This race fitted the marathon training plan of Week 12 which said for the Sunday long run "27km easy with 8 at marathon pace". I thought a 21km trail race would be a suitable alternative. Other attractive factors were it being a Martin Stone (he of LAMM fame) organised race. Also it had a relatively cheap entry price of £11. The only downside was the distance from Edinburgh, the race being on the edge of the Lake District, but the M74/M6 would help here.
Of course the British summer continued in the same vein of previous weekends and it was soaking. My drive south was a wet aquaplane to the junction at Penrith. Not far past Gretna, Martin sent a text to all runners to say the Lowther Show had been cancelled due to the weather, but the race was still on. The Lowther Show is an annual agricultural event in the grounds of Lowther Castle of which the race was one of the events.
I followed signs and marshall direction to the hard-standing car park where the usual running types were milling about. It was raining lightly with a reasonable breeze. A couple of minutes walk took me to the small white registration marquee where I collected my number and saw Martin doing his stuff. Back to the car to eat my lunch and tog up.
At 12:50 I headed back down to the tent where everyone was gathering in nervous groups. There were some VERY fit looking people there, with an air of experience about them. Hairy tanned legs, worn vests, tatty bumbags everywhere. Hardly any noobs as far as I could tell. Martin appeared with his obligatory megaphone and gave the race briefing. Of note was the 'proximity dibbers' we had all been issued with - no need to stick them in a box, just pass within 3metres of them and your time would be recorded.
The route had two compulsory checkpoints on the high ground which we had to pass. There was also a crossing of the River Lowther which normally is fordable, but today we were told to use the nearby suspension bridge. For safety reasons, Martin wanted us to walk the bridge, and the only way to enforce this was by stopping the clock at either end by getting runners to physically Dib.
At 13:00 he counted us down and we were careering under the archway of the castle onto some sodden grass running helter skelter towards the river where we turned left and joined a tarmac road heading towards the village of Askham. Over the old stone bridge across the River Lowther and then the big climb up to Heughscar Hill.
Although tough, it was a good way to separate out the field quickly and soon enough I was stuck on the heels of one grey haired guy who had a pleasantly relaxed gait. From the summit where we circled the cairn dibber (and it beeped), we headed south east across moorland (but still on paths) towards Butterwick. I managed to overtake the grey-hair as he stopped to grab a water at the 1st station on the minor road but he soon caught me up until he fell over crossing a small burn behind me.
At the suspension bridge I had overtaken two others and decided to use the wee hiatus to have a gel - somewhat tricky with a camera, dibber and gel in my paws. Soon after the bridge, we made the second big climb of the route which was a bit sloppy. I passed a female who was wearing those weird shoes that look like feet and have no grip. She was really struggling in the slippy mud.
Past a lovely limestone pavement with clints and grykes and eventually past the 2nd checkpoint before turning north and the long descent back towards the castle. The fields became a track which became a road and the pace just quickened all the while until I was averaging well below 4min/km pace slapping my feet on the tarmac. The only slowing was at the many cattle grids that had to be crossed.
With about 1km to go, the track turned gently uphill again and I was shocked (but not surprised) to see a finished runner jogging back along the track. He was young I suppose!
I was now officially knackered so struggled to keep the momentum up the hills. I walked the 'steeper' gradients of track, but made sure to run as soon as possible. There were some kind supporters cheering me in as I rounded the castle wall and under the archway. Up to the finish dibber and the tent where Martin welcomed me back, took my dibber and gave me my printout. 37th out of 37 finishers, 5th MV40. "Help yourself to a beer" he said waving me towards a table covered in bottles of 'Fuggles' beer. "Don't mind if I do."
I'd do that race again.
37 / 195 01:46:20 5th MV40.
A wee video :
Strava route:
Sunday, 11 August 2019
Saturday, 27 July 2019
Fort William Trail Half-Marathon
Another weekend, another race. This would be week 10 of my training schedule and fitted nicely with the plan of a '24km steady including 8 at marathon pace' description for the Sunday. OK, the race was on the Saturday but if I swapped the days round it would be doable. I actually skipped my Thursday run so that I'd have two full-days off before the race.
The race was part of the Fort William Trail Running Festival which was an inaugural event of trail races in the forest below Aonach Mor. No surprises there was a 5, 10, Half, Full and hill race being organised and if you really wanted to, could participate in all of them for superhero status. The Half was enough for me, and the advertised 13:00 start time meant I could drive up on the Saturday morning in good time.
Except, best laid plans and all that. Since it was the 'inaugural' event, the organisers hadn't thought of everything and decided to restrict race registration time to a short two hour window on the Saturday morning from 08:00 to 10:00. In response to the race information email sent earlier in the week, I asked if there could be some exception for people like me travelling a long distance. I received no reply, but I noticed other runners complaining on Facebook about the same problem. Thankfully the organisers agreed to keep registration open longer.
They also expected everyone to print out a section of the same email and fill it out as a medical form. More inflexibility - not everyone has a printer etc. Everyone was expected to carry a foil blanket? Another weirdism. And finally, there was only going to be one water station. I didn't see the point of that. Either enough, or none. Not one. So I brought my camelbak and prepared to be self-sufficient.
Of course, the weather was shite. Warm, very wet and still. When I arrived in the Nevisrange car park at 11:00 there was a very damp feel to the place. I hopped over the puddles in the car park to run across to the registration tent, receiving not only my number, but my T-shirt and medal at the same time. A bit daft.
I ate some lunch and togged up. At 12:45 I did some jogging round the car park just to stretch the legs before heading towards the registration tent for the brief briefing. There were over a hundred other runners, mostly wearing some sort of hydration pack. I headed to the start arch and we had a countdown. I stood very near the front.
