Wednesday 28 May 2008

Late Call

Just like the religious program from years ago that was on late at night and had a minister contemplating life and religious matters I have decided late on to jot down some thoughts about tonight's run.

Tonight's run scares me.  Not the dark or the mileage, both of which I have done before.  I am totally happy about running in the dark even by myself and I have total faith in my headtorch.  What scares me is my leg.  It hasn't been sore now since Saturday.  The swelling has all but gone and the hair is on it's way back.  I have had 6 days off from running and my legs feel great.  They have benefited from the enforced rest and all the little niggles that all runners have and ignore have gone away.  I even started to get phantom niggles that I have never had before.  But what scares me is what happens if the pain in my lower leg comes back again.  Do I take 12 days off and hope it goes away?  What affect will that have on my training?

After a month of fantastic weather our night run is planned for the first night of horrible weather.  Oh well.  Everytime John K runs this section it seems to rain and so we will probably get the rain on WHW race day.  May as well get used to it.  The aim tonight is to run to Drymen in 1hr 55mins.  Around about 9.5 min/mile pace and around about WHW race pace.  It will be good to experience this section in the dark at that pace.  Then if my leg allows the plan is to run back to Milngavie.

I am also looking forward to meeting up with everyone.  It feels like a long time since I have seen them and it will be good to catch up with them.

Sunday 25 May 2008

Sleeping with the Enemy

 

 

Since the Islands Peaks race I haven't been running very well.  I am injured.  Yes, four weeks to the big one and I have a swollen lump on my shin across the tendon that goes from the top of my foot.  No worries I had felt it niggle after my fling run so I am sure it will go away again.  On Thursday I went out and ran just over seven miles but the last two were a nightmare with pain around the tendon and my ankle.  Straight away I decided I needed time off running and started to ice and take nurofen.  I surfed the net and found that it can be a common injury for Ultra-Marathoners or runs that have a lot of ascent.  Heck, the peaks had both.  But after a few days the swelling went down but the hair around the area all fell out and now looks like a small plucked chicken.  Weird.

Today though it felt sufficiently better to go out with the Lomond Mountain Rescue to support a charity walk up Ben Lomond.  The charity was The Rangers Charity Foundation which is a worry because I am a Celtic supporter but it is for charity so it's for a good cause.

My job was to go to the top and check off each person as they made it.  What I didn't know was that they were taking the Scottish Cup to the top so that each charity walker could have their picture taken with it.  So each Ranger supporter posed for a picture and each of them quipped "It should have been the UEFA cup"  There was of course a lot of Celtic comments but there was no way I would say anything.  Not out of fear but because no matter what team they supported each and every one of them had raised a lot of money and had made it to the top of the Ben.  Good on them I thought.

Connal, the chap that organised it, didn't take a hand off the cup all day.  He seriously looked worried about something happening to it.  I don't blame him as it is 114 years old.  I asked if it was a replica and they told me it was the actual one that Rangers won the day before.

Anyway he needed to do something and asked if I could hold onto it for two minutes.  Well at least one Tim got his hands on the cup this year. :-)

MRT 012

The Scottish Cup and me on top of Ben Lomond

I also just want to add congratulations to everyone that ran this weekend.  Caroline for a fantastic PB, Neal for surviving Edinburgh un-injured, John for getting 1:25:56 beating his goal for 2008 of running faster than 1:27 for a half and Ian for running 2 marathons.  Stornoway and Edinburgh.  Well done Ian.  Also thank you Ian for inspiring me to writing on my blog when he sent me an email wondering what happened to my posts.

Monday 19 May 2008

The great ship Kookaburra

Just a small note to thank everyone for their good lucks and congratulations for the Scottish Islands Peaks Race.  We finished at 7:30am on Monday morning.  Although we came in last we did finish.  There was a few boats that didn't make it.  We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and if we ever do it again we will have a much better idea on what to expect.  The jump up to this sort of challenge was immense and we all pulled together through thick and thin to finish.  Full report to come but for the meantime I couldn't resist posting the picture of our boat from the top of the mast again.

A full report of our trip that includes the sailors point of view as well as the runners can be found at http://fb5.blogspot.com

Congratulations must go to Chris Upson and his boat Blue Chip who won the event an amazing 23 hours ahead of us.

Kook707115

Finishing party ready!

Its our finishing party! One runner and one sailor. Will we do it again next year?
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Saturday 17 May 2008

Top of the first pap of jura

Bloody feezing!!!!
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Motherwell score!

