WOULD BE ULTRA RUNNER - ADVENTURES OUT ON THE TRAILS

Trying the Minimalist Approach

2012-01-31T05:55:00.000-08:00

I can remember reading Chris Mcdougalls book born to run, I think Once you read this book you cant help but look at your running posture or style, I know when i went out i tried to correct a few things, I straightened out my upper body line keeping it more upright and tried to lift my legs instead of pushing and got myself used to landing on my forefoot rather than heel striking.

Over time I think I have my own efficient running style, I have often wondered about minimalist/barefoot running, I didnt think my skinny feet would approve of such pain and I never really followed up on the Idea that this could enhance your running style and make you more efficient Until.

I spotted these in T.K MAX shop, The Vivo Barefoot Neo, Now I kept on checking these out for around 2 months and each time i put them back they priced at £35 down from £79 I done some checks and they retail around £80-90 and have got some great reviews but I still wasn't convinced and they would just be another pair of shoes to add to me growing collection that never see a trail.

However on my last visit they where still there and at a clearance price of £7 Yes a bargain even if they sit in my cupboard it was too good to refuse.

Anyway's after buying and inspecting these I couldn't believe how light they are and you can scrunch then up into a ball, ( for all the techie info check Google ) Could i run in these? could they make me a better runner? Before i went of running in these I thought best to walk around in them first and let the Feet get use to being set free, and let my calf's warm to them gently.

After a week I did some short 1 mile runs in these and I have to admit it is something different, I felt light and had a feeling that everything was working naturally rather than forced, Although these a short runs I was running a little faster than my normal training pace and it felt easier, The Only thing is the Neo is a road shoe and most of my running is out on the trails, So what Next.

The NB Minimus Trail, and these come with there own warning, start of from scratch and build slowly... If Anton Krupicka can run a 100mile mountain race in these then I think i could manage a few training miles, Anton was behind the design of these and various other NB minimalist shoes, his Blog riding the wind can be found on this page.

Straight out the box these things felt Awesome the fit was sock like and fitted perfect, Again i adopted the walk around for a few days before taking them out on the trail, Although not like the Vivo Barefoots these do have a heel to toe drop of 4-2ml which is pretty minimalist.

I couldn't wait to try these out on the trail, It was short runs at first up to 2 miles, Almost straight away you could feel the different muscles in the Calf working hard, And you can feel the trail under you, Although this was not in any way a discomfort, It felt a more Natural feel from foot to ground, and you cant help but lift your legs and run along on your forefoot. I was surprised how well the Vibram sole worked on the trails, from ice to stones and mud, they never gave me any concerns.

I tried these out without socks and there was no issues they are very comfortable and hug the foot well, I have progressed up to 4miles in these and then switch to my 315s for the remainder of my run, It is early days yet but running in minimalist shoes just feels right, and that may be for me and may not be for you. However i have noticed that my Training pace is quicker, and I feel I am running more Natural without any real effort, am I convinced about this switch which started with a £7 bargain, Time will tell but it just feels right.

Safe Runnings

Carron Valley and the Meikle Bin

2012-01-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday seen me head to the Carron Valley trails for the first time this year, The day was perfect even had the Sun for Company.

I wanted to head up the Meikle Bin via the carron valley trails, the meikle bin is the highest of the Kilsyth hills at 570ms.

I headed of from the south end car park running the western shore, there was still quite a bit storm damage trees down all along the route, however the forestry guys head the trails all clear. I wanted to try a new route and was unsure how close i could get before the trail ended.

The thing I love about the Valley is you can spend all morning up there and not see another soul, you have the place to yourself, I try and run up here 2-3 times a week and for some reason your never in a rush to finish your run. its a place to play all day.

Well the trail did come to an end, and I had about 400yrds of Scrubland to climb over, which was hidden with danger, Trenches, tree stumps, roots and hidden drainage channels, although without breaking a ankle, I was out and through the forest for the ckimb up the Grassy slopes to the summit.

There was amazing views across to the ochils, and Ben ledi and ben lomond in the far distance, This really is a great wee hill and well worth the climb, There is many ways you can access the meikle bin, South and north end car parks at Carron valley, also from Queenzieburn nr Kilsyth, There is also a great route from the Tac ma doon rd car park head up onto the tom tain hill and head along the trail to crickleburn resivour and up to the meikle bin, a great running route although can be very wet.

Safe Runnings

End of year Milaege

2011-12-29T03:51:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to keep a record of my runs and races, I wanted to see what kind of mileage I am covering over the Year and to compare with others.

What I have discovered is I haven't run anywhere Near what I would of liked, This being I still don't run to any sort of structured training Schedule or plan, Its more of I run when and how I want (lazy).

On the I run when and how I want, I feel I enjoy this more as I have the freedom to go out and enjoy the run, wither it be a speed session or hill-reps or just a long slow plod, I can choose to run how i feel that given day, As if I had any sort of schedule, I think the enjoyment factor would be taking out of it as your constant running to specific types, Times and goals.

I have however managed to run personal bests in all my races i completed last year which suggests what ever I am doing I am heading in the right direction, So for 2012 the only thing I will change to my running of when and how I want is to get out more often and try to increase the Mileage other words stop being a Lazy git.

I have ran a Total of 1200miles This year.

285miles have been raced.

5 ultras
5 hill races
2 5k races

I hope everyone got what they wanted out of 2011 and May you all achieve more than your Running Dreams in 2012

SAFE RUNNINGS. .

RACES FOR 2012

2011-12-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since i last blogged, but to be honest i haven't done much since the GO33, I have managed to run regularly but my plans for December never really got started so I am know focused on January.

Starting with the the West Highland Way training weekend, I am looking forward to getting back on the way again, think the plans are 30mile run on Saturday, and a wee run up Ben Lomond on sunday, So it sounds like a great weekend of running fun, And a great chance to meet some of the more experienced and wiser guys and girls. Always great to pick their brains about race Day.

A recap of 2011 saw me running 5 ultras and completing The biggest challenge the WHW race, and running several Hill races, As my second year running i managed to P.B in all of the races I had ran in 2010, My biggest achieving a strong finish and knocking 40mins off my pentlands skyline time.

So whats in store for 2012, Well I have decided I need another strong year in my legs before I look at other challenges such as Races abroad which I have a few in mind. But for 2012 I will run more of the same with 2 new ultras, and I will Run the Scottish hill runners long series of Races. Still a half marathon or a full one has to be done but not in the front running and can wait.

2012 RACES
DEE3IDE 33MILES
HIGHLANDFLING 53MILES
CATERAN TRAIL 55MILES NEW
WEST HIGHLAND WAY 95MILES
DEVIL O THE HIGHLANDS 43MILES
GLENMORE 12HR TRAIL RACE NEW
GLENOGEL 33MILES

Thats 2 more than this year, its a big ask of my legs but it should be Fun Trying.
Safe Runnings

GlenOgel 33

2011-11-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Me and Leeann arrived in Strathyre Friday afternoon, and enjoyed a nice walk through some of the river Trails, Before heading into the Bistro Inn for our late dinner next to the Blazing open Fire, Later on runners and organisers started to arrive, This ment I could register and could give myself another half hour in bed. It was a great atmospere as i chatted away to everyone before heading to bed.

Race morning and amongst the frozen Fog strathyre was awash with runners busy getting organised and heading to the race start, As we gathered I met Club mate Dave Esier who was Running his first Ultra and boy did he Run, Dave lost out on 3rd place by turning left down the road 200yds from the finish line, Finishing his first ultra in 3hrs 41mins, Super performance Dave,

Soon Bill H gave the shout and were off, I placed myself 3/4 way up the field and set out to run the race about 8min mile pace giving me a 4hr 30min time, however at this distance on the flat D33 my best is 5hrs so i had set myself a hard task, I hoped a solid years running would carry me through.

The first couple of mile climbed up through the forest above strathyre over to Kingshouse near Balquidder before joining the route 7 cycle path, The morning was perfect sun rising high and the fog still hugging the valleys below looking magical.

Soon we crossed over the old viaduct and crossed over the road for the Killin loop, I ran around this loop chatting away to various runners and remarking at what a stunning location the organisers had picked, The loop itself was fire road up through the forest and the cold misty atmosphere made it spectacular to run through.

There was a few climbs in the Loop but nothing to serious and we soon came down to the road crossing again, I was happy to know we where heading back from this point and it is more or less all down hill, However I was aware of my hamstrings being very Tight and my calfs, I knew for a few weeks that my hamstrings where tight and had tried to stretch them off all week, I was praying they would hold out.

I was soon back over the Viaduct where I was soon running with scott again i had been chatting with scott in the first half of the race and we both agreed that the legs where starting to feel the miles, This was to get worse when we hit concrete path just before the last 5 mile road section, My Hamstrings and calfs where taking a pounding, I had managed so far to keep my pace although it was going to be a tough one to keep on the road, I soon stopped and let scott go as i had to stretch and release the pain in my legs.

I thought about pulling here as the thought of 5 miles pounding the tar mac filled me with dread and am sure the legs felt the same, Here Jamie Arrons came by and encouraged me on so i jogged on and Then I heard a shout from Behind and Ali came running by looking good after suffering for a couple of weeks with a virus I mentioned about jumping in his dads car and let him go.

However I knew i was close and still running at a reasonable Pace even though it was hurting, The descision was made toughen up and get it finished as quick as i could. I was soon cruising along again and passed scott who was still going strong but in his own Battle, I was aware of my time and pushed as hard as i could and i believe i was about a mile out and kept looking for the houses of strathyre to ease the pain.

And soon the end was in sight, The marshall showed the way down the trail and over the wobbley bridge that bounced back up to meet every step, and then the claps and cheers and over the line in 4hrs 33mins average pace 8.55min mile pace, so i wasnt far off and the course did come up short, but I am Happy with my overall performance even though my legs took a pounding and are still stiff and tight , it was a great day out on a crackin course.

Many thanks to The Organisers for the pain, and all the helpers, marshalls who cheered and clapped and made sure everyone had a great day out well done Guys on another great First Event

Safe Runnings

Glee Club Run/Run Of The Mill Hill Race

2011-10-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

The First of The Glee Club Runs, The Glee Club is Just a group of like Minded people Who meet up over the winter to start Training for Various ultras that are planned for the year ahead.

This morning we where running around a 15 mile loop of the 3 lochs above Aberfoyle, The terrain is mainly fire roads with a few climbs and a wet and muddy couple of miles back to the car park.

There was 13 runners who turned up, Lesley who turned up just after the photot shoot, We soon headed up through the forest and on our way, The conditions where perfect, overcast no wind although it was quite warm.

This Really is a very Scenic route and the first time i had run in this area which has miles and miles of trail, we followed the route 7 cycle route for most of the way, and it will be well worth a visit with the Bike.

The miles passed quite easily as we chatted and stayed as a group for the whole run, it was good just to get back out on the trails with others, and it is a very mixed group with very experienced Ultra runners to runners just starting out.

Soon we where running on some Boggy Muddy Wet Technical sections on the last few miles, and it became a competition to see who could fall the most, and yes the war wounds where on display, well you couldn't call Donalds a war wound lol.

All in All a great morning out, with great running company, There is details on the West Highland Way and The Highland Fling websites of our next meet which is the Pentlands skyline route Weather permitting However it has never stopped us Before.

So the next day seen me Toe the line at Chris Upsons Run of The Mill 9 mile 2990ft hills race, its in its second year of running and I went along as it is a great route, Taking in some of the Ochils finest Andrew Gannel, Ben Cleuch, and Ben Ever.

A strong field turned up 130 runners, and again the conditions where perfect, a good number of Ochils turned up in the Mighty colour purple.

Once we where off its a fast start along a cobbled road for a mile or so then up the start of the maddy moss route, The first climb was a killer and never ending, and i didnt feel that strong on the climbs although was holding my position, Once up top it becomes quite runnable as we make our way over the 3 summits.

Once your over the last Ben Ever it is a crazy Descent back down to the Glen, Coming off Ben Ever i managed to pick a few runners off who passed me on the last climb, its a steep descent down a grassy trail to a hard packed road and when you hit that, The legs soon let you know its sore, The road zig zags its way down however there is a straight down route which is more technical but saves the legs and cuts the zig zags out, Once i went down the runners behind soon followed it take the impact off the legs.

I went through the finish line in 41st position in a time of 1hr 30mins, So a P,B by 5mins and it was back into the No5 Inn for some homemade soup which went down a treat with the runners.Findlay wild took 1st followed by Ochils own Al Anthony in 2nd, Also Ochils Catriona Buchanan took 1st female followed closely By wales Sara Ridgeway 2nd.

Another great Day out on the Hills, and Another Great weekend.

Safe Runnings.

North Third Trails

2011-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today i finished work at 2 and was excited that i had my running Gear in the car and the Afternoon looked picture perfect for getting out on the Trails, I had decided that i would head to Cambusbarron and run the North Third Trails.

I set off through the Quarie and got lost not even a mile into the run, However they are trails everywhere, I soon landed lucky and was back on track. After all the rain that's been falling it was a complete mud Fest but i wouldn't have it any other way.

I was soon out onto the resevior and looking over onto the Crags, They looked Awesome in size lifting up over the Pines.

Its a Gentle run around the waters edge and the trail is soft Grass, There was swans and a squadron of Geese enjoying the suns rays as they bathed, mind you i didn't fancy the bathing bit it was still very cold in the sun, with a cold Breeze.

I was soon round and onto the Trail heading up onto the Cliffs, Again the trail was well water logged but it was a day to have fun, so there was no skipping the mud and puddles.

There is some great views to be had, and looking north you could see snow already sitting on the tops of the mountains Ben lomond looked stunning with its dusting of snow. I headed back along the tops on what is got to be one of my top ten Trails, it has everything steep up and downs with technical sections running along with a huge drop one side with Great Views and the pine forest on the other, it truly is a Trail to enjoy.

Well tomorrow is club night or speed night not that i get to excited at the thought of speed work, but Friday i will try and meet up with Ali for a run around Carron Valley trails, and Saturday sees the start of the Glee Club winter training runs, meeting in Aberfoyle for a nice long one, and Sunday will see me toe the line at the Run Of The Mill Hill Race, So it looks to be a good weekend.

Safe Runnings...

Running Superfans

2011-10-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

16.5 miles 16 summits

2011-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning seen me arrive at the Snowsports centre in Edinburgh for my second helpings of the Pentland Skyline hill race. My last year running of this seen me running well only to blow up and take about 45mins to get over the last hill, would this year be different?.

On arrival I was happy that i could see the hill as last year the cloud was so low you couldn't see cackerton hill. It was rather cold and the wind was blowing pretty hard, I registered and got no8, Soon some other Ochils started to Arrive, After some race chit chat i got in the car to get myself ready.

Working our way to the start line we went through the usual kit check and waited for the race briefing, Said hello to Richie at the start and never seen him again, although he ran a great race.

Well off we set and its a straight up start, up over Cackerton, I learned from last year to sit back and not to under estamate this climb roughly 650ft from the off.

From the first climb my legs felt tired and didn't seem like they where looking forward to the 16.6 miles of ups and downs, within the first few mile i had decided i wouldn't make it and was looking to drop at the first checkpoint.

However this came and went, and i plodded on struggling on the climbs, holding my place although finding them tough, I was running well on the tops and descents and still making good time however still cautious of how last years race ended.

I was on Scald-law and running bent over and leaning into the wind, when a gust caught me off gaurd and for the first time i was lifted from my feet and dumped on my side by the gust, landing sore and with a bit of a Fright, I thought this was insane.

I was glad to run into the Half way station on the old drove road where the wind wasn't so bad and was at our backs, As i started to run along the drove track i was running well and started to relax and enjoy the race this was the first time i felt good, I started to stuff more Gels and sweets into my mouth in prep for the last 8 mile, I even started to feel strong on the climbs which made me settle into a good run.

For the first time i started to pick runners off I was now in the final 3 miles and pushing hard trying to get the time i wanted last year but with out the Blow up, The last mile and i was running up the back of allermuir heading over to cackerton. As i ran by the spot where i lay down with cramps and had staggered to the end, I thought not this year.

I pushed hard on the final descent of Cackerton and let gravity fly me over the line, So how did i do compared to last year, Well a new P.B of 40mins, Finishing in 3hrs 31mins.

It was a tough first half and but the second half made it a great Day to Fly with the Wind literally. I have another couple of hill Races Planned before the Glen Ogel 33 on the 5th November which is looking to be a cracking race.

Safe Runnings

5K and BEN VENUE

2011-10-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday seen me head over to Falkirk to join in the 5k park-run, This was only my 2nd 5k race. My first was 2 and half years ago, and i blew up big time, sprinted like a mad man for the first 1,5 mile then had to walk to get my breath back and composure. However finished in 22mins 23secs.

So i was a little cautious about this run however i was looking for a good speed work out but not to blow up and walk, there was quite a turn out 116 runners, I ran my hardest and put in a good shift as running fast goes, finished 13th overall and 3rd in my age group in a time of 20mins 30secs, so it was a good effort and a PB.

Tuesday club run up and over Dumyat and back down the ridge 6 miles, and Thursday club run seen me do 12x400 on the track and then head for a steady 6 miles round Stirling.

Saturday Seen me arrive for the Ben Venue hill race on a very wet morning, the car park soon filled up and there was a strong field of runners, Tom owens, Prasad,Findlay wild who won the mens in 1hr 11mins 32secs
And our very own Catriona Buchanan who was first lady in 1hr 26m 21s, and Lifted the senior and under 23 lady's title at the Scottish hill runners awards well done Catriona.

This was my first running of the race and it was a great race,I was at the starting line with jacket base layer and club vest on, as it was pouring down however everyone was just in vests, So i stripped down to just my vest and thought i must be mad, well i was in the right company, its a fast start as its on climbing trail, until you open out onto the hill, and its a 3000ft climb and i mean climb hands on and climbing, i felt strong from the Go and my climbing felt good usually my weakness but i was scrambling by others on the hill.