Immediately we were onto an ascending forest track which separated the men from the boys. I watched five fasties heading off into the distance, but managed to hang onto a trio of younger males who were settled into a strong pace. After a couple of kilometeres we were reduced to three and we each rotated the lead. I became aware they were both French from their chat and attire. One of them kept clearing his nose which was a bit weird.
The nose clearer started to slow and eventually the faster one slowed to wait for his pal. I took the lead and kept at the pace we had been going at. At the same time, the path narrowed and eventually became an overgrown wet footpath beside The Cour river. It was fairly treacherous not being able to see my footing due to the bracken and puddled path as I splashed along.
Thankfully at 10km we emerged back onto a wider forest track and I took the opportunity to take my first gel. The Frenchies started to gain on me, now almost 50m behind.
After my gel I stepped up the pace and stretched away, sometimes glimpsing the next runner several hundred metres ahead. At 14km I passed the only water station which was busy with supporters and volunteers. They offered bananas and biscuits, but I just asked for my place and they said "Oh, 3rd, 4th or 5th!". Hmmm. I suspected 6th.
After the water station was a long descent which passed in a flash. I looked over my shoulder again - no sign of the French pair - they must have stopped for water. I was now on my own for sure and it allowed me to relax a bit. Soon I could hear the traffic on the wet A82 to my right; there must be a railway somewhere too. At 16km I decided I needed another gel and stuffed it down my throat on the run.
As the track neared the junction with the A82, the race route took a sharp left up a short steep hill which came as a surprise. I managed to plod up it until the track became an overgrown bracken path again. It weaved left and right higher and higher and I'll admit to walking briefly. It levelled off and was a technical MTB track heading towards the Nevisrange car park with the access road running parallel.
I heard some bells ringing and then shouts of support, then spotted the car park and a wee group of midgenet clad people waiting for me. I crossed the road, into the car park and followed a line of barriers towards the forest before turning left, under the MTB downhill track (tunnel) to the finish arch.
The RD congratulated me and asked how it went. I asked him my placing. 6th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 / 136 01:40:48
The race was part of the Fort William Trail Running Festival which was an inaugural event of trail races in the forest below Aonach Mor. No surprises there was a 5, 10, Half, Full and hill race being organised and if you really wanted to, could participate in all of them for superhero status. The Half was enough for me, and the advertised 13:00 start time meant I could drive up on the Saturday morning in good time.
Except, best laid plans and all that. Since it was the 'inaugural' event, the organisers hadn't thought of everything and decided to restrict race registration time to a short two hour window on the Saturday morning from 08:00 to 10:00. In response to the race information email sent earlier in the week, I asked if there could be some exception for people like me travelling a long distance. I received no reply, but I noticed other runners complaining on Facebook about the same problem. Thankfully the organisers agreed to keep registration open longer.
They also expected everyone to print out a section of the same email and fill it out as a medical form. More inflexibility - not everyone has a printer etc. Everyone was expected to carry a foil blanket? Another weirdism. And finally, there was only going to be one water station. I didn't see the point of that. Either enough, or none. Not one. So I brought my camelbak and prepared to be self-sufficient.
Of course, the weather was shite. Warm, very wet and still. When I arrived in the Nevisrange car park at 11:00 there was a very damp feel to the place. I hopped over the puddles in the car park to run across to the registration tent, receiving not only my number, but my T-shirt and medal at the same time. A bit daft.
I ate some lunch and togged up. At 12:45 I did some jogging round the car park just to stretch the legs before heading towards the registration tent for the brief briefing. There were over a hundred other runners, mostly wearing some sort of hydration pack. I headed to the start arch and we had a countdown. I stood very near the front.
 |
| The start at 13:00, the guy in the Ochils vest won it |
The nose clearer started to slow and eventually the faster one slowed to wait for his pal. I took the lead and kept at the pace we had been going at. At the same time, the path narrowed and eventually became an overgrown wet footpath beside The Cour river. It was fairly treacherous not being able to see my footing due to the bracken and puddled path as I splashed along.
Thankfully at 10km we emerged back onto a wider forest track and I took the opportunity to take my first gel. The Frenchies started to gain on me, now almost 50m behind.
After my gel I stepped up the pace and stretched away, sometimes glimpsing the next runner several hundred metres ahead. At 14km I passed the only water station which was busy with supporters and volunteers. They offered bananas and biscuits, but I just asked for my place and they said "Oh, 3rd, 4th or 5th!". Hmmm. I suspected 6th.
After the water station was a long descent which passed in a flash. I looked over my shoulder again - no sign of the French pair - they must have stopped for water. I was now on my own for sure and it allowed me to relax a bit. Soon I could hear the traffic on the wet A82 to my right; there must be a railway somewhere too. At 16km I decided I needed another gel and stuffed it down my throat on the run.
As the track neared the junction with the A82, the race route took a sharp left up a short steep hill which came as a surprise. I managed to plod up it until the track became an overgrown bracken path again. It weaved left and right higher and higher and I'll admit to walking briefly. It levelled off and was a technical MTB track heading towards the Nevisrange car park with the access road running parallel.
I heard some bells ringing and then shouts of support, then spotted the car park and a wee group of midgenet clad people waiting for me. I crossed the road, into the car park and followed a line of barriers towards the forest before turning left, under the MTB downhill track (tunnel) to the finish arch.
The RD congratulated me and asked how it went. I asked him my placing. 6th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 |
| Crossing the finish line - wet but very happy |
Saturday, 6 July 2019
Glamaig Hill Race
Our summer holiday this year was one week east of Loch Ness and the second week in Skye. It just so happened that the Glamaig Hill Race would be on at approximately the same time as we'd be transiting between holiday houses. How could I not enter? So I did.
