed.  You win some, you lose some.  I think I lost a wee bit of time and oomph here, not sure if it was that or the heat still.

Inversaid, again in and out fairly quickly.  David Ross's team sorted my water and bag contents, and I managed to source a wee glug of 'sick persons' Lucozade for a change of taste.  Disappointingly, I'd put coke in this bag too, and not one of my Red Bull or Coconut Water...both of which were in Beinglas! I chucked away my pancakes and banana cake...probably not a good idea.

Photo from Ross Lawrie

Somewhere on this section, I rounded a corner and came across Spiderman...also training for WHW, raising money for CHAS and posing on a rock, as you do!

TheUltraAmazingSpiderman

This section I think I struggled most, and mindful that I didn't think I had eaten enough started pushing more fuel in.  At the Angels playground (when spookily 'Born to Run' had just been on my ipod) I stopped for a wee hug and a gaze down the loch.  Chap behind asked if I was ok (ultra runners are lovely about making sure everyone is fine), and I just explained that it was all Dario's fault I was there.  Maybe I can't 'blame' him forever....it is true though, and I'm eternally grateful for it!

Bizarrely, the descent to Beinglas got clogged up with a wee convoy of runners...mostly walking (?!) the descent.  I managed to get passed, almost tripped, recovered and enjoyed some clear trail.  There were 2 hugely cheery boys up a tree about quarter of a mile out, giving one of the best whoop whoops of the day and the supporters at the checkpoint were awesome too.  I almost cried again!

Rachel (and mad Monty dog) were marshalling here, and despite my goal to grab and go, I had a sit down, acted a bit pathetic about what to eat/drink/do, and generally faffed for  few minutes longer than intended, without really taking in any food (had my kids mango/pineapple coconut water and got wired into the Red Bull (silver one!)).  Worth it for the hug and 'snog' though..  Ha ha.

Windy, hot, walk, shuffle, walk...onwards to Derrydarroch and some 'hello's' with the Strathearn Harriers supporters...and a second encounter with the Moonerty's ultra-roo tied to the bridge!  The next stretch isn't a favourite of mine.  I'm not sure why but I don't like the flattish bit along the river, and then its up and up and gradual incline all the way through cow poo alley, over the rocky rubble to the big gate before the rollercoaster.  Hard to get a rhythm, and wary that the rollercoaster is looming! 

Had some Kendal Mint Cake...it's proving quite good for clearing the claggy taste you get in your mouth, as well as clearly being a big hit of sugar!  At this point I thought my PB was out the window, and wrestled with scaling back or trying to plough on.  The stubborn in me opted for the latter! Power walk the inclines, shuffle the descents...up, down, up, down...I'd forgotten how many wobbles there are here....

Down to the road crossing and the Garmin clicked 50 and just over 11 hours....I didn't believe it was only 3 to go (and even asked Tim if it was) and I was still doubtful of sub 12. as I figured it was nearer 4 miles, despite having run this section countless times!  Man up, push on.  I ran the tarmac to the farm, and then walked into the headwind across to the wigwams, using the excuse I was stronger walking.  And then onto the final stretch, and I knew the PB was back in contention. 

The Pipers
Photo by John Arthur

I saw Donald ahead (you couldn't miss him dressed like that!) and was firstly surprised, and then remembered he'd been injured recently.  I watched where he and Craig were running or walking and tried to do the same, not thinking I would catch him, but I did, just at the clearing.  We exchanged a few words, and then they let me go ahead...promising that Donald would photo bomb my finish straight. 

Maybe that was the motivation I needed, or the sound of the piper and the kind words from the supporters and I pushed on.  Round the final bend and into the finish chute, bedecked in flags from every nation, a  red carpet and cheering crowds rattling cow bells and offering high-fives. 

Try. Not. To. Cry.

Clark was taking the finish photos...it was a tough call not to blub until just after the line.

A flurry of hugs and "well done"s.  And a seat.  And some tears.  And then some ice cream (thanks Noanie!).  And then some beer.  Then soup.  This is great progress, I had an immediate appetite!

Davie M then sorted out finding my kit bag and helping me change before hypothermia set in (good practice for him for June :-)).  Some more chatting and congratulating folk, most of whom seemed to have PBs - Caroline and Sandra had championship medals and I was there to see Rhona storming in to a massive PB.  So pleased for everyone!