Once up visibility was not great and you had to follow the ridge line, this was rather technical especially more so that it was torrential rain, however i was enjoying it and soon we where up to our backsides in bogs and mud, The descending was great as it was just a free for all no paths just straight down, it was a bit hairy at times, and some of it was spent sliding down on my backside.

Then it was back out onto the trails and fire roads which became a fast sprint to the end, and yip about 100 yards from the end on the flattest of the flat trail i went head over heels, although no damage done in fact i couldn't stop laughing, after all i had been up and down i fell on the flat.

So how did i fair, well 59th out of a 169 runners, 1hr 33mins 15secs, Very happy with that, So its the Pentland Skyline on Saturday 17mile 16 summits, Makings of a great day out :-)

Safe Runnings...

Watch the uroc Ultra Race Of Champions

2011-09-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

Over this weekend our ultra running friends over in the states, Are putting on a race UROC Ultra Race Of Champions. This is a 100k event Trail and road, There is many a big name invited and taking part to fight it out for the ultra running champion Tag and the $10,000 dollar purse.

Most are 100mile mountain runner such as Geof Roes, Ian Sharman, Dave Mackey, David James, Also in the mix is some of the best and fastest road runners, Mike Wardian, silver and team gold at the world 100k championships, Matt Flaherty who is a 2.26 marathoner and just ran a new course record at the TNF EC Race 5.59, Scott Gall 5th place finisher at the world mountain championships and runs a 3.18 50k trail.

So how will the100m Mountainguys take to the long road sections and shorter course? How will the fast road Guys handle the trail and 100k distance? Well we can Watch...

What makes this so Special is the UROC organisers are going to broadcast this race as it happens, this means Ultra fans can sit back and enjoy the journey. As ultra runners themselves, J Russell Gill, and Franceca Conte are trying to take Ultra Trail Running to the next Level by putting this race on, is this the way forward big money and Filming These spectacular Events? it has raised a few eye brows, but I for sure will be tuned in, truth i cant wait... Check it out http://www.ultraroc.com/

RARE FOOTAGE OF THE DRAGONS BACK RACE

2011-09-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

A Windy Night In The Fintry Hills

2011-09-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

I had been watching the weather all day and thinking, is there anyone going to turn up for a blast around the hills

in the tail end of scotlands Hurrican season, After a few e-mails to see if i would be going for the speed session or if i would have company for some wet and windy fun.

Well club mate John Mcewan replied he was heading for the hills, So of i went looking forward to being blown all over the hills, I met John at the Rugby club and it soon became clear it would be the 2 off us, so we set off in what was heavy rain which was coming side ways, We soon Headed up the hill and the feet where soaked in minuites we climbed upto the first summit and the wind was trying its best to cut you in two.

We scanned the area and seen some quad tracks heading further up and onto some crags, So off we set the cold was setting in as soon as you slowed or stopped so we tried to keep going but the wet marsh just soaked you up, we took a steep climb up onto the crag and again surveyed the area, We decided we needed the wind behind us so we headed along a crest with the wind and rain at our backs.

We soon got onto a grass trail heading down and if not totally sodden it would of been a great runnable decent, After the grass track sort off disappeared, we just headed down the quickest way which was just grass clods, As we headed for the road we instantly felt the temperature rise since we were out the wind and the rain had eased, We made our way back along the road to the rugby club car park, we had been away for 1hr 10mins unsure of distance as i forgot to start my garmin, However it was a good wee jaunt in the hills in some serious wind and rain. And my new Montane DT 2.0 Jacket was super top half nice and dry also warm as the wind didnt get through, shame about the Bottom Half.

Safe Runnings...

GLENMORE 24HR RACE

2011-09-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well friday seen myself Jeroen, joost, gary and my dad billy head for Aviemore for the first running of the Glenmore 24hr Race, This was Joost's first time in Scotland so he was looking forward to seeing some of the best scenery scotland has. On location the site was picture perfect and the 4 mile Trail was stunning with views at every Turn.

We quickly set up our Camp for the weekend and headed to aviemore for supplies and dinner, Back at camp there was this buzz about the place and no matter what this was going to be a great race. Saturday morning seen more crews and runners arrive and the place had a great atmosphere around it.

I would just like to thank Bill Hiers and Mike Adams, Adda, Alan, and all the other helpers, Marshalls and crews for putting together a fantastic event, Also to all the runners who put in some great performances, Hats of for getting through the night as it was freezing, Yes i did move from our fire lol.

Also a big well done to Jeroen and Mimi who came first male and female, you both put in super performances, I will now let some of the photos finish off what is Going to be a First on my running callander next year.....

Also a well done to Antonia 1st female 12hr and Jamie A also Fiona and Karen,Kerry and ross who all put in great performances, Also Kieth, George, and Tim who Kept everyone going, I hope to see you all next Year for another Great adventure on the Glenmore 24hr Trail...

Just One More..

2011-08-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well I mentioned in my last blog, that the Devil o the Highlands would be my last ultra adventure, But i have not been able to settle and i have been doing some thinking on what to do next.

There is still many races out there to be ran, I e mailed the speyside way although it was closed i didnt get a reply, so my thoughts turned to running The Glenmore 12hr race, Although my overseas coach and friend Jeroen Renes is comming over to run the 24hr and Me and Gary are back in support Duties, Jeroen is bringing his Friend Juast over also, I thought i could squeeze in the 12hr and continue in my support roll afterwards.

Jeroen gave this the thumbs up but, I know how much work and training Jeroen has put in for this Race and I decided that we all will give him 100% support in his efforts, So I was still looking for a race a challange, And i came accross another of Bill Hiers and Mike Adams, new Races,

and this sounds a nice little race and not far from the front door.

So its the Glen Ogel 33 on the 5th of November, So its One more to Keep me Running along and i think the legs still have One more Left in them.

I am looking forward to next saturday for the Glenmore 24hr which is going to be a great adventure... and the arrival of Jeroen and Juast who arrive on thursday...So the Adventures continue...

Safe Runnings

Devil o the Highlands

2011-08-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

And were off, This is my second year in a row of running this race and has to be said it is superb event. This was my forth ultra this year, and was my third race in the Tripple Crown which incorperates all 3 W.H.W races. I also met Jeroen friend, Rene who was over from Holland to run his first ultra,I waited to see him complete the devils in just over 9hrs a great effort for his first Ultrmarathon. Well Done You...

I had decided Before hand i was going to go out hard well for me anyway, I was in this to race it, So from the off i settled in the top 20 or so. rather than my usual post of middle of pack I enjoyed the first section to Bridge of Orchy, well you would when your fresh, and the conditions were perfect for running, although i had a stomache upset wich seen me visit the toilets 4 times before the start, this was a little worrying.

However it didnt seem long till BoO came into view, and i told gary i would catch him at innveroran, on the climb i took some gels, and headed my way up, running most of it and walking some, soon we where out on top and we met davie who did a great job Taking pictures of the race as it progressed, Soon i was heading to down to the Hotel here i grabbed more loo roll as i new i was going to making some more toilet stops, I had to dive over a field to the river so i was out of sight, I knew no matter what i took on board it wasnt going to stay so, back over the field and onto the road heading for the rannoch moor.

I kept a good pace over this section and i always enjoy this section and run it all, i chatted away for a while with a chap from falkirk, it was the first time i had got to chat so we plodded on yappin away for a few miles, then Bob steel came by looking very fresh and strong, I slowly moved on and tried to sit behind Bob but he was pulling ahead, after what seemed like forever I ran down onto the road at glencoe ski centre, where i suprised my support as they hadnt expected me so i just ran through knowing gary would catch me up. I passed through in 20th position.

As i missed my crew here i was desperate for a shoe change, as my feet were feeling every stone, my speedcross 2 done well light and comfie but the lack on a stone plate was telling, gary phoned to say he would get me at Kingshouse but i was just by it so he came in along the road at the bottom of the climb, as i stopped here i could see bob steel disapearing up the climb, a quick shoe change another couple of gels and i was off thinking about keeping Bob in my sight as i reached the top it was obvious Bob was running strong and was long gone,

As i headed along to the bottom off the devils staircase i seen marco again he again gave me great encouragement, but as i passed i had to jump under the wooden bridge for an emergancy stop, this cuased me time as after my 6th toilet stop of the morning i came out the other side of the bridge to shoulder length gass and climbed through alsorts around the old house and had to cross back over the road, as i joined back on the trail up the devils i seen Sharron just in front and Debbie a little further, This is where it accured to me that i had never run this far up the field before and so far i was holding well.

I caught Sharron who said hello and we intruduced ourselves, and Shorron informed me I was on schedule for 7hr, if i could keep it going, this was my target so far so good, i slowly moved up and caught up with Debbie and again it was great to chat as we climbed up the devils, I never get a chance to chat with debs or sharon as i never see them in a race except he start or end lol, Debs quized me on my smoking issue and i was embaressed to say i hadnt quite beaten it yet, and told her i hadnt had one yet but i might hide at KLL.

At the top i moved on as i love the technical descent down to the road, so i just went for it and enjoyed this section as always, although when i hit the road it was telling on my legs here i took a gamble on another gel wich was to be my last one, as i was devouring it Debs came by and spoke, my God i almost sat up in the tree, i never even heard her approach, ( her stealth like running style) i almost died lol. and that would be the last i seen of Debs,

I got down to KLL in 4hrs 35mins, and sitting in 25th place, But i knew it was going to be a tough last 14mile, and my pace was slowing, a few runners passed me at the checkpoint sharon being one of them, i was soon ready and of for the last section, It was really starting to heat up and the climb up to the lairaigmor was relentless and the sun was beating down hard, Once out on top i stopped to stretch off and settled into what can be only described as a quick shuffle.

The sweat was running of me and i had to stop at every bit of water and sit down to freshen the legs and soak my buff wich i used to pour water over my head as i ran/shuffled, But i was still moving and i could see sharon out in front and there where other runners there too, but i kept stopping and stretch, cooling myself down and soon they were out of sight.

As i got close to lundavra i knew my time was slipping from me so i had to dig real deep to keep moving, I was so happy to see lundavra ahead, i stopped here to have another stretch as the legs where cramping and stiffening up.

The last 7 mile it was tough heading to the fire road above glen nevis, but i was running walking running walking, and i knew it wasnt going to be much longer before the pain was finished, all i had to do now was get down that horrible road, and man was that sore, I ran stopped stretched ran stopped stretched all the way down, and the relief at seeing the car park almost brought me to tears, I knew it was just along the that long road, here i played leap frog with another runner and his support, i would go by then stretch and he would go by then walk, and i would go by then stop this happened all the along the road till i seen the End and my Little Niece was there waiting and all she does is run and at 3 she talks running, so it was great to have her run my over the line.

thanks davie for the photo

Once again this was a great race and thank you gary and the rest of the devils crew for a great event, also to the marshalls and wilderness response guys, and all the runners and crews.And to Gary for his endless support through out my adventures.

Well my tripple crown now complete finished in7hrs 37mins a new P.B and 33rd place, I have said that this was me last ultra for the year i feel 4 is enough and my legs would agree, i have a few smaller hill races to enjoy now, then its time to prep for next year, and i have my support duties to Jeroen who is comming over at the end of the month to compete in the Glenmore 24hr so i still have fun ahead.

Safe Runnings

Maddy Moss Hill Race

2011-07-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday seen club friend John mc stage the Maddy Moss hill race, 6 miles taking in The Law 638m then over to the Ochils highest summit Ben Cleuch 721m and over to Andrew Gannel 670m then back along for the vertical drop to the finish.

I ran this race last year in horendous conditions and funny enough enjoyed it well apart from the law that is a killer of a hill. But this year the conditions where perfect sun out and no breeze, 127 runners took part and i also met the lads from the wilderness response team who kindly strapped my foot on the WHW, so spent a short time chatting with them and its them i thank for the photo.

Anyway way onwards and upwards is what you get from the maddy moss straight climbing from the go, up over the shoulder of kirk craigs and along onto the Law i always say i will never climb that hill again, and yet up i went I was holding my posistion well even though as i eventually reach the summit i threw up twice, and afterwards i felt alot better, only 2 people passed me once up on top.

It was great running along the tops with clear skies and the sun for company, although it was still soft underfoot, I had just purchased a pair of speed cross 2 for £43 a bargain from go camping and this was there first run out and they did impress.

As I headed back along the foot deep sheep tracks i knew it would be close to beat last years time, so with the steep descent down to the line, I just let go and flapped the arms about like a chiken as i hurtled to the finish line, Finishing in 46th and in 1hr 8mins and a new P.B by 1min lol Club Runner Al Anthony won in 50mins 31secs so maybe next year...

Thanks to the wilderness response guys and john and the club marshalls for a great Race.

Safe Runnings

Its A Good Feeling...

2011-07-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

Dont bother just to be better than your contemporaries or
predecessors-Try to be better than yourself....

well normal training has resumed, after a few weeks recovery from the WHW race. I have been suprised at how well my legs have come round and I am happy that i am back running without any niggles or problems.

Over the recovery period i used my mt bike just to keep the legs moving and give my feet time to heel, i did add a few small easy runs which went well.

Now iam back in training mode, I have been suprised at how well iam feeling on my runs, I feel focused and strong, Even my training pace seems that little bit Quicker without the added effort, just maybe i am starting to believe in my own self and what i can acheive. I do believe the WHW race has certianly given my confidence a boost.

Over the weekend i met up with Ali and Robert S for a 15mile trail run around Carron Valley, I have run with Ali before and know he is a strong confident runner, and this was my first meeting of Robert and i now how he can run from his blog and races he has run, It was good meeting up and we had a great run round the trails and engaged in the usual running talk and what our next goals would be, Ali has his own things he is planning but for me and robert its about the Devils and i have now doubt Robert will run a great race.

For me i have decided that i am going to try something new, I have always set out my own goals and some i have achieved others not, So for the first time i am going to race the devils as i have never raced an ultra, well only against my own goals, So racing the devils and what do i expect to acheive, well the day will tell, however the front runners do not need to be alarmed that i am sure of lol.

It will be about pushing myself that little bit faster and seeing how i fair, I know how this could blow up and end my race before the finish line, however i think at times i may sell myself short, for example last year at the devils which was my 2nd ultra after the d33, I had given myself a target of 10hrs however i ran the full course ups and downs and completed it in 7hrs 54mins, I knew i wasted 20 mins alone at kll check point just enjoying the sun and crew so over the course i may have lost 30mins hanging aroung when i didnt need to, and due to the fact i finished well and knew i could of pushed a little bit harder over the full course.

So with this in mind and knowing that my training runs just feel that little bit stronger and faster, I am confident of a good race, I know iam looking forward to giving it a Go...

Safe Runnings

Looking Back to Look Forward

2011-06-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

I would just like to thank all who commented on my blog, I tried to post a few replies but for some reason i couldnt silly lap top or whatever it was. It was good to hear words of encouragement and that my battle was only 1 of many being thought all over the course...

Anyways i have had time to look back and what a crash course in running the W.H.W was, I have picked out many things to look at...

First was my nuitrition, I didnt have much in the way of solid foods, Bananas and corn flakes was all not ideal i know, from rowerdennan on i ate very little and relied on gels and jelly beans, yip no wonder i had it tough in the second half although some crisps and a mars bar were eaten and i think a biscuit... So yes i need to do some hard work on my fuel.
After rowerdennan i didnt see my crew and therefor my discipline slipped and skipped the fueling, where my crew made sure i was eating something when i could before and after, although after it was to late as i couldnt stomach food. So self discipline has to be looked at...

Second was my Feet i went through 4 pairs of trainers and dry socks, now my feet were fine until my last change wich was into my Gore tex trail shoes, now these kept my feet dry for hours until the puddles and rivers soaked through, and stayed in the shoes, and this is what i believe started my trench foot and rot of my feet. So with a little more thought and insight feet preperation is always top priority,

On a whole i was still on target by KLL although i only had 3 hrs to do 14 miles, So i dont see it as to much of a disaster, Ok the end was almost but i think with proper fueling and better conditions i wouldnt be that far a way, There is lots more i will take away from my experiance and i think i have learned a great deal from the race itself and from others, Also it has given my time to reflect on myself and i think overall i have certainly taken something away from it for myself Peace...

So what Lies instore, Well as you see in the title change the devils will be my 6th ultra, 4th this year and iam looking forward to doing the Tripple Crown ( if the devils goes to plan), I think this is a big target for my 2nd year of running and one i will be Happy to reach hopefully...

Then september comes and the glenmore 24hr is upon us in its first year of running, And i will jump back into support crew mode for the return of my Friend(yip hes still talking to me lol) and over the seas coach Jeroen renes who will be running the 24hr... And i would like to try the river ayr way race but not sure i will give some more thought first...

Oh a few people have suggested that i may now have to change my blog title from wouldbeultrarunner, but what To? can i still be a wouldbe ultra runner if am running ultras lol? So i may regret asking but i am open to ideas on names, and if i change it i may have to ask J.K for assistance as i probably wouldnt know how to change it...Well back to following the western states go Jez

Hope everyone is recovering well (Jeroen is now away on a 2 week holliday lol)

West Highland Way Race 2011

2011-06-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Milngavie just before the horn blows, We arrived nice and early to soak in the atmosphere and by the start i just wanted to get moving. At 1 o clock the horn sounded and over 150 runners headed through the tunnel, I had met Ali at the start and settled in next to him, we would chat and run together almost to drymen.

My support crew (Jeroen,Gary,Ross) sat at the beech tree Inn to see me through, I handed then my jacket as i ran by, as the rain had stopped and it was quite warm, the first miles just seemed to fly by as i chatted away with ali, who after drymen moved off and ran a great race.

