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.