And then I was baltic, and Clark was still on duty.  Noanie had kindly offered to let me shelter in their cabin (even if it did confuse Johnny's brother when he came back and found random me sitting in the lounge area), which was awesome as the car was away round at the Real Food Café.  It was right on the finish line so I stayed wrapped up, drinking tea and watching the mix of emotions as people accomplished their goals, be that PB's or otherwise.  Very emotional!

Another amazing day, with fabulous people and brilliant organisation.  I hope everyone involved takes time to give themselves a pat on the back/huge cheer/hug/vat of beer etc!

Next year (yes, I'm already thinking of another entry), I'm going to try and be organised and get accommodation to stay for the after-party.  It's just the right time to kick start the motivation for the year, even if I don't go for the WHW again next year.  And such a good atmosphere...so many good things could be said, it's not easy to say or remember them all!

Thoughts/Learnings:

• I generally felt better coming out of the checkpoints than I usually do.  Able to get moving sooner.  Mostly I think the quantity of stuff consumed was more manageable.
• Kit choice was good.
• Is my pack right for ensuring I keep snacking in races with no support crew (I have the UD SJ)....or should I just be more decisive and assertive about my drop bags.....the contents are there for a reason...eat it!
• Heat...not necessarily my friend....and when it's hot I need different drink/food options (support crew and car full of options makes a girl complacent...).  It was tough going in the heat, and I think most of my time I made up in swift checkpoints and gains in the first half.
• Be positive about progress...I was definitely running more yesterday, especially in the first 35-ish miles, and even after that, my descents and flats were better
• Get to the hoody stall earlier!

I'm sure there is a million other things I could/should say or remember, but it must be time to eat/nap again!  DOMS not too excessive today - had interestingly sore biceps this morning and a rubbish sleep (too much caffeine yesterday).

Finish position 313/647.  11hrs 38m 46sec.  20 minute PB.  In the heat.  Happy days, very pleased!

 Garmin Stats

 



Plockton Perfection, Pedalling and some Pre-Fling Tapering

On the way up the Bealach na Ba

One of my favourite weekends of the year is our annual trip to Plockton for the Bealach Beag sportive. I'd originally planned to participate again this year after a couple of years off, but the date was moved from its usual end of May slot to mid April, and that was just a little early for me getting bike training factored into my training plan.

I have however been on my road bike twice in the last week!  First time since April 2014 (oh the shame)!  And it has re-kindled a love of the bike, albeit my bike fitness is somewhat lacking!  The good weather has helped with the motivation...I've always been more of a fair weather cyclist....



View back down, from the hairpins

So, after spending Thursday/Friday in Oldmeldrum with work;  quality time learning about whisky, and pairing it with cheese, Clark came to pick me up and we (he) drove the epic cross-country windy roads to Plockton to meet up with my big brother, sis-in-law and 'wee' nephew, in our usual haunt of Duirinish Lodges. 

This year, Steven was the only one taking part in the event as Clark has been ill....both Clark and I felt a bit gutted (Clark moreso) that the forecast was for near perfect conditions for Saturday,when several times over the last few weeks the Bealach na Ba pass has been closed due to snow!  However, we had a plan, that I was going to 'run' up the pass with Cori-dog, and Clark would accompany me on the mountain bike, getting up there in time to see the riders up the hill, and we were pleased that the conditions were going to be in all our favours!

And that's just what we did...slowly!  The time is irrelevant.  It's a 6 mile climb of just over 2,000ft, and it was hot!  And very enjoyable!

It was nice to be able to bimble up, with little traffic (the road gets closed for the race), and just stop and drink in the views whenever we fancied.

View from the summit

We got to the summit before the riders, took some pictures of the views across to Skye, and then assumed a suitable clapping, whooping and photographing spot in the sunshine at the top of the hairpins....just when the riders are suffering the most!

When they thinned out, we made our way back down, a quick alfresco kit change and then drove along to the finish in good time to see Steven cross the line, definitely earning his post-race Guinness!