I don't know when I'd first heard of this race but it was a long time ago. I've never been up Glamaig, a Corbett. I had seen and laughed at the BBC 'personality' Monty Halls who had valiantly run the race in 2008 as part of a documentary series of him living in Applecross. It looked brutal. I knew that Finlay Wild was a record holder and regular winner of the race in the past decade. I met an acquaintance from another corner of the internet who had previously done the race and he just howled when I said I was going to do it.
When we arrived at Sligachan, I wasn't in the best of moods. I had had a bad sleep worrying about the race. The other early arrivals all looked like proper hill runners with wee bumbags and old eyes. I was nervous. I headed over to the hotel to register in the lounge bar. I recognised the chap taking my name but couldn't place him. Possibly from Meall Nan Tarmachan last year? He handed me slate coaster as my race memento and I jokingly said "Don't I have to finish the race first?". I took advantage of the hotel facilities and offloaded some weight before returning back to the car for some food and to get ready.
Eventually it was time to gather at the start line outside the hotel. Somebody had sprayed a white line across the tarmac and the eager beavers placed their toes on it. Finlay Wild sauntered up to it in a very relaxed manner. There was a short race briefing over a loudspeaker from the hotel - this was the first time the race had been organised by Skye and Lochalsh Hill Runners, after having been administered by Carnethy for 30-odd years. A countdown and we were off.
 |
| The start of the Glamaig Hill Race 3pm 6th July 2019 |
It must have been within 10 or 20metres of leaving the road that I turned my left ankle badly. Pain shot through my body and I limped to the side to let followers pass. But it still worked, so I pressed on taking it very easy until the pain gradually wore off. As the terrain steepened, it became easier on my now chocolate teapot ankle and I was able to regain the places I'd lost.
 |
| Out for an afternoon stroll |
 |
| I am in bright green, a long way up |
The change in angle immediately resulted in shooting pain through my ankle again and I realised I was gubbed. There was not going to be a reckless descent. Survival was more important so I stepped to the side and followed what I thought was an easier line.
The scree was pretty awful with a bad ankle, especially when it changed from small, loose, deep areas to larger and solid sections. I fell on my arse several times and felt that gloves might've been a good addition. Some runners came thundering through causing sliding rock avalanches which moved as fast as them. It was pretty grim to see and the air smelled of rock dust.
At last the scree ended and we were back onto grass to follow a gentle traverse down and towards the ascent route.
 |
| Mincing my way down the grass |
 |
| Just beating the fella that had overtaken me on the moor descent |
 |
| Washing the moor off |
Wednesday, 3 July 2019
Tain 10k roadrace
Whilst planning the summer holiday, I had scanned all the usual running sites and found this race in Tain that was during the week we were staying 'nearby'. It was an annual event organised by the local running club Tain Runners as part of the week long Tain Gala celebrations. With a 7pm start, it allowed for a full day of 'holiday activity' before I would need to get up to Tain for the race.
Infact, it became a family and friends event when Sally decided to run too, and the Taylors who were also on holiday in the area. Registration opened at 6pm, and both cars arrived on the Tain Links at 18:01. First in the car park! It was a bit breezy, not condusive to chatting outside so we headed into the marquee registration tent to pick up numbers.
Previous results suggested 70-80 runners per year, so it wasn't going to be too busy. At 18:55 there was a general movement towards the coastal path and we joined them. I stood fairly close to the front whereas Sally moved to the middle.
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| On the start line, lets get on with it |
The wind was on our backs here and I was able to get back the couple of places I had lost on the hill as we toyed with the traffic that was still trying to use the road. Through the other side, and then a long descent back down the hill and over the railway line again. At this point we passed the 5km race fork - they would head back to the finish line, whereas the 10km race went out on an out-and-back route.
The road was straight and flat so it was just a case of settling into a pace and trying to keep position. I could see the places in front were stretching out. In the far distance I could just about see the flashing light of the leader's following car who had reached the turning point. Soon enough he had run past me on the way back and he was going very fast. I started to count the following runners until I reached the turn - I was in 13th.
I noticed the guy in front of me had stopped for a drink from the water station and was looking to be in a bad way. I happily overtook him and started on my return to the town. I was then able to look at the following runners until I spotted Sally who I went over to high-five as we passed.
Then to my dismay I heard the guy I had overtaken on my heels and then come alongside. He mumbled some encouragement and carried on. I tried to keep up.
He died again on the other side of the wee hill over the railway so I managed to get past and leave the tarmac onto the farm track that avoided the hill back into the town. This was shared with the 5km route so I was now overtaking the backmarkers of that race. A few wee corners, over the railway one again and then back to the Links for a 'sprint' to the disorganised finish line.
 |
| The sprint to the finish! |
A miniature of Glenmorangie handed to me.
12 / 103 40:59
Sunday, 16 June 2019
Seven Hills 2019
Hallelujah! The highlight of my running year has arrived again! I absolutely love this race and everything that goes with it. I made sure to wear my long-sleeved T to work on the Friday in an attempt to promote the race - everyone from Edinburgh should do it once in their lives! Ha Ha I doubt that will ever happen.
As with the weather so far this 'summer' there was no certainty on the forecast with showers predicted at some point in the day, and the previous week had seen some heavy periods of rain. On the Saturday, I had done a 5 pub crawl down the Water of Leith and seen the river in high levels, the Gormley at Stockbridge with various pieces of vegetation washed downstream and caught around his legs. This meant trail shoes were a must as the 'wilder' sections of the route would be muddy and slippy. The temperature was set to be 14C ish, not too bad.
I watched the start of the Challenge race at 09:45, pleased to see the Sheach family at the back recording on their GoPros. I couldn't see Sally anywhere in the pack.