Motherwell equalise plus boatfull of Celtic supporters equals joy all around.

Come on Motherwell!!!

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Morning has broken

Two thirds of the way to jura. The runners after not much sleep, tired, the sailors after no sleep, tired and cold. Weather is cloudier and colder.
Spirits are high.

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Friday 16 May 2008

On the top of Ben More

At the top. All down hill from here. In more ways than one!!
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On the way to the top of Ben More

Lovely weather all the way to the top

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We are here!

So the first run is finished and now we are sailing up to mull.
The sailors are doing a fab job and we hope to be at Salem for 17.30 for the 23 mile run up Ben More.


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T minus 1hr 50 minutes

What do you do when there is less than 2 hours to go until the start of the big race. You get your runner to wd40 the windex on the top of the mast.
Any excuse for me to get a harness and go up the mast. Eeek. It is shall I say slightly uncomfortable.


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Thursday 15 May 2008

Thank you

We just want to say a BIG thank you to Nicola and Tom for there hospitality and feeding us full of carbs before the race. Funniest thing was Paul realising that we are running nearly 30 miles with 3000 feet ascent tomorrow. Never mind the 30 odd we run the rest of the weekend.

Now going back to the boat for an early night.





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Sailors eat pasta

Its our last meal. Will it be our LAST meal?
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The good ship Kookaburra

Here is our good ship the Kookaburra.
Where we will spend the next 4 days.
Don't tell anyone but I feel sick already and we haven't even set sail.

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Wednesday 14 May 2008

All ready for sailing

I have setup my blog so that I can now post from my phone. Hopefully I will post during the Scottish islands peaks race this weekend.
As you can see from the picture my last day at work doesn't involve any work. I am planning routes and shopping for equipment. The weather this weekend is looking great for running but the light winds won't be so good for sailing. Never mind, I will hopefully bring some books to read instead.
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Saturday 3 May 2008

A run in the E'fling Highlands

Highland Fling Training RunFor some reason Neal and my E'fling Highland Race wasn't as well attended as the Highland Fling race a week before.  Our version has a number of advantages over the more well established run.  Our version was free to enter.  Not that Murdo and Ellen's version is expensive because it is probably the cheapest race per mile that I have ever heard of.  Our version has a variable start.  If you are late the race waits for you.  Pretty good if your name is Davie and you forget your shoes.  The weather is always better.  This is because if the race organisers (Neal and I) wake in the morning and it is raining then the race is off.

But there are some disadvantages.  There is no Ultra-Racing mega stars like Jez or Lucy.  This may be a good thing though as it stops idiots like me trying to run with them in the first 10 miles.  There is no cottage to get showered and changed in.  In our version I am not sure of the cleanliness of the stream next to Brodies in Tyndrum that Neal and I used to clean our tired feet. There is no medal which makes our race have a minimal carbon footprint.  There is no Champagne but hey, we are all athletes and that would be a poison to us.  But after all that there is one way that Neal and my race will never compete with the real thing.  The total friendliness of the organisers of the fling.  Something that Neal and I and our sour faced up at 4 am pusses cant compete with and the reason that at 6am in the morning Neal and I lined up to run our very own Highland Fling.

To be fair we weren't completely alone.  Debbie was there to support us and she is excellent at it.  Getting up earlier than me and making me breakfast and making sure my shoes are on their right feet.  Believe me at that time in the morning I really could mix that up.

And so we started.  Lined up like the start of a 100 meter race, Debbie counted our countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. No klaxxon for us to signal our start though.  The pace at the start would have made Jez shudder.

Highland Fling Training Run

Through Mugdock and I was feeling like it was going to be a struggle.  I didn't feel well rested and started to wish I hadn't done an 18 mile run on the Thursday.  To be honest the pace was probably far too quick and I had to remind Neal to slow down.  Not that he was pushing the pace as he had to remind me just as much.  Things got worse though when we met another runner.  Kitted out in his Asda shorts, penny black shoes and freebie t-shirt the guy looked us up and down as Neal and I met him at a junction.  Us draped in our technical space aged garments but doing a pedestrian jog Scotland pace.  The guy took advantage and tried to bury us in his wake.  He was probably doing no more than 9 minute mile but he was leaving us and our new found cautiousness for dust.  Neal and I are not known for holding back and soon the pace picked up as the man spluttered after overdoing it.  We passed him smugly both knowing that our lack of self control may be what stops us from finishing today.