Posing on the way back down

The other reason I love a weekend in Plockton is the quality dinner we always have in the Plockton Inn, and last night was no exception - the seafood platter is to die for!  And with very little trouble..and not justified with my tapering, I had starter of langoustines in garlic butter, and desert of sticky toffee pudding!  Oh, and an oyster shooter!  Most of which was scoffed before the camera was poised!


Plockton Inn seafood platter main course

So, elsewhere in training this week...

Another ease off in again terms of distance, in order to get something primed in advance of next weekend's Hoka Highland Fling.

I've run 27 miles (c3,500ft of ascent, 4 runs (3 fairly short, and the long run of 12 miles)), cycled 11 miles (1,400ft of ascent), a couple of rest days (needed after the recent bursts of training), and probably eaten and drunk a bit more than I should have (having been 'mostly' on the wagon for a while)....but heck, I've enjoyed it!

I'm starting to formulate some goals for the Fling...I'm not going out to 'race' it as I can' afford the recovery time afterwards eating into my final stages of WHW training.  I'll be looking to set some motivational targets (less faffing and fannying at the checkpoints for one!), but things will depend on the weather (if it's too hot...), and all the usual 'what happens on the day' stuff.  I'm also going to be testing one of the trackers that was posted on FB earlier this week, so that might be interesting....

This time next week...we'll know whether it worked out or not!





Still on Track

Once again it's been a few weeks since I've blogged, so this one will be a bit of a catch up.

Things, touch wood, seem to still be on track! That doesn't mean it has been easy by any stretch of the imagination, and it's not all rose petals and champagne, but the work is getting done and I think it's paying off.

The Week After Loch Katrine
I managed to roll out another 50 mile week, with 2 rest days and no cross-training.  I was quite happy with that as I was away for a couple of days in St Andrews with work (and there may have been a late night and some whisky consumption...).  I also managed 2 nights of sports massage.  So mid-week, 3 shorter runs (one only 3 miles along West Sands) and then on Friday it was off to Tyndrum for the Fling training weekend, staying at By The Way with a whole heap of other flingers.

I'd opted to stay over this time, and had my favourite room in the hostel (being anti-social and staying on my own), which was great.  I arrived quite late (after going home after work for a massive scoff first), just in time to catch up with Fiona and Rachel, down from Skye, before the foam rolling 'party'.  We opted for the 'observational' option, and enjoyed a wee drop of prosecco, watching the action and chucking at the moaning and groaning going on (especially those (Keith Ainslie) rolling on an empty prosecco bottle!)

Wasn't too late a night, as long runs were planned for the Saturday.  While most went on the happy bus down to Balmaha, I opted to run north, with Fiona, Kirsty and David M, who had joined us for the day.  The weather was, weathery....not great....wet, windy...character building!  We managed to stick it out for 28 miles (Kirsty and Fiona did a few more), and over 3,000ft of ascent, so not too shabby a day out.  Rewarded by some lovely homemade soup (thanks Johnny Fling) and rolls fresh from the oven, followed by a great night of chatting, hilarious quiz (Emma, your talents are wasted), and great scoff of lasagne and sticky toffee pudding heaven (I think I ate enough to feed a starving nation for a month!)

Sunday weather was a bit brighter, and I managed to bully Fiona into doing 8 of my 10 miles with me. Bonus was getting to test out some new Hoka's and injinji socks, so there was much mud splashing an shoe battering going on.  Sad to say that Eoin wasn't entertaining the idea of selling us the shoes after we'd trialled them though.....missed opportunity there methinks!!

The Sickness

Photo by Helen Munro

The next week started rather abruptly with 2 days of vomiting and bathroom 'action'.  Great for weight loss, not great for training, or the work trip to London I was meant to be on!  Not 100% sure what caused it...there's been loads of bugs around work, and I had filled my bottle from a few streams on Saturday, so maybe picked a not so great one...

I managed to get back on my feet on Wednesday and gently picked up the training.  It also got me back onto healthy eating so I had a few days of much better behaviours! 

It was also the start of a mini-streak of training (12 days, no rest), mainly due to Easter happening.

