Devil O' The Highlands Footrace

Here we go...

So it's 04:00 on Saturday 1 August and I find myself on a bus from Fort William to Tyndrum, why?
Well, the Devil O' The Highlands Footrace starts in Tyndrum at 06:00, that's why.

Here's the story of my weekend...

Left Perth at 18:00 on Friday evening, expecting to arrive in Fort William around 8ish, however the weather had other plans for us. On the way up we heard of a road closure just before Bridge of Orchy, so we decided to stop at Tyndrum for a bite to eat. The Real Food Cafe was our restaurant of choice, Susan opting for fish and chips while I had a burger. The place was utterly oozing with runners, walkers and cyclists. A great atmosphere and really good food. Recommended.

We arrived in Fort Willam about 22:00 after getting caught in the delays for around 20 minutes. First thing to do after checking in to the hotel was to meet up with an old friend...

End/Start of the West Highland Way

Popped into The Great Glen Pub for a quick pint and was in bed for 23:00, the alarm was set for 03:00 !
I was awake before the alarm went off, pre-race nerves kicked in and woke me about 02:45, although all the bags and kit had been triple checked, I did it again just for good measure!

The bus was leaving from Fort William bus station at 04:00, it's just a 10 minute walk from our hotel, so set off about 03:40
Turned the corner to see a quuee of people in all different colours of shorts, jackets, compression thingys...yep, I was in the right place.

All aboard the Magic Bus

The bus arrives at the Green Welly Shop in Tyndrum just about 05:00 and we disembark and head into registration, and I took the opportunity to purchase a wee bit breakfast.

Never seen the GreenWelly shop like this...

After a short race briefing form Race Director John Duncan, we're off outside to prepare for the 06:00 start. It struck me that everyone is appearing very relaxed and in jovial mood. Maybe because it was dry and calm, rather than the monsoon conditions which had been predicted all week.

Ready...let's go!

Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy (7 miles, 1 hour 11 minutes)
The start is uphill for quite a bit so some run, some walk, some like me shuffle walked! Once the path levels out I got the jacket off and started running hoping to keep an even pace and hit my predicted times (I was hoping to complete the race in 10 hours). 
The run to Bridge of Orchy was fantastic, the sun was coming up and the rain stayed away too, which is always a bonus. Got into Bridge of Orchy at 07:11, my predicted time was 07:45, I started worrying if I'd gone off too fast, and would I be able to maintain that pace.

Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe (11 miles, 2 hours 36 minutes)
This is the section I'd most been looking forward to, ever since walking the West Highland Way last year and watching YouTube blogs of those who have run in the past, it's been eating away at me. There's a wee climb up a hill at the start of this section (shuffle-walk) that then brings you down into Inveroran and then onto the start of Rannoch Moor.

Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is an old drovers road, here's a description from the West Highland Way website

• You are now about to cross over one of Britain’s largest and wildest moors. When conditions are calm this is a deceptively easy walk, the way is extremely exposed with no shelter. Do not stray from the path as there are places you can sink into a peat bog.

The path is just as I remembered, like cobbles and sometimes difficult to walk/run on, plus it felt very slidy underfoot. The first part is pretty much on an incline so a shuffle-walk was called for. Once I got running I felt good, the sun was still out and my little checks were all ticking off positively. 

Had enough to drink?

Had enough to eat?

Shoelaces OK?

The path was causing me a bit of discomfort now and I thought, "How do the top runners handle this?" "What would Paul Giblin (West Highland Way Race champion and record holder) do?"

On top of the discomfort, the predicted rain arrived, a very heavy five minute shower, thankfully I got my jacket on in time and managed to stay dry.

Suddenly the Kings House Hotel and Buachaille Etive Mor came into view, which means I was about 2 miles from the checkpoint, this gave me a lift and I felt I finished this section quite strongly. Also, at the checkpoint I had a wee tin of beans and sausages waiting for me!

Arrived at the checkpoint and a lovely lady had my bag ready for me, took my water bottle and gave it to a guy saying "Paul will fill your bottle, that's Paul Giblin, you know the West Highland Way Race winner?" You could have blown me over, Paul Giblin filling my water bottle! To put this into context, if I was a football player, it's the equivalent of Henrik Larsson polishing my boots! Awesome, gave me such a lift to have a quick chat and sort out my supplies.