We met with Debbie at Carbeth Huts.  I am still not sure if this is a good place for the support team to meet me but I think that it may be good to check I am okay on race day.  A few photos later and we continued through to Beach Tree.

I was pleased to see that the section past Dumgoyach was starting to dry out.  All winter it had been a mud bath but now it was at least passable without getting wet and muddy.

Before long we were at the Beach Tree Inn.  We stopped and I ate some bits and pieces.  I didn't feel like eating but I was trying to force myself.  We must have spent a good 5 minutes here.  Not the sort of thing I want to do on race day.  I took some grapes (an idea stolen from JK) and like JK I found them great to eat while on the run.

We reached Drymen in 1hr 55 min.  I still felt quite lethargic but chatting continuously with Neal made the time feel very quick.

Debbie was at the wrong place at Drymen and I felt guilty that she had to run to her car and drive over to us.  I felt like eating was a bit easier here and had some beans.  They come in pots like the ones you get with yogurt in them.  Perfect for ultra running and perfect when you are sick of sweet stuff all the time.

Through the forest from Drymen I was starting to feel alive again.  I can't believe that it always takes me over 10 miles to warm up nowadays.  Neal was needing one of those Neal toilet moments and remembering the last time I was trying to talk him into going sooner rather than later.  He decided to go at the bottom of Conic Hill.  That suited me as I was able to get a good rest coming up Conic Hill but also meant that we were a bit slower going over Cronic Hill.  Like Neal said in his blog, the problem with running with someone is that when they take a break you are forced to take a break and vice verser.  Today I wasn't that bothered.  We were in this together through thick and thin.

Highland Fling Training RunHighland Fling Training RunHighland Fling Training Run

At Balmaha I again wanted to eat more.  But this time I had a treat. My cold cappuccino coffee.  mmm lovely.  But it wasn't enough so I had a milkshake too and topped it off with cheese.  Off we went again.  Straight away I was feeling bad.  I had no energy and felt flat.  Neal started to pull away from me especially on the down hills.  I tried to keep up barely holding on.  This continued and my head started to ache.  Was this one of Ian Beatties low points?  Ian always says you can have three of them in a race.  I started to feel sick now.  Why?  I had barely ran 20 odd miles.  Nothing.  But something was wrong.  I was holding on for dear life to the back of Neal as we ran into Salochy car park.  Thank God Debbie was there.  An angel waiting to help me. 

Highland Fling Training Run

I needed nurofen for my head and water to try to calm my stomach.  Off again to continue to Rowardennan but before we got over the bridge out of the car park I was sick.  In full view of all the neds in the car park.  Debbie and Neal rushed over.  Three girls walked by me and Neal heard them say that I looked terrible and they bet that Neal had made me do it.  I had blown it big time.  Again and again I was sick.  Mostly energy drink coming up.  My throat was burning with the acidity of it all.  I sat on a rock, my head between my legs, tears streaming down my face and Debbie trying to help me.  But instantly I felt better.  I got up and Debbie swapped my energy drink for water.  Neal and I were off again.  I would make up my mind at Rowardennan whether I would continue or not.

By Rowardennan I felt great.  But this time we had another long stop.  12 minutes.  I really have to get the stops to be shorter.

On towards Inversnaid and because it was such a nice day the crowds were desending on the WHW.  It was mobbed and running was difficult as we tried to pass walkers.  One walker screamed when I passed her and then 2 seconds later screamed as Neal passed her.  A little over exaggeration I thought.

We walked through Inversnaid as a little break.  Neal was starting to struggle but we wanted to get through here as fast as possible and back to the reach of the support team.

The weather now was roasting and Neal and I were using our WHW buffs to cool us down.  Dipping them in streams and putting them on our heads.  The cold water was fantastic as it dripped down our backs.  There was still loads of people and it was getting annoying having to come off the path to overtake the walkers.  No one seemed to move and no one asked us where we had run from.

This section was Neals low point and I could see that the heat was bothering him.  But soon we would be at Beinglass and away from the Loch side.

As we got closer to the end of the Loch I started to go ahead.  I thought that I would get to Beinglas and get stuff sorted for us both.  As I ran into Beinglas I saw a figure crouched on a rock taking pictures of me.  Strange I thought.  But then shouts of encouragement in a German accent gave it away.  It was Thomas.  As I went over the bridge I saw John K, his wife and Silke too.  They had all come to cheer us on.  I felt very emotional that they had come all this way to cheer us on.  I turned around to see Neal running behind me barely 5 seconds between us.  He was back to his old self.

