Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon - 2 April 2016

55 miles, my longest distance to date, I was a wee bit apprehensive to say the least.

I had three plans (each of them included short walking breaks):

Plan A: Run 11 minute miles and finish just under 10 hours.

Plan B: If I can't maintain 11 minute miles, try and get to the finish in under 11 hours.

Plan C: Just finish before the cut-off of 12 hours.

I normally comfortably run 9 minute miles on a flat surface and this was flat all the way, apart from a wee climb I intended to walk at Falkirk, so we're good to go.

Day started off great, jumped in a taxi at George Square to get to the start at Ruchill Park, and the cab driver announces he's not for hire, he's only stopped for a break to read his paper! After some gentle persuasion from Susan, he agreed to take us the short three mile trip into Maryhill. On the way he asked what we were up to today and we explained about the Ultramarathon and that I was doing the run for charity. We arrived at the park and cab driver told us to donate the £5 fare to the charity. How awesome was that? Feel good factor in overdrive and it's not even 9am!

The start was a very laid back affair, a relaxed race briefing at 8:55 and we're away at 9:00 on the dot.

My 11 minute mile plan was under threat from the start, felt myself getting sucked into other peoples pace...held back focused, had a wee chat wi' masel. "It's 55 miles, a long way to go", and settled into a comfortable slow jog.

Every song on the mp3 player had been selected by those who donated to the charity split between Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. The songs in total was just over 7 hours, so the player was put on random to play until I stopped. 

First song was Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up, and great upbeat tune to get you in a groove. This was followed up by Johnny Cash singng Your Own Personal Jesus, I realised right away that I was gonna have to control how I reacted to songs as my pace was instantly altered by the first two tunes of the day! I won't mention all of the songs, but a few will feature along the way.

The route from Glasgow to Edinburgh is 55 miles long, following the Forth & Clde, and Union canals, with checkpoints as follows (including what song was playing at each):
Auchinstarry Bridge (13.1 miles) - Divine - You Think Your a Man (Your Only a Boy)
Falkirk Wheel (22.25 miles) - Justin Bieber - Love Yourself
Linlithgow (33.75 miles) - Rod Stewart - Baby Jane
Broxburn (42 Miles) - The Commitments - Mustang Sally
Ratho (47.25 miles) - The Clash - White Man (in Hammersmith Palais)

Went through Checkpoint 1 with Divine - You Think Your A Man (But Your Only A Boy) blasting in my ears! The field had thinned out now and I had my head straight that it's my race, with only myself to compete against, this is a lot harder than it sounds! As I ran under the M9 at the Castlecary Arches, Labi Siffre  - Something Inside So Strong came on and the tears just poured. I was smiling though, thinking how that song sums up my feelings towards injustice and peoples struggle for equality, the line "we're gonna do it anyway" especially emotional.
Right after this came The Smiths - There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out, totally changed my mood and I was running along singing out loud (this was to be feature of the day!)

As I approached the Falkirk wheel at 1pm (bang on 11 minute mile pace), Justin Bieber - Love Yourself started, I did smile thinking I wouldn't normally listen to this...but this was no normal day.

Spotted Susan at the Checkpoint, always a welcome sight, her encouragement and motivation is nothing short of remarkable. Also there, was JogPKC Leader Matt McLay, I realise now just how important the wee chat Matt gave me played a massive part in the rest of my day. Thanks for that Matt, and also for the fat Coke...this was to be the day of fat Coke! Had some baked beans and pork sausages before saying my goodbyes to Susan.

Me and Mr Motivator!

There's a hill from the bottom of the Falkirk Wheel up to start of the Union canal, Matt walked with me to the top, his chat focusing on the positive, and sending me on my way down the first of a number of long tunnels, where I decided to walk, although this was eating into time, I'd rather that than risk injury. The Edwin Hawkins Singers - Oh Happy Day had me in tears again!

Next checkpoint was 11 miles away, so we're looking at 2 hours of running for Plan A. Started to struggle a wee bit and it was because I needed more to eat, but didn't feel like I could stomach anything. Walked for a bit chewing on a couple of gel blocks and the Snuff version of the Black Beauty soundtrack Galloping Home came on, cheered me up, made me smile and got me into a jog again.

There are a couple of bridges where the footpath is cobbles and quite narrow, slows you down to walking pace for fear of going in the canal, and are actually quite a welcome break.

Checkpoint 3 arrived and there was Susan, and this time Dot was there too! Great to see them both, hadn't seen Dot for a while, had a quick bite of a banana and was off again quite quickly.