Most memorable that week was a smashing run from Glencoe to Braveheart, mostly with Minty...and a few others in between for various bits (including Spider-Man and meeting Sean Conway who is running the length of Britain in the final stage of his crazy triathlon).  I love this stretch of WHW, especially across Lairig and it was great to spend time with good people, and the added bonus of Helen and John waiting to pick us up and drive us back down the road.  After dropping Minty back at BOO for Colin the VW, we headed, as you do, to the Real Food Café for some well-earned chips...and an unexpected blether with Fiona and Pauline, who'd been out training and were also re-fuelling!
Ended the week with a 12 miler around the Blackford/Frandy loop close to home, in the glorious sunshine, topping off the week at 49 miles and 1 gym session.

Taper Time
And so the realisation that it's almost time for the 'Ding Ding' Hoka Highland Fling, and while it's still a 'training run' on the road to the goblet, it still demands respect.  53 miles are not to be sniffed at, and it's going to have an impact!

So this latest week, I did 'only' 40 miles but 5,700ft of climb...combined with 2 gym sessions, a Pilates class and a cycle home from work (first time on road bike since April 2014!!).  And two nights of massaging, some gardening, 4 days at work, and evening at the hairdressers....  Sometimes I think I try to do too much in a week....

Best run of the week was Saturday at Glen Finglas with (used-to-be-Ultra-now-more-hill-runner)Bob.  A route I've never had a 'nice' day on, but this one banished those demons.  It wasn't fast, and we had every weather condition known to man thrown at us, but felt 'good' at the end (and certainly better than most of the mountain bikers we saw out that day!).  It's a tough wee loop with 3,300ft of climb, which I definitely felt in the legs on Sunday (and hence cut my back-to-back down a bit).  I also had the added bonus of my regular sports massage on Sunday....boy oh boy did I need (and feel) that!!

So, in a abbreviated highlights (believe me, that is), that's us up to date.  A wee rest day yesterday, followed by a sleepless night and a slight bail on this morning's scheduled 11 miler (I did 7...), followed by a day eating rubbish to try and keep the energy levels up.  Tomorrow, if the gales have eased, I'll be pedalling home from work again, aiming to get the cross-training levels up, and burn off tonight's chocolate mint fest.....well, it is my wedding anniversary, the boy is sick.....

10 days til the Fling
66 days until WHW

Running for Hugs

Two races in 9 days...and not a blog written in between!

D33 - Photo by Chen Chee Kong

Last weekend saw me take part in my second Deeside Way 33 (D33), and in a nutshell, I enjoyed this much more than I remember from last year.

Probably a few reasons why.  Firstly, the benefit of having a buddy drive me all the way there, certainly took the stress off the early start, and gave Angela and I plenty time to catch up (and bore David with our chat I suspect!)

Second, I'd had the week off work on holiday, so was a bit better rested, and organised than last year (when I'd spent 2 days in Dublin with work, and had a late night and a few whiskies on the Thursday, and a late evening flight home).  Although I had done a brutal 11 miler on the Tuesday at Loch Turret, complete with scrambling along snow cliffs!

Third, I think my training year-to-date has been better quality - albeit not specific to running 33 flat miles on mostly tarmac!  The Thursday night club sessions have encouraged me to run at pace, and I've done more hilly miles this year.

I'd been unsure before the race what to do in terms of a plan but felt motivated by a blog from Rhona - Red Wine Runner that races should be 'raced' and also feeling that we all owed it to George, the Race Director, who hasn't been very well (and is handling it in a brilliantly positive way) to put a good effort in.  I also wanted to go a wee bit faster than last year, although doing sub-10 minute miles is something I've not done for a prolonged distance for some time...

After the usual faffing about, gathering hugs aplenty and visiting the toilets more than once, we were off. It's flat, with flat bits...and a few minor climbs....  I started out quicker than planned....caught up in the enthusiasm, and kinda wanting to keep Rhona in view as she was planning a good pace.  We ran together for a few miles until the first checkpoint, and then she was off, and while I did have her in view a couple of times, never caught her again.  Her pacing was spot on and delivered a well deserved PB.  My pace was ok, apart from fannying at the checkpoints (especially the half-way one) and a couple of erratic miles later on and I felt I was pushing out a good effort.  I ran with John Munro for a mile or so just after half way (he'd been taking it 'easy' on the way out..) and on and off with David Meldrum.  Mostly on the return stretch I had my music on to keep me going.  I struggled at a couple of bits but managed to find some oomph for the final mile and into the park, through the finish to collect my medal, race beer and a hug from George....oh, and a PB by about 8 minutes (5hrs 20m, average 9:40min/mile).  Job done!