By now all times where out of the window and to be frank I didn't care.  We were on the West Highland Way on a gorgeous sunny day with some of my best friends.  People we had only just met while training for the race but who I hoped would be my friends well after it.

Debbie of course was there too.  Running about organising me and I had to laugh as although Neal now had his own support she was organising him as well.

Highland Fling Training RunHighland Fling Training Run

Highland Fling Training RunHighland Fling Training Run

Although I could have spent all day there we still had the small fact that there was still 12 miles left to go.  Thomas said that he was going to run with us for a few miles as well.  Brilliant.  All three of us had our skins on but for some reason Thomas hadn't worn shorts over his.  "I feel naked" he said in his German accent.  I laughed as images of dodgy German porn flashed through my head.  Anyway to save Thomas any embarrassment I have photo-shopped him some shorts.  The real image is available on request.

Highland Fling Training Run

You never realise how much of the route up from Beinglass to Crianlarich is up hill.  But after 40 odd miles it really is.  We spluttered on with Thomas who was still recovering from running the fling the week before. 

Highland Fling Training Run

At the A82 crossover Thomas left us and I had to make a call of nature.  I think the bumbag had been hitting of my stomach all day because what came out was inhuman.  I felt a lot better leaving it behind.  Neal had gone on and I struggled to catch him up the hill.  I passed a young woman that really wasn't at the pinnacle of fitness no matter what scale you use.  "I thought I was knackered until I saw you" she remarked.  I just smiled while I imagined hitting her over the head with a rock.

Highland Fling Training Run

By now both Neal and I were starting to struggle and as we reached the Wigwams we both had longer and longer walking breaks.  When we reached the checkpoint Debbie spurred us along by saying that if we finished in the next 30 minutes she would buy us a beer.  To be honest I wanted to soak my feet in the beer and really could go a chicken sandwich.  Looking at the watch though we had just under 30 mins until it was 11hours.  That was enough to pick me up and Neal and I ran into Tyndrum neck and neck supporting each other as we had all day.

Highland Fling Training Run

A quick dip of the feet in the river and we were off home.  2 hours in Bank Holiday traffic.  It was all a bit of a downer as we past places that we had fought to run past only hours earlier.

Highland Fling Training Run

Thank you so much Debbie for being the bestest support ever.  Thanks to John (Neals Support) for driving us home and big thanks to John K and his wife, Thomas and Silke for the invaluable support at Beinglass.  Of course thank you to Neal for helping me get through the whole run and not falling out with me in the process.

Thanks to John Kynaston for making this video of the day as well.  Thanks John. :-)

A different view

I was really looking forward to this.  My plan is to run the Highland Fling with Neal on Monday but in the meantime, since I have a few days off training I would be supporting Debbie on a run from Beinglass to Kingshouse.  Not only that but we are also away for the weekend in our new caravan.  Now before you all laugh and ask me where my slippers and pipe are please listen.  When Debbie told me she wanted a caravan I thought that she was bonkers.  And when she said that she wanted to buy it on eBay I was calling the looney farm.  But I have to admit, and all credit to her, it is a great idea. 

We spend most weekends away from home. Running, hillwalking and drinking in the Clachaig.  Tents are fine but it can be a chore and also the dreaded midgies.  Debbie's way of thinking was why not have a home from home.  Filled with our gear but not too expensive that you didn't mind leaving it in the middle of nowhere or going inside with muddy feet.

caravanAnd so without knowing a single thing about caravans we bought the new Consani mobile on eBay.  Okay Debbie would call it the Martin-Consani mobile but I think that sounds rubbish.  Double barrel names are for people too well off to be slumming it in an eBay caravan.

Our first introduction to caravanning didn't go to well.  My 2.3l petrol guzzling mean machine was reduced to a pedestrian Sunday school picnic pile of junk.  Not sure if it was the caravan or the weight of the amount of stuff that the two of us actually need for one weekend away. 

Buying your caravan on eBay does have some disadvantages as well.  No-one tells you about some extras that make life easier.  One such thing is called a stabiliser bar.  It is meant to stop the caravan shaking itself to bits when you go over 30 miles an hour.  Although my 0 - 60 time was now about 30 seconds there was times I did manage to get some speed.  Only to be rewarded by the teeth grating shaking.  Luckily Debbie wasn't here to witness this as we needed two cars for the weekend.  She isn't the best passenger when I drive and I am sure that this would have had her effin and blinding at me all the way up the Loch side.  Yes the Loch side.  I went from never towing anything to towing a caravan up Loch Lomond.  Great introduction.