The next section was just over 8 miles and I got going with about 75% enthusiasm. Started thinking about what was wrong, thought back to the chat with Matt, and also to the fat Coke. This was the game-changer, happening right here. The fat Coke Matt gave me was still a bit fizzy, so I slowed down to a walk to sip away at it and then let it settle. Broke into a wee jog, had a burp you could've heard back in Perth and I was off, flying, at one point having to tell myself to slow down. I wasn't far from Broxburn, was walking a wee bit and watching a game of football being played on the edge of the town when Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go came on. I must have looked mental as I danced the start 'You Do The Jitterbug' bit! Feeling great I powered into Broxburn to be met again by Susan and Dot, with this time, Megan and Kerry there too!

Spent a bit longer at this checkpoint as I knew Plan A was gone, and also was enjoying the time spent together with everyone.

5.5 miles to the next checkpoint, a half marathon to go to the end...mon then!

The rain started, not heavy, but had to make a decision to cover up or not. As the trees were providing a wee bit of a canopy cover I decided to stay as I was. Had some more flat Coke, let it settle in (takes about 8 minutes) and opened the legs. BOOM! There had been a few runners changing places with me for the last 5 or 6 miles, I flew passed them at 10 minute mile pace for about two miles and never saw them again.
Tina Turner - The Best followed by Roy Orbison - Penny Arcade, ye coudnae script that! Hammered into Ratho (accompanied by The Clash) as Megan and Kerry turned a corner and said "alright?" as if we just met casually on Perth High Street. Susan and Dot were having a well deserved cup of tea at the time, but looking up they were running over a bridge to join us. Susan was running not knowing her bag was open and Dot was running behind her picking up the contents as they fell out! Megan gave me one final bottle of flat Coke (or as I was now calling it...'The Solution')

The rain was quite heavy now, but I was actually enjoying it, just under 8 miles to go, Plan B was there for the taking...was it?

Pigbag - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Blue Rondo A La Turk -  Klacto Vee Sed Stein, Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (WHAT?), Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run, Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over...the inspirational songs were coming along rapid.

As I approached a young guy (early 20's) 100 metres in front of me, The Jam - Town Called Malice came on, I instantly upped the pace and as I passed him said
"Well done mate"
his response was "Woah, what age are you?"
I responded "50, how?"
He said "50 miles in, how can you run like that?"
"Simple...Get The Fuckin Jam On!"

He laughed, I laughed and I head off for the finish, Plan B, Plan B, Plan B...

It's getting dark, it's 7:50pm, I'm about a mile away, all or nothing, let's go.

Head down, passing runners who are struggling and will be happy just to walk to the end, to walk sounds awesome, come on head down, one foot in front of the other...PLAN B!

I see a sign on a bridge over the canal, it's numbered '3', are they in descending order towards Edinburgh, the next bridge is numbered '2'...ya dancer!

Under bridge '1'
Frank Wilson - Do I Love You, Patsy Cline - Crazy, Kenny Rogers - The Gambler,

A sign '100 metres to the finish', it's 7:58, come on John, come on!

I see Dot, she starts jumping, I see the finish, Susan, Megan and Kerry are there, I start punching the air and let out a roar as I cross the line...in 10 hours and 59 minutes...Mon Plan B!

Song at the end...The Cranberries - Dreams, well done Pigeon, I'm at your service Brother.

In my excitement, I totally missed that my niece Rose and her partner Steve had come along to cheer me in. It means so much when people go out of their way to simply be there for you.

So that's my story of the 55 mile run.
People, together we have raised over £1,000 to be split between Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. You provided the music, love and motivation. Thank you.

Keep The Faith. Peace. x

Self Transcendence 50k, 27 March 2016

As soon as the Self Transcendence event was available to enter, I didn't hesitate. The thought of running around the North Inch in Perth 21 times (31 miles) would turn most sensible thinking people off. But I've never been accused of being sensible, so it was full steam ahead!

To add a wee bit of spice, fellow JogPKC Team Leaders Steven Watt and Matt McLay had entered too, always good to have a friendly ear now and then.

The event itself included the Anglo Celtic Plate competition, teams runners from Scotland, England and Wales competing at 100k distance, beginning at 7am, the 50k event starting at 10am.

I went down to take in the 7am start, the weather was dry, but quite cold too and there was me in t-shirt, shorts and sandals amongst people with layers and puffa jackets!

Susan and I took down the gazebo to try and stay a wee bit warm and dry (rain forecast for later), however the weather was looking up when we arrived at the Inch around 9am.

It was off to registration at Bells Sports Centre, and then get myself ready for the start. Steven and Matt arrived a wee bit later and we were all in good spirits thinking our preparations had been done properly and we were good to go.

A couple of others arrived and enquired if the gazebo was for 'all runners', we told them it wasn't but they were more than welcome to leave their drop bags there if they wished to. So, time for the pre race briefing and then the start.

