The Highland Fling is a 53 mile Ultra Race from Milngavie just outside of Glasgow to Tyndrum on the West Highland Way long distance path. The race itself is now in its 8th year and originally started off as a training race for the West Highland Way race held in June but The Fling has now grown to become the biggest Ultra Race in the UK and now also hosts the UK and Scottish Trail race championships. From less than 10 competitors 8 years ago the field has now grown to almost 600 including some of the cream of ultra distance running in the UK. Originally the race was conceived by Murdo MacDonald and Ellen McVie, Murdo has passed the mantle of to John Duncan who has continued to grow this race beyond recognition.
Highland Fling 2013
I entered the Highland Fling this year as a warmup for the West Highland Way Race. Actually scrub that, I should say it was meant as a shock to my body to get me back into running on trails and off road. After three months of training on canals and roads for the 100k I felt I needed to get back into the way of trail running again. I had intended on doing some easier WHW runs before the Fling but my legs had been in such a state that I managed one run the week before. Luckily it was a good one.
Looking at the runners in the race I was glad this was to be a training run. The big guns were here for the GB and Scottish trail Championships. I was glad that I could sit back and relax. That was until Debbie announced she would support me. Then that Sharon would too. I then added Thomas to the mix myself. So now I had a world class support team of two GB athletes and last years Scottish 100k champion I couldn't really do this race any other way but 100%. Recovery from the 100k though had been difficult. I could barely walk the first week and then barely ran the second week after it. By the time I was running properly everything was tight and sore. Then once I finally got going I pulled something in my calf. This was now my biggest concern and I spent the week before the Fling nursing it along.
Milngavie to Drymen
Distance 12.18 miles
We started off after the briefest of race briefing. I like it that way. I can't really listen to them when I just want to get started. Straight away a small group formed in front of me. Perhaps 4 or 5 runners. Insert runners I was in a second group with Matt Williamson, Paul Giblin, Paul Fernandez and a few others.
If you have ever ran the Fling you know that the start is the section that has the most consequence on your finishing time. The 12 miles to Drymen can be run at half marathon pace although
that would be stupidity in an ultra and thankfully not many people try that. I am one that has always thought that 1:30 is the fastest you should do this section and that it will pay dividends later on in the race. Well after telling everyone all week that would listen that you shouldn't go out fast I did the complete opposite and did it in 1:23. And do you know something it felt fantastic.
I was chatting away with Matt and I was having a great time. The groups thinned out until it was only the faster group at the front, perhaps 30 or 40 meters away and then the group I was in. When I glanced round I couldn't see anyone behind us at all. On the way past Glengoyne Distillery I noticed us catching another runner. It was Stuart Mills. I was excited at catching him but also slightly worried as he is weIl known for starting races fast. Still I was chatting away and it felt effortless so I continued on. As I got near to my Support team I was at the front and thought they would shout at me for leading such a crazy pace so I stopped for a quick toilet break and then joined the group at the back again.
Just as we were approaching Drymen one of our group appeared to pull off and ran at break neck speed away from us. I remember the chat at the time : who is that? anyone know that guy? Someone also added that they were sure they would see him broken at the side of the road by half way.
Into Drymen and I was shocked at the pace we had hit here. Although it felt fine I had noticed that my dodgy calf was getting a bit sorer and stiffer. It really hit me though in the hill out of Drymen.
Drymen to Rowardennan
Distance 14.9 miles
Total 27.08
Our group certainly thinned more on the hill out of Drymen and it was now Matt, Paul Giblin and me at the front with Paul Fernandez not far behind. Paul F had won the 50k 4 weeks before and had run it in 3:05. A fantastic time and under 6 min miling for the whole thing. We were doing just under 7 min miles and I thought he sounded like he was breathing hard for the slower pace but he didnt seem to be in any discomfort.
The hill was tiring for me though and the calf was certainly starting to throb more. My legs also felt like they didn't have as much kick in them as they should. It certainly felt like the 100k was still in them and I was getting worried that I wouldn't have 53 miles in them.
I reluctantly let Matt and Paul Giblin go. I knew I would blow my race if I continued at this pace and worse I may end up knackering my calf. I was really annoyed because I felt the pace was very comfortable. Paul Fernandes went by me too and then Andrew James. My legs were really struggling at this point but slowing just that small amount I was able to take at least keep moving. I arrived at Conic hill and had to walk up some of it. But I noticed that the runners were not getting much further in front and even some of them were walking too. At least I wasn't losing any more distance or if I was it was only a small amount. I met Ian Beattie at the top of the hill and he gave me a wee boost by telling me I was bang on target. I wasn’t really sure what my target was but it helped anyway.
I wasn’t far behind Paul and Andrew on the way down the hill to Balmaha. Running was now feeling easier again and I relaxed a bit.
