10 May 2014 - Kintyre Way Ultra

My longest distance and challenge so far, The Kintyre Way Ultra begins at Tayinloan and ends in Campbeltown, which is up and over 4500ft of ascent and 35.5 miles long.

On Friday night Susan and I stayed over in Tarbert, the weather was fantastic for the 3.5 hour drive  from Perth.

Tarbert Harbour

The morning of the race, came down around 7:45 and had a bowl of porridge and then a full fry up, which I knew was far too much before I started, but greed kicked in!

Got to Tayinloan around 9am, the race was due to start at 9:30
The weather was holding out for us, rain had been predicted but it was a lovely sunny morning.

Race Start

After some race instructions we were off, heading firstly down to the coastline and then a 400 metre run along the beach, we then ran back inland and very soon the big ascents began! Really tough from the off, had to start thinking about tactics and how best use/conserve energy. First checkpoint was Carradale, I had hoped to be there in around 2:45, but it was 3:05 when I actually checked in.

I was still feeling strong, and had plenty energy, so it was a quick stop here, get some liquids down and a wee bit to eat and I was off again, heading for Ifferdale, first thing to do though was nivigate my way along a rocky bit of the coastline!

Beach at Carradale

After the beach the route went into an estate and again the ascent was quite rapid. This was definitely the hardest part of the race for me. It was also a wonderful experience though. Took a couple of wrong turns in this section, need to 'up' my navigation!
That mental challenge of your body feeling every single step and battling with your brain to keep going. Some of the 'ultra camaraderie' was in full flow here as runners helped each other along the way.

Descent into Ifferdale

My split from Carradale to Ifferdale was 1hr 51 minutes, I thought I'd be around 2 hours for this so was quite chuffed. Still 14 miles to go and after a quick refuel, set off for the final leg to Campbeltown.

Up and over some wonderful tracks through lovely forest, the route had quite an ascent in this section too. Not as tough as the first two sections, but with tired legs it's tough going. Was very happy to see Lussa Loch as the course flattened out for around 4 miles and could get a bit of momentum going again. After the Loch it's about 7 miles of 'undulating' tarmac. Undulating...there's a word!

I could see runners a couple of miles ahead of me and this encouraged me to keep moving, trying to catch up with them if at all possible. Was delighted to see the main road into Campbeltown, there's only 1.5 miles to go and I was just about spent.

Made the finish after 8 hours and 18 minutes on the move, my final split being 3:21, far slower that I'd hoped for but hey, you gotta learn too!

The finish

Delighted I've completed the Kintyre Way Ultra, I'd recommend it to others who fancy this type of challenge. The isolation and time in your own company is a great thing, and seeing the countryside in all it's glory really is inspirational.

What have I learned/had reaffirmed:

1. A bowl of porridge and a full fry up is not best preparation for a 35.5 mile run
2. If I tuck the waist strap of my back pack under my belly, the shoulder straps don't move
3. Life is great!

Ran so far this year 415.49
To run 584.51