Managed to eat some of the great post-race scoff, and hurried off to get changed into a million layers of thermals and down-jackets as it was Baltic, and I quickly fell into my post race blue coma!  Also remembered to go collect the new kit I'd ordered from Out-Run (exciting new Injinji socks were the order of the day!), and caught up with many of the finishers (most of whom seemed to have run well) and supporters, before Angela finished her finish line support/photo duties and kindly drove us all the way home!

A great day out, well organised and efficient (from the runners perspective certainly!), and a great crowd of runners this year.  Definitely a potential to do again next year....

Today, saw my first encounter of the Loch Katrine Marathon, and event/festival organised by Audrey McIntosh to raise funds for Alzheimers (one of the many things she does to support the charity).  It was never going to be easy doing another tarmac race so soon after D33, and this one is particularly HILLY (not undulating!).  What a beautiful setting though, even if I don't think I'd ever run a marathon PB here!

Again, wasn't very sure how to run this one.  I'd never been along the road all the way to Stronachlacher so had no concept of what lay ahead (maybe wise!) and I'd developed a sore big toe joint/pad after yesterday's 10 miler, which even with a compeed on it first thing, had me wondering just how far I might actually get. 

No problem with parking and the facilities at the Trossachs Pier are great (no toilet queues as there is a relative small entry field), and not long after many hugs and hellos, and a fly over by a perfect V formation of geese during the race briefing we were off!

I fell into step with Fiona Rennie for the first 7-ish miles, along with Ellen McVey for some of that and it was great to have company.  Fiona was planning to run all the hills, and looked very strong doing so, and eventually I just dropped back a wee bit. 

After the chilly start, I was starting to heat up (all those climbs!) so at the 8 mile drink station, I peeled off my windproof top and left it with Helen/John/Ross who were manning the drinks and tunes!  It felt better to lighten the load (although this has resulted in some lovely chaffing!) and as the weather continued to improve I didn't need my top again!  If anything, from about mile 19-26 I was too hot!


Loch Katrine (before half-way)
Me & John Cassidy - Photo by Chen Chee Kong

From about mile 10 to the half way return point I ran with John Cassidy and we talked about his impending first Fling (for his 50th birthday year) and passed away the miles.  It was great to see Lorna, David and Lois at the half-way checkpoints (and to be able to drop off my bottle to be re-filled while we did the wee extra stretch).

Just after half-way - munching chedds nibbles
Photo by Lorna Maclean

I had a wee good feeling on the stretch from 13-18 and was still managing to average 10min/miles despite the hills (I'd rewarded myself with a headphone and some tunes in one ear).  After that, it got a bit warmer, and the 'graveyard hill' (which was the last of the hills I managed to run all the way up) then tipped me a wee bit over the edge in terms of heat and a bit of cramp, and things slowed down and became a bit more 'effort' from there on in.

I battled a bit with the head and legs, especially when a few folk passed me and looked strong.  However, was still broadly on course for a circa 4 hours 30 min finish (which was playing around my head from fairly early on), so there was nothing for it but to keep plugging away.  I was quite emotional just before (and after) the finish, so that's a good indication of the battle!

In hindsight, I'm not sure if maybe I started too fast, or didn't hydrate well enough for the heat (I didn't carry the spare NUUN tablet I should have...), or was just a bit tired, or still under-the-weather from some medical guff earlier in the week.  I think I ate enough - a combination of banana loaf, chedds nibbles, a GU Espresso Love and a Viper Lime gel and some jelly babies from the guy out at c17 miles (not sure if he was official marshal or just a lovely man from the house).

On the whole, I'm pleased with the effort I put in and the result (4hrs 33). Taking me to a 43 mile week (after a 50 miler the D33 week).

Plenty finish line hugs (and some 'abuse' to Audrey about 'undulations'!)...followed by a blue coma and car park change (hopefully the pensioner buses weren't too upset...).  I shuffled upstairs to the café and bartered with the lovely girl there to exchange all my crappy change for a coffee (I don't think it was enough) and that sorted me out a bit, allowing me to loiter around for a short while to see Angela cross the line for more hugs (and then very impressed to see her launch into a set of glute stretches straight after!)