And we're off! My plan was to lap the Inch (2400 metres) 4 times per hour, this would see me home in 5 and a half hours.

People generally go off fast from the start of an event, and this was no different, but using the pace timer on my watch, I settled into running 10 minute miles. Felt like I was going very slow and getting left behind, so I upped it a wee bit. A mistake right at the start, ALWAYS run your own race, don't get sucked in.

Still comfortable though, and felt great for the first 15/16 laps, here's my splits.

I'd had some great craic with a few people on the way round (and round, and round) really nice to hear the 'elite' athletes encouraging the mere mortals amongst the runners, it really is a humbling sport this ultrarunning, everyone has everyone elses back.

The 'round and round'  bit, wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it actually wasn't that bad. The stretch down by the river was hellish at times, with the wind in your face all the way to the Cenotaph thingy. Was great seeing Susan every lap and she was doing an awesome job getting me what I wanted food/drink wise and also helping the other dudes who left their stuff in the gazebo!

Plenty visitors too. Karen and Andie, Mhari and Stewart, Karen 'Jog Leader' Hughes with her partner, kid and dog!, and finally, Megan and my Mum. A big thank you to you all, it may not look like I hear your shouts of encouragement at times, but I hear them all and they are very much appreciated and at times just what you need to keep going.

Started to struggle about the end of lap 16, asking myself if I wanted to go on, and why I do this kinda stuff! 

Then, as I stopped for a wee drink before starting lap 17 Steven arrived (to lap me for the third time!) said he was having a bit of a sore calf, so we ran the next lap together nice and slow. Was really good dropping the pace a bit, chatting about how we were feeling and how each others run had went. Just what I needed at just the right time. 

Steven was then onto his last lap and to a 04:18:56 finish, absolutely awesome!

I was feeling crap, struggling to get myself going, four laps to go, 'take it one lap at a time John, one lap at a time...

As I approached the Albert monument, it dawned on me, I had ran just under 28 miles, it was a total of 31 miles in total, the Inch is almost 1.5 miles round. I had miscalculated! I only had two and half laps left! What a lift this gave me, saw Steven's wife Fiona and son Murray who were both clapping and encouraging me round, heard a " Come on JC!" shout, looked up and there was Karen, smiling and punching the air, and as I approached the end of lap 19 there was Susan, Megan my Mum, Mhari and Stewart all clapping me through and willing me on.

Two laps to go, mon then.

Had Matt in my sights all day, he was generally always a half lap ahead of me and seemed to be moving at a very settled pace for the whole event. Although he was that half lap ahead, Matt pulled me through lap 20, as I glanced across the park I knew if I kept pace with Matt, I was less than 30 minutes to the end. Keep going forward, get to the final lap.

A glance at my watch (which was on autopause) as I started lap 21  and thought "I could get under 5 hours here!" 

Right, head down, get that long wind in yer face stretch by the Tay out the way, come on! As I passed Albert for the last time that day, Stuart and Dawn Scott were there asking how I was feeling and how far I had to go. Felt great to say I was on my last half mile.

Last half mile!...looked at the watch 4:54:02...I could do this! Along past the bowling green, past the Rugby club, Bells Sports Centre, can hear Susan shouting me on, look up I can see her waving, I start crying (what's that about!) Ten yards to go, look at the watch 4:59:48...

Crossed the line in 4:59:57 (watch time) BOOM! 

The Badlands Ultras...Ooosh!

Great event, very well organised, and recommended next time it comes to Perth.

04:18:56

Seville Marathon - 21 February 2016

This all started in November 2015 when Susan asked me "Do you never run anywhere warm?" 

So I took to the Internet and within 15 minutes had signed up to run in Seville. Have to admit that starting and finishing in the stadium where Celtic played in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final influenced my decision. I also decided to wear my Celtic home top for the marathon.

So we booked up for a few days in Malaga (recommend) and got the train up to Seville on Saturday morning. Has to be said, very good rail service , hassle free and ran bang on time.
First thing to do in Seville was to get registered for the event. This took place at the FIBES Auditorium, we made our way there, got signed up and attended the pre race pasta party...load up fella! Hadn't got my longest run in as I'd wanted in the weeks leading up to the marathon, but I've been this distance before and knew what to expect (or so I thought).

The Seville marathon is used as an Olympic qualifying event for the elite runners, and most of them were staying in our hotel, as were the officials/marathon organisers and also the Real Betis football team!

Sunday morning was breakfast with the Kenyans (last time I'd see them all day!) at 6:30 as the bus to the start was leaving at 7:15
A very chilly, blowy day welcomed us at the stadium, and the nervous excitement that goes with the start of any big race filled the air. 