Me and Paul Giblin at Glencoe

Glencoe to Kinlochleven (10 miles, 2 hours 35 minutes)

Ate my food as I walked down the hill and crossed the road towards the Kings House, the path sneaks around the back of the hotel and it's a good couple of miles to the bottom of the Devils staircase (an 1850 feet climb). This was tough going, legs starting to feel a wee bit tight, so a steady pace, head down, hands on knees, to get to the top. And at the tp I was greeted by a lovely lady handing out jelly babies, I opted for a hug though! Thank you kind lady.

From the top of the staircase it's a quite rapid downhill to Kinlochleven. This is when the weather got back and unleashed wind and rain that was quite honestly, hellish. It never let up for the next 2 hours and it was one of those "why am I doing this" moments. 

Funny, comforting moments pop up everywhere though, as I turned a corner, there were a couple of walkers in full waterproofs, and the lady was walking with a small umbrella up! It must have been a mental comfort for her, as there was no way it was providing cover!

Coming into Kinlochleven I spotted a figure in the trees (obviously some waiting on a friend), he said "Good effort mate" I replied "Cheers, we were promised weather eh?" Next thing I know I have my face in a fence rolling about in mud! As the guy asked "Are you OK?" I'm picking leaves out of my mouth and re-assuring him I'm alright. A sure sign I'm becoming tired and not lifting my feet enough.

Had enough to drink?

Had enough to eat?

Shoelaces OK?

The checkpoint at Kinlochleven was on the main road and a merry band of marshals and medics were there to help out with bags and drinks. I cannot praise these people enough, the runners at least are moving, they are static in the wind, cold and rain for long periods but remain upbeat and ensure the smooth transitions for runners, it is very much appreciated.

Kinlochleven to Lundavra (7 miles, 2 hours 25 minutes)

By now, it's a mental challenge for me, the climb out of Kinlochleven to Lairig Mor saps your legs when fresh, when you've just done 30 miles and it's lashing with rain, it's very much harder.

The climb took me around 30 minutes, it was 13:00, I estimated if I got to Lundavra by 14:30, I was still on for a 10 hour finish time. Runner places switched back and forward for a couple of miles, I was overtaken more than overtaking. Then...the sun came out!

What a feeling, the sun on your skin, wonderful. Took of my jacket, and really began to enjoy myself, looking around at the scenery and appreciating how lucky I am to be able to get myself into this environment.

Arrived at Lundavra at 14:47, 10 hours was now a goner, I never had it in my legs to up the pace, my brain was trying, but the body wouldn't respond. It was now all about the finish and getting there!

Lundavra to Fort William (7 miles, 1 hours 54 minutes)

Had enough to drink?

Had enough to eat?

Is that a sheep? Hello sheep.

Shoelaces OK?

"Why am I doing this?" I'm doing this because ultrarunning has gotten a hold of me and won't let go, and I don't want it to. Advice received from Joan and Colin Wilson has stuck with me to, "run the flats and the downhills, walk the uphills" However it's amazing what your brain will tell you is an uphill when your knackered!

Just out of Lundavra there's a wee bit of an uphill before you enter a forest, and when the sun is out it really is beautiful. The forest is described  as 'gently undulating' (It's mair ups!) Couple of runners caught up with me here and we exchanged some encouraging pep-talks. The forest section finishes with an uphill and you come to sign for the Braveheart car park, we're three miles away from the finish!

Two miles of this is downhill zig-zag cutbacks and my calfs were screaming, easy to stop but must keep going. Look at Ben Nevis, enjoy the scenery, anything to take my mind off how sore I am.

Had enough to drink?

Had enough to eat?

Shoelaces OK?

Who cares!

We were promised a sting in the tail, the last mile is a steep, steep climb before a short descent into the finish at the Lochaber sports centre. I was broken before starting the climb, but had to keep putting one foot on front of the other. Sickeningly, you can see the finish when you still have half a mile to go, (race director heaven, runner hell).

Entering the finish was awesome, as soon as the crew spot you, the cowbells start ringing, your name is announced and you are encouraged over the line. The feeling of finishing an ultramarathon is very emotional for me, there was Susan, she's always there, it means more than she'll know.

After finishing, I received a beer (appreciated), some chilli (appreciated) and a seat (very much appreciated).

