Friday 22 June - the day before the race
One of things about this race is that it starts at 1am so working out what
to do regarding sleep was a puzzle I wasn't sure about. I went to bed around
midnight on Thursday night hoping to sleep in as long as possible. I even
bought a blind fold and ear plugs to try and help but I still woke at
5.30am. I dozed on and off until 9ish and then got up. I spent the morning
getting everything ready. After lunch I went for a stroll to Morrisons and
then went to bed at 3.30pm to try and sleep. I dozed for an hour or so but
then was up for a meal and final countdown. Our friend Renita came for tea
so it was good to chat about the race ahead. At 7pm Stevie and Donald came
round to check on any final instructions and to make sure I had everything
ready and they knew were it was. The plan was for them to take over from
Katrina and our girls at Beinglas Farm at 9.30am. They stayed for an hour or
so and we chatted about the day ahead. They seemed as nervous as me! They
have really taken their role very seriously and were so keen to help me as
much as possible. As they left I wondered what state I'd be in when I saw
them next!! Jo came in at 9.30pm from work and gave me a final massage
before we set off at 10.45pm to Milngavie .... the race was getting closer.
My back-up for the first part of the race was Katrina, my wife, and our four
daughters Jo, Emma, Laura and Hollie. Plus Dougie (Jo's boyfriend). We set
off in the VW transporter van we'd borrowed for the weekend. The journey to
Milngavie was uneventful, the atmosphere great but I was feeling a little
apprehensive. Ready to get going but nervous about what I was to face.
Milngavie - 11.15pm
We arrived at Milngavie Railway Station Car Park at 11.15am where Renita met
us. The next hour or so went very quickly meeting people, going to the
registration and changing into my running gear. It was good to see many
friends who I'd met on various training runs and others who I'd not met yet
but been in touch with through this blog and whw race forum. Ian & Rachel
McCuaig brought over two t-shirts with Renita's poem '95 Reasons' printed on
so that was great.
We interviewed Ian Beattie for my video diary. At the end of his 'piece' he
wished everyone all the best and finished by saying he hoped I had a great
race but was 30secs behind him! Since I first met Ian I have always felt
that he was just a bit quicker and stronger runner than me. On our training
runs he has always finished better so I was surprised to beat him in the
Highland Fling Race. We had a great battle that day and I suspect that Ian
would have caught me if he hadn't had cramps. But I knew he was keen to put
that result right. My good friend John from Kilbarchan had warned against
trying to race Ian. Just let him go and run your own race. So that is what I
planned to do. Also I knew Ian was aiming to beat his personal best of 21hrs
39mins which was well ahead of any schedule I was aiming for!
At 12.30am we headed over to the church for the pre-race briefing.
Unfortunately by the time we got there there was no room so I listened from
the corridor but didn't hear much. Ian was standing nearby and gave us his
version of what Dario was saying until someone told him to be quiet because
they couldn't hear Dario!
After the briefing I headed over to the van, took my bug bag, took off my
hoody and walked over to the start. It felt incredible that after 8 months
of planning, preparing and training for the race it was about to start. I
was determined to go off slowly and see how things developed. I wished a
number of runners all the best including Peter Duggan who I'd run with a
couple of times. Peter is a strong runner who I knew should finish ahead of
me but his strategy is to take it very easy to Balmaha and then catch
runners from there on. So I asked him when was he going to pass me? He
replied somewhere between Balmaha and Fort William! I also had a quick chat
with Joe Sheridan. He has trained so well for this race and I knew he would
be going well.
Milngavie to Drymen (12.5miles) in 1hr
59mins (plus 2min stop)
There was quite a crowd of supporters ready for the start and then suddenly
it was 1am and we were off. I'd arranged with Emma to run up the right hand
side of the steps so she could get a video of me starting. Great preparation
or what??
The first five minutes were strange in that here we were actually running
the whw race. A race I'd been thinking about and planning for was now here.
I ran along with a number of folk and chatted a bit. I met Keith Hughes, the
famous Australian, as well as others who I heard about.