A great event, well organised and plenty drinks stations.  Epic course, and the beauty does something to offset the efforts needed for the hills!  Another definite contender for next year...hills are our friend....





Running the Numbers

It's taken me ages to get started on this tonight as I was looking for an appropriate image.  And then I looked through Facebook and stumbled on this one, taken on the Beinglas checkpoint in last year's WHW race.  A picture tells a thousand words so they say.

 

This year's race is never far from my mind.  When I signed up in November, I wasn't sure if the 2015 WHWR would have the same influence on my daily thoughts as last year. 

I guess I thought I might think about it less. 

I don't. 

It's there, most of the time. 

Perhaps shaped slightly differently from 2014. 

But still there. 

And still a positive influence, and slightly surreal memory. 

I did that. 

Me!

 

Numbers seem to have been fairly prominent these last few weeks.  I'm sure there's probably some mystical reason for it, if you're into that kind of thing. 

 

Whether it was chasing a 50 miles run week a couple of weeks ago (needing to run precisely 8.6 miles (which I did, on the nose) on the Sunday after my 30 miler (which in itself was chasing the 30 mile point))....

 

Or the random conversations with strangers that land you on trying to explain that you can run 95 miles....in one go....(girl at the spa this week was gobsmacked...)

 

Or the seemingly ever present reminders that I'm turning 40 later this year.....

 

Or winning the lottery (don't get excited, turned out to only be £25)....

 

Or the numbers on the scales.....

 

Or the reminder on Facebook today that it's only 100 days until WHW race day!  100 days?!  Holy moly, that seems like nothing, and like there is soooooooo much to be done (in life, not just training) before then!  HOW can it only be 100 days??!!  WOW. 

 

I suspect it's all the more thought provoking as the first event of the year is on Saturday, with the D33, and there's a wee bit of pre-'race' nerves and niggles starting to kick in. 

 

Half-way through my time at the D33 in 2014 I swore I'd never do it again.....and here I am....George and Karen have set up an event perfectly timed to lure you back in...

 

I'm not following my usual pre-race week, as I'm actually on holiday this week.  Timing not ideal (usually I have the first week in March off (I'm getting predictable in my old age), although it will be interesting to see how a week without work translates into a long run. 

 

And I've not over-done the training this week, I'm mostly trying to just chill.  I also had a lighter training week last week (25 miles total running, a couple of spin sessions, one short gym session), so should be in an ok position come Saturday morning (unlike last year when I'd been away with work having fun learning about Irish Whiskey for 2 days before the race!)

 

I'm not sure what to aim for though.  There's always that desire to do better than before (which always makes going back to something that little bit harder), so anything sub 5hrs 28m would do that (running <10min miles for 33 miles seems somewhat laughable given the pace of my long training runs...but I must've been in a similar position last year...so, we'll just have to see!).  Numbers again, always thinking on the numbers.  Maybe I should run without the Garmin (ha ha ha ha ha......never going to happen!!)

 

All roads lead to Milngavie.  And Saturday is another step, and a few more days, closer.

 



 

 

 



Image by Ross Lawrie (hopefully he doesn't mind!)

Powered by Tattie Scones, Cheese and Irn Bru

 I had a cracking run yesterday.  Mentally and physically everything seemed to click.  30 miles and 4,300ft of climbing from Beinglas to Rowardennan and back....and a cheeky wee extra out and back to hit the 30.

The weather, well, it was weathery.  We were fairly lucky until about 2.30pm when, as forecast, the downpour started and didn't cease, so our last 3 hours were through rivers that used to be paths, slippy rocks and death defying wooden bridge crossings.  (Well, perhaps that's a little over-dramatic.  It was pretty horrid though!)

There'll be no running pictures to illustrate the tale this evening!  (Until someone posts the group pic from the start of the run and I might edit it in!)

It was the second of the official Hoka Highland Fling training weekends, organised by Johnny Devil-Fling, and held at By The Way in Tyndrum.  I wasn't staying over this time, but we were allowed to join the organised run on the Saturday, and I was keen to have some company, and get some miles in on one of my favourite, most challenging sections of the WHW.