Had a shower, (some right characters in the changing rooms!) received a wonderful massage from Amanda Hamilton, and it was time for a wee chill before the after run meet-up in the Great Glen pub. 

I was outside my 10 hour hoped for finish, but I finished. It's not a failure, it's just a re-adjustment and realisation of how things can affect your run. The weather certainly affect my mood and pace. It also makes me even more in awe of the top runners who produce amazing results.

For a 49 year old who started their first 5k in September 2012, I've come a long way, made a number of great friends and importantly, had a blast! It may be two different races (Highland Fling and Devil O The Highlands) but this year I have ran the West Highland Way!

Must give thanks to everyone involved in John Duncan's race team, you are awesome, we (literally) couldn't do it without you. Thank you.

What have I learned?

If your getting a bus at 04:00, get tae yer bed about 21:00 the night before

Remember to look up, Scotland is awesome

There will be weather

Jelly Babies are your friend

It's OK to talk to sheep!

Predicted times are highlighted, actual times in pen.

Devil predcitions

BOOM!

Looking forward...

Megan's Facebook post today about me running my first marathon two years ago on 19 May 2013 has got me thinking about updating you all on what's next.

On Saturday 1st August, I'll be taking part in the Devil o' the Highlands footrace. A 42 mile point-to-point ultramarathon along the West Highland Way trail through the highlands of Scotland from Tyndrum to Fort William.

The Devil o' the Highlands race was first run in 2003 making it the 2nd oldest ultramarathon in Scotland (after the West Highland Way Race).  The 2015 event will be the 15th anniversary!

So, after completing the Hoka Highland Fling in April, I'll be taking on the rest of the West Highland Way, something I'd never have imagined 2 years ago after running from Perth to Dundee.

Trainings underway after a decent rest following the Fling, need tae add some more hill sessions in though!

Just shows ye what a bit of belief, determination (and suggestion!) can do eh?

2015 HOKA Highland Fling

A wee intro: 
I challenged myself to complete a 50 mile event in my 50th year (birthday is in November), and it goes like this...

First of all, a massive thumbs up to the Fling Race Team, without these people events like this wouldn't take place, so I doff my cap to you all. Thank you.

Susan and I travelled down to Milngavie on Friday night, checked into our hotel and made our way along to registration at The Burnbrae Inn, as we enter the building, who's right in front of me, race director...Johnny Fling!

Me and Johnny Fling

After registration, we had a couple of drinks before heading back to our hotel. Trying to get my head down knowing I have a 4:30am alarm set is quite a challenge, however I dropped off about 11pm and slept soundly until 4:17am.

Shot out of bed, had a quick shower, plate of porridge, a cup of coffee and I was good to go.

Headed down to the start at Milngavie train station to get my drop bags in the correct vehicles and there was already a crowd gathered.

Race start

Met my friend Barry Campbell from Perth in the crowd which was great as we'd agreed to start the run together, but hadn't made any firm arrangements. Barry has been running really well and I was concerned that my planned slow pace might be frustrating for him.

Perth Flingers

The race started on time at 6:00am and it felt great to finally be here and experiencing something I had only dreamt may be possible not so long ago. I'd set myself a pre-race target of sub 13.5 hours.

Drymen
I was feeling comfortable with the pace and we arrived at the  Drymen checkpoint in 2 hours 11 minutes. That was actually a bit faster than I'd intended but I was feeling good. The whole of the West Highland Way is wonderful but there is something very special about the view over Loch Lomond from Conic Hill, it never fails to impress.

Loch Lomond from Conic Hill

Balmaha
After the descent from Conic Hill we arrived at Balmaha, first drop bags were available here, a wee bit of heaven in the shape of a mini pork pie was devoured with pleasure. A short stop off and we were on our way to Rowardennen. It wasn't far before Barry set off at a faster pace and I settled into some time on my own. Gave me an opportunity to do some 'self checks', hydration, nutrition etc.
I'd taken a salt capsule and wasn't quite managing to quench my thirst, this would be a concern for me all day.

Along the lochside to Rowardennen is a beautiful run and the weather had thankfully ignored the forecast of heavy rain to instead provide some beautiful sunshine. We had Bonnie Scotland in all it's glory!