The group I was running with took a slight wrong turn through Mugdock Wood
but soon reappeared on the right path. On my night run three before I'd
taken a number of check points in the first 10miles just to make sure I
wasn't going too fast early on. I was bang on target for the end of the
woods where the route goes left down the road for 100yards and right. At
that point I joined Aileen who had run with us on that night run. We ran
together for the next 30mins or so chatting away. We both agreed that it was
a lot darker than it had been three weeks ago. I was so grateful for the
head torch that my friend Ernie from church had lent to me. It has two
options -either 4 small lights giving a wide beam or a very strong single
beam. I used the single beam most of the time and it was excellent really
lighting up the path.
By the time I got on to the long straight path past Glengoyle Distillery I
was running on my own but catching people. Not too far before Beech Tree I
caught up with David Atkins and we chatted together for a bit. I'd not met
David before but we'd emailed a few times. David had ran really well in the
Fling finishing in 9hrs 44mins. I remembered him as he was the only person
older than me ahead of me! I was thinking I'd better be careful if I'm going
past him at this early stage. It was great running through Beech Tree. I'd
arranged with my team that I'd put my head torch on to flashing so they knew
it was me coming. I gave them a wave as I went past.
The next section through to Gartness I ran on my own but enjoying the
feeling of running without pain. I'd been so concerned before the race that
my right shin was going to hurt for the whole race. I'd resigned myself to
having to run with the constant pain. After about 20mins I felt it and
thought here goes. But amazingly it went away never to return (until after
I'd finished). So here I was running pain free and it felt so good!
I arrived at Gartness in 1hr 34mins - again right on target. The next 2miles
are along the road and there was the possibility of a slight diversion due
to the road subsiding. In the end Dario and two other marshals were there to
guide us through safely so it was no problem. I was passed by one runner as
we approached Drymen but then he stopped for a wee so I entered the field
before Drymen just ahead. I put my torch onto flashing again to let my team
know I was on my way in. I had asked that they had my Terroc shoes ready in
case I wanted to change for Conic Hill but my Asics Culumbus were feeling
good so decided to keep going. I only stopped for 2mins to change water
bottles and grab some food. It was good to see my team as they all looked
happy and enjoying themselves in the middle of the night!
Drymen to Balmaha (7miles) in 1hr
29mins (plus 3min stop)
Overall 19.5miles in 3hrs 30mins
I ate a rice pudding as I left Drymen. It was a lot darker than I thought it
would be at this point so I kept my head torch. I had thought of swapping it
for a lighter one. The guy who had passed me just before Drymen went past me
again and he ran up the hill from the road so I let him go. I passed a
couple of people on the way up to the Forest.
I was feeling good and felt I was going at a steady pace, walking where I
needed to, drinking plenty and eating every half an hour or so. I came to
the part of the course where you turn left, run 25yards on the road and then
turn right into the car park and through Garadhban Forest. There were a
number of people there supporting but suddenly one of them said there is a
diversion, keep on running down the road and turn right at the bottom. I
continued down the road wondering what was going on. I ran for a few minutes
hoping that I wasn't going to have to go back. A car came up the road and
the passenger shouted 'Have you been told to come down here?' That didn't
feel me with confidence either but just as I was wondering about what to do
I saw a runner come up the hill and we saw the path to the right with a
large yellow diversion sign. The runner was Colin who had missed the sign
and ran about half a mile down the hill, then ran back up. I felt really
sorry for him as he must have lost at least 10-15mins. We ran together
through the forest and eventually we were back onto the proper path. I was
very grateful to have someone to run with through that bit as it was very
disconcerting to not be totally sure you are on the right route so early in
the race.
I ran with Colin for the next few miles. The weather was getting worse with
the mist all around but it wasn't too cold. Colin was a little quicker on
the way down but once we'd crossed the bridge and started walking up the
hill I was in front and stayed there all the way up. After 10mins of strong
walking I saw a runner ahead so kept going until I caught him. To my
amazement it was Ian! I assumed I wouldn't see him until the end knowing how
well he was running. He said that he was going through a tough patch. He
said he arrived at Drymen in 1hr 55mins which was a little quicker than he
planned. Also the diversion had unsettled him. Ian likes to compare all his
times and splits and so he was thinking that the diversion had put his times
out. Anyway we walked/ran together into Balmaha. We passed the scouts who
were out to see the sun rise. I had been looking forward to seeing the sun
coming up over Conic Hill but the mist and cloud put paid to that.