DRYMEN
I arrived at drymen and collected my jacket again for the climb up conic, i also took some powerade and water, i quickly left Drymen and ran alone until i was in Gahrbhan Forest, here i met Sandra and shell, we ran and chatted till the bottom of conic, The climb was good and i made good progress and at the top i decided that a slow descent was wise and i cant believe that when walking down i went on my backside lucky it was a wet and soft muddy landing, once up i made my way into balmha caked in mud.

BALMHA
I arrived hear feeling good and felt i was running well, Jeroen quickly changed my socks and shoes while i ate some crunchy nut corn flakes and a Bananna, I was soon up and running and heading for Rowwerdennan, This section past by slowly, it just seemed to drag by, i met shell and i think it was Ian? we chatted and ran some together and Rowerdennan soon came into view.

ROWERDENNAN
Here Jeroen was quick to resupply me and feed me more crunchy nut cornflakes and bannana followed by some coke. after my short stay i headed off and it wasnt long before i was starting to make my way up the long climbs i was walking these well and i soon saw Andy mac in front so i hurried up and caught up with andy and we both headed up the fire roads, Andy mentioned that he thought he had pulled something in his but, and was cuasing him lots of grief, but we both plodded on and soon caught up with Brian Garry, The 3 of us ran along for a while and soon it was just me and Brian as andy was having trouble, It was good to run with Brian and we made good progress heading into Innversnaid.

INNVERSNAID
Inbetween being eaten alive, i managed to change into my tights as my legs were getting chewed on, I quickly refueled from my drop bag, which the Trossachs guys had laid out for me, i felt sorry for them in amongst that midgie fest, Andy came in and got himself looked at and some ice, Brian waited and we both left together on the tough section to Bein Glas, We were both moving well and we kept sharing the front, it was good to run with brian as he has a solid pace, and we made great progress comming along the lochside, i was to busy looking at my feet that i didnt notice until i ran out that we were at the top of the loch, we motored on and Brian stopped to make a phone call and i made my way down to the checkpoint.

BEINGLAS
It seemed so quite and ghostly as i came into Beinglas it felt strange, although the marshalls there gave great encouragement and chatted away with the runners so thanks to you, Me and Brian left here to head for Achturtyre, on this section i started to struggle i pulled away and ran on my own for a while, and i was in a trance when 3 bikers came by without warning, man a thought a was having a heart attack with the fright, as i was going along the river side for the first time really started to feel my legs resisting, and Brian soon caught up and he was great at getting my but back into gear and he pulled me along once again, we ran together until bogle glen, when Andy macs crew asked about him and i seen this as a welcome stop, we chatted briefly and then i headed on, brian was out in front and i just couldnt move fast enough to catch him up, in the forest i was struggling to run, even the down hills i was walking, i phoned my crew who i hadnt seen for 27 mile to say where i was and i was moving slowly, jeroen gave great encouragement and said he would walk out towards me once i crossed the road, Soon the road came into view and knowing i would see my support crew was a boost and i got back into a decent run, I was met by Jeroen who was happy to see me running again and we both ran along the track to achtertyre, just passing brian at the last gate, and he shouted words of encouragement something along the lines of, if he sees me walking again he will kick my sweet backside lol.

AUCHTERTYRE

After some hot tea and dry socks the world feels so much better, and the crew are playing a blinder, I leave only with a bottle of water as i will pick up my bag at Tyndrum, I head out and Knowing i have passed the half way point i become a emotional wreck and tears flow, I try and pull myself together and pass 2 other runners who encourage me and this just breaks me more, i keep telling myself its cool and soon gain control of the tears, I manage to run this 3 mile stretch but know it is becoming hard to keep it up, I am soon heading to the road at Tyndrum and wait to cross, i see a gap and no i wait i dont think i have the speed and know iam wary, so i wait to be flassed accross by a nice driver, and to my supprise my wife and dad and partner are ther with Jeroens wife and ben, This lifts my spirits but unfortunately doesnt lift my legs.

Heading up from Tyndrum i know this is a good section and most is down hill I get up the hill and start to run, but it is not much of a run and soon it becomes a walk, this frustrates me as i am now going down a fantastic road and i am walking, Soon i am broke and the walk is a shuffle, I soon start to feel the rain and wind soaking into my bones and it is a total struggle,

I now phone a head and explain my state to my crew and i also state my intentions wich are to call it a day, I decide if i am broke and shuffling along in agony then there is know way i can manage to go on for another 38mile, along this section i lie down at a gate and put my legs up on it to release some of the pain, just as i was enjoying this break,Brian came up and told me to get up and move, This i did and he tried to pull me along but i couldnt run, and encouraged him to keep moving and he was soon away, I never seen Brian again but he was superb and truely helped me along by his company and chatting from Rowerdennan so thanks Brian.

BRIDGE OF ORCHY
My support met me and i was in bits, but they marched me by the sean and davie before i could blurt out i was pulling from the race, they got me in the car were i asked to be alone for a miniute, Jeroen and gary were disscusing how to get me out and on my way.

Jeroen explained that i was still on target if i got sorted and tried to get to the ski centre, i was not convinced, so they forced fed me and gave me Magnisuim and Jeroen gave me a manly rub, I got stripped down dry and dry clothes on, and Gary my non running bro decided he was going over the moor with me although i didnt know how i would get over it.

Big Davie chapped the window and reminded me i had been here way to long, So knowing gary was going with me i happily told Davie i was heading out, and we climed up and managed to meet murdo and get a jelly baby and he mentioned he was happy to see me wrapped up, as i had my big jacket on and waterproof bottoms on, this was for a slow walk over the moor.

However at the top i could feel my legs wanting some more and i asked Gary if he could run and run we did, we came down off the hill to inverrorran and ran along the road, i couldnt believe i was running, after my last section, We entered up onto the old road heading up the moor and we were running good i had to keep asking gary if he was ok and he was superb, I kept stuffing jelly gels into my mouth i got from Jeroen and they just kept fueling me, It must have been comical as we passed runners and they must have had a laugh at Gary as he bounded along in jeans hiking boots and big red gore tex jacket, He was amazing and we came tearing down of the moor sweat running of both of us as we were wrapped up like Eskimos and into the check point.

SKI CENTRE
And the both of us after our 11 miles on the moor, Gary you should run, Once here i was watered and took some fuel with me as i couldnt face much food, Jeroen was now joining me the rest of the way, We soon headed out and i was still feeling good and running well, we met charlie a fellow ochil who was on support duties and had a quick chat, before we headed on.

Time seemed to go by here as Jeroen and i chatted about the day, we soon came to the bottom of the devils staircase, we took extra fluid and made our way up, and although we seemed to climb well it was tough and never seemed to end. But Jeroen kept pulling me along and soon we broke out on top, I knew i could still run so i said to Jeroen lets get off this hill, and boy did we get of it we motored down through the rivers that were flowing down the trail, as we passed some runners they asked to swap feet with me and told me to go for it, i am not sure what i was going for but i wanted of that hill.

I believe that was probably my fastest comming of there, and Jeroen couldnt believe were it had come from, truth i didnt either, Soon we were out and onto the streets and into the medical centre, now it all sounds like i am cruising and running well, i suppose i was for a while but....

KINLOCHLEVEN
As i tried to stand on the scales i almost went down, and the colour drained from me, my weight was the same and i quickly got out of there incase the doctor clocked me. I climbed in the car and scoffed everything i could find i had an urge to eat and that was followed by sleep i asked for half an hour to sleep and i was out.

I had arrived around 10 oclock and asked to be woken at 10.45 to be off at 11pm. As i got out the car wich was a struggle i knew there was only 14 mile to go, we set off and i tried to sound in good spirits but i was totally shot, and it started to show as soon as we reached the climb upto larig mor, it was a complete struggle i just had to follow my light and pray i would soon be at the top.

Once out on the top I tried to run and knew instantly it was not going to happen, After putting everything into the last 2 sections i was out nothing left and i could feel my mental state going down also, I walked head down in silence and Jeroen was trying all the stops but i just couldnt register anything, He had a tough job on his hands and the weather was not pleasent for a 14 mile walk on the larig mor.

I stopped many times just to sit and close my eyes and ease the pain, and Jeroen kept picking me up and moving me forward, we passed the first couple of medic points although it seemed blank, we arrived at the 3rd and i asked to be driven home, They kindly said they couldnt and i was not happy, Sorry guys, although these guys from stirling strapped up my foot wich they suspected had a stress fracture, and yes they encouraged me on to Lundavra although i wanted in there nice big 4x4, Guys you were amazing and i have messaged you both wich you got.

LUNDAVRA
I had decided lundavra was it, Jeroen was making calls for Gary to collect me, as my mental state was gone and as he was doing this i marched through the check point and mumbled my number and kept walking, Soon Jeroen caught up and we hobbled on in silence, until i decided i was going to bed, and lay down to sleep, Poor Jeroen was worried no end and with no signal now, He managed to talk me out of my bed and i huffed and moaned along the dark track listening to the trees talking away to themselves and the stones laughing at me.

Many concerned folkes passed and offered advice and help as i was slumped at the side of the trail, both i refused rudely, I recall a lady called Sue i think a carnagie runner who left her own runner to come back and assist me while Jeroen tried to catch her runner, Sue you are an angel and that Ginger and cola mix you made me sip, I got moving slowly with sues aid and she got me upto the fire road, Here she ran on to try and catch her runner, THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH... and poor Jeroen was trying to keep me moving but was losing the battle.

In the end he ran on and to meet my brother Gary who was making his way up the road, Jeroen would then make his way to his bed wich he so deserved he was a legend for that epic 14 miles and iam so glad he was there, THANK YOU.... I made some progress but decided i had to lye down again, and i lay here in the morning sun until Gary arrived, I managed to move me wrecked feet forward just and soon we came upon a gentleman who was heading up the course with hot tea and marsbars, So i sat and enjoyed his company and tea and chocolate sorry i forgot your name although he knew mine lol, another godsend and THANK YOU...This kept me moving all the way down to the road and i knew it was near, i said to Gary let me practise my running for the finish lol well that was short lived i couldnt even manage 2 steps so we hobbled along.

My wife and dad had been there for hours, waiting and hearing people voice there concerns for me, she was frantic and i am sorry i put her through it, Although she says she is on my crew next year and promised this wouldnt be happening again, What a strong women stronger than me...I soon hobbled over the line although i dont mind much apart from the hugh cuddles from Leeann and my dad.

No emotions shown, i just cant believe what i put myself through and my family and crew, shame they are all up for the next one.

I have many to Thank and i have thanked some personally, but to those who offered advice and help THANK YOU, To all the organisers and marshalls, THANK YOU, Medics and crews and all who ran and finished and those who didnt well done also...

This is Why I did it....

Less Than 2 weeks

2011-06-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since i last blogged, but theres not been alot to blog about, After the Fling it took me 2 weeks to get back out running, I seem to find it hard after a big race to get straight back out. So mays milage is not what i hoped for but i managed to put in a couple of good weeks in the end of the month.

Well its now taper time although i am still trying not to think about the 18th, truth is it scares me to think to much about it so am leaving the thinking to my crew, Its strange how you think negative on how much preperation youve done or maybe its just me, The 18th will soon tell me if i have done enough that i am sure off.

On Wedensday night i ran The Old Kilpatricks Hill Race, this was my second running of this race and i was cautious of throwing myself down the hills so close to the race, I decided to just run it as how i felt, the conditions where alot wetter than last year and did make it more slippery underfoot. As the race started i was along the road and up onto the field before the climb, last year i was walking already and lost about 15 places to the climb, but this year i managed to run the full climb which totaly amazed me, and the fact i ran the full course, Again this is a fun race with a crazy descent on nice grass, and yip caution to the wind and down i came. Although the conditions where wetter i came home in 55mins 38secs so it was a new pb on last year.

Its the court ma law hill race on wedensday and its local in the campsies, this is another good race for getting wet and dirty in the peat bogs, is it to close? well al pop along anyways and al wait and see. I hope everyones tapering is going well and i know everyones taper is different.

Safe Runnings

Highland Fling

2011-05-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

We woke to clear skies and knew it was going to be a hot one, Me and Jeroen had discussed how we plan to do the Fling and we agreed to using the fling as a training run as we both have big races in june, So with our thinking being we would plod along at about 10-10.30m/m pace. For me this would be the furthest i had ran by 10 miles and i wanted to be able to run them, So that was our plan of attack.

After we got the go we both shouted and clapped our way out the tunnel, and up onto the High street in the early stages we had to keep pulling ourselves back as not to get carried away with the race. and it did feel slow but we stuck with it and first couple of hours passed by and drymen came and went. Soon we climbed up conic hill and i took a second to just enjoy the views, The descent of conic was great and i love to fly down this especialy with the conditions perfect so i relaxed and tore off down to the bottom, I think in the longer thought of things Jereon was wise in taking it easy, i never learn :-)

We passed through Balmha checkpoint with ease thanks to Dave and the other marshalls and D.Q for taking our rubbish, 19 miles and were still running well, and still enjoying the sun for now, This next section passed in know time as we chatted away and Kept our minds off the running. I was glad when we ran into Rowerdennan as this is where i pulled out last year, So it was great to run in and still feel ok. We sat hear and had some food and Restocked our bags, and off we headed running along the fire roads until the steeper hills slowed us to a walk which we didnt mind one bit.and Soon inversnaid Came into view and i was looking forward to having another wee sit down.

We took a wee bit longer hear and we chatted to other runners and i caught up with Garry who was looking Good. so after sitting enjoying the sun maybe just to long, we headed off, and by know the heat was getting to everyone and i could feel myself burning, but on we plodded and this section was quite congested as relay runners where now comming up behind as we where comming up on walkers, and both always gave great encouragement, we made 2 stops here, Jeroen wanted to see Darios view and we stood at his post and enjoyed a miniute i also asked him to look after me in june as i am sure he would. The second stop was at a small river where i sat myself down to refresh the legs, funny many commented that it looked good but none joined me, and it did what i wanted and seemed to refresh the legs and i had a good run into Bein Glas.

As i entered the checkpoint i asked the Marshalls if they had any sun cream (which was way to late as i was burned by this time) the Marshall gave a shout to the crowd and a lady came to my rescue as i slabbed myself with cream thanks to you. Hear we sat again thinking off the last 12 miles, It was scarey looking around and seeing the pain on many runners faces as the heat was taking its toll, the Marshalls hear where making sure everyone was being looked after they where superb fullstop.

I forgot Jeroen had changed into his orange Holland top which D.Q had a laugh about and i tore out of the checkpoint chasing a guy in a white top thinking Jereon had left, once i relised my mistake and headed back he was still stuffing his face lol.

The Last section and we walked the hills and ran the bits we could, but things where starting to take there toll, but we soldiered on and soon we came to the tunnel and yip we remembered to bend down but that was sore on its own, and we met charlie for the last time as we met him along the route and he made sure we had plenty of water and where going good, well we where still moving at this point. Soon we passed the cows funny how many times i have jumped the wall to stay clear but not today we plodded straight passed, they could of been wolves and i coudnt of jumped that wall.

Soon we arrived at the Road crossing and we both manged to put together a run, The last 3 miles we adopted a run to that gate, then walk then run to that tree and walk, It was a great feeling knowing that we where close to the finish So it was Amazing to find out the finish was not over the river up the road and by shop upto the devils start point, where i told Jereon it was, so to come round the corner and see the finish Arch was a feeling i cant explain but man did it make us run.

There where many folkes there clapping and cheering and it was Great to run in with my over the seas coach and Friend Jereon Renes, To have him with me all the way made the race that more special, although it was a training run it was the hardest training run i have ever done and dont plan another like that lol, we both crossed the line in 11hrs 31mins, well its now 3 days later and i am still walking funny as my quads are shot, maybe get that short recovery run in 2morrow, well could i have continued on yes i could 43miles i dont think so but come june i will soon find out :-)

Big thanks to you all who helped marshalled organized clapped and cheered you where all champs...

The Fling...

2011-04-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to the Highland Fling for a number of reasons. First i have decided that i will run it as a training run and try to enjoy the day, which means i dont feel under pressure to push hard. Secondly i had to pull out last year at 23miles with a foot injury, so i have un finished buisness with the race. and thirdly my Over the Seas Coach is flying in today to run the race.

So the plan is we will Have fun ( well for the first few miles anyway:-) and enjoy our Day running along the West Highland Way from Milngavie - Tyndrum Hope the weather holds out.... See all you Flingers on Saturday...

Safe Runnings

Cant keep it down...

2011-04-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Thought i would post this and see if anyone has had similar problems or know what could be going wrong... My last 4 runs of different distances, i have manged to throw up, it starts of as a heart burn pain then i throw up and i mean everything even breakfast, I am not doing anything different and have not changed my normal diet, I have been running before my Tea which means i have 3-4 hours to let everything settle, As i say i am not doing anything different although 4 days in a row being sick when i have never been sick before is starting to worry me.There is no other ill effects from this and i seem to run better afterwards minus the heart burn pain. Does anyone have any thoughts?

cheers Norry

Night Run and Scooter Club

2011-04-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Imet up with Ian King at the Croy Station and we drove over to milngavie, The start of the FLING and WHWR. Our plan was to head for Rowerdennan, we left at 7.45pm and although the Wind was strong it was quite pleasant to run in as it was quite warm, and it stayed dry. We started of quite fast and had to slow ourselves down as this was just a easy run to enjoy running in the Dark, It was great running along with Ian and chatting away about plans Ideas and dreams.

Soon the miles where going past without notice, Ian was using his poles which I believe he will be using in The UTMB So we walked most of the small climbs, Just enjoying being out in the Dark, We where soon approaching Drymen and the first 12 miles felt good although it was very wet and muddy underfoot. Once up in the forest we seen some car lights comming through the forest we wondered what was going on but it was the local Police out on patrol and Iam sure they thought we must be Mad a couple of headtorches plodding along, The forest road was in a mess as the lorries had been using it for the logging and was quite muddy and slippy underfoot.