There is a set of steps before Rowardennen that would break many peoples resolve. However, Flingers are made of stern stuff, although I did mutter 'for f**ks sake!' a couple of times.

Rowardennen
The Rowardennen checkpoint was the first cut-off, if your not here by 1pm, your day is finished. I arrived at 11:48am my split time from Drymen was 03:33 so my pace had obviously slowed. I was still feeling good though, picked up my dropbag and found a shaded spot to enjoy a wee tin of beans and pork sausages.
Had a chat with a lady who was struggling a wee bit and waiting on a massage before continuing on her way. I dropped of what I wasn't eating at the dropbag table and spotted a Cadburys Fudge, so I did a quick swap with a member of the Fling Team and stuck the Fudge in my bag!

The next stage, Rowardennen to Inversnaid is relatively short and plenty up-hills, which provided me with a chance to simply enjoy the day, feel the sun on my skin and let the experience wash over me.

Must give a mention to the party of guided walkers, a group of eight people, 4 with visual impairment being guided by 4 with able vision. Took me aback and made me think about...'if we want to, we can find a way'

Inversnaid
I arrived at Inversnaid starting to feel a couple of hot spots on my toes, so I found a seat and started taking of shoes and socks to check for blisters. A medic from the Trossachs Search and Rescue team spotted me and kindly came across, provided me with some water and then applied some blister plasters for me. This made life so much easier as simply bending down was becoming a struggle! As I was leaving to start the next stage, a lady came in with what was obviously a broken nose. She has taken a tumble and I heard the medics urging her not to continue, I think she took their advice, and was to be extracted across the loch to be met by a car and go to A&E.

This next stage is the one I wasn't looking forward to. It's very technical, tree roots and rocks, you literally are scrambling at times and there is very little opportunity to get any momentum going. Within five minutes of starting I'd taken the decision not to attempt running and simply to take in the scenery, working my way along the lochside, refuel, rehydrate and check I was doing OK. Rehydration was proving to be an issue for me, I simply couldn't get enough water, this was becoming a major concern. I only carried 600ml of water in my flask, it was never going to last. I ended up filling up from what I hoped was a fresh stream. I didn't know (or care) if it was fresh water, but it tasted brilliant!

As I approached the end of the lochside I had my lowest point of the day, felt miserable and would have chucked it if I could have right there and then. However, there's nowhere to go, so a trudge forward was what I ended up with. It's upwards from here before the drop into Bein Glass Farm, would I make it, I was having serious doubts?

There is a point here with a wonderful view down the loch, a post has been erected to Dario Melaragni, previous race director of the West Highland Way Race, Dario passed away in 2009 and this post was erected in his memory. I decided to stop and have a chat with Dario.

Dario's post

I spoke with a few people who passed by as I sat and sipped on a small bottle of flat Coke, enjoyed the view and got my emotions back in check. Get to Bein Glas, re-evaluate and take it from there. 
Coming down into Bein Glas, you can see the farm from quite a distance away and you think your close, but it's still a few miles to get there, or it feels like it!

Bein Glas
I arrived at 16:37, a split time of 04:49.
As I turned the corner to go over a stile to the checkpoint I was met by Susan shouting encouragement! I never knew she was going to be there, and as I approached the dropbag area, there was Megan and Riana who had driven up to offer support too! Never take those you love for granted, and always expect the unexpected!

Susan running too!

What a lift, and at just the right time, although as I left them and headed off on the last 13 mile stage to Tyndrum, I burst into tears, knowing your cared about is such a wonderful feeling.

13 miles, a half marathon left to go, I was into unknown territory, having never ran anything further than 38 miles previously. I knew I could walk from here and finish by the cut off at 9pm, however, bolstered by the support at Bein Glas, I set about aiming for a finish time of under 14 hours. 

Had some great craic with some fellow Flingers and we helped each other along back and forward in the section which is very 'undulating', forcing myself to run every descent and flat to the gate at Bogle Glen.

6 miles to go I was informed by a chap at the gate, that's only 2 parkuns he said! The forest section has some massive climbs, my legs and feet were really sore by this time. The long descent to the road came and went without thinking about it, at the road crossing the marshall informed there was 3 miles to go, checked my watch, 19:16, it was gonna be tight!

A few of us had been in a small group and places changed to and fro for the next mile and a half.