I then spent the next few mins getting changed, taking on water, fuel and going for a pee before meeting AJ and Anya. Off we trotted to the start line for the 10:15 countdown and we were running.
Down the steps still running and I took a central route up the North Bridge and through the Arcades onto the hoaching High Street. Another pb segment. At the castle, the route through the gardens was closed due to rockfall so all runners were directed down the Johnston Terrace steps. I queued to clip my number, oblivious to the fact there were clippers all the way down the railings of the steps. Grrr. Some time wasted there.
Johnston Terrace to Haymarket passed in a blur, Lothian Road lights working in my favour. On the bus during the week, I had spotted the SGN works at Roseburn which looked like they would interfere with a smooth line on the traditional north side of the road. After Haymarket I tried to stay on the left (south) side of the road with that in mind, but was forced to cross by some other roadworks I'd not accounted for. As I passed the Roseburn Inn, I made sure to cross back south anyway and a guy in green (Mike Milner) that I had passed earlier had followed me and we both crossed back to the north pavement as soon as we were through the roadworks. No idea if that gave us an advantage, but mentally I felt it did.
Onwards to Murrayfield Road and the long slog up to Ravelston Dykes. Mike overtook me here but I kept him in sight as I spied Daisy Henderson walking down the opposite pavement. Onto Corstorphine Hill and it was chaos with people running in all directions, I've not seen it so messy before. After punching my number, I was pleased to see Kevin Gemson BEHIND me. That was a first - I shouted encouragement to him.
Down to Kaimes Road and some fast foot slapping past the house. Before I reached it, I could hear Meg barking from behind the gate and saw AB#2 with the video camera.
An easy crossing of Glasgow Road without waiting and into Carrick Knowe avenue where I caught the first of the obvious Challengers who were walking. Ahead of me up the straight road were runners of all paces. I settled into a rhythm, not following or chasing anyone in particular.
At the steps beyond the tram crossing, I took the wee path to the side and managed to gain a couple of places, even though one of them leapt down each group of 4 stairs like a loony. He muttered something about "That is not a good idea when recovering from an ankle injury." I just laughed. Through Stenhouse Cross round the roundabout on the left and into Chesser. I ran on the road as is my preference and managed to overtake a few more Challengers.
Checking the watch, I could see we were approaching 10km in and it was time for a gel. I took the opportunity at the slowdown of climbing the steps into Allan Park Drive and slurped it down before I reached the canal over the bridge.
The Craiglockhart Hill climb was the busiest I've experienced it, loads of people scrabbling up the roots and mud which was also the slippiest. One chap above me fell on his arse near the top, but without injury. I wanted to try running all the way to the summit, but once beyond the new steps onto the grass, I couldn't resist the walk and joined the crowd of zombies huffing their way towards the sun.
Once I'd stamped my number, I was on my way again and thundered down the track through the trees. I noticed Kate Crichton ahead and made sure to give her a shout. She had no idea who I was so I tried to remind her. At the water station I turned sharp right and took the wee shortcut through the arch in front of the houses; another wee mental advantage.
Greenbank and the Fly Walk passed without event and it was onto the grass of Braidburn Valley Park, slowing to a walk on the path up to Comiston Road. After jogging across I also dropped to a walk up Riselaw...a bit defeatist. At the Braids water station I ignored the water again, and hammered up the track passing as many as people as I could before it narrowed. But once again I felt defeat and slowed to a walk at any of the 'steeper' bits. Quite a few Racers passing me here.
I had to wait for a clipper on the summit - there only seemed to be two of them which was a bit annoying. Onto the golf course, setting free but knowing the wee gorse snicket ahead would likely be busy. I was not wrong, and had to drop the pace behind a group in front of me who were taking it slower than I'd want.
Across the road and into the Lang Linn, as soon as the path widened I elbowed my way past and floored it to the T-junction. A wee jink left and then into the steep cross-slope slither down to the river. As expected, it was muddy and I did well to not skite down like others had clearly done with skid marks in the slope. I ran along the main path to the right alongside the Braidburn for a few metres until I was opposite the path I had spotted the week before. Splash across the burn and then up the path, initially muddy and I passed one bloke struggling through it.
Suddenly I was over the fence and into the field very close to the gate to Blackford and now the steps of punishment. I took my time, ignoring others and soon enough the punishment was over. Turning left, I jogged to the nettle snicket, walking up behind another guy, happy that most of the nettles and brambles had now been beaten back by others.
The summit seemed busy, but with no-one clipping. I think most were taking on water and fuel or looking at the view. I clipped and carried on straight down the northside managing to avoid slipping on my backside through the trees and onto the bottom track. Across the road and into Oswald Road obeying the roadwork barriers. Turning right into South Oswald Road and my lonely (1km flat) run towards Mayfield Road. I think I could hear some gaining feet behind me as I reached Mayfield but was otherwise alone until the turn left and rejoining the throng.
I realised Mike in the green t-shirt was beside me again, I asked him how he was doing as we puffed up towards the Old Bell. He said good, but then asked what time we were aiming for. I told him I wanted to beat 2hr17 and he thought that was definitely going to happen. Good encouragement and into Duncan St and Blacket Place, only pausing briefly for the traffic to pass in Minto Steeet. Mike was getting ahead now, so I decided it was time for another gel before Arthur's Seat.
Round the corner of the Commie Pool and past Pollock. A runner suddenly appeared on the top of the 8ft wall beside me and slipped down onto the pavement. I laughed and he said "That is not a shortcut!!"
The Gutted Haddie on Arthur's Seat was very busy, choked by three or four non-Seven Hillers which was slightly frustrating. I managed to get past them eventually and continue to the summit WITHOUT CRAMP!!!!! I was so pleased.