The Trees had kept us sheltered from the wind but this was only till we came out at the1st Gate, and the head wind was full on, and heading up to Conic Hill it was Pretty bad and it was like a river flowing down through the track/path.we walked all this section and as we came to the top of Conic the Wind was howling we couldnt hear ourselves think and i was almost blowin back up the Hill,So we walked down and it was very wet and slippery and the wind blowing us all ways, We Soon relised our time was getting shorte as we had arranged for ian wife to pick us up at Rowerdennan at 12.30am and we had lost maybe a good 45 mins on Conic Hill, So once at Balmha we found out that Ians wife was about 20 mins away so we arranged to meet at Malorchy Bay car park, as we didnt want to leave his Wife sitting in the car alone till we reached Rowerdennan.

So all in all we Done just over 21 miles in 4hrs 10 mins, and to be fair it was actualy a great night run and I enjoyed the company as much as i did the Run. Thanks Ian.

Falkirk Scooter Club and the Falkirk Bolton Spartans Scooter Doo....

Safe Runnings...

Over the Seas

2011-03-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

First of all i would like to say Well done to all who ran in the celtic Plate 100k in Perth I followed via Facebook Thanks John k, Well done to all on some great performances and Well done Scotland....

Well after the d33 i recovered well and the legs felt good after a day, and was back out training. I also had my 2nd Wedding anniversary at the weekend and we where welcomed over to holland to see my over the seas coach mr J Renes and his lovely Family, So friday morning we set of for the land of no hills, No sooner where we at Jeroens house we where Kitted up and ready to run, Yes the same as last year i Take my running Gear on our Anniversary Trips.

We enjoyed a great run through the National forrest which is right on his doorstep and i mean on his doorstep. We ran fri sat sun with monday off, and we where also joined by Henke Who had been over for the Hastings half marathon a couple of weeks before with his Wife.

I thank the Renes family for having us and will look forward to Jeroen comming over to run the Fling with me in 4 weeks, Then i will be joined again in june by the full family as they become my support crew this year :-) and he will be back again for the Glenmore 24hr race in september where i will fall back into support role, So we have many adventures to come...

We arrived back yesterday and it was my club night which i havnt been to for a while which means i havnt spent much time in the hills so i thought i need a couple of months back in the hills for training and now that the hill racing season in apon us, So i put in a appearance and we ran from the Sheriff muir inn and scaled 4 tops of the ochils, I was supprised that i was actually running well on the climbs which is strange as i hate climbs but all in all i had a great run, and just love the descents,I will be looking to run the bog and burn series of hill races which run on a wedensday night as part of my training plan, and the fact i ran most of them last year, So heres looking forward to hitting the Hills for the next couple of months...

Safe Runnings till the next advetures...

D33SIDE 33

2011-03-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Standing on the line i was looking forward to the race, and remebered how tough i made it on the way back last year,Would i learn from last year about getting carried away and going out to fast, Simple No. George gave the brief and the shout and we where off, In my head i was thinking about going out fast and seeing how long i could hold it, well when i say fast i mean fast for me, Last year i ran the first half at 9m/m pace and slowed down to 10m/m pace by the end.

So within the first couple of miles i relised i was running sub 8m/m pace, I think its a hard race to hold back as its fast and flat and i dont learn, I tried to keep it about the 8m/m pace as i was feeling good and slowly worked my way through the field, It was a great day to be running and the miles just seemed to pass by, Soon i Seen Grant Jeans come by and you can only look in awe at the pace he was running soon others came by and it was great to see Marco in the top 5 at this point.

I arrived at the Half way point in 2hrs 14mins, and my pace was around 8.07m/m, I just ran straight through, its great how everyone encourages you as you pass by, and it was good to encourage others. I managed to contain my pace till around the 20 mile mark then i noticed i was slowing down, and was running along at about 9m/m pace which got harder to keep, Around the 28 mile mark i was starting to struggle, my legs had started to cramp and my knees where stiffening, These last 4/5 miles i had to stop and bend down to ease the cramps in my legs then walk a few yards to get them moving again before managing to run.

Slowly people started to pass and gave great encouragement as i was crouched down easing the cramps, I did manage to keep moving however with 1.5 miles to go i was crouched down again, and as i got up Keith Hughes came up next to me and said he felt my pain or words to that effect, then asks the time which i told him then he said something sweet lol and ran on, I knew if i wanted that sub 5hrs i was going to work hard and i sat in behind Keith and soon the zig zag path into the park was reached we had just under 2 mins to get to the line, I muttered something like lets get this 5hrs and the 2 of us pushed hard and we ran in together.

In the end it was 5hrs and 11 secs that is 13mins faster than last year so its my first P.B. A great end to a great race, Thanks George and Karen and all the Marshals who made it another great D33. Will i learn next year?

5hrs 11secs
Pace 9.07m/m
Pos 67
1 Cliff bar
3 gels
500mls sports drink
water at stations

Into the Wind

2011-03-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

Today seen me head up towards Carron Valley for a 10 mile circuit of the reservoir, which consists of 6.5 miles of fire roads then a final 3.5 back along the road side. When i got to the Valley car park the gates where closed as they seem to be working on the roads around the picnic area. So i park outside the gates and ran through heading towards the fire roads on the south side.

I noticed straight away that this was going to be a hard run as the wind was gusting straight into me, Head down i was struggling to maintain an 8-8.30 pace and i was working hard for it. the gust where about 40 mph and they also brought some snow showers and hail, fighting with the wind made the miles go by in no time or so it seemed.

I was out onto the main road and what a differance as the wind was now behind me which showed as i was motoring along and covered the last 3.5mile at around 6.30 pace which was fun being blowing along, Soon the car was insight and i raced in to complete my run in 1hr 14m, avg pace 7.30. looking forward to a couple of nice runs over the weekend then its rest up time for the D33SIDE 33....

Safe Runnings

out on the trails

2011-03-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Sunday so me arrive at the cambusbarron quarry , to meet up with Ali for a run up over the north third craggs.The morning was just nice for running, as i waited Ali came walking out his front door and onto the trail a lucky man to have some great trails right on his doorstep.We set off for north third reseviour and no time at all we arrived at the dam head.

We headed round the reseviour and made our way up the craggs to the trig point, They where some short steep climbs that had me breathing hard, and jumped the heart rate up, but the trails are a joy to run.

Soon we where back at the car park, it was a great sunday morning run and it was good to meet up with Ali and share his trails that sit on his doorstep.

Today i was wanting to go out and do some more off road running as i have spent alot of time on the flat trails aiming at the d33. So i headed towards Carron Valley, Although i never got there as in the distance i always see this trig point and always say i am going to run to but never do.So today was the day. I parked at the Fankerton car park and headed down into the Glen there is some great trails running the Glen however i decided to head up and onto the tops so i could find my way to the trig point.

Well this was not the path i was looking for, and infact i never did find a path so it was wild running all the way to the trig point.There was some could views over loch coulter and in the distance i could see the north third craggs.

Rather than head back the way i came i headed straight down to pick up the River Carron and head back down the Glen where there is good trails to run and it was good fun blasting down the tussocks rocks and bogs. Soon i was onto the Glen trail and followed the river down through the glen, these trails where fun which just sums up my run very intresting and a whole lotta Fun.

I did try and find out what the trig point was called but couldnt find it, not to worry it was another great morning out on the trails.

Safe Runnings

Huffed & Puffed & it was Tough

2011-02-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

This was the test to see how my niggles ( knee & achiles ) would hold up over some distance and big climbs, I had taken a couple of weeks total rest and spent the 3rd week doing low milage runs and things looked good, So here we are at the start of our run, dont let the sun fool you it was just above freezing.

We set of and i was a little worried how things would play out, however the start was good as it was great to be running this section Ski Centre to Lundavra and back 40 miles ( not that i did this ) we where running along at a nice pace and enjoying the clear skies, and it wasnt long till we warmed up, And where at the bottom of the devilstaircase, which was a joy to climb and i had my first marsbar of the day.

Once on top we headed down to KLL the views were awesome and it was wrming up nicely, I ran with Shelby and Andy and within no time at all we where on the road going down and down then the thought occured we had to climb this on our way back, not a nice thought, we met Tim at the bottom who was turning back at KLL where i was supposed to turn also but I was running well and no signs of niggles, So we said our goodbyes and waited at the trailrace inn for Ellen and Stan Jon c and sorry not sure of the other female runner.

Off we trot on upto the Larig mor think thats it, anyway another climb and the weather was turning the storm clouds were closing in and the rain came on, but we climbed on, then out we popped onto the drove road, At this point i decided i would run out 12.5 miles and turn this took me to the first cattle gate, here i said my goodbyes and headed back, Time out was about 2hrs 45mins and i left the others to head for Lundavra, Something i wasnt wanting to do, I had managed a good run out and had no inury worries so didnt want to push it any further i was already doing an extra 5 miles than planned.

Back through KLL and the start of that climb and man was it a climb, I was happy to be on my own now, not that i dont like company which i do honestly Andy, Shelby ;-) its just i can do my own thing run what i want, so i was plodding what i could plod and walking the steep bits that where steep. The rain had no turned to Hail and was not looking to good by the time i was up on the pass heading back to the devils, the snow came on and was stinging the face it was that hard, I could only think of the others up on the Larig mor pass, But soon i was at the top of the staircase and half way down the sun came back out which was welcome and then i rounded the corner and stopped dead.

Yip a big old Stag, what a photo oppertunity once it had posed and i snapped a few i had the problem of getting by, not that i was scared but shoo shoo seemed to work and of it walked as i speeded by, by the time i reached the bottom i was feeling the strain on the legs they where heavy and stiffning, Although the sun was still shinening and i was still running well i pushed for the last 4 mile, which went great apart from kinghouse upto the Ski Centre, man that was tough but hey it was a tough day, 25 miles 5hrs 5min so 20 mins quicker on the way back, Tired and abit stiff but running good, So it was a booster for 3 weeks time when the D33 comes round. and my hats off to the others it must of been a tough run back, see you all out there somewhere soon.

Safe Runnings

On a positive note

2011-02-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

After a few injury scares I have managed to run 4 days in a row without pain or dramas, Which i am pleased about, However i am aware i have yet to test my achiles and knee over a greater distance. So with confidence i will star out on saturday at the ski lift and head out to Kinlochleven and back a run of about 20 miles, this will be the test on how things stand.

This will also decide if the D33 is still on the cards, as i would like to make it 2 on the trot as i now have for the first time a personal target to beat. And the fact this was a fantastic race and my first ultra, So i have alot to look forward to and i am sure saturday will let me know if its still on or back to the injury drawing board. If your going see you saturday.

Safe Runnings

2 WEEKS REST

2011-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well after picking up a few niggles on my right knee and right achiles heal, I stopped all training and Leeann hid my trainers to stop me going out, So 2 weeks passed and i was praying that it was just a few warning signs and no damage was done.

After sticking to my 14 days rest i ventured out for a 3 mile easy run to test the Knee and Heal, there was no signs of anything wrong during or after, So the following night i ran 4.5miles slightly faster and again no signs during or after, So i will rest today and and go back out tomorrow and aim at 6miles and keep the pace down and see how things go, Hopefully things are Better as iam back into my old trainers and have done a bit of stretching and strengthening of the glutes. Only time will tell over longer distances but am in no rush to find out.

Safe Runnings.

Knee to Achiles tendon

2011-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

well had my second recobery run today and my knee had been fine, although I started to notice a burning pain in my Achiles area so I slowed to a very slow jog and it didnt ease off, So limp home and iced the area, However as i sit here I can still feel a slight pain from the tendon.

As it seems its the same leg, I am thinking that something is out of balance, a certain muscel group being to weak or to Tight and pulling my right leg out, I will consantrate on stretching out my calfs while building up my glutes in hope it pulls things together as this seemed to be the case when i was plagued last year with my knees, Although the Achiles tendon is a different thing altogether, Its strange as my Calfs seem fine and dont feel tight.

Well it doesnt look good what ever way I look at it its going to be a couple of weeks out NO RUNNING then assess not what I am wanting so close to the D33 Although as Long as i am Fighting Fit for June everything else can pass by, any advice on achiles gladly taken but dont SCARE ME....

Safe Runnings

A poor week...

2011-01-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well my 4 weeks ends today so its really end of the month and a new one starts tomorrow, Although i will start of with another rest Day as Iam not convinced my Knee is playing Ball, After last saturday I decided to rest up for 4 days and do some stretching as my Quads were very tight and this could be the problem with my Knee being put under stress.

So it was 4 days off and yesterday saw me do a 6 mile run at about 8m/m pace there was no problem, So today i decided on another 6 mile rather than easy I decided to push it a wee bit doing my 2nd mile at 6m/m and the rest at just over 7m/m and come 5 miles there was a slight niggle again, its not that its very painful it just seems to be a warm/hot spot behind the knee cap, so i stopped at 5 miles and phoned for a lift, its seems to be fine as long as i dont push it and dont go over 8 miles.

So i will start this new week with another day of rest and will need to take it real easy for maybe a few weeks, which is going to be tough I just find it so hard to hold back and take it easy, But then i have the full year Ahead So easy and slow will be the way to go for the time being :-(

week 1   49mile
week 2   45mile
week 3   38.5mile
week 4   22 mile      Total 154.5miles

A right Pain in the knee...

2011-01-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Well 9 runners turned up on a cold foggy morning to enjoy the delights of running from Drymen to rowwerdennan and back, We set off and stayed as a group and the pace was quite relaxed and it was good to chat away and catch up with what everyone was planning for 2011. it wasnt long and we where heading through the forest, there was still some ice patches on the ground but mostly it was great to run on.

I recived on tuesday night a burning pain behind my right Knee although not truely painful I was aware of it and stopped and jogged back this was about the 7-8 mile point and a speed session. I rested wednesday and had a gentle 5 miler on thursday with no problems, As we approached conic i was still running well and no pain, So i enjoyed the climb and the views were just unbelievable as we came out the froozen fog. The temp was alot warmer on the top and as we descended back into the fog you could feel how the cold just clung on to you.

We ran out of Balmha and up onto the track and came down onto the lochside, This was about 9 mile point and i felt the slight burning pain return in my knee, I straight away knew not to carry on which is some thing i have learned as i would only be Kidding myself on and make things worse. we where still all running as a group and at mallorchy bay i said my farewells. It is strange that today people still think it a danger to stop and offer a lift to an injured runner dressed in tights i must have looked a real danger, So i slow jogged back along the road and through Balmha and just as i thought i would be joggng all the way back a knight in a silver Merc stopped.

You meet the strangest people at the strangest times, this gentleman spoke of a how a german fellow who works in edinburgh uses his B&B at the weekends in march to do training runs on the way, He also told me of his Everest adventures and how he is heading to the staes to do the appalachian trail he plans to walk it in one go, He was kind off mithed when i spoke of Karl Meltzer running it on red bull lol. Since he is retired and as he says still has the Go about him, this is what hes doing next year., A truely nice fellow who i Thanked for the lift.
Well it was a great wee morning run although i have to see what to do with the knee, 3-4 days rest and maybe some short runs to see how it is, as it only seems to come to light at about 8-9 mile point, Any ideas as to what the problem may be, or a soloution how to mend?...

Safe Runnings

Another week...

2011-01-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Well my week finishes today a day early and with only 3 runs done, After Saturdays run on the way, i rested up for a couple of days and went along to the Club on tuesday its been a while since i last ran with Ochils, Although I decided to go with the speed session, Which if i am honest I dont do, well I do add tempo runs but never do proper speed work... The session was good and i was pushing it abit till near the end when i felt a slight burning in the back of my knee cap, So my speed session Ended and a slow jog back to the university, I was worried about this as it seemed to stop my leg from bending although as i eased back my knee and flexibility seemed fine...So another day of rest with some stretches and I noticed my quads where solid so i worked on these, and today decided on a gentle run to see how the knee felt.

It was meant to be Gentle but noticed i was running along at 7.40 pace and must admit my knee gave no indication of any niggles although i cut short the run to give it another bit of rest and i will rest on friday, And hope it is fit for Satudays run on the Way not the B.o.O to fortbill, but a closer run from Drymen to rowwerdennan and back leaving at 9am

From todays cold 5 miles

Saturday 25miles
Sunday rest
Monday rest
Tuesday 8.2miles
Wednesday rest
Thursday 5.3miles
Friday rest ToTal 38.5miles

Wet and Wild on the Way

2011-01-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

For the brave and hardy our journey started at 6.30am pick up gary then over to collect michelle, and the journey began, the roads where flooded all the way up and the driving conditions were not great, although we knew what the day was going to be like there was no mistaking that.

We dropped gary off at crainlarich as he was going for a walk, he is seen in the photo with his custom black bin bag worn as a skirt lol. we arrived to find that 6 hardy souls turned up for a bit of fun in the rain,wind,cold and ice and the floods... Soon we were off splashing in the puddles and then skating on the last remaining ice that was thawing quick style, we ducked under the bridge at achturtyre and the river was on the path about 4-5 inches not so on the way back it was just below the knee.

Anyways we managed to arrive down at Bein glas farm to well nothing no hot drinks or soup it was shut for refurbishment. so we ate what we had and within miniutes i was freezing i said to the others that i was heading off to warm up and they soon followed, I had ran with andy and michelle on the way down we arrived 12.3 miles 2hrs 35m this was due to alot of detouring and ice skating although it was enjoyable just.