The finish
When the trail passes a signpost for the West Highland Way and you can hear the traffic from the road I estimated that there was around a mile left to go. Started thinking about the day, the experience and now the finish. Coming closer to the finish line at the ByTheWay campsite the emotions started getting the better of me and I was overwhelmed by the cheers and shouts of encouragement from those lining the final 1/4 mile of the route. Into the car park and the finish line is there, I crossed the line at 19:57 (race time 13:53:26), totally spent physically, mentally and emotionally. Susan, Megan and Riana were there to meet me and again, they will never know (because I couldn't put into words) how that made me feel and how much it meant.

The finish

A fantastic day, an amazingly well organised event, oozing with positivity from every single member of the Race Team. From the lady who registered me on Friday night to the lady who gave me a can of Stella at the finish and everyone in between, thank you!

What have I learned? 
I've learned that 'I can'. My body and mind can travel 53 miles. There will be 'down' times, but the 'up' is exhilarating. Salt tablets aren't for me, couldn't quench my thirst even an hour or two after finishing.

Quote of the day:
Descending Conic Hill in beautiful sunshine, I passed two Glasgow gentlemen about the same age as myself (49), full backpacks on, obviously walking the West Highland Way. As they let me past I said "Cracking day for it eh?" The response..."Aye, for a walk, fuck that running malarkey!"

Says it all!

February 2015

Training going really well just now, getting plenty miles on my feet and starting to do some longer runs at weekends when I can.

Last Sunday (15 February) was my first official 'event' of the year, the Kirkintilloch 12.5k, the twist is there's a hill in every kilometre!
Was hoping for a sub 01:10:00 finish and was delighted to complete in 01:04:43, coming 176th out of 267

Most pleasing thing for me though was that I controlled how I ran from start to finish, never got caught up in the adrenalin fuelled crazy start as I have in the past. I was comfortable all the way around and knew when I had to up it a bit to stay within my race plan and also when I could relax a bit on some of the hills.

Have take the decision not to run at the Inverness half marathon on Sunday 8 March, mainly because the Scottish Cup Dundee United v Celtic match has been scheduled for the same day! So I've figured out that I can do a long run in the morning here in Perth and then head to Dundee for the game..."we don't need no steenkin' badges!"

A race that's been added in...Devil O the Highlands footrace 42 miles from Tyndrum to Fort William, this means that (although in 2 separate stages) I will be running the full West Highland Way this year.

Also...Ash Wednesday tomorrow, the beginning of Lent. Goodbye red wine, goodbye lager, goodbye beer, see ya on Easter Sunday!

Getting started...

My original plan was to run a marathon before my 50th birthday on 11 November 2015

It was 2011 that I started the NHS Couch to 5k nine week programme. I progressed from this to entering my first ever event, the Perth 5k fun run in September of that year. 

I then jumped straight to a half marathon (Jedburgh in October 2011) thanks to encouragement from Barry Campbell!

In 2012 I achieved my goal of running 26.2 miles. I ran from my home in Perth to Dundee United’s Tannadice Stadium (26.6 miles actually!) in a time of 4 hours 20 minutes.

So, I reviewed my original target and decided that this year’s challenge is to complete a 50 mile race in my 50th year. I’ve therefore entered the HOKA Highland Fling Ultramarathon, a 53 mile race from Milngavie to Tyndrum along the West Highland Way taking place on Saturday 25 April 2015. That’s two marathons back-to-back and a wee bit added on! Here's the course elevation.

I have a 12 week training programme planned to begin at the end of January, and I’m currently getting myself prepared for this by getting some miles in and arranging what I’ll eat, drink etc.

The books I'm reading in preparation are:
Relentless Forward Progress by Bryon Powell

Hal Koerner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning

Planned events to take me up to April 25

• Kirkintilloch 12.5k - 15 February
• Inverness Half Marathon - 8 March
• Loch Katrine Marathon - 22 March

I also plan to include some recce runs on the West Highland Way, especially the section from Inversnaid to Bein Glas farm, by far the most technical section. I doubt very much I’ll be running all of this section (lots of rocks and tree roots etc.) but I need to see if there are parts I can run, or at least walk fast.

I’ll keep this blog updated with regards to how training is going and really appreciate the comments and support I receive from everyone.