Slipping on the polished basalt, I got down the north side safely and into the Dry Dam path which appeared to be full of tourists further ahead. I tried to look as fast and crazy as possible as I approached and to my fortune, they stepped aside at my approach and I had a clear descent. Onto the tarmac, past the Parliament and Palace then into Calton Road. I spotted Mike in front again so put the foot down to catch him just as he turned into the steps up to Regent Road.
Up Calton he kept running whereas I slowed to a walk on the road but managed to run again for the final grassy slope to the finish line where Sally and Anja were waiting. I stopped the watch - 2h08!!!!! Yassssssss! I howled a cry of happiness. Yah beauty smashed it.
02:08:41 49 / 196
As with the weather so far this 'summer' there was no certainty on the forecast with showers predicted at some point in the day, and the previous week had seen some heavy periods of rain. On the Saturday, I had done a 5 pub crawl down the Water of Leith and seen the river in high levels, the Gormley at Stockbridge with various pieces of vegetation washed downstream and caught around his legs. This meant trail shoes were a must as the 'wilder' sections of the route would be muddy and slippy. The temperature was set to be 14C ish, not too bad.
 |
| Waiting for the Challenge start - all smiles |
 |
| The Challenge start |
Down the steps still running and I took a central route up the North Bridge and through the Arcades onto the hoaching High Street. Another pb segment. At the castle, the route through the gardens was closed due to rockfall so all runners were directed down the Johnston Terrace steps. I queued to clip my number, oblivious to the fact there were clippers all the way down the railings of the steps. Grrr. Some time wasted there.
Johnston Terrace to Haymarket passed in a blur, Lothian Road lights working in my favour. On the bus during the week, I had spotted the SGN works at Roseburn which looked like they would interfere with a smooth line on the traditional north side of the road. After Haymarket I tried to stay on the left (south) side of the road with that in mind, but was forced to cross by some other roadworks I'd not accounted for. As I passed the Roseburn Inn, I made sure to cross back south anyway and a guy in green (Mike Milner) that I had passed earlier had followed me and we both crossed back to the north pavement as soon as we were through the roadworks. No idea if that gave us an advantage, but mentally I felt it did.
Onwards to Murrayfield Road and the long slog up to Ravelston Dykes. Mike overtook me here but I kept him in sight as I spied Daisy Henderson walking down the opposite pavement. Onto Corstorphine Hill and it was chaos with people running in all directions, I've not seen it so messy before. After punching my number, I was pleased to see Kevin Gemson BEHIND me. That was a first - I shouted encouragement to him.
Down to Kaimes Road and some fast foot slapping past the house. Before I reached it, I could hear Meg barking from behind the gate and saw AB#2 with the video camera.
An easy crossing of Glasgow Road without waiting and into Carrick Knowe avenue where I caught the first of the obvious Challengers who were walking. Ahead of me up the straight road were runners of all paces. I settled into a rhythm, not following or chasing anyone in particular.
At the steps beyond the tram crossing, I took the wee path to the side and managed to gain a couple of places, even though one of them leapt down each group of 4 stairs like a loony. He muttered something about "That is not a good idea when recovering from an ankle injury." I just laughed. Through Stenhouse Cross round the roundabout on the left and into Chesser. I ran on the road as is my preference and managed to overtake a few more Challengers.
Checking the watch, I could see we were approaching 10km in and it was time for a gel. I took the opportunity at the slowdown of climbing the steps into Allan Park Drive and slurped it down before I reached the canal over the bridge.
The Craiglockhart Hill climb was the busiest I've experienced it, loads of people scrabbling up the roots and mud which was also the slippiest. One chap above me fell on his arse near the top, but without injury. I wanted to try running all the way to the summit, but once beyond the new steps onto the grass, I couldn't resist the walk and joined the crowd of zombies huffing their way towards the sun.
Once I'd stamped my number, I was on my way again and thundered down the track through the trees. I noticed Kate Crichton ahead and made sure to give her a shout. She had no idea who I was so I tried to remind her. At the water station I turned sharp right and took the wee shortcut through the arch in front of the houses; another wee mental advantage.
Greenbank and the Fly Walk passed without event and it was onto the grass of Braidburn Valley Park, slowing to a walk on the path up to Comiston Road. After jogging across I also dropped to a walk up Riselaw...a bit defeatist. At the Braids water station I ignored the water again, and hammered up the track passing as many as people as I could before it narrowed. But once again I felt defeat and slowed to a walk at any of the 'steeper' bits. Quite a few Racers passing me here.
I had to wait for a clipper on the summit - there only seemed to be two of them which was a bit annoying. Onto the golf course, setting free but knowing the wee gorse snicket ahead would likely be busy. I was not wrong, and had to drop the pace behind a group in front of me who were taking it slower than I'd want.
 |
| Free from the confines of the gorse snicket, about to enter the Lang Linn |
Across the road and into the Lang Linn, as soon as the path widened I elbowed my way past and floored it to the T-junction. A wee jink left and then into the steep cross-slope slither down to the river. As expected, it was muddy and I did well to not skite down like others had clearly done with skid marks in the slope. I ran along the main path to the right alongside the Braidburn for a few metres until I was opposite the path I had spotted the week before. Splash across the burn and then up the path, initially muddy and I passed one bloke struggling through it.
Suddenly I was over the fence and into the field very close to the gate to Blackford and now the steps of punishment. I took my time, ignoring others and soon enough the punishment was over. Turning left, I jogged to the nettle snicket, walking up behind another guy, happy that most of the nettles and brambles had now been beaten back by others.