The way back was going to be different we met with mary and stan and ellen, I was shivering and knew i had to move, and i decided i was going to head off quick and get back a.s.a.p I left the group and made tracks deciding to run all the way back as it was to cold to walk any hills, by the time i got into the forest most of the ice had gone and didnt hinder me to much although i was running well i could feel the cold sap at my legs they were getting heavy around achturtyre, not to worry under 3 mile to go and it felt alot longer. Back at the car soaked to the skin frozen but glad i had done it. the return leg was 2hr 10mins I didnt have long to wait for michelle she came running in exactly the same time as we went out in, not bad as she is just getting back into things after being out for along period so well done her... Well its till the next wet and wild adventure on the Way...Witch just might be next week.;-)

Safe Runnings

End of the Week

2011-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

I have had a good week on the running front, and done a couple of double sessions which is a first and will continue to do these to help keep the miles up, this is done by running along the canal to work and back which i have been enjoying, And again i managed another great day in Carron valley getting lost in the fire breaks and running the Deer tracks to find my way out it was -5 and the snow was crisp and great for running on.
1st jan 6.5m 52mins 8.30pace
            6m 47mins 7.55pace
2nd jan   Rest

3rd jan 6.1m 44mins 7.29pace
             6.4m 48mins 8.oopace
4th jan Rest

5th jan 4m   Hill Reps

6th jan 10m 1hr 16mins 7.46pace

7th jan 10m 1hr 26mins 9.16pace               TOTAL 49

CARRON VALLEY LAST DAY IN 2010

2010-12-31T05:46:00.000-08:00

Well the last day of 2010. And my last run of the year, I decided on a little fun in the Carron Valley running the snow covered trails and fire roads, it was a perfect morning and not to cold, I love running in the Valley as theres so much trails to run, you can be away an hour or all day and am lucky its 5 mins from my door.

The Valley was still and peaceful not a sound, it was perfect and the snow was still soft and deep in areas, The Dam was slowly thawing out compared to last week when it was pure white with inches of snow on it.

I am well impressed with my new Christmas pressies, first pair of Salomon trainers and so far they have been faultless on road and off, great grip, feet dry , light and comfy think I have finaly found my off road distance shoe.
December never went to plan as in terms of running, I let the conditions make me lazy although i managed 90miles i was planning to be about 150 however its the end of the year and Tomorrow is the start of a big year for me in running terms, So come wind hail rain or snow tomorrow is the start of the NO EXCUSES year.

I hope everyone reaches there goals and potential in 2011 may you all run safe and long and Hope to meet you on the trails next year.... HAPPY NEW YEAR AND SAFE RUNNINGS....

Freezing Fog And -9

2010-12-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Mr & Mrs Wouldbeultrarunner

A Star in the Night

Well its been a struggle to get out there and run but the miles are going up slowly but surely, So tonight in Freezing Fog and tempratures of -9 I gave the running a miss, Instead me and Mrs Wouldbeultrarunner Went for a Walk along the forth and clyde canal, It truely was magical just wish the flash was brighter on the camerra. ( maybe santa or birthday present ) Anyways hope all is well with everyones training and all are staying safe and upright.

oh and still not smoking :-)
Safe Runnings

Snow Fun Anymore

2010-12-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

A music group walking up the motor way to find a shop, and they found one with booze and gave onlookers on the bridge a few christmast carols, it was good of them wish i knew what band they were. As you can see the M9 closed, it snowed from 6am till 2pm non stop about another 10 inches had fallen.

Well my marcothon is finished before it really got started, i have pulled a muscle in my lower back digging cars out and road clearing duties, So its my excuse to rest and to tell you the truth am glad as its not been fun anymore trying to push out freezing miles at night, I will be happy trying to tick over to get by this weather.
I wish all the hardcore marcothon runners all the best.

Safe Runnings

Canal run to work day 2

2010-12-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

My first run to work, the reason i transfered was so i could run to and from work.people found it strange that i would transfer to another Job and field just so i could run, It made perfect sense to me. So day 2 of my new job and my marcothon attempt, seen me up and onto the canal 2mins from my door and a magical 6.2 miles along the forth and clyde canal where it was well over a foot deep at parts, it was great to have the canal all to my self this run alone was worth the transfer.

6.2miles
10.34m/m average
1hr 02secs

Safe Runnings

A wintery night of Fun

2010-12-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight at the start of my Marcothon

Last night with the ochils in the ochils

The dark trail

Head Down

Where Next

Well last night seen the ochils gather for the annual A.G.M but before hand a fun dash up the the hills, to run/wade around in the waist deep snow, and yes a few Brave souls waded upto the summit, Me am not that brave I turned around when it looked like i would start an avalanche ploughing through the soft snow.

It was a great run and as always great fun on the down, and if you went down, well you had 2 foot of soft snow to break your fall. We then had our A.G.M then we headed out for a nice curry, an all round great night.

So tonight it was the start of the Marcothon and it was a wild 25 mins running up and down 2 hills in the local park i didnt dare venture far, It was so cold on the lungs it was Sore and felt like i was struggling for breath, for 15 mins afterwards my chest was painfull, So maybe busting up and down to hills for 25 mins breathing hard in this weather is not the way, So tomorrow it will be a more relaxed gentle run. I hope everyone had a Good first Day :-)

Safe Runnings

End of November

2010-11-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

Well its the end of november and its the start of the Marcothon, well this means running everyday in December for more than 3miles or 25mins which ever you do.

Iam looking forward to it although with my shifts its going to be tuff but hey hoh and it doesnt help being under a foot of snow and its still falling.

November seen me run 82 miles which is almost the same as October, and now with Marcothon am hopefull of hitting over the 100mile which will be the start of the W.H.W Training plan.

So all who are taking part good luck and run well...
SAFE RUNNINGS....

A hobnobs day out

2010-11-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

It was not the best of weather, but hey we come to expext it and enjoy whatever the ellements has for us. Me and gary poked our heads out the car to see Andy Mac and Jamie leaving to head towards Tyndrum to meet Bob steel who was heading towards them, great me and Gary got another half hour in the sleeping bags.

We were all soon gathered and Norma had joined us, so now we were 6 So a round of chocolate Hobnobs cheers Jamie and off we went, After a few miles Jamie,Norma and Bob soon pulled away in front, me,Gary and Andy settled into a nice easy pace and were happy with that

It was a great feeling to be back out on the Way again and the moor was almost magical it was dark and moody, although there was a great sense of peace as we ran through, there was only the sound of running water and the slight breeze, And the Deer and Stags were a plenty down out the snow and clouds that covered the mountains.

We arrived at the kings house and it was a quick turn around for us, a mars bar and can of redbull and back out the door before the cold damp set in, we all left together although I ran with Gary and the others were soon off into the distance although we kept getting a climpse of them every so often. On the way back i stopped for a toilet break and said to Gary to keep moving and i would catch up, well i only stopped for what seemed a couple of miniutes and he was out of sight, It took me over a mile to eventualy catch him, I was impressed how well he was still moving why?

Well at mile 20 Gary really started to struggle his running became walking, with the odd shuffle inbetween, Gary has Only run Once yip once about 3 months ago he did a 6 miler with me and said running wasnt for him, and here today he was going for 24 miles, the last four were tough on him and I think we have all been there, what he got out of this is a belief that he can run and pretty far too, if he now trains and starts at the begining, oh and i might get a running partner :-) we both arrived back at the car, damp and cold and as Garry said Sore he said he has never felt or done anything like that in his life, I told him to ware his sore legs with pride.

Thanks to all who Ran it was a great day and one of only many that will be enjoyed out on the Way. hope to be out there again soon...

Safe Runnings oh only 2 photos forgot spare batteries oops.

End Of My Year

2010-11-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well I thought i would reflect on the my 1st year as a serious Runner. There is only one race left this year and its on the 28th december, So there is only Training left and i have already started to focus and train for next year.

So How did i manage Through my first year, I felt it was a great year of learning not only how to run, but to train and prepare physicaly and mentaly for each and every race and of course my long training runs. I first attended a Glee training run from Tyndrum to Bien glass farm about 26 miles, I turned up with my longest run just under ten miles, and a weekly total of 12 -15 miles.

It must have been strange as my young brother and dad came up to support me incase i had to bail out somewhere, I didnt know anybody not that i thought i would, but everyone was friendly and i relaxed, i believed this run would tell me if i could cut it to run the west highland way, if i could do 26 miles i could do 95 miles, the thoughts of a dreamer.

This run was great fun, friendly and hey i ran 26 miles although i shuffeled the last 4 miles in agony i still done it and got great encouragement from experienced guys after the run, So i was hooked and training took on a whole new look. I joined a club which is the ochil hill runners, i love the hills and so i could still learn and have great company as most of my runs are in the hills, I also enered my first race the D33 and i loved every miniute of it and felt i did well for the longest i have ever ran.

Second was the Highland fling this was 3-4 weeks after the D33 and i thought bring it on and the Fling did, I picked up my first DNF pulling out at 23miles with a sore/briused foot or i just couldnt run anymore what ever one it hit me hard and I had to question my whole approach to running.

At the start of the year I met a someone who would not only become my friend but i would learn a great deal about commitment and will to train and race, we experienced the WHW race together although me as crew and support runner, this gave me the chance to get an inside feel for race as this had been my goal from my first 26 mile run.after experiancing the WHW race i knew I wanted to run and be part of this great race.

So i managed to enter the Devil o the Highlands, and i had changed my approach to training, with thanks to many people who gave great advice and support, I was determined to put the Fling behind me and run a good race, I knew within the first few miles i was going to run well and i knocked 2hrs off the time i had hoped to complete it in, I finally felt i was getting somewhere.

Well i have completed 8 races 2 have been ultra events, and 1 DNF in another, I have covered many miles in training some fun and some I swore i would never run again, I have big hopes for next year I have marked out 4 ultras and am sure i will be doing some hill races inbetween, But for now my training has started and it started without me polluting my lungs with smoke, Thanks all for there ecouragement over the year and there advice that has seen me through my first big year.Still didnt fit in a half or full marathon oh well maybe one day :-)
Safe Runnings

1 WEEK

2010-11-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

Well a many weeks back I highlighted that it was time to set myself a real challange one that has beaten me for years, I set the goal and date to stop Smoking. That date came and passed weeks ago and i was still Smoking, Once again I was beaten couldnt even manage a day of the fags.

Well i was maybe beaten then but i was just slowly setting myself up for day when i could and would Run without a ciggie, well dear readers i have ran for 7 days now and didnt need a ciggie, yip 1 WEEK some might say early days, I say never again will i pollute my body with chemicals from a cigerette.

Safe Runnings

Run of the mill

2010-10-25T02:39:00.000-07:00

( bill fairmaner photo)

It was a cold start to the day, although the sky was clear and the sun was bright, I was on my way to run in the Run Of The Mill a 9 mile hill race organised by Chris at Scottish Hill Running. There was a good turn out from the ochils with 13 runners lined up with 127 brave hearty souls,

No sooner and we were away, up the start of the glen then out on a landrover track wich took in the first couple of miles, this was easy running and relitively flat, so the pace was fast for these first couple of miles, you also had to watch the footing as the leaves were covering many hidden bricks and stones, We soon broke out onto the hill which is the start of the maddy moss although today it was reversed, So the climbing began, and it was a shock to the legs who thought they were in for an easy time, the climb was relentless and I was working hard, its funny people usually stream passed me on the climbs, but only 2 runners passed me by.

I was holding my possition well and working hard over half an hour and still climbing, Eventually we where out and heading over Andrew Gannel Hill this was o.k running with a slight climb the wind was very cold as it cut across the tops, I was still holding on and was feeling good as no one had passed and i had opened a good gap with the runners behind, and i was still chasing and close to four runners in front.

(bill farmaner photo )

We soon headed up Ben Cleuch the ochils highest peak and there was snow and ice covering the top, but it was stunning to be running in such bright clear day, After Ben Cleuch it was a good descend down of the top onto Ben Ever, I managed to take a few places at this point and held on till the end, it was a very fast and steep descend off Ben Ever onto a hard track which was steep and not to good on the legs, before you knew it it was through the glen and over the line.Overall i settled in well and held onto my possition well and it was a great race and a great day out, The winner was ochils Al Anthony and first women Natlie White, I finished 48th in 1hrs 35mins which was a big improvement after the pentlands, And a massive thanks to the organisers and marshalls who must have been frozen up there,Well Done, and next Tinto.

What a Finish!!!

2010-10-11T02:38:00.000-07:00

I sat in my car at the ski centre looking at what should of been the pentlands, instead all i could see was cloud, I was wondering if i should start this race as my navigation abilities are zero, and it looks like the full course is going to be in clouds, Once a few ochils turned up my thoughts of not running where gone and the plan would be follow the runners in front and hope they know the route.

It is always a hard task when you dont know the route, as you dont know what hills you should be walking and you dont know what lies in the second half of the course.well i knew there where17 tops but how big and steep i would only find out when i got to them.

As we went through Kit checks and the brief we were of to the sound of the horn, and straight away we were off, and straight away it was up and up and up, once on top visibility was bad and you had to chase the runners in front and sit close or you would of thought you where alone, about 3-4 miles in and i was feeling good always staying with runners in front off me, Some of the climbs were long and steep but my legs still felt good, it was great that each checkpoint had cheery marshalls waiting with a juice and a sweetie.it was about this point i became aware of a pressure spot right on top of my right foot, so stop untie fix the tounge and re tie, however it didnt ease one bit.

Just after the half way mark and and i was still on time for 3-3.30 finish, something i believed was acheivable, it was here we had our first checkpoint to stamp our cards, once stamped we were off into the clouds again, running over the hilltops in the clouds gave a great feel to this race and i was still enjoying the route, oh how things were going to change,My foot was becoming sore by the pressure, so again i stopped and tried to correct the problem even tied them loosely which wasnt ideal, how ever 4 times i tried to adjust the shoe and it never eased up it just got worse.

I was about 12 miles in and this was my highlight of the race, after a wild burnt out heather field there was this very steep maybe a couple of hundred feet drop this was great descending it was by far the best part of the course, until you hit the bottom, I was going full pelt right of the drop and yip straight in waist deep swamp wow that was fun the watchers at the stage where laughing there haeds of and after the initial shock so was i, I had tocrawl out of the waist deep swamp and right up another steep climb, as we headed up the climb a few runners comment on my great landing after my free fall descent.

After the adrenillan had passed the sharp pain returned in my foot and it was really starting to take it out of me, although in pain i managed to keep moving thinking not far now, I was about the 14 mile mark when everything that could go wrong did go wrong, both my legs decided, they had had enough, I was thinking what 2 miles to go come on run run, but they wouldnt move then they cramped, this resulted in me lying heaped at the side on the hill stretched out in agony, Some runners asked if i would be ok, and with great bravado i said aye no problems,

But my problems were only starting, straight away i felt the wind cut into me and the cold of the mist and clouds was suddenly freezing, So lying down trying to wriggle out of the race pack i got my wind proof out and trousers, slid them on still lying flat out on the hill, After about 10 mins I tried to get up and see if i could move, yip i could move well more like a slow staggering drunk, i moved forward and climbed about 20 feet and had to lye back down and straighten out my legs this was not fun anymore, and i was thinking of asking for assistance as runners kept going by, but that would of ment there race would have been over, and i knew i was only a couple of mile from the end so i just kept saying that i was fine.

I managed to get up again and climb upto the top of the last hill by now i was in agony everything from the waist down seemed to be rigid, runners ran by and were asking if other runners had passed, they now thought i was a walker, i just nodded my head, at some stage i was chatting away to myself and felt little drunk, by now i managed to get to the last summit but as it was in cloud i had no idea where to go, for the climb i had been walking for a couple of mins then lying down for 5 mins, then trying to walk again, so i knew that somewhere down below was the end, i just managed to keep walking well more like staggering, and as i came out of the clouds i could make out far bellow the race tent, wow what a relief to see that.

I slowly made my way down of the hill and tried to run a wee bit but i was not very convincing, as i passed some of the earlier runners who had passed me lying flat out said well done, I wished they knew what was really going on up there, i spoke with a few ochils, then staggered to the car where i climbed in with all my wet muddy gear still on started the car a drove in a trance to home.

This by far was the toughest race i have run for many of the above reasons, i was just thankfull i was prepared apart from my navagation abilities, prepared in that i had the sense to stop and get my windproof gear and my hat on as i am sure i was close to hyperthermia maybe not as i havent had it before but they last 2 miles were the toughest and testing i have encountered and i have been through alot of they times, overall 4hrs 11mins a PB should be sealled for next year, or like i learned running well till the last couple of miles then anything can happen out there on the hills.

Safe Runnings

Dumyat and Loss Hill

2010-10-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last nights club run seen us start at stirling uni and head upto the top of dumyat, well This is a hill i have run many occasions and wouldnt believe that i twice went wrong, How could you go wrong on the dumyat, well i was to busy waving my arm up in the air trying to conect my Garmin and ended up on the wrong trail twice heading up through the uni woods, in the end i just stopped till i got connected.

So after a couple of long cuts i was heading up to the summit, Once there 3 of us decided to head down and over to Loss hill, this Hill i had not been over before, the descent down of Dumyat was great running, it was still very wet and boggy underfoot but great running.

The climb up Loss Hill start with a very steep climb upto the Gate, There is no trail or path up the Loss so its a tough climb, Once over the gate we battled our way up through long grass and tussocks to the summit, And then it is pick out where you want to go and head for over bogs ditches burns and some very long grass, this was very tricky but it was fun.

However the fun didnt last, we came to be walking along a stoney section next to some trees, and yes I was walking and fell, Yes I can run down various hazards at speed but Then i cant even walk without going over on my ankle, I did hear a slight creak from the ankle and some pain, I have done both ankles on numerous occasions, and i knew this one was not bad, well i did manage to get up after the dramatics and continue,

I got down onto the sherrifmuir road and decided to decline the others offer of going round the reserviour so i headed down the road, it was getting dark now and i wasnt dressed to be on the roads in the dark, however i was still going pretty well, and no real problems with my ankle, I arrived back at the uni in around 1hr 45mins and had covered 9.2miles.