As I arrived into the forest just above Balmaha my mobile phone rang and it
was a friend from church. May had woken early so decided to ring me at
4.30am in the morning! It was sop strange chatting on the phone in the
middle of the night running the whw race.
I arrived at Balmaha in 3hrs 29mins which was 6mins ahead of schedule. I
started looking for the check point but was told there isn't one at Balmaha.
Katrina showed me where the van was so ran over to that. Time for a change
of top from my long sleeved one to a short sleeved top. Took some more food
and drinks and set off after a break of 3mins.
Balmaha to Rowardennan (7.5miles) in
1hr 29mins (plus 4min rest)
Overall 27miles in 5hrs 2mins
As I left my team I felt the outside of my left knee. I was limping for a
number of paces but once I started walking then running it was fine again.
From that point on I knew I wouldn't be able to stop for very long at any of
the checkpoints as it would seize up again. This didn't concern me too much
as it wasn't hurting when I kept moving which is the main thing. I saw Ian
with his back up at the far end of the car park. I fully expected to see him
again in the not too distant future!
I like this next section and continued running steadily. David Atkin caught
up and we chatted for a bit then I was on my own again as he slowed down. It
was fully light by now and it was good to run without the head torch. The
temperature was just right and everything was going according to plan. The
next hour and half passed uneventfully. I think I passed a couple of runners
and saw a few spectators. I continued to eat and drink as much as I could
and stay at a steady pace. I was working really hard at just thinking about
the next stop rather than what was coming way ahead. So for this section the
only thing I was concentrating on was getting to Rowardennan feeling as good
as I could.
I arrived at Rowardennan right on target for that section 1hr 29mins.
Katrina and the team were ready with a towel, change of top, food and
drinks. I did a quick video clip, rub down, took my food and drink and I was
off again.
Rowardennan to Inversnaid (7miles) in
1hr 29mins
Overall 34miles in 6hrs 33mins
As I was about to leave Rowardennan Mark Collins, who I run with a couple of
times, was also leaving and said do you want to go together. As we set off
my knee was sore again but very quickly eased as I walked then ran. We were
joined by David Atkins and ran together. After 10mins or so there is a long
up hill so Mark and I ran but David continued running. Over the next hour or
so we joined up, separated joined up again. It felt a bit like a yoyo. David
and Mark both stopped for a toilet break and I was left in the front on my
own. I kept going and assumed they would soon enough catch me.
At this point I started my mental checks. As I ran along I would do a mental
check on how I was feeling. I would start with my head asking 'How are you
doing eating, drinking, thinking?' before doing the same for my shoulders,
back, groin, thighs, calves, shin, feet asking 'How are they feeling?'
Everything seemed to be fine but I knew my knee would seize up if I stopped
for too long. Amazingly my shin was fine and my groin wasn't sore at all. So
overall I was feeling good and I was enjoying the race and the tremendous
scenery.
I ran into Inversnaid ahead of Mark and David and another runner who I'd
passed a few minutes before the check point. I'd left a bag for Inversnaid
as it is very difficult for back up to get there. I only stopped for a
minute and then I was off again. I walked for a few minutes eating and
drinking but keeping going.
Inversnaid to Beinglas Farm (7miles) in
1hr 41mins
Overall 41miles in 8hrs 15mins
I was on my own for the next hour or so and knew I was ahead of my schedule
and so didn't need to try and push. So I ran were I could and walked where I
had to. It was at this point that I looked at my sub 23hr race schedule that
I'd worked out and given to my back up teams. It siad that I was due in to
Beinglas Farm at 10.30am (9hrs 30mins running) but it was only 7.30am and so
if I took the 1hr 45mins planned then I'd be there by 9.15am. I couldn't
understand why I was 1hr 15mins ahead of my schedule but I was concerned
because I'd told my back up team (plus friends who were coming to watch and
support me) that I wouldn't be there before 10.30am. Plus Katrina was going
to hand over my boxes to Donald & Stevie at Drovers in at 9.30am. So at this
rate I'd get to Beinglas Farm and no-one would be there. So I rang Donald at
7.40am explaining I would be early. They were just going over the Erskine
Bridge so should make it. I also asked them to ring Katrina and see if they
could make it to Beinglas Farm by 9am.