By the time we met at Tyndrum my nerves were shattered and I was in no mood to be messing about with where we were going to stop for the night.  In the end Debbie and I had a heated discussion before we ended up at Bridge of Orchy.  More out of my inability to reverse with the damn thing than anything else.  Okay I sound like I hate it but as the weekend went on I grew to love it.

At Bridge of Orchy we found a perfect spot with a beautiful view of Beinn Dorain.  We had something to eat and then watched a film in bed.  Luxury.

SATURDAY 3rd MAY

BEINGLASS to KINGSHOUSE

Debbie's Training RunWe woke up early on Saturday.  The weather was meant to be raining but it wasn't actually too bad.  If anything it was a bit warm.  Debbie got ready and I took her to Beinglass Farm for the start of her run.  I was really looking forward to a nice relaxing day reading and making sure that Debbie had everything she needed.

Debbie's Training Run

Debbie looked very strong as she started out and I drove ahead to Derrydaroch.  I had to park the car away from the West Highland Way so there was no way that I was able to read so I decided to go down to the Way so that I definitely didn't miss her.

I took some pictures of cows while I waited.  Moo.

Debbie's Training Run Debbie hates cows and I was wondering how she would be when she had to run past them.  I saw her in the distance.  She was running really well and was soon up the hill and asking me to take extra clothing out of her backpack.  So support is waiting waiting and then bang everything happens at once.  Anyway there was still time for more pictures.

Debbie's Training Run

 

 

Debbie is really good at the checkpoints and stops.  Something that I need to learn.  She was through Derrydaroch in record time.

Now I had some me time.  What would I do.  I went up to Crianlarich and bought the papers and some munchies.  Debbie had left me with loads to eat  but I can never let a bargain go and two tubes of pringles for £2 sounded good.

Off to the wigwams and I settled down to read the paper.  I had loads of time.  Maybe I could have a nosey around the shop too.  After a bit I looked at my watch.  Oh no where has the time gone.  10 minutes until Debbie will get here.  Just enough time to prepare all her gear.  At that precise moment there was a loud knock on the window.  Debbie was flying and way earlier than I expected.  Oh no I was failing at being support already.  I got out of the car to see Debbie running into the distance with shouts of "Your a rubbish support team" and a West Highland Way walker laughing at me.  I had failed miserably.  How does Silke make it look so easy?  How does AllyBea do it?  Definitely not the way I was that was for sure.

I caught up with Debbie in the car.  She was smiling so I wasn't in trouble.  She gave me her backpack to fill up for her and hand back by Tyndrum.

Debbie's Training RunAt Tyndrum I laid out everything that Debbie would need.  I needed to make amends.  I didn't need to worry.  Debs was smiling away when she came in and decided a quick change of socks was what was called for before refuelling and away.  Another quick stop for her and something that I have to learn.

With the caravan still at Bridge of Orchy I headed over and sat in the comfort of the van.  Bliss.  Now this is why we got the caravan.  I was seeing the pluses to it.  Sitting reading the paper making a coffee as I watched out for Debbie.  The view was astounding and the position of the caravan was right on the way.  If Debbie wanted to she could come inside for shelter but I knew she wouldn't so I made her a coffee in case she needed it.

Debbie's Training RunDebbie's Training Run

Another fast stop and she was away again.  I retired back to the caravan to finish my coffee.  If only it was possible to have the support teams with the caravan on the big day.  No that's a stupid idea.  I would end up with 10 hours of breaks.

Debbie's Training RunEventually I started to move and drive to Kingshouse.  Good timing as when I nearly got there Debbie called and asked me to meet her at the ski centre.  I arrived early and looked out for her up the hill.  After about 10 minutes I could see a small figure blasting down the hill.  Debbie was running strongly and looked in great shape.

Debbie's Training RunDebbie's Training Run

I grabbed Debbie's backpack and she continued on to the finish.Debbie's Training Run

Debbie's Training RunDebbie's Training RunDebbie's Training Run

Debbie's Training Run

Debbie finished the run fantastically. Very strong and running very well.  Tomorrow she would be running from Kingshouse to Fort William and I was hoping that she hadn't gone to fast today.

We drove back to the caravan, our new home from home.