My ankle is a little bit stiff and tender but no swelling or bruising dont think any real damage has been done, so a gentle run tomorrow to see how it feels and then some rest for Sundays 16 mile pentland skyline race, This route i have never done before, So its a race i am looking forward to.

Safe Runnings

Trip to the Land of no hills

2010-10-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

We went over to Holland to see our good friends and Jeroen and annika and wee ben, it was a great weekend catching up with each other and just enjoying the company of the renes family, I did manage to get out for a run and it was a stunning trail run in the national park forest, you could get lost in there for days running the trails, although i didnt get lost, i was on my own as Jeroen was working hard on the friday, and the girls were talking girlie stuff so i went out for a run, I think this is the first time i have taken a sprawl, and on a flat trail i managed to kick a stump and went flying spread eageled, and as i lay there a nice old couple on bikes went by and looked down and said hello as i lay there trying to smile, well there was no damage done just sore toes from kicking the stump and red cheeks.

Although there wasnt much running done this time round there was plenty of running talk, Jereon has some great goals for next year and inbetween he is comming over to run the fling with me and then will bring the family over in june around the 18th, hopefully to become support crew/support runner, Once again it was a great weekend spent in company of good friends, strange how it all happened on the W.H.W forum and Once again we will team up to hopefully conquer the the W.H.W.

Safe Runnings

Yesterday and Today

2010-09-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday seen me run my usual 6 mile hilly back road route, I gave the legs a rest after tuesdays club run, So i was wanting to cover the run in under 50mins this would be pushing it but felt it was on, conditions were good although still warm, I struggled to find a steady pace on the climbs although on the flats i managed to keep a steady pace, I completed the route 6.14miles in 49m.28secs close but took over a miniute and a half of last weeks run so was quite happy.

Today was going to be a 6 mile flat canal run, again the conditions were good and still warm, the sun was out and i was feeling good so decided i would push this run out, the first 3 mile out i was running 7.30m/m pace and have been pushing harder on the return, trying to finish stronger on the second half of my runs, upto 4,5 miles I was about 7m/m pace so for the last mile and half i tried to run under 7m/m, the last 1/4 mile was hard work but i was running around 6.30m/m pace and finished overall 6.1miles in 42m34secs, 7.05m/m pace average, just a miniute outside my 6 mile P.B, So maybe next week I will try again.

Safe Runings

North Third Craggs

2010-09-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Last night seen my first club training run for over 6 weeks,So it was good to catch up with some of the club runners and see what adventures they have been upto. After the chatting was over the small band of us headed from Cambasbarron up and round the old quarry heading towards the North third craggs, this was my first time on this route and was quite supprised, it was a great running trail with some steep sharp climbs, After about 4 mile we started up over the craggs which give a great view of the resiviour below, the weather was fine it was hot with some drizzle, the trails were muddy inparts which is great for getting muddy :-)

We came down off the craggs and enjoyed a great landrover track down to chartershall where we joined some road for about a mile then back up the tinkers loan and into the trails off the quarry, running through here there was no light and it became tricky but it was still a joy to have ran on such great trails, The full route was 9.3 miles and we took around 1hr 35mins.

So next week we are back at the uni to head into the ochils as we are losing light head torches will be needed.

Out at last

2010-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well went out on satarday for a easy run went for my usual 6 mile back road run, this run has 4 good lung busting climbs which i enjoy hitting hard, although this run was to be easy so i set off and was keeping a rather slow pace as i havent done much well very little for 4-5 weeks.

After the first 2 climbs i settled in and started to enjoy being back out in the open,this run goes round 2 local reservoirs although on roads it is scenic and peaceful, On the way back i wanted to push the last mile which has the last 2 climbs, so i pushed it out at 6.15m/m for the last mile which i enjoyed as i had taken it easy 6 miles 51mins 58secs a run that stirred something up.

Today well i finished my sleep over shift and headed home in the pouring rain and wind, I couldnt wait it meant i was going to get wet and muddy i love these kinda runs must be the kid in me, So changed and out the door for a 5 mile mud fest, I aimed for every big puddle i could find was even looking for new trails that might be even muddier, the trail is flat and runs along by the canal and back along the local burn, it was great with the wind biting and the rain battering the bare legs, which where caked in mud, This fun run was 5miles ran at ave 7.45m/m pace arrived home to get shouted at, out and get in the back door covered head to toe and soaked, the fire has been rekindled what FUN.

April is a long way off

2010-09-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Well after the devils, I have found it hard to get out there and run, And my next big race is some un finished buisness with the Highland Fling, So i havent been not doing much over the last 4 weeks in fact very little, I was contemplating the River Ayr Way race however never found my running feet to continue training for it and now there is no way so what can get me back out there.

I still have a few Hill races I want to run, although i know i have to find something that will get me doing the longer miles and days out in the hills, Even my brother Gary is fed up tagging along on his bike for our big runs he says am to slow for him lol.

So with not much Go at the moment I found out my coach from over the Seas Mr Rennes is Running the Highland Fling, and he wants to run with me, Or make sure i get over the Finish line this time, So now i have just over 6 months to get organised and get some good training going again, I have decided to fly over to the Holland at the end of the month to recieve some actuall running. so i might go out later and do some training for my training.

Oh and coach is running the Jungfrua Marathon today So have a good one and see you on the 30th.

ROAD TRIP 2010

2010-09-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

well my Dad and Old uncle have been taking myself and wee brother camping since we where kids, So we decided since my old uncle isnt up for tenting it we hired a motorholme and set of on a trip round the coast, of scotland, and what a trip we had. Our first night we parked up at culloden battle field it was a strange atmosphere looking over the battle field at night, from there we headed up to JOHN O GROATS and along to DUNNET BAY here i enjoyed a fine run along the bay and up onto the sea cliffs, i never took any water and the sea air had my mouth dry in miniutes.

Our third stop seen us at KINLOCHBERVIE the most scenic fishing port i have seen, we climbed some coastal hills and admired the views,

Then heading down to ULLAPOOL we stopped of to climb QUINAG 808m, then it was a spot of fishing at LOCH MAREE

After our fish supper, we headed down to the KYLE OF LOCH ALSH then over to FORT WILLIAM and parked up in Glen Nevis for an early start up the Ben and what a day we picked not a cloud in the sky.

A great week spent with my family and a trip i would do again there was so much to see and explore, Sky looks like our next Road Trip. Oh and i like this cheeky shot of some free climbing LOL.

A bigger challange

2010-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well the date is set for my final shot at giving up smoking, yip i am a smoker one who hides behind the car at races and training runs for a quick puff before i go, I have tried the drugs champex twice to no success i have done about four courses of patches no use, have smoked hundreds off nicotine capsules with the inhaler managed four weeks.

I have been trying to give up for well over a year know, and i am fed up being smelly, wheezie, and being skint lol, so the reasons behind putting this on my blog is the more people know i smoke hopefully i will have more determination to finally quit, since i have posted i wouldnt6 like to meet folks at the next race and have to say yip still smoking, also if any ex smokers out there with good tips i am all ears.

One question i have to think do i use the patches again or go straight for the cold turkey way, am not sure although i have never tried cold turkey but then again nothing else has worked. So the big date is Sunday15th

until later

Safe Runnings

Devil o The Highlands 2010

2010-08-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well the time had arrived for the start of the devils, for some strange reason there seemed to be no nerves or worry, although the excitement of the race only allowed 2 hrs sleep on friday night and i was up at 3 am and of in the car with my brother Gary and the boy Ross, We soon registered and got our brief from gary the race director, and off to the start line. As i said no nerves and to be honest i felt very good and felt i would run well, The word go and we were off 112 runners ready for what this 43 mile route had for us. I moved up close to the front maybe with about 30 runners in front and soon settled into a good pace, i didnt have any real idea how i was going to run this i just ran as i felt comfertable. it works out i was running at 9m/m pace, bridge of orchy seem to come by quite quick, i just ran through and said to gary to meet me at the wee cottage at the start of the moor.

I felt good taking on the climb out of B.O.O and ran most of it, I was aware that my feet where moving to much in my new wave harriers and there seemed to be some hot spots sarting, so on arriving at the victoria cottage i stopped for a shoe change and man was that a killer this is where the midges went to town, i pulled on my nikies and legged it out off there and forgot to put on skin so soft, no not for my smooth skin but to kill the midges, Up and onto rannoch moor i was feeling great and running well, there where a few people asking if i had cramp as i danced along the route, truth be told the midges where killing me, i looked at my legs and they looked like scrambled eggs with hundreds of bites, so there am running and jumping kicking myself stopping scratching screaming, it was not fun, so i ran a wee bit faster in hope they wouldnt catch me.

I ran all of the moor for the fear of stopping and becoming dinner, i was a bit worried that running all the hills would come back to haunt me, but hey i was still feeling good although abit itchy, I finally arrived at the Ski Centre and let my good wife rub savalon all over my legs to ease the itchyness, here i had a half bottle of lucozade and a bottle of magnesium whitch was horrible, and i consumed 2 of these and suffered from no cramp so was happy to suffer the horrid taste thanks again Jeroen.

To kinlochleven I headed down to the king house and the slight breeze kept the midges at bay, I was still running strong and had been keeping a regular pace all the way, although i was aware i had only consumed 1 gel and a small packet of lucozade jelly beans, but i hadnt eating anything else since friday night, although i had stuffed my face well on friday to store up and had 2 litres off high carb shakes, anyway i was still feeling good and the bottom of the devils arrived,

(just behind)
Gary was waiting at the bottom of the devils stair case to top up my water bottle and then i was off, I have to mention that Gary was playing a blinder considering he only passed his Driving Test on the Monday Well done You. So the climb began I power walked this and managed to admire the stunning views, I reached the top just over 20mins and now for the rocky run down into Kinlochleven, I Once again enjoyed this part it is quite technical but it was great to run down and the views are breath taking, i soon reached the power station road and this is where i lost another buff, i must remember toilet paper oh well needs must after my short stop of i went down the steep track and into Kinlochleven.

Running in to meet my support crew and still feeling good, This is where i really took stock of how well i was running, we got to the trail race inn and the watch showed 4hrs 45mins, now i decided to have a bit off a rest before i took on the last leg, this was maybe not a good idea but i spent 15mins chatting and had another bottle of lucozade again my crew where telling me to eat but i couldnt, so bang on 5hrs i left still in good spirits and running well the legs where still doing there work, so up the last big climb and here i passed about four runners going up some had support runners with them and all of a sudden i felt all alone, strange i know but the last time i crossed this section i had my Running buddie Jeroen with me as i supprted him in the W.H.W race, anyway i came out on the top and i could feel the heat which was getting hotter, i set off with the challange of getting to fortwilliam in 3hrs, again i ran all this section although my pace was down i was still running, that view off the track just takes it out off you as you can see for miles, but the miles soon passed by and i rounded the corner to head for lundavra,

Now this is where a incident occured, and one i was not happy with, You see i am putting everything i have left into keep running, and i come up behind these 3 guys one with a rather long stick, as i approach i move over to pass and then this guy steps in front of me and starts to run, so the 3 of them are running in front off me luaghing as i try to pass again he puts this big stick across my way then jumps in front of me and stops, this of course caused me to stop adbruptly, Now i am a pleasant fella most of the time, but this was just not on, So as i adbruptly stopped right in front of his face, the following conversation took place right ya f$*&ing n*b whats your f$*&ing game, this is where his face went white and his eyes went down and with that i ran on with a look over my shoulder and another explicit shouted, I appolagise to all the great walkers who cheared and made way for us runners, but these 3 just picked on me at the wrong time, I was so mad i was going to tell the marshalls as i got to lundavra although there where none as it wasnt a chechpoint oh well,

After my little incident, I finally relised that i was starting to struggle, i knew i had 6-7 mile to go and my head was going down, although i kept on running/shuffeling i knew it was going to get tougher, i was still managing to run up the hills, it was the down hills that where killing me, i soon entered the forest and here i was in agony trying to get down those inclines and steps at one stage i found a pool of water and sat in it, it was only wide enough to get my bum in and legs, and i was giving it loud ohhhh aarrrghhs oooooossss just as a family walked round, i think they got a shock as am sure from a distance it didnt look to good, im sure i put there minds at rest when i stood up still with my shorts up and wet lol, I hoped this quick cooling of would of put something in my legs it didnt, So it was time to dig deep and switch off, I came out onto the road and was not looking forward to this descent, and i was right it bloody hurt, i was tip toeing down the road like a hobbling fairy, This is where i first started to walk and decided my day was up i knew i could finish and in a decent time, although under 8 hrs would be nice so i just gritted the teeth and knew it would be close, but i just had to take the pain and run as much as i could, I seen people starting to come up from braveheart car park looking for there runners and they gave me great encouragement to what i am greatfull am sure i looked done,

I ran into the braveheart car park knowing it would all be over soon, and yes i ran as fast as i could even though the pain was telling me to stop i kept it going frightened to look at my watch i just gritted my teeth and ran round the corner i could see ross my boy standing about 50yrds away from the line, He was watching for me, i shouted him over and we both ran into the finish, it was great to run over the line with him where i walked over and fell straight onto the grass where i lay trying to forget the pain and love the moment.

I never could of thought i would of ran the race as i did, The last few miles were a struggle and maybe running the ups caught up with me at the end, I loved this race and will look forward to next year, A big thank you to all involved all who Ran and the support crews, A extra big thank you to my crew and Garys driving skills you all made it more special.

7HRS 54MINS
PLACED 31 POSITION
2 GELS
2 PACKETS OF JELLY BEANS
2 BOTTLES OF LUCOZADE
LOADS OF WATER

SAFE RUNNINGS

Devil o The Highlands - Confirmed

2010-07-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

My first year as a would be ultra runner, as most will know consists of the D33 and a D.N.F at the fling, So i had everything aimed at getting into the Devils, as i would like 1 of the W.H.W races under my belt this year to see if the full thing is achievable next year.

So after checking the Devils website 3,4,5, times a day for the last 3 weeks to see if i got in, it was great that the E mail finally arrived, yes i am thrilled, but now i am nervous and going over the usuall stuff have i done enough training, can i do it, well Yes i can do it and Yes i have trained enough, so roll on the 7th august.

Safe Runnings

Ben Lomond

2010-07-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well tuesday night seen me head to rowerdenan for a training run up Ben Lomond, I have never been up the hill before and had plans to walk it this summer. So when it came round on the club night I thought running it would be even better. I couldnt believe the change in the weather, it was very hot and not a breeze, the sun was out and there was people camping and swiming in the loch, it really was a great night although i was to find out maybe just to Hot.

10 ochils turned up and at 6.30 we where off, we headed up the tourist trail although to me i didnt know it, but i was soon to relise the first part is quite a climb and the sweat was pouring off me and its strange as i dont usually sweat much but hey i was sweating buckets and there didnt seem to be any air, I was huffing and puffing and thinking maybe not tonight it would be easier just heading back down as i was maybe only half way up the first climb and i was goosed.

However we never do that but the thought was there, and then i moaned that i didnt have my garmin as this was the second run this week i have forgot my watch, but hey i had more to worry about than my watch, i would love to work out that heart rate monitor as i believe my heart was shouting stop heart attack pending, and yip stop i did, i stood for 5 mins, took some fliud and got my breath under control, wow what a 5mins i was soon off again and i was running well short sharp steps the only running you can do up a big hill, and i managed to keep this up, head down trying not to look at how far i had still to go short sharp steps and just under 1hr i reached the summit and it was well worth it the views where outstanding and i have never seen anything like it, i was well taken by it until i reached into my backpack and relised i didnt have my camera this did take the shine of it as it was such a perfect night.

Well what goes up must come down i was informed we where going down the other side cant mind the name anyway i just followed on and it was just awesome comming down of that mountain, looking down always on the loch it was great and the trail was quite good under foot well it was runnable, I have lost faith in my roclites as there not out and out fell shoes and i feel the slip when i hit steep grass, so shopping again, but it didnt stop me putting in all i had to the bottom, when we ran into the car park it was a mad dash to the loch for a dook, it might of been lovely and warm but the water was freezing, I tip toed in like a girl stood shivering for a couple of minuites before i plucked up the courage to dive under, it was the quickest swim ever to strokes and out, but it certainly woke up the legs.

I couldnt of thought of a better way to spend tuesday night.

Safe Runnings

Clouds, Rain, Wind And A whole Lot Of Fun

2010-07-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

Wedensday 14th Seen the club hold the Maddy Moss Mash one of the hardest and longest of the 6 mile races with 2500ft of climb thrown in. 94 brave souls turned in the pouring rain and strong winds, this was going to be a tough test. The race begins at the kirk craigs which is straight up and around the shoulder then climbs down to the law( The Law Breaker) which is a race on its own, here you have the steep climb up the law 638m which is a hands on knees and push effort, then over to ben cleuch 721m you turn back and head over to the Andrew Gannel hill 670m then follow the burn down to the final sharp descent to the line.

We where soaked to the skin before they blow the horn,Once it went we pushed off, i thought of getting close to the front and seeing how long i could stay there, which turned out not long, I held on close to the front up and round the shoulder of the craigs and down towards the Law.

This climb always punishes me, and tonight was no differance, and slowly one by one the field came by, I was losing places big time, I pushed and pushed harder and at one point i was being sick as i hiked up, this hill just goes on and on, eventually we broke onto the summit and headed of into the clouds,now this is where i started to really enjoy the race, I could only see a couple of meters in front of me and the rain was a joy that stung like needles and the wind was fresh and fierce, I knew now that i could set a good pace and run, these must have been the toughest conditions i had run in, but it added to the atmosphere of the whole adventure.After rounding BenCleuch and along onto the Gannel hill I found myself on the trod down the side of the burn, This is no mean feat to run this, its a sheep path about a foot deep and about a foot wide, I kept tripping myself up and on a few occasions almost fell down the long drop to the right, some spots where just wide enough to get your foot in, I ran this thinking of a ankle break it was a real struggle and you needed total focus.