The summit seemed busy, but with no-one clipping. I think most were taking on water and fuel or looking at the view. I clipped and carried on straight down the northside managing to avoid slipping on my backside through the trees and onto the bottom track. Across the road and into Oswald Road obeying the roadwork barriers. Turning right into South Oswald Road and my lonely (1km flat) run towards Mayfield Road. I think I could hear some gaining feet behind me as I reached Mayfield but was otherwise alone until the turn left and rejoining the throng.
I realised Mike in the green t-shirt was beside me again, I asked him how he was doing as we puffed up towards the Old Bell. He said good, but then asked what time we were aiming for. I told him I wanted to beat 2hr17 and he thought that was definitely going to happen. Good encouragement and into Duncan St and Blacket Place, only pausing briefly for the traffic to pass in Minto Steeet. Mike was getting ahead now, so I decided it was time for another gel before Arthur's Seat.
Round the corner of the Commie Pool and past Pollock. A runner suddenly appeared on the top of the 8ft wall beside me and slipped down onto the pavement. I laughed and he said "That is not a shortcut!!"
The Gutted Haddie on Arthur's Seat was very busy, choked by three or four non-Seven Hillers which was slightly frustrating. I managed to get past them eventually and continue to the summit WITHOUT CRAMP!!!!! I was so pleased.
Slipping on the polished basalt, I got down the north side safely and into the Dry Dam path which appeared to be full of tourists further ahead. I tried to look as fast and crazy as possible as I approached and to my fortune, they stepped aside at my approach and I had a clear descent. Onto the tarmac, past the Parliament and Palace then into Calton Road. I spotted Mike in front again so put the foot down to catch him just as he turned into the steps up to Regent Road.
Up Calton he kept running whereas I slowed to a walk on the road but managed to run again for the final grassy slope to the finish line where Sally and Anja were waiting. I stopped the watch - 2h08!!!!! Yassssssss! I howled a cry of happiness. Yah beauty smashed it.
02:08:41 49 / 196
Sunday, 9 June 2019
Cheviot Trail Race
Trawling the SiEntries site with a filter of distance from postcode, I discovered this event which suited the calendar. An additional attraction was the £12 entry fee, plus the opportunity to look at a bit of the St Cuthbert's Way with eyes to running it in a oner.
Unfortunately race information was fairly light online and I wasn't the only one who felt the need to contact the organiser in the preceding week to request info. How difficult can it be to post something online, or email the participants?
Nevertheless, I decided to print out maps of the route, aswell as studying it in order to familiarise myself with what to expect. I also packed my OMM sack taking the camelbak as I didn't want to rely on race provided water stations. (There was a suggestion on Facebook of one at 5miles but that was all.)
I headed down to Wooler along the A697, parking in the free car park near the Information Centre. Then wandered along the wee High Street, a mixture of closed down shops and antique/bookshops just managing to survive. In the entrance to bus station was a green gazebo where I registered and collected my number. It was a bit disorganised which underlined my experience of the race organisation to that point already.
Back to the car to tog up, lots of other runners starting to arrive. Almost all had some sort of pack or water carrier with them so I was glad to not feel overdressed. But I'm past that stage - I know for a half-marathon distance I need some water and fuel. I think anything above 16km I'd be taking water at least.
At 10am three coaches pulled in to the station and we all climbed aboard. I woman from Chester Le Street sat beside me and we had a good chat as the bus squeezed its way to Kirk Yetholm 20minutes away. I was pleased to finally see the Border Hotel, and the wall corner made 'famous' by the Spine Race that we've been entranced by every January. It marks the end of the Pennine Way which is run in one loooong event, won by Scot Jasmin Paris in 2019 in a time which will probably never be beaten.
The advertised race start time of 10:30am had passed, so the organiser, Glen just did a very quick briefing and set us off. No recognised start line or direction pointed. Like sheep we all set off up the road which was a proper hill start. I'd not done one of these since the Scurry to the Sea in 2018 and it was a good way to sort out the pace. The road reaches a high point at 190m, suddenly revealing the hills ahead, but then drops steeply back down to 130m and the first section of trail.
At this point I was following a young lad who appeared to be wearing cycling shorts and a blue cag. He had a strange bouncy gait and had passed me on the road, but as soon as we were on the trail climb, I was able to get past him. Up we went, the field really spreading out. At about 290m one of the St Cuthbert's Way finger posts directed us off the main route and across the hillside towards the English Border on the summit of the 'ridge' (though I didn't notice it!).
By now the people I was following were out of sight so I was having to scan for route markers and junctions. In the distance I spotted them, some were almost a kilometre distant at this point and we'd only covered 4km! Soon enough I was into one of the forestry plantations I had seen on the YouTube run throughs of the St Cuthbert's Way. Thankfully it had been chopped and was just stumps. No navigational problems except for a few walkers to step round.
I was descending now and realised I was catching the guy in front (Jamie Entwistle). I caught up and passed him just short of the farm of Elsdonburn. I grunted a greeting but got nothing back. Onto the tarmac and then there was a long section of single track road (3km). Although this was punctuated by the 'basic' water station at 6.5km (not 5miles!), I found this tough. But looking at stats, I was keeping up a good pace of ~4.10km/min and trying to chase down the guy in red in the distance.
Thankfully I was watching him when he suddenly took a sharp right towards Hethpool. I would likely have missed that turning as the fingerpost wasn't crystal clear. At the top of the slight rise the red guy had disappeared but a bloke standing beside a car sent me off the road along the next trail section. At this point I was starting to need a pee and when passing through some gorse bushes, thought about taking a break.
The trail was difficult to follow here as it took a few unexpected turns. I really wanted a pee now and thought I could try a 'walking wee' that I'd once managed in the Lomonds. Sadly or perhaps fortunately, when I was ready, I looked over my shoulder and realised I was quickly losing my lead with the faffing. I decided to ignore the urge and get on with the race.