After leaving the house slightly later than planned, I arrived at Beinglas just in time for the second last parking spot, and the group picture.  There was a great turn-out, many familiar faces, and many others who were new to the race, and this section of the route.  Some quick hello's with Katie, David, Dave, Carol etc and we were off.  I was aiming to do 30 miles....and no-one else seemed to be talking that distance (apart from the speedies, who I would never keep up with)....uh oh....this could be a long day.

On the first wee climb, behind a chap called David who I didn't know, and some chat with Katie, Andy Johns came speeding past and told us slower folk to get out of the way and that caused a wee bomb burst and broke the group up, letting a load of speedies through and they skipped up the hill.  I caught up with the lovely David Meldrum again here, and that was to set the course of the day.  David was one of my support crew last year, getting me safely from Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe, and is one of life's good guys.  We were keeping a pretty steady pace, and quite evenly matched, chatting away and having a good catch up about everything and anything.  While David didn't have a set agenda for the day, he was keen to aim for 3 hours out before turning back, and I was grateful that would be great for company for me, even if I ended up with a few extra miles on my own at the end.  As the day progressed, and we both were running well, David got into the mindset of aiming for 30 too.  I'm hoping I didn't railroad him too much, as he was later than planned for his dinner (sorry Susan!!)

Heading for Inversnaid (where a lot of folk were turning) we ran with a guy called Scott that I had run a wee bit of WHW training weekend with.  It was his first time on this section, and it was great to hear his thoughts on the views, even on such a yucky day...and hopefully we were able to share some of our 'wisdom' with him!  The terrain was as tricky as I remembered, and there's a few more fallen trees (and dead goat) to contend with since I was last there in June!  We arrived at the hotel in hardly any time (it seemed...bearing in mind some of those tricky miles can take 20 minutes to cover!) and sheltered under the porch with others who had arrived just ahead of us to get some scoff on board.  I think by this point (7 miles in) I'd had a mini oatcake and one of David's oat/brekkie biscuits.  I had a wee swig of Irn Bru and a packet of Haribo before David and I continued over the waterfall and onwards to Rowardennan.

There weren't many folk out on the way..we saw a couple of runners we didn't recognise (who then passed in the opposite direction on our way back), and bumped into Keziah and Lorna near the top of the hill outside Rowardennan, and stopped for a wee blether (and I think I started on my tattie scones at this point!).  David and I agreed at this point to run on to the car park at Rowardennan for a 'luxury pee' and then head back.  More snackage at Rowardennan - some banana cake, cheesey nibbles and fresh Nuun - along with a dry buff and gloves.  It wasn't overly cold at this point, just getting wet!  So, 14 miles and about 3.5 hours on the go!

I felt ok/strong as we headed back.  I was probably walking more of the inclines than David, but not struggling, and still working hard.  I was drinking and eating regularly, with no problems with appetite, stomach or energy levels.  I didn't have an energy gel all day, which is quite unusual for me.  And probably eating more savoury than sweet, or a better balance certainly...maybe the banana bread is one to try again (and I don't even like banana!!)

We took turnabout at the lead, and with only a few moans about the end of the loch never getting any closer, and surprisingly little moaning about the torrential rain, we plugged away at the miles, passing many a stinky (live) goat , pausing briefly to pat Dario's post, and got back to Beinglas at just over 28 miles.....  Our tired brains did the sums (well, David did) how far out we had to go to get to 30 and we marched/ran on past the farm and northwards....naturally the turning point was the top of the next 'big' hill!  A wee quad trash back down and we were done!  30 miles!  And feeling AMAZING!  Dripping wet, but brill!

It's while since I've felt so pleased with a run of that length, and yesterday I truly did.  And so chuffed to have David's company all day too, as it would've been so easy to bottle it, or have a very sad day out instead.

There were no other cars left in the car park as we peeled off soggy layers in the fading light, said our goodbyes and headed off home.  Getting my socks and calf guards off was a challenge...getting my dry trousers on, an even bigger one!  The drive home was hideous....two near death aqua plane moments on the Loch Lubnaig road, and many crazy drivers not taking enough care!