On the final descent i ended up on my bakside a few times, which seemed a faster way of getting down, and there where many tracks which i ended up taking 2 wrong turns, Although some would say theres no wrong turns its just straight down, and i soon cottoned on and through ferns and nettles i plummeted to the finish line,I must say now that this has to be my favourite race so far, it had everything and to be running along the tops of the highest ochils in the clouds, rain , wind it had this amazing atmosphere, I could of ran around again, the adrenillin buzz at the end is why i choose to run in the hills.

And a massive thanks to all the Marshalls who braved the tops of the ochils to keep everyone safe and on the right track in such conditions.

Finishing time 1hr 9mins pos 46th.

Next the Dollar Hill Race 9.4 miles 31st july.

Training run

2010-07-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

On saturday I decided to do a long training run, the plan was to head up to bridge of orchy and do the whw route to fortwilliam due to gary unable to accompany me, the thought of a 2 hr drive 8-9hr run to try and catch the last train back for a 2 hr drive home on my own was not filling me with joy, So plan B gary came up with his 29 mile bike route wich is along the backroads from my front door up to carron valley wich is 6 miles from my door and do a 17 mile loop and head back down, I knew the route and usually take the car up to do the 10 mile loop, So i was looking forward to the challange as the route climbs gradual for at least 14 miles and it is a very hilly route lots of up and downs.

Gary was joining me on his bike we have been training like this for a while now and it works well as he seems to pull me along, although i dont think its much training for him, we set off and the weather was o.k some light showers and the wind was quite hard when running into it, as theres not much cover on the route, I have changed my training and i think it is working well, I feel good about running theres no longer the excuses to cut short runs, it is more the of looking for longer routes to stay out longer, which is a big change and i feel more relaxed when i am out, anyway time to see how things stand,

With talking away to gary and thinking of new challanges ahead the miles where going by well, there where many hills although not steep they where long and i decided to walk these, it was a great route and it was strange knowing the area and feeling so far away from my house but we just kept plodding along i was packed with gels and carbo bars thanks to my coach from over the water, so i was fuleing up every 40 mins we where soon by carron bridge hotel and on our way towards stirling and north thirds fishery, this was about 12 mile point and i was running along about 8.30m/m 9m/m and was feeling stronger as we went along, we soon came onto the moor road near the windfarm and it was windy and we where heading striaght into it, which became a bit of a pain.

Soon we where down onto the road side of carron dam with about 19 miles done i was glad to be down of the moor as the wind was no behind us, here my pace eased of abit and was running along about 9.30m/m i was happy that i was still feeling strong considering this was the hardest road run i think i have done with alot of up and downs, now i felt i was on my way homewhich was a mental boost nothing better than running towards home even though i still had around 10 miles to go, it was about here i sat down in a little stream as my legs where starting to feel slow and tired this is the first time i have done this but i was glad i did, as this refreshed the legs and woke me up, Gary was great it must have been abit off a drag peddling along at running pace, but he kept me going and was pulling me along nice, we where soon by the hotel which i said i would get gary a pint for his efforts but by the time we passed i didnt want to stop now i hadnt stopped yet for a break apart from walking breaks on the hills and the stream so i ran on with 6 miles to go and in the last mile there is 2 big climbs well hills, and i set my mind on running them when i got there,

well we got to the last mile or so and it felt great to still be running and feeling strong this is a first as i am uaually walking and moaning about never again and very sore, but not today and yip i ran those 2 last hills, and garys route was bang on the button, 29 miles right at my door. how did i feel well i was very happy and i felt that i ran well and felt that my new approach to traing over the last 4-5 months is starting to work, it was a great route one i would do again, 29 miles in 4hrs 47mins, now my last 2 30 mile traing runs around one in march my times where about 6hrs and 6hrs 15mins so maybe just maybe iam listening and learning.

                                                         The pacer and support Gary

                                                                     Safe Runnings

Jeroen Rennes Race Report

2010-06-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Link to Jeroens race report right hand side of blog page, its an ultra read!!!

Life as a wouldbeultrarunner so far

2010-06-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

My running life so far has been a huge learning curve, the start of the year I just ran when i wanted how far i wanted no structure no training plan, some weeks 12 miles some weeks 30 miles, one day a 4 miler another day 30 miler. This i soon found out was not how i should be training if i had the idea of running ultra long distances, So far I have managed 1 ultra the Dee 33 which i strangely enjoyed although it hurt bad. My big challenge was the Fling which after 23 miles ended, This really drilled alot home and after a long running weekend with Jeroen I knew that if I wanted to continue in my bid to become an ultra runner, My whole outlook on running and training would need to change.

I needed to commit to a proper traing plan rather than just run when i want, So after 6 months of doing it wrong Ive been doing a steady weekly mileage, running 5 days and the odd 6th day recovery run, I dont go out to do 30 miles just to hurt myself, my long runs are now 15 miles each week, I read that marco used to train hard and if it didnt hurt then he wasnt doing enough, He changed this approach to relaxing in training and started to enjoy his training runs and keep the hurting for running hard at the races, and man has it worked for Him, So I now dont push myself to the limits on training runs i keep it easy and find I enjoy it more and I will keep the hurting for The race.

The Race well i admit i wanted a W.H.W race this year, The fling slipped me by, the big one is over now there is only 1 left the Devil O the Highlands, well i am sitting close on the reserve list and i pray i make the starting 120 I have been thinking and over thinking about this race, Can I will I finish, well for the moment I will continue training and i am heading up on saturday to do bridge of orchy to fortwilliam, this will hopefully tell if my training is working or do i need to find a full time coach. I know one thing about trying to become an ultra runner, I have had to learn to listen to others and learn that my way is not always the best way, It takes Committment this i saw when running with Jeroen, You have to be mentally strong wow this i seen in the W.H.W race and maybe i can take that with me and remember when its tough theres others been through tougher days.

So Life as a wouldbeultrarunner so far well its been hard but enjoyable, most of all it is rewarding when things go right and your body is taken you distances you could only ever dreamed off.

Safe Runnings

What a Day

2010-06-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

After a day of packing kit, checking kit, repacking kit, and double checking kit, we set off about 10pm for Milngavie for the registration of the W.H.W Race. Once checked in and weighed jeroen was happy to sit in the car and try to relax with his I-Pod, Gary sat with him.I spoke to a few friends and other runners as they prepared themselves for the 95 mile journey ahead.

We where soon called to the race briefing and the count down was on, Jeroen at this point was quite nervous, He bumped into his dutch friend Leo who just 3 weeks ago badly sprained his ankle which he had taped up, After a bad fall down conic hill Leo managed to run on for 98k before his ankle said no more a very brave effort.

1 oclock and the race was off we stood in the main street and clapped all the runners through, it was a great sight to see the start of what was going to be a long hot day.We got in the car and we set of for drymen we managed to get parked close to the road cross over, although a few where moved on by police from the main road, All the crews gathered in eager anticipation for the front runners to show and we didnt wait long as i believe Graig Stewart came running through in 1hr 36mins, and he had about a 10 min lead although it was fast it was still only 12miles into the race. Soon a stream of runners started comming through, Jeroen came through roughly about 2hrs10mins, we had hat and gloves incase he needed them as it was cold well for the support crews anyway and he didnt need them, we quickly changed his bladder and he was off again, Jeroen was running with leo and both left together.It wasnt long till we where at Balmha and we cheered the runners through, the midges started to make an appearance, we parked next to Debbie Cs support, I didnt catch her name but she had a huge can of midge killer that you spay in the air and it kills them off, I swear i seen a crow fall out the trees.

Jeroen came running in own his own and only stopped for a couple of miniutes while me and gary changed bladders and filled up his waist coat with Power bars and Gels, he was off as quick as he came in, We stopped along the road by sallochy bay to watch him run along the water side as the morning light came up.

Once passed we headed into rowerdennan to the very busy car park, where all the support crews had set up there own small checkpoints as from here they wouldnt be seeing there runners till bein glass farm. Jeroen came in and was still running well and was feeling good, this is where my Homemade soup stock was asked for, We fed watered and filled up his pockets and off he went again he was only about 5 mins here, For us it was a long dash back along the busy loch side to Drymen then out onto balloch for the drive to bein glass, I was starting to feel the effects of having been awake since friday morning and it was now just after 7 on saturday morning, I was quickly brought out my daze by a Crazy cow playing chicken with the support cars, I came round the bend and this huge brown beast just stood there waiting for me to move, I hope the beast and the cars where both safe.

Enter Midgie Hell. Bein glass farm after parking we carried our supplies up to the checkpoint and it was not very pleasant, gary had to run back down to the car for skin so soft for my wrinkles, and our midgie nets, Here we settled with a lovely cup of the cafes Tea and Bacon Buttie, I have to say a big thanks to the staff, who where run of there feet trying to accomadate all the hungry tired grews.The hour wait was worth it. Anyways back to being eaten alive by scotlands finest, I recieved a worrying call fromJeroen saying he thinks it might be up due to a pain in his knee on the descents and was slowing him down, He was abit worried at this. However i ecouraged him that we would sort him out with some true Toughen The F*@k Up Love, Which seems to be the new w.h.w race moto. No he now really had me worrying so Gary was off down to the car for the seat, first aid kit, Ibruphen Gel and everything else we could think of to deal with our first crisis...

I ran out to meet Jeroen who came running into view, and he seemed alot better must of been my sweet blessing on the phone, we soon had him seated, gary fed and watered him and i gave him a deep massage in the I.T.B region with Ibruphen Gel.He was soon on his feet and off, we told him to phone if it worsened, it was a juggling act getting all the kit back to the car in one trip since gary took three to bring it up, thanks gary.

We arrived at achtertyre and it was great to escape the midges, all tiredness was gone by this time as the excitement of the day was keeping us going, This checkpoint was busy with everyone waiting on there runners and clapping them all through. I gave Jeroen a phone to see how he was and he said he was running well and no more problems from the knee, my magic man rub must of worked.As he actualy ran this section well and came in running strong. Again he was only in for 5 mins and he was on his way.

At bridge of Orchy me and Gary where joined by Annika and ben, Leeann, my dad and marion, as we waited for Jeroen I ran up to the station to meet Jeroen and he came running throught the tunnel and all the way into the checkpoint, he was still moving strong. The suprise of meeting his family here gave him a great boost and we had him up and on his feet and set him off over the hill,me and gary then drove to innveroran hotel where we sat with a drink Gary with another cold Cider, we had the binoculars and seen Jeroen come over the hill and running down the descent, He was running well and looked good all day, However the next meeting things would be differant.

We had another surprise for Jeroen his friend from holland was over climbing Ben Nevis, and came down to meet him although Jeroen never Knew this I had been e-mailing Jurn about a meeting point.and the ski centre was the suprise point. Jeroen was a differant runner when he came in he was walking and looked like he had struggled coming over the moor, although he did cheer up when he met jurn but we could see he was now in a differant mind set. Jurn was allowed to run with him to kinlochleven, they both set out and we drove onto the bottom of the devils staircase, comming along the roadside i could see he was still running which was great to see considering the bad state he arrived at the ski centre, we offered them water and extra power bars for the hard trip over to kinlochleven, which both said they had enough I should of forced it on them although i did offer 3 times then they where off up the staircase, they never had enough for the heat that was on the top.

Arriving in kinlochleven and our digs for the night the tail race inn, I had some soup and bread, and got ready for the last leg kinlochloch to fortwilliam, Again Jeroen came running round the corner and was looking alot better, he got weighed and was the same weight as when first weighed so he was doing well on the fueling and eating side this showed as i had only seen him walk Once.

We set off for the final 14 miles up and out of kinlochleven, we had agreed that we would treat this as the last section and pass straight through lundavra checkpoint. it was a climb up and Jeroen was setting the pace and he was fine it was me blowing like a puffed out hen. anyways we where soon up on top and we passed a runner and his daughter just at the top this turned out to be norman nielson and his daughter they where doing well and we said some words and passed on, jeroen was setting the pace and he was still motoring on, I couldnt believe he would still be running at this point but running he was all the way to lundavra where i topped up our water bottles and said our hellos to the marshalls and ran straight through, i got into a panic as i had said i would phone everyone to let them know when we would be getting to fortwilliam, and yip there was no signal, i said in roughly four hours maybe more, I was way out and he was still running strong, i managed a call and said we where only 6 miles to go and they had to come from kinlochleven so they better move they where stunned at how quick we where going, Jeroen at this point had know idea of his time or how far he had run I just kept telling him he was doing great and keep it going, and keep it going he did he ran all the the way with about 2 miles of downhill to the last mile the man ran all the way in from kinlochleven, and with a smile i let him know he was inside his 24hrs,little did he know he crossed the line running and smiling in 22hrs 42mins and in about 42nd place. This was a great result and a super great effort!!!

There were many a super effort put into this race by all involved, crews marshalls ,the medics pitched up on the mountains,sponsors, commitee, and the runners everone who crossed over the start line, it was great to see the runners give there all to battle such a hot day and it was great to see so many reach and beat there personal goals, A BIG WELL DONE TO ALL!!! It was great to be part of it.

until the next Adventure

Safe Runnings.

Head of Support Crew/Runner/fixer/driver/worrier

2010-06-13T04:01:00.000-07:00

In 2009 I set my self a challange that in 2011 i would try and enter and run the W.H.W race, although I only really started running, I know big ambitions, If i was going to get into running seriously then only the biggest challange would be taken. starting out as a 10-14 mile a week solo plodder i would have a lot of hard work and running to put in. I would have to know what i was letting myself in for and gain as much knowledge as i could, Although i didnt know any runners or anybody in a club, So thanks to the wonderfull world of Blogging and the W.H.W website. I studied posts and read all the training blogs, and really started to feel i could do this some day!!!

On october the 5th 2009 while doing my daily readings of W.H.W posts I came across, Support Crew Needed, an S.O.S, My first thoughts where how would i feel if i couldnt get to run this race once my heart and mind was set on it, BAD!!! And the second was what an opportunity to become involved and gain experiance of what it takes to run a race like the W.H.W.

It was a chance i was not going to miss up on, Only one problem I have never supported any one before didnt really know what it would involve, but who cares a e-mail was sent offering my services and volunteering my brother and dad although they didnt know they where about to break into the world of Crewing. I explained what my goals where and made a groveling promise about getting him over the finish line, how i was going to do that I wasnt quite sure, I recieved an e-mail back and my offer was accepted and TEAM DUTCH HIGHLAND TERRIERS where a Go.

Now there was something a wee bit differant as my runner is None Other Than Jeroen Rennes a runner from Holland, Oh dear i dont speak dutch thats o.k I can give jeroen a crash course in scottish. Anyways this was going to be a big challange and one i was well up for. So how do i support a runner and his family for the W.H.W Race, first thing was accomadation, right my House i have a shed, no o.k i have a spare room, Yip invite the Rennes family to bunk with the mcneill family Sorted.accomadation for during the race right how many 8 right Tail Race Inn sorted, What now Logistics, right me and gary support jeroen during race, feeding,watering,clothing even a manly leg massage Garys job!!! and any other things we need to be doing. Billy my da, he will transport the ladies and baby Ben up the route to kinlochleven and drop off head back down route to meet me and Gary about Ski Lifts.We are getting there, So next our first meeting just to make sure i am not some friutcake fantasist who sits behind a computer and dreams of running ultras :). Once we met we spent some quality time together on the W.H.W route and i was supporting earlier than planned as i couldnt run the second day, After Jeroen relised i was safe!!! he invited me over to meet his family and do some more training together, which was a great time, with great training, and yes i learned a whole lot about commitment and preparing your body for such an event. we also had a chance to go over race plans, times, terrain, ect ect.

So with 6 days left how am i doing, well baby chair inplace, baby car seat in place, ingreidents for secret stock of soup inplace, extra water bladder inplace, extra batteries for headlamp and torch inplace, food inplace, bottles of water inplace, gels bars drinks inplace,compass soon to be map inplace,survival bag inplace, Bens yogurts and soya milk inplace, nerves certainly inplace, panic yip its in place,worry yip inplace, excitement well inplace, runner not yet.

As i said before this is going to be great to watch all taking part, and watch how the race progresses, I have Jeroen to thank for trusting in me, and giving me a track side view and the chance to see if i have got what it takes for next year, the next few days i will be running around like a daftie checking and checking paniking and worrying, I cant wait to embark on a Ultra Adventure with the Rennes family.

P.S what happened to a runner needing only shorts t-shirt and shoes to run!!!

See you all some where between milngavie and fortwilliam.

Cort Ma Law Hill Race

2010-06-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

The sun was out although the wind was hard and chilly,we paraded at 7.30 for the Cort ma Law hill race a 10k course with 1700ft climb. Again i had never ran the course so it was going to be a nice surprise. 13 ochil hill runners turned up for the race, From the off its a straight climb up and along the tops to cort ma law, as the word go went I settled in to the middle of the pack and head down we climbed up and up as there are several false summits which wasnt much fun. It was a change from last week where i struggled on the climb i seemed to stay in the middle and there werent many places given, once on the top we head along the tops, which i can only say is covered in hidden bogs, there where many sunk to the waist, while i managed to float my 81/2 stone around them.

Once on top of the cort we headed over to leggit hill, which again seen many swimming the bogs, you just couldnt help sinking into the wet bogs, running along the tops i was running well and feeling well, i even convinced myself that i was running a good race, I even passed many a runner on the bogs and tops, At leggit hill we headed down the gulley and straight back up to the top of the first climb,There was no path down the gulley it was tussocks and yip bogs and this made for a tricky descent, and the climb up the other side was no better, and i was climbing well and was holding my place, Once up on top we had the final descent which is big and its the first time i was not confident off throwing myself down at alarming rates, i noticed my wet feet where slippy on the grassy descent and almost landed on my rearend, I had 2 runners ten yards in front and knew i would get them on the descent, although that was never to be, they had more bottle and where off where i was annoyed i didnt let go, but hey i got down in one piece.