At 9.8km on another gentle climb, I decided to eat a gel and sup some water. Over yet another stile but this time into a field with no obvious direction marked. In the distance I could see runners and a large group of walkers heading uphill. I knew from studying the map, there had to be another steep climb about now so assumed this was the right way. But the track disappeared. I stopped, and Jamie was on my tail. "I don't know which way to go!" I shouted. "I can't remember!" he said. At the same time the girl from the Durham Fell Runners (Dawn Metcalfe) behind him shouted something but at that stage I had decided to crow-fly it and head direct to the next stile.
Fortunately it was the correct decision and soon I was on the trail again climbing up to the 335m high point. Jamie caught me and overtook at a walking pace as we passed a couple of stiles/gates held open by large groups of ramblers. At the summit, and on flatter terrain I was able to claw back any distance that Jamie had gained and I followed on his heels and finally at 15km I got in a position to pass him.
We hadn't seen anyone in front of us for miles and I commented on it as I passed him "Its a lonely old race this - where is everyone??!". He replied after a few metres "Maybe we're the only ones that have gone the right way". Or something. I was on my own now and enjoyed the gradual descent until there were a couple of turns at 18km. I panicked as I approached a forest where the gate only had a yellow arrow marker, no St Cuthbert's Way. I groaned. Not lost again??? Suddenly I saw the SCW marker on the other side of the gate and skipped through.
Dawn was now my chaser and I hammered hard down through the forest, smiling at the cameraman. The trail jinked into a small car park as it left the forest and I felt a bit disorentated looking right and left for the next marker. I was glad of the drop in pace here as I was starting to pech. I could hear Dawn behind asking for directions in the car park so I knew she was closing me down.
I kind of accepted defeat at this point and expected her to overtake me as we skirted the edge of the next forest at Kenterdale Hill but I reached the high point with 50m to spare. I upped the pace on the downhill and got through the next gate out of sight. The next section was really tricky without knowing the route as we descended fast through a grassy area of gorse and thistles, paths going in all directions. Without signage, I chose the path most travelled and fortunately it was right. One final gate, with Dawn behind me I left it open for her. Then a rocky LR track descending fast to tarmac and the village of Wooler.
Slapping tarmac down down down, dodging cars and looking out for signs. Listening for Dawn on my heels and any other last minute chargers. Into the high street and a reception committee clapping our arrival back at the bus station.
I enjoyed that!
I grabbed a chocolate bar and tried to get some water from the urn. Then visited the bus station toilets. On returning, I asked the timers my position:
9th
01:53:17
Dawn was 17seconds behind me, Jamie was 01:55:02.
Unfortunately race information was fairly light online and I wasn't the only one who felt the need to contact the organiser in the preceding week to request info. How difficult can it be to post something online, or email the participants?
Nevertheless, I decided to print out maps of the route, aswell as studying it in order to familiarise myself with what to expect. I also packed my OMM sack taking the camelbak as I didn't want to rely on race provided water stations. (There was a suggestion on Facebook of one at 5miles but that was all.)
I headed down to Wooler along the A697, parking in the free car park near the Information Centre. Then wandered along the wee High Street, a mixture of closed down shops and antique/bookshops just managing to survive. In the entrance to bus station was a green gazebo where I registered and collected my number. It was a bit disorganised which underlined my experience of the race organisation to that point already.
Back to the car to tog up, lots of other runners starting to arrive. Almost all had some sort of pack or water carrier with them so I was glad to not feel overdressed. But I'm past that stage - I know for a half-marathon distance I need some water and fuel. I think anything above 16km I'd be taking water at least.
At 10am three coaches pulled in to the station and we all climbed aboard. I woman from Chester Le Street sat beside me and we had a good chat as the bus squeezed its way to Kirk Yetholm 20minutes away. I was pleased to finally see the Border Hotel, and the wall corner made 'famous' by the Spine Race that we've been entranced by every January. It marks the end of the Pennine Way which is run in one loooong event, won by Scot Jasmin Paris in 2019 in a time which will probably never be beaten.
The advertised race start time of 10:30am had passed, so the organiser, Glen just did a very quick briefing and set us off. No recognised start line or direction pointed. Like sheep we all set off up the road which was a proper hill start. I'd not done one of these since the Scurry to the Sea in 2018 and it was a good way to sort out the pace. The road reaches a high point at 190m, suddenly revealing the hills ahead, but then drops steeply back down to 130m and the first section of trail.
At this point I was following a young lad who appeared to be wearing cycling shorts and a blue cag. He had a strange bouncy gait and had passed me on the road, but as soon as we were on the trail climb, I was able to get past him. Up we went, the field really spreading out. At about 290m one of the St Cuthbert's Way finger posts directed us off the main route and across the hillside towards the English Border on the summit of the 'ridge' (though I didn't notice it!).
By now the people I was following were out of sight so I was having to scan for route markers and junctions. In the distance I spotted them, some were almost a kilometre distant at this point and we'd only covered 4km! Soon enough I was into one of the forestry plantations I had seen on the YouTube run throughs of the St Cuthbert's Way. Thankfully it had been chopped and was just stumps. No navigational problems except for a few walkers to step round.
I was descending now and realised I was catching the guy in front (Jamie Entwistle). I caught up and passed him just short of the farm of Elsdonburn. I grunted a greeting but got nothing back. Onto the tarmac and then there was a long section of single track road (3km). Although this was punctuated by the 'basic' water station at 6.5km (not 5miles!), I found this tough. But looking at stats, I was keeping up a good pace of ~4.10km/min and trying to chase down the guy in red in the distance.