I met Cairn and Sharon on the way down too. I really enjoyed seeing Cairn during the run today. He gave me a big smile and a high five and I continued on meeting the rest of my support team in Balmaha. Debbie and Thomas were faultless and I made a quick turnover and headed out in front of Paul and James.
I was spurred on and ready for the Lochside. To me that is one third of the race gone already. Okay its the easy third but still its a third.
A lot of people hate the lochside but I like it. It deserves a lot of respect and if you push even a fraction too hard it will gobble you up and spit you out like a quivering wreck at Beinglas. You will then take an eternity to get to Tyndrum, all the time wrecking your legs and increasing your recovery from the race. So its important to pace this perfectly. I had ignored my pacing plan to Balmaha and so now I had to get my head screwed on at the Lochside or this B race would end up wrecking my West Highland Way preparation and I would be lucky to get a PB or a top 30 finish.
The first couple of inclines went by without too many issues but then after not long my legs felt awful. This wasnt going to be my day I kept thinking. I cursed the 100K for killing my legs. I should be flying along here I thought. Paul and Andrew went by and then Donnie Campbell too. They all looked so relaxed and comfortable. I had now dropped to 10th or 11th place and was out of contention for a Scottish Medal too as I was now 4th Scot too. My heart sank again and I started to wonder if this was a good idea continuing. My calf hurt and I was wondering if I was making it worse. Thomas met me in the middle of no-where and I stopped and walked to him. “Get going” he shouted in his increasingly more and more Scottish laced German accent. “I can’t Thomas, my legs are knackered” Thomas in reply shoved a Chocolate Brioche and Jelly Babies in my hand and pushed me on my way. I jogged along trying to eat the Jelly Babies and looking at the Brioche wondering how the heck I was gonna eat it. It looked hellishly dry. Debbie and Sharon appeared in the car beside me. “You are doing fantastic Marco, is there anything you need at the next checkpoint”
“Nah, my legs are goosed.”and then threw half of the Brioche at Sharon hitting her in the face. I ran off leaving them both shocked.
On I jogged. I started to eat what was left of the Brioche to find out it was easy to eat. Damn, I wish I hadn't thrown it at Sharon now. Karma I thought.
At Sallochy my support team were mobilised and ready for me. I came in a sorry pitiful sight. They shoved painkillers and red bull into me and pushed me on my way. All done in seconds.
I kept going on. I was sure I was going slow and at anytime the 400 people behind me would slowly start to push by but it didn't happen. In fact the opposite did. I caught up someone else who looked in a far worse state than me. They got out my way and it pushed me on. The painkillers and Red Bull kicked in and I started running faster. Still I didnt want to push too hard so I ran economically and walked fast up any hills. I had trained to run the hills so it was a bit worrying but I wasn’t gonna complain as I felt like I was going again.
I came into Rowardennan and I have to say I was a bit all over the place here. I didnt feel like I was all there and people were shouting things all over the place and I didnt really understand it. But what I do remember was seeing Paul Giblin. This gave me a wee push. Perhaps I hadnt been that slow along the Lochside so far. Maybe I can get going aga
in? Paul left first but after more Red Bull and a load of sugar from my team I was on my way again. It was like someone had strapped a bomb to me.
Rowardennan to Beinglas
Distance 14.08
Total 41.16
I left Rowardennan and before long I could see Paul in the distance. I remember doing this section a couple of years ago with Paul during the West Highland Way and he was so strong. If I could hold onto him he could pull me along. I caught up with Paul and found out he had fallen before Rowardennan and had a terrible section too. We arrived at the first hill and I thought that I would have my work cut out trying to walk up here if Paul ran it but instead he seemed to drift behind me and I went ahead. I tried to be sensible as I didn’t want the legs to go again so I walked quickly and then ran as soon as I could. I kept expecting Paul to catch up but he didn’t. I then got another boost when I turned a corner and met Keith Hughs who was walking the WHW. I walked with him up one of the hills and he told me I was doing great. I still didnt think so but pushed on, sneaking a look back to see that I couldn’t see Paul behind.
All the way to Inversnaid I tried to run economically and not push too hard. I was starting to relax and dare I say I was enjoying it now. The first time since just before Drymen. My calf was still hurting but it wasn’t too distressing. I arrived in Inversnaid desperate for some sugar. Karen, George and David Gow were there and handed me a bottle of coke. I drank it so fast that I spent the next 10 minutes burping. Always seemed to burp when I caught walkers too.
I couldnt believe the difference in my legs. They felt fresh and I was now scrambling up and down the hills. It was really good fun after a winter of canal training. I played around too trying different ways of running on the terrain. All in preparation for the WHW race in June. This was also a test for my shoes and they seemed to be doing okay too (Inov-8 Rocklites) although y the end of the race I had managed to rip them.