1	Kenny Richmond	Bellahouston Road Runners	M40	00:49:10
2	Garry Rankin	Kilbarchan	MU18	00:49:49
3	Dave Eiser	Ochil Hill Runners	M	00:52:05

Over all i thought i ran a good race i was running well and felt good all the way around although my descent let me down, I was happy to finish in 36th posistion in a time of 1hr.44secs, it was a big improvement on last weeks race. And the ochils took the team prize!!!

Safe Runnings Till next Time.

Support Crews Track Side Seat

2010-06-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

With the day fast approaching, i cant understand what the runners must be going through, I cant wait for the day as I am going to witness a very special event right from the track side, First my main Job is supporting Jeroen on his own Mission to complete this 95mile course, It is going to be great watching Jeroen run this race after meeting up with him and doing some training on the route and in germany, Which I learned a great deal from him in all areas of running and preperation/training, To have met him and kept in contact with him through out his training leading up to the race makes It even more of a pleasure and honour to support him in his bid to run a great race.

Second thing is I am going to witness some other great ultra runners doing there thing along the route, some of these runners I have met only briefly, and some i have only met through our blogging world, but i will be there watching and learning, and cheering every runner along, I hope to gain great experiance from this adventure of support crew/runner and just maybe put it to good use for next year.

I will post nearer the race on how my support skills are comming along and how i have prepared for Jeroen, what is all organised and what is still to be done,

Safe Tapering All

Kilpatricks Hill Race

2010-06-03T04:20:00.000-07:00

We where off at 7.30 and a great number of runners turned out, i think this race usually pull 50 odd runners and an amazing 117 runners lined up, on a warm wed evening, the ochills had around ten runnerws entered,and this being my debut hill race, I had the idea of running this race hard although i hadnt run the course, the start was about 1k on road and the pace was fast, I kept up near the front and soon we turn into the field to start the climb, this is where i struggle i must have huffed and puffed with the thought of vommiting alwys present to the top, and i lost many places on the first climb,

Once up on top it is mostly flat heather and some bog, but i started to get my second wind although i knew i just had to hold on and not let anymore runners pass me, i didnt think i could catch some of the runners up ahead, but i was running strong on the top and started to close in on some runners if front of me, and i eventually passed a few, club runner Aylene was just in front running strong she was 3rd female, I sat behind her for a good while and we leap frogged each othere up the next climb. although tough i wasnt blowing as hard.

Once on top of the second climb that was a sole destroyer, it was all down hill to the finish line, This is where i enjoy the race and the arms swing like broken sparrow wings and the legs relaxed and moving fast, with the mind full of consentration watch for my next line, i managed to reel in another 3 runners, by the time i reached the road for the final 1k to the end, my adrenilin was pumping and i sprinted the last 1k 6m/m.

I finished 55 position, in 57.33mins running at an average 9.05m/m it was a hard run race but it was great to be out on a wedensday night pounding the hills with so many like minded people, Next one is wedensday 9th june cort ma law in campsie.

Until Next Time

SAFE RUNNINGS

Ben Halton

2010-05-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night seen me drive to Comrie to meet up with the club to do a run round and over Ben Halton 621m. It had been a number off weeks since i had been out with the club and i was looking forward to the run. I have been trying to put more structure to my training and stick to my plans and my limits and build steadily from that, as i am running injury free again and need to keep myself in check from running when and if it suits. So with my running being more enjoyablle and steady Ben Halton felt like a Great run.

Seven of us set of from the power station on what was the most beautiful night although it was warm it was great to be running in the sunshine, and it brought out the wildlife, pheasants,grouse,deer where all around, the first few miles was run on a old land rover track steadily climbing up and around the Ben. Once we where round the back at the old quarry, it was time to head up, we where on what was mostly sheep and deer tracks we came up one summit and had to descend and climb up the Halton which was a tough climb but it was worth it to see the crackin views for miles upon miles.

Now it was time to get down off the Ben this is always the fun part, off we set and we ended up slip myself and john went for what we thought might be the easy route, soon became the tricky ravine and gorge route which was fun to say the least and we soon met up with the others at the bottom, we had been out on the hills for 2hrs 4omins and I enjoyed every miniute of the run.

Safe Runnings

60km on the Rothaarsteig

2010-05-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Running In Winterberg

2010-05-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Well thursday seen me hopp on the plane to holland where i would meet up again with Jeroen and his family. I was picked up at the airport and headed over to his house, I met his lovely wife and son ben (nevis) and his 2 dogs, after introductions he wasted no time in telling me to gear up and we where off, we ran in a great forest right on his doorstep which was great running and no hills, thursdays run seen us do 9.6 miles with a stop off to meet his freind outdoor henekie who lives smack in the middle of the forest.

Once our run was over it was shower something to eat and off to Winterberg,Germany.which i must say was a cold place, After a good nights sleep we went for breakfast and then got down to some Running, And Jeroen led us over some great trails and some good climbs around Winterberg, This mornings run was 14.5 miles and it was a good solid run.

In the afternoon Jeroen was going back out for a further 25k which i used my head for a change and kindly refused, after a couple of hours Jeroen was off again and I wondered down to the town for a few hours, I met Jeroen back at the carvan and he was looking fresh after another hard run. It was time for dinner and my chefing skills came up with spag ball which was not to bad for whatever they took as mince.

Saturday, so a trip to the bus stop to head for brioln where our big adventure would start, all along the trip Jeroen was pointing out distant ridges and big hills that we would be running over, he was not filling me with joy, After a wee cuppa and a change in the village square, we hit the trail which is Winterbergs answer to the WHW, and yes straight away we where climding and climbing it was, infact after 16 miles we where still climbing, this was tuff stuff, but the trail was beautiful and the views even more so.

After about 20 miles we stopped off at a mountain hut for some soup, this was not good for 2 reasons, soup if they could get away with calling it that bad, and this is where my legs refused to play ball, after our brief stop we headed off over the plato and As jeroen said it is all down hill from here, that sounded good, but the legs started to take a pounding,I managed to hobble on for a couple of miles and relised i could walk faster and save the legs from serious pounding which was very painfull so i put the old army head on and started to tabb which i was covering just over 13 m/miles, and i was pain free so the enjoyment was still there and i got more time to take in the suroundings which are breathtaking, Jeroen was running out a couple of kms and coming back to make sure i didnt get lost, I was disapointed not to be still running but again i used my head again!!! (hey i must be learning) and this was a the most running I had done since the fling atempt, I arrived back in Winterberg 30 miles later and feeling really good although the legs where abit sore, but no damage done. and Jeroen well he just carried on running an extra 10k to get his weekly mileage done, and he was still running solid, I must admit it was a great 3 days of running in some fantastic hills.

Well our next adventures will be race day on the 19th of June!!!

And well done all who ran the Cateran Trail at the weekend.

Until Next Time

Safe Runnings.

Our Second Training Camp

2010-05-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well Thursday morning will see me fly out to meet Jeroen Rennes for his last big training weekend before he tapers down for the W.H.W race in june. Jeroen came over a couple of weeks ago to cover some of the W.H.W route and looked to be in great form, and I got to play my first role as his support and support runner, meeting him along the route and making sure he knew where he was going :).

I have managed 3 good runs this week and the foot has caused no problems at all so things looking good on my running side of things, until I saw Jeroens plans for this weekends trip to mountains of winterberg Germany, 15k thursday, 25k friday morning, 25k friday afternoon, and an easy 60k on saturday, he did mention a mountain bike for me although a motorbike looks a better option.

I will run with him the 15k warm up and one of the 25ks and see what saturday brings, I will be meeting Jeroens family Annkia and little Ben who will be comming over for race week and play their role in support of there dutch superstar.

Well nightshift tonight then tomorrow will be spent sorting out running gear and drinks,foods,gels and I have various splits/times kindly borrowed from J.Ks blog and route plans to take over so we can discuss our final plan.

Until Next Time
Safe Runnings

New Shoes

2010-05-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

After some thought i have went for some cushioning in my running shoes, I always went with less cushioning would make me run more natural and in away it has corrected the way i run, although this comes with sore feet and bruising, So I went for an off road shoe with abit more support.

So after running and jumping about the shop like you do, in a pair of New Balance 572 all terrain shoes, my mind was made up and i was also talked into some Gel Heel supports, So i felt quiet confident this would help with my foot that keeps bruising, and after running is sore to put weight on it.

The test after wearing the shoes for a couple of days with the heel supports i felt my foot was back to normal, So a 5 mile run on some uneven hard track was the test, And the result is good so far. I ran with no pain and the shoes felt light and comfertable, I have appllied a Quool pad and the foot is feeling good no problems when putting weight on it, So its looking good, although i am still going to rest it often and take it easy i will rest 2 days and have another 4-5 mile run and see how things are then.

For Now
Safe Runnings

A Team Weekend

2010-05-03T01:29:00.000-07:00

The baldies me,gary and our dad billy and runner jeroen Team dutch highland terriers

Well after a weeks rest from my fling lessons, it was time to look forward to my other challanges, and one being the support of dutch runner jeroen rennes. Jeroen landed on thursday night after some slight delay, and it was great to finally meet with jeroen, when we arrived home it was introductions to the rest of the family and bed as it was late and friday was the start of some running on the whw route.

we woke up to some sunshine and headed over to drymen where the plan was to run over to balmha and back, we ran this section in the lovely sunshine and chatted about the route, and everything running, Conic hill soon came into view and up and over we went and the heavens opened up and down came some scottish rain soaking both of us, On the way back about 9 miles i felt a shooting pain in my right foot again, and the following 5 miles became a struggle, and now its back to resting for 2 weeks.

On saturday plans slightly changed as i was now support driver and Jeroen was running solo. We drove upto innverronnan just by bridge of orchy, and this is where jeroen set off, I would meet him at the chair lifts just before kinghouse. I admit I was day dreaming and was not expecting him so soon but here he came running good, he did mention the isolation feeling coming rannonch and the stunning views,
Our next meeting point was to be the bottom of the devils staircase, and with this Jeroen was away and again it wasnt long till he came running along next to the road, and jeroen didnt stop and was on the push up and over the devils and our naxt meet for a bowl of soup would be the tailrace inn, which is our diggs after the race.

There was fun for jeroen who was trying not to get run over with the six day trials being held and trial bikes hammering up and down KLL, Jeroen came down looking good and running well, So a hot bowl of soup and a cola was the order before he was up and away on the climb out of KLL, I wouldnt see jeroen till the braveheart carpark, and again he was doing great time and he soon, came running into view although the wrong way, he took the sign post that takes you into the youth hostel rather than straight down the fire road, and like a true runner he headed straight out to do the last mile to the end.

With 1/3rd off the whw under his belt and feeling and running well, there was alot to take back home, on sunday we walked some local trails and relaxed before going out for a team meal and bed for his early flight, It was a great weekend, and now its a matter of getting my foot sorted for our next training camp which is in 2 weeks time and in germany, One i am looking forward to, and if fit i am sure Jeroen will be putting me through some serious miles.

until the next
Safe Runnings

A strange one

2010-04-26T01:33:00.000-07:00

Its strange that i am finding it sore to wieght bare on my right foot, and the fact that there is bruising along it. As I dont recall twisting or kicking anything, So i was thinking of how sore my feet where when i ran the d33 in my roclites, and again how sore they where on the day. I dont think they have enough cushioning for my skinny feet, espescially on hard rough ground. So a new pair off shoes is on the agenda.

I have to say a well done to all the OCHILLS who finished with great times of all just coming in over 10hrs, so a well done to you all, also to thomas and marco who ran a superb race to clinch 2nd and 3rd and to everyone else who have gaven me good advice and comments, I will have a few days rest and see how the foot is and pull the laces a little tighter and run on.

I am also looking forward to the visit of Jeroen who is comming over to do some training on the WHW on friday and saturday as he prepares himself for the 19th june.

Safe Runnings

My D.N.F

2010-04-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin well at the start line could be good, I arrived early to see the male vets off, and I was feeling good and confident of a good race, As i waited I spotted young david mac who I recognised from j.k blog, So i introduced myself and we chatted away about our race hopes, before we lined up at the start.

On the word go we where off, and the field spread out quickly, david wasnt to far behind me and this was his first ultra, I was running well and at a pace i knew was quick, although I knew there would be alot more walking to come. I chatted to a few people as we raced along, and before I knew it Drymen was coming up and it was coming up abit to quick, I ran straight through the check point think it was about 1hr 46mins as I left Drymen i knew something was up, as I started to struggle, I thought I cant be hitting a bad patch at 12 miles surely.

It was a struggle to keep running on the fire roads but i ran on and my pace had dropped a good bit, when I reached conic the thoughts off i couldnt finish where strong in my mind, I tried hard to shake them but they wouldnt leave, I was suddenly aware of a shooting pain along the outside of my right foot, now this was strange as i have not had any problems before, but it got so bad half way up conic a chap stopped and handed over some pain killers he got from the docs for a fracture in his foot, So i thought these will do, but they done nothing the pain was still there, I was starting to think this was all in my head.

I hurdled myself down the otherside of conic and into the checkpoint, I wasted a good 15mins here chatting and changing top, truth i needed the break. The minute I left balmha I knew I was in trouble and that my race was over, I pushed on at a limp and runners just kept on comming past, I would like to thank young david as he pulled up next to me, he mentioned he was sore too and tried to rally me on, but in all honesty my mind was made up I was finished, and i told david to crack on and well done to him on his first ultra, and at 23 miles i thumbed a lift to rowerdennan.

I knew i had made the right choice my legs had nothing left to give, I dont know if running hard at the D33 played apart in it to much to soon, I just dont know, It was when i got home and took off my trainers did i notice a bruise right along the outside of my foot, how or what cuased the pain and bruise i dont know, although they are not an excuse, I simply dont have One, It just wasnt my day.

The reality hit home when i was lying on the couch watching the hours go by knowing everyone was still out running, The only thing is I couldnt even run the flats at this point so there was know point in prolonging the agony.

A big well done to all who ran and fought there own battles, I will look forward to reading all the reports.

Safe Runnings Until The Next And There Will Be A Next!!!

A restless night

2010-04-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

What a night, rather than catching up on my much needed beauty sleep, I am running the bottom half of the west highland way. Funny thing is one minute i am flying and running a blinder, Next I am struggling and cursing never again. I have run the route even backwards, ran it in my full running wardrobe, even ran it in 3 differant pairs of trainers, Even ran it munching half of tescos i have bought, and am still a day and night from the start line.

Well today I need to get organised, what to wear, what goes in for later, what food goes in what drop bag, will i carry my waterproofs, what trainers to wear, what if, what about, will I, wont I, What a nightmare, This is hard work and its only 7am. reminds me of getting ready to go to a far away land or away to spend a few weeks in no-mans land.

Apart from the admin nightmare that is me, Physically and mentaly i am ready as i will ever be. This week I have done nothing but complete rest, Although i am thinking I should have done something,( there i go again ) I am happy with the miles that have been covered in preperation for this race. And i have stayed injury free through most of it. I have also managed to raise over 300 pound for the young homeless in stirling,so i will be running with them in mind.

I thank all the words of wisdom and encouragement in preperation to this event, I wish all running a great race and a great time, see you all somewhere on the route.

Safe Runnings

Back to the Origanal Plan

2010-04-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

Well with under a week now to the FLING its starting to sink in the size of the Task i have set myself. I have to thank the older wiser runners out there, and its been great to read, there thoughts and expectations of the coming race.I have to admit i got abit carried away and was thinking what Time i would like to go for, and what Pace will i Run, will i start slow finish strong lol, or start fast and slow it down further along the race.

Well truth be told and a reallity check, I am back to my Origanal Plan, FINISH under 13HRS, This was my goal when i first entered the Fling, and in truth nothing has changed, I am a learner/beginer in Ultra running.
I have to find an extra 20 miles from somewhere, and after my debut in the D33 I couldnt pull another mile never mind 20, So there is alot more I have to worry about than any master Plan.

So the Plan, Well theres no Plan, I will run at the start and Pray that I am still moving forward at the finish line, And under 13hrs Would help.

Well it will now be a case of turn up Switch On and Run!!!

Safe Runnings Until The Next.

After 4 days Rest

2010-04-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

After having 4 days rest,This week has been good, and the legs are feeling even better. I have covered a total of 40 mile on my bike, which i have enjoyed and will put a few easy days in next week leading to the Fling. On the running front i have run 27 mile this week.

4 mile at 8m/m pace.
4 mile consisting 8 hill reps.
9 mile hill run in the ochills 1hr 55mins ( a tuff run )

And todays run, which was round CARRON VALLEY DAM which was a great run and on a lovely day.

I set off with my brother on the bike and me plodding on, I did notice i was running at what i would say was pretty fast, although i felt comfortable at this pace so, I then decided to see if i could keep this pace up for the 10 mile planned circuit of the dam, the first time i ran this i was 1hr 36mins and that was a rough time not accurate. So intresting to see how i will be after 8 months training.

As I was running i was thinking of the FLING and how i was going to approach the race as, i have only ran 33miles, and i was thinking of a slow start and see if i can keep some in the tank for the later stages. Or knowing myself will i set off at a good pace for a set amount of miles then ease back to a more managable pace. I think the latter will win on the day although i am aware of what might and can happen if i get this wrong.
Anyways my actual run was 9.62mile and was ran at an average pace of 7.40, my time was1hr.13 mins, which i was happy with as i havent ran that pace for that distance before and feelt good at the end. As for this week I will take it easy with a couple of short runs and a wee bit on the bike to keep the legs tickin over.

More on my pre race thoughts and how iam feeling soon!!!
As Always Safe Runnings :)