So:
Cheese - good
Tattie Scones (actually they were Paul Rankin Farls I think) - good
Irn Bru - good
Haribo - good
Banana Bread - good
Mini Oatcakes - good
Kona Kola and Lemon Tea Nuun - good (remember to pack spares)

Congratulations if you've read this far and not died of boredom.

Just to round off the week I did my back-to-back today of 8.6 miles (plan said 8 but I decided 50 would be a nice round number to end the week).  A flatter soggy bimble with the dog, with tired legs which still kept moving.  Definitely needed my granny nap this afternoon though!

Other stuff this week:
1 x 30min gym strength session
1 x hour of pilates
1 x steady 6 miler
1 x club speed/hills session

All By Myself

Clark and I realised in almost perfect synchronicity this weekend that I've been doing an awful lot of my running by myself so far this year...and I think that needs to change!  Alone, that is, usually apart from Cori dog!

Mostly it's a convenience/time-factor thing...or maybe a bit of commitment/fear some weeks too.  I've been pretty busy during the week (as I've probably bored everyone saying) and I've found it hard to make concrete plans for the weekends.  And on those group runs I have been on, I'm conscious I've mostly been a back marker, in some instances perhaps holding people back.  I've not set out to be anti-social, but feel a little this weekend like maybe I have been!

 I was thinking on Saturday during my long run that perhaps I was getting a little bored with my own company.....and was running out of mindless chat with the dog.  And that I think is when you feel the long miles the most, when there's nothing to break it up, when you've 'solved' all the problems you wanted to in your head and thought all the thoughts you have.  When I'm out without Cori, like on the second part of today's run, I listen to music or the WHW podcasts...when I'm with Cori I tend not to...and his patter isn't always that good....

So enough of that, and all systems go for next weekend and the Fling/Glee run on Saturday (but not staying over - oops), and looking forward to some company to get the miles in. 

A wee update on progress this week - it's been an odd one....I wasn't really feeling like I'd done much this week, and mentally had to kick into touch some negative thoughts that I wasn't where I should be at this point (the WHW is still on my mind pretty much 24/7).  However, sitting back now and checking the stats, I've just done my biggest mileage week of the year with 46 miles, 5,000ft of climb, and a decent back-to-back weekend with a 22 and a 12.  My biggest mileage week in fact since the fateful Glenmore 24 (12.5) in September!  And that's off the back of DOMS from my gym session on Sunday that pretty much lasted until Friday! So, not too shabby at all really.

Loch Ard run - Inversnaid post

A tale of two halves this weekend.  Saturday I went to an old favourite (which I'd forgotten how hilly it was) at Loch Ard.  A place where the sign-posts like to constantly remind you of the WHW with Inversnaid pointed out at many a junction!

The forecast was sunny and blue, and while that didn't hold out (windy, snow showers, sun...bit of everything), it was a decent run with some lovely views.  I didn't feel I quite got the pacing right (looking back, I was probably doing the 'running' bits a little too fast and making the heart rate fluctuate a bit much) but I did get the nutrition and hydration better than of later.  Fuelled by tattie scones and chicken fridge raiders...supplemented by Gu Espresso Love and a wee bit of Chia Charge bar!

Loch Ard run - views to Ben Lomond

The forestry commission have closed off quite a few of the routes....I didn't let that stop me....can't beat 2 miles of churned up mudfest  after clambering over the closure fence to get you smiling at the start of your day!  The route is all on decent landrover track, mostly hard packed, and there was only a wee bit of snow at the top of the 'big hill' at mile 11.

Today, a totally different picture (with no pictures!).  A jaunt up 'killer hill' with Cori, and Clark (the latter on his mtb), followed by 8 miles of headwinds and blizzard.  The legs felt pretty good...the only times I had to stop were when the snow daggers stabbed me in the eyeballs and I went temporarily blind!  Head down and headphones on, catching up on a couple of podcasts - the end of the one with Johnny Fling, and then Alan/Rick and Annette.  Great to hear people in a similar situation to me this time last year and listen to their differing thoughts and plans and aspirations for this year's race.

Ready for another good week of training, and hopefully some social miles on Saturday...I'd like to get a 30 in.  Here's hoping someone else does too!