On Friday night Caroline came over to our house, we had a brocolli pasta bake and then drove over to the Oak Tree at Balmaha. When we arrived just after 8pm there were a good number of people and the atmosphere was really good.
It was great to chat to friends, old and new. By about 10.30pm we were ready to go to bed to get a good sleep before the run on Saturday. We had a lovely big room above the bar so as we drifted off to sleep we could hear a general chat and laughter below.
We woke fairly early with the wind and rain battering the windows and we knew the forecast of 60mph wind was going to be true. We wandered down for breakfast at 8am to join lots of others runners all ready to go.
There were over 50 people staying and another 20 or so joining us for the day to run. I opted for a full cooked breakfast figuring that I wasn't starting running until 10am so I had time for it to digest. Plus we paid for it so wanted to get my moneys worth!!
Caroline was keen to start earlier so that she could settle into her own pace. So she set off at 9.15am and the Katrina and Silke set off with Karen at 9.35am ...
From 9.30am onwards the rest of the runners started gathering in the bar. Ian gave us a quick briefing encouraging everyone to look after each other and keep safe. We went out side for a photo and then set off at 10am.
My garmin hadn't quite got the satelite signal so I started right at the back of the field. My goal for the day was to try and run within myself so I was quite happy to start at the back and not set off too hard.
Here is the file of the my run ...
After a minute or so I saw Lorn running towards me. I've met Lorn through our blogs and met her when she took Katrina for a recce run on the Glasgow half marathon route in September. Lorn has entered the Fling this year so was keen to join us but wanted to start earlier. So she drove to Rowardennan and ran back in time to run with us.
So Lorn & I ran together most of the way to Rowardennan. It was great to chat and about ultra running, swimming and various things. I hadn't planned to run with anyone in particular and was looking forward to seeing who I spent time with.
We caught a few people and had a quick chat as we passed. After an hour or so we caught up with Ian and Sandra. I ran with Ian for the last 30mins or so into Rowardennan. It was great to have time to chat.
When we arrived at Rowardennan there were a group of folks sheltering ......
I was keen to keep moving so didn't hang around too long. For the next section I ran with Ian K and Carrie. I really enjoyed hearing all about Ian's UTMB finish last year. I sounds an amazing race and Ian did so well to finish within the cut offs.
Carrie has entered the race for the past two years but due to injury has not managed to start so her first goal for this year is to get to the start line on 23rd June fit and healthy. I realy hope she can.
We also caught up with Mike R on the hill he joined us before pushing on after a while. We walked up the hills and kept a steady run on everything else. We caught up with Katrina and Silke 30mins or so out of Rowardennan.
They were both gong well and Katrina's first comment was, 'I've been eating lots!' I gave Katrina two instructions for the run. Firstly to stay with Silke until at least Inversnaid as I knew Silke would help Katrina pace herself.
Any secondly to make sure she ate every 30mins or so. For once in her life she actually listened to me and did as she was told. (It's such a good job she doesn't read this!!). A number of people commented to her about her recent marathon so realises that people do actually read this blog!
I ran with Katrina & Silke for the next 30mins or so. Mark L caught up with us and joined in the general chat. Mark & I are both doing the Lakeland 100 this year so we talked about our plans and thoughts about that race.
Mark also kindly took this photo of us ...
With about a mile or so before Inversnaid Mark & I pushed on and ran into Inversnaid. The weather had been pretty mixed all morning. We had some heavy rain and very strong winds but also times of calm and warmth.
There were runners stopping to take off jackets and then putting them back on quite regularly. I had one top on and a jacket and stayed that way the whole run. The only thing I swapped was my gloves and head band.
As we approached Inversnaid the runners at the front of the group including Thomas were heading back. They looked as though they were running strongly and enjoying pushing each other on. I'd also seen Caroline who was going well.
One of the nice things about an out and back with 70 runners is that you get to everyone at least once.
I arrived at Inversnaid in 2hrs 54mins. There were a group of runners sheltering in the entrance. It was really wet and windy so I decided to keep going. As I set off Katrina, Silke and another group of runners arrived.
I set off back to Balmaha on my own. I wasn't sure if I'd end up on my own but assumed that either I'd catch someone or someone would catch me!
After a few minutes I caught up with Sandra and we ran together for a while. Sandra ran the whw for the first time last year. We spent 45mins or so being treated by Dr Chris Ellis at Kinlochleven so we chatted about that and Sandra's plans for this year.
I said to Sandra that the vast majority of runners significantly improve on their second year so no pressure but I'm expecting a sub 23hr finish!!
We caught up with Ryan McK who I've not met before. Ryan knows me though my blog so as we ran over the next couple of hours we chatted about all sorts of things. I must apologise if I bored him!
At one point he asked me a question about my races and 25mins later I was still talking!! Sorry Ryan but you did ask. Well I think he asked?!?
We caught up with Caroline who was still going well but grateful for the company. The three of us walked up the hill then ran strongly down the hill to Rowardennan. Caroline was having a good run which was great to see.
Ryan & I pushed on to Rowardennan were we stopped for a few minutes to refuel. Again we didn't want to stop too long so headed off for the final section.
Ryan & I continued to run together, chatting more about our plans for the year as well as all sorts of topics. I was feeling strong and was really encouraged with how I was going. Often on an out and back it can be tough going but running with people makes it so much easier.
With about 3miles to go Antonia joined us. I found out later that Antonia won the 12hr Glenmore race in December so didn't feel bad that she caught us!
Over the beach section I pulled ahead a bit and as it was getting really cold and wet again I decided to push on to keep warm. I ran the last 2-3 miles strongly. Again a real encouragement to finish strong.
I arrived back at Balmaha, 30.01miles of running, in 5hrs 57mins after I left ....
One of the great things about staying the second night was being able to go straight to our room and be in a hot shower within 5mins of stopping! As I went into the shower Everton were 1-0 up and by the time I got out it was 1-1!!
Katrina arrived back about 4.30pm. She had taken about 6hrs 50mins and was really pleased with herself. This was Katrina's longest run so far and another milestone in her build up to the Fling in April.
She learnt a lot from the run and was pleased with how it went. She felt a bit bad leaving Silke after Inversnaid but had good fun catching folk along the way. A number of people commented on how well she ran which is also encouraging to hear.
We headed down to the bar at 6pm and had a lovely meal and chat with folks. We were ready for bed at 10.30pm ... just in time for me to watch Match of the Day!
This morning I interviewed Ian for my next whw podcast .... so watch out for that! After breakfast Thomas, Silke, Caroline, Katrina & I went for a nice stroll up Conic Hill. It was windy but fairly clear.
I tried on an app on my phone ...
So a superb weekend. We really enjoyed it. Thanks to Ian for organising and for everyone for coming!
1 comments:
Glad my slow pace could be of service! :-) I reckon Katrina will do very well in the Fling. Make sure you can keep up with her! :-) It was a great weekend indeed at the Oak Tree Inn and on the WHW.
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