All of a sudden I caught sight of another runner. Well I think it was. If you have ran this section you will know its tough to see very far ahead or behind you. No it most certainly was another runner and they looked like they were struggling. It was Paul Fernandes and he looked like he was having an issue with his pack while running along. I pushed to catch him and it wasn't long before I overtook him. I was starting to enjoy this. Within another 10 minutes I caught sight of another runner but I would not pass him so easily. It was Andrew James and he held the record for the Fling. He wasnt doing record pace today but he certainly wasnt letting me overtake him. As I drew close he sped away and my technique of now walking all the hills want working. He would run up them. He didnt seem so sure on the rocky sections and I would catch up there but then we would reach a hill and he would fly up them.
The last hill before Beinglas he took a lot out of me and I could see his luminous top run off into the distance. No worries Marco. You will be faster on the next sectio
n.
As I came in towards Beinglas I felt a glow. I had saved this race and I was going great guns now. I was in 7th place and 3rd Scot. I couldnt wait to see my support team and show them that they hadnt wasted their day out. This was gonna be my day.
Beinglas to Tyndrum
Distance 12.23
Total 53.39
As I came into Beinglas I couldnt see my support team. Then all of a sudden I heard a disbelieving shout.... “Its Marco”
I think I even surprised them. I was smiling and enjoying myself. They handed me a Magnum Ice Cream and I ate three quarters of it in one mouthful and then they handed me my Red Bull. Which I topped up the my already full mouth.
Debbie was pushing me on telling me I was right behind Andrew James. I was nodding - unable to speak. Mouth full.
On I went. I couldnt chew the concoction in my mouth. It was lovely but I couldnt swallow. Eventually it melted enough and I got back into my stride. I could see Andrew James. Right you I thought. I am gonna catch you. He stopped for a toilet break and I smiled to myself. He is having toilet issues. That is why I am catching him. I knowits not that sporting of me but it happens to all of us Ultra runners and I was going to seize this moment. I started to run to try and catch him but I never did. Perhaps with less weight he was faster now. He flew off. (I later found out he was never that far ahead of me but I thought he was)
I could see another runner now and I thought I would catch him but he was also too strong. I thought that they ended up miles in front of me but they weren't by the end.
For a sub 8 time I knew what I had to do. I had 2 hours 15 minutes to do it so I started to relax again. I was here for a PB and not to kill myself.
I always find this section slow going. I suppose everyone does. You don’t notice it but there is a fair amount of climbing from Beinglas to Crianlarich and after the Loch section I think you expect this part to be easier. It never is and that also drains you a bit.
I could still see Andrew James in front and every flat section I tried to catch him. But every hill he would get further away again. By Carmyle Cottage I met my support and could tell that I had slipped behind a bit as they no longer pushed me to catch Andrew. I didn’t mind. I was onto a PB and a good placing. It was not an embarrassment to be beaten for a place by the current record holder.
From the cottage to Carmyle I had a good section, running most of it but taking some walking breaks. I even had time to enjoy some of the scenery and even watch the Harry Potter train go by. Cow Poo junction was even worse than I remembered it ever being but I was happy and didn’t mind. I met Thomas at Crianlarich and we walked up the hill together as he fed me more coke. It was all very like a training run and I didn’t have any real urgency. Now and then I would check my watch to make sure I was on target for the sub 8 and then I would continue my jog to the end while enjoying the scenery and actually enjoying myself. A far cry from earlier on at the start of the Lochside.
I reached the wigwams to be greeted by my excellent support team. My relaxed running was shattered when they announced that if I got my finger out I could break 7:45. Now the race was on. I buckled down and started to run as much as I could. Now and then I would have a small walk. A couple of paces and then force myself to run again. My watch was the enemy as it counted ever closer to 7:45.
7:32.... I was onto the last section, I was across the road and Tyndrum was now and then in sight as I turned corners.
7:38.... I was going past the loch with the sword that marked a battle that happened there. One day I will stop and read what battle it is but not today.
7:40.... I was passing the last gate as I approached Tyndrum
7:42.... I had to walk. My legs didnt have much left
7:43.... I mustered enough to run again. I came onto the road where the finish was last year and it wasnt there. Feck. Where is it? A marshal pointed me up a side street.
7:44.... I can see the finish. Its still a bit away and I dont have seconds displayed on my Garmin. How long until 7:45... Cairn joins me for the last 30 meters and we run together. Well until he slows down and I need to run away from him to make sure I stay under 7:45.
7:44:19.... I have finished!!!! I am over the moon. Nearly a 40 minute PB and I have to admit my legs feel better now than they did at 20 miles.
I was overjoyed and ran the final few meters with Cairn. I couldn't believe how it had gone especially after the first 20 miles. My support team were fantastic. All four of them - Debbie, Cairn, Thomas and Sharon. A world class support team that I hope I didn't embarrass too much.
I just want to thank my Support team so much. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have completed the race. Also thank you to John and the rest of the Fling organisers. This is one of the biggest and well run races I have ever ran. It certainly deserves to be the biggest Ultra in the UK.