Thankfully I was watching him when he suddenly took a sharp right towards Hethpool. I would likely have missed that turning as the fingerpost wasn't crystal clear. At the top of the slight rise the red guy had disappeared but a bloke standing beside a car sent me off the road along the next trail section. At this point I was starting to need a pee and when passing through some gorse bushes, thought about taking a break.
The trail was difficult to follow here as it took a few unexpected turns. I really wanted a pee now and thought I could try a 'walking wee' that I'd once managed in the Lomonds. Sadly or perhaps fortunately, when I was ready, I looked over my shoulder and realised I was quickly losing my lead with the faffing. I decided to ignore the urge and get on with the race.
At 9.8km on another gentle climb, I decided to eat a gel and sup some water. Over yet another stile but this time into a field with no obvious direction marked. In the distance I could see runners and a large group of walkers heading uphill. I knew from studying the map, there had to be another steep climb about now so assumed this was the right way. But the track disappeared. I stopped, and Jamie was on my tail. "I don't know which way to go!" I shouted. "I can't remember!" he said. At the same time the girl from the Durham Fell Runners (Dawn Metcalfe) behind him shouted something but at that stage I had decided to crow-fly it and head direct to the next stile.
Fortunately it was the correct decision and soon I was on the trail again climbing up to the 335m high point. Jamie caught me and overtook at a walking pace as we passed a couple of stiles/gates held open by large groups of ramblers. At the summit, and on flatter terrain I was able to claw back any distance that Jamie had gained and I followed on his heels and finally at 15km I got in a position to pass him.
We hadn't seen anyone in front of us for miles and I commented on it as I passed him "Its a lonely old race this - where is everyone??!". He replied after a few metres "Maybe we're the only ones that have gone the right way". Or something. I was on my own now and enjoyed the gradual descent until there were a couple of turns at 18km. I panicked as I approached a forest where the gate only had a yellow arrow marker, no St Cuthbert's Way. I groaned. Not lost again??? Suddenly I saw the SCW marker on the other side of the gate and skipped through.
 |
| The forest felt darker than this but I was reassured I was on the right route when I saw the camera |
Dawn was now my chaser and I hammered hard down through the forest, smiling at the cameraman. The trail jinked into a small car park as it left the forest and I felt a bit disorentated looking right and left for the next marker. I was glad of the drop in pace here as I was starting to pech. I could hear Dawn behind asking for directions in the car park so I knew she was closing me down.
I kind of accepted defeat at this point and expected her to overtake me as we skirted the edge of the next forest at Kenterdale Hill but I reached the high point with 50m to spare. I upped the pace on the downhill and got through the next gate out of sight. The next section was really tricky without knowing the route as we descended fast through a grassy area of gorse and thistles, paths going in all directions. Without signage, I chose the path most travelled and fortunately it was right. One final gate, with Dawn behind me I left it open for her. Then a rocky LR track descending fast to tarmac and the village of Wooler.
Slapping tarmac down down down, dodging cars and looking out for signs. Listening for Dawn on my heels and any other last minute chargers. Into the high street and a reception committee clapping our arrival back at the bus station.
I enjoyed that!
I grabbed a chocolate bar and tried to get some water from the urn. Then visited the bus station toilets. On returning, I asked the timers my position:
9th
01:53:17
Dawn was 17seconds behind me, Jamie was 01:55:02.
Wednesday, 5 June 2019
CAAC5
I had enjoyed the annual 'sprint' round Turnhouse in 2018 a couple of weeks after Copenhagen so made sure to enter for this year's event. The only difference this year was the weather wasn't so summer-like. It rained off and on throughout the day and when I arrived on site, it was about 13C. This year the club were using chip timing so when collecting my number, I was given a plastic clip for my shoelaces containing the chip.
As expected there were scores of vests and familiar club runners milling about at the industrial estate on the Turnhouse Road, pinning numbers on, stretching, warming up. The road was much busier than before, I think the airport freight terminal is busier these days. Unfortunately the CAAC can't close the road so there need to be plenty of yellow-vested marshalls to shepherd the runners and traffic apart.
I positioned myself about 80 back from the start, knowing those in front were definitely all faster than me. The starting gun fired and there was a shock of "Oooohs" before we shuffled over the start line. Everyone into a very fast pace immediately and we thundered west.
The field spread out quite quickly and I didn't feel hemmed in. I wasn't really aware of much overtaking of me, but I very slowly crept past a few other runners. The Alpe de Cammo was fun both on the way up and down the other side. I started to struggle a bit on Cammo Walk and some people passed me. On Craigs Road after a CAAC runner overtook me easily, I tried harder to keep on his heels and just about managed the feat to the finish. Only one other runner passed me.
I was very happy to find I had achieved a significant PB knocking 49seconds off last year's time.
00:33:21 78 / 223
As expected there were scores of vests and familiar club runners milling about at the industrial estate on the Turnhouse Road, pinning numbers on, stretching, warming up. The road was much busier than before, I think the airport freight terminal is busier these days. Unfortunately the CAAC can't close the road so there need to be plenty of yellow-vested marshalls to shepherd the runners and traffic apart.
I positioned myself about 80 back from the start, knowing those in front were definitely all faster than me. The starting gun fired and there was a shock of "Oooohs" before we shuffled over the start line. Everyone into a very fast pace immediately and we thundered west.
 |
| Heading west |
The field spread out quite quickly and I didn't feel hemmed in. I wasn't really aware of much overtaking of me, but I very slowly crept past a few other runners. The Alpe de Cammo was fun both on the way up and down the other side. I started to struggle a bit on Cammo Walk and some people passed me. On Craigs Road after a CAAC runner overtook me easily, I tried harder to keep on his heels and just about managed the feat to the finish. Only one other runner passed me.
I was very happy to find I had achieved a significant PB knocking 49seconds off last year's time.
00:33:21 78 / 223
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