A total of 14,000 runners, by far the biggest event I've ever been involved with. Took a wee while to actually get to the official start line, start the stopwatch...off we go!

The crowd never split or provided any space until about 10k when the road got wider and the overexcited starters were blowing a bit! The 4hr marker runner was sitting just behind me and I was feeling really good. The sun got up a bit and the temperature started to rise. I was taking on fluids, little sips often preferred to big glugs. Only food I has was a pack of biscuits and some jelly babies, but I wasn't to concerned about that. 

As we made our way through the streets of Seville, the locals were out in force urging the runners on, it makes one hell of a difference to your morale, and I thank each and every one of them. There were plenty shouts of "Celtic Glasgow, Vamos" directed at me, which was really nice.

Seville is such a beautiful city, and to be able to run through the main streets closed to traffic is awesome. Around mile 17 I became aware of the heat starting to having an effect. I was drinking more than I normally would and my pace had slowed down and wasn't so comfortable anymore. This continued through miles 19 to 23, I found myself seeking little bit of shade for some respite. The information stations showing 22 degrees, my last run at home had been in 3 degrees! Runners were struggling all around me, the medics were busy treating people at the roadside as the weather and effort took its toll.

Running around the Plaza De España, then down by the University and directly past the wonderful Cathedral buoyed me, and also knowing I'm going to finish gave me a wee boost. 

Over the bridge, the last mile and a half brings you into the stadium for a final lap of the athletics track, there's the finish. People are in tears and collapsing as they cross the line. I scanned the crowd for Susan, I knew she'd be there somewhere but I couldn't locate her. Just knowing she's there to see me over the line gets me emotional, and I shed a few tears, as I always do! I finished in 4:26:15

Not under four hours, not my best ever run. However...it's still only 4 years ago I couldn't run round the North Inch in Perth without stopping.  We've come a long way Baby!

What have I learned...you NEED to get that last long run before a marathon, it will not 'be OK'. 

People are awesome, muchos gracias Sevilla!

Mon February

Here's the idea:

On 2 April 2016, I'm attempting to run 55 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh, and I thought i could raise a few bob for much needed research as I go.
You may be aware of the love of music that runs through my life, so I'm hoping to combine running and music as follows:

For every donation (£5 suggested, but please give what you can, no matter how big or small) you suggest a song, any song and I add it to my currently blank mp3 player. Please add your song choice to the donation notes.

At the start of the run I hit 'play on random' and whatever song is playing  when I cross the finish line is the winner.

The prize? I will DJ an event of your choice for free. Mon then, InAbootIt!

Click To Donate and Choose Your Song

Who woulda thunk it...I'm a Jog Leader!

Sunday 17 January 7am. It's baltic, I'm trying to reverse out of our drive onto the road and the cars slipping all over the place. Had to get out and grow some salt under the tyres to get moving. Eventually got on the move. Why am I up so early on a cold, frosty Sunday morning? Steven Watt, that's why!

Steven has secured funding to start a jogScotland PKC group at work. Part of this requires you to have Jog Leaders, so Steven enrolled Karen Hughes, Matt McKay and yours truly.
We're heading through to the Jog Leaders course being held at the Scottish Hockey Centre on Glasgow Green. It was a full, informative, day, think there was 24 people in total. 

At the end of the session, we were all told we had passed and were presented with very fetching bright orange Jog Leader vests! What does this mean? It allows Steven, Karen, Matt and I to take out groups of joggers from Beginner level upwards. We learned how to structure a session and the importance of warming up and stretching at the end of a session.

Steven's idea is #JogPKC, and we hope to kick it off very soon.

Be inspired, be the inspiration...InAbootIt!

Hopes and Dreams...

I'm upping the distance more than I planned to this year, that's down to a certain Mr Iain Beedie. Last year I ran 1025.27 miles, the equivalent of 39 marathons, I did intend to do the equivalent of 40 marathons this year (1048 miles), but then Iain suggested going for 2000kms (1250 miles) and I thought if I'm gonna do that, I'm as well to go for 2016 kms, so the target for 2016 is 1253 miles. 

That's just a wee bit of a jump, so I better get serious as of now!

I've a few events planned for the first part of year, so far I've entered:

Seville Marathon in February 26.2 miles
Self Transcendence Ultramarathon in March, 50k (31.25 miles)
Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon in April, 55 miles
Great Glen Way Ultramarathon in July, 72 miles (my biggy for the year!)

I've named this post 'Hopes and Dreams', I hope I can stay injury free and I am able to complete the events listed above, I dream of my application being selected to take part in the 2017 West Highland Way Race.

Also training to become a Jog Leader this year, that's down to a certain Mr Steven Watt from #JogPKC

InAbootIt!

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!