Since finishing the race I have discovered that my schedule times were all
wrong. I had added up the times wrong on my plan so it should have read
Beinglas Farm by 9.45am but I had it 10.30am. In reality I was there at
9.15am so I was 30mins ahead of my sub 23hr schedule but not the 1hr 15mins
ahead as I thought. Another lesson to learn! Learn how to add up!!!!
About 4miles out of Beinglas Mark caught me up and we ran in to Beinglas
together. Mark had suffered a bit with cramps so I gave him some of my
succeed tablets to help him. This was Mark's first attempt at the whw race.
His Dad has run it and was part of his back up team. I also discovered later
than Mark was the subject of a short documentary made by BBC Scotland but
being the modest guy he is he didn't mention it!
So we started off from Rowardennan together and ran into Beinglas together
but only actually ran together for about 45mins out of the 3hrs 9mins. The
whw race is that short of race. You have good times and bad times. That is
why is so difficult to run with someone because even if you end up with the
same time you will do in a very different way.
As I ran into Beinglas it was great to see Katrina, Jo, Emma, Laura, Hollie,
Dougie plus Donald & Stevie plus John McLaughlin. They had their midgie nets
on and it was clear they were battling with them. They never bothered me but
I didn't hand around. Again time for a quick towel down, change of top to a
vest, grab some food and drink and off again.
Beinglas
Farm to Auchtertyre (9miles) in 2hrs 17mins (plus 2min stop)
Overall 50miles in 10hrs 36mins
I set off with Mark for the three miles to Derrdaroch and then on to
Auchtertyre. After the rough terrain of the path along Loch Lomond it was
good to be to run/walk on this stretch of the route. It is undulating so a
combination of walking and running. I stayed with Mark and we chatted and
encouraged each other along the way. One topic of conversation was 'where
was Ian?' We reckoned that he would be not too far behind us and we were
expecting him to be with us at some point. My team had given me quite a bit
of food at Beinglas Farm. Some of it I tried to eat but some I knew I
wouldn't be able to so I planned to ditch some of it at Derrardaroch. Donald
met me quarter of a mile before the checkpoint and gave me some pasta to eat
as we walked in. I was not stopping at Derrydaroch as we'd only just stopped
at Beinglas Farm. So it was a quick stop to sort out my bag and off again.
Stevie walked with me for half a mile or so as I ate a rice pudding and
yoghurt. Mark had stopped at the checkpoint but soon caught up again as we
crossed the A82 and we continued to run together along Glen Falloch valley
and into the Forest above Crianlarich. In the Fling this was the stretch
where I fell twice and found really tough. This time I was still feeling all
right. I was starting to feel my thighs but I was running on the flat and
downhill without a problem. It was good to get into the forest but there a
lot of hills both up and down through this section so it there is a lot of
changes from walking as hard as possible uphill to trying to run as easily
as possible downhill.
I enjoyed having Mark for company during this part of the race and we
continued our conversation of 'where is Ian?' Talking of Ian I remembered
during our two day run Ian had said you know when you've come to the final
uphill when you reach a certain point but I couldn't remember what that
point was! So that was a lot of use. Eventually we did reach a signpost and
I remembered that was the point! It was good to have the final down hill to
the road.
At the road we were able to get across without too much wait. There were a
small crowd of people cheering us on. I said to Mark it amazing what an
encouragement a small group of people clapping and shouting 'well done'
'keep going' 'you'll looking great' can do to your morale. So anyone reading
this who sees runners in a race do encourage them!
We crossed the field, over the bridge, along the tarmac road, past the St
Fillian's Chapel and headed towards Auchtertyre which is just over half way.
We met George (Ian's support runner) who was waiting for Ian to arrive.
Again Donald came out to meet me with a bowl of pasta. Also John, Neal and
Michael from Kilbarchan were waiting cheering me on. As we arrived Mark said
that he was stopping here for a while to recoup but I was keeping going so
we wished each other all the best.
Waiting at this checkpoint were friends Jay and Susan as well as my family
and Stevie and Donald. They all watched on as I had a quick towel down,
changed vest and was fed more pasta by Donald. I was still aware my knee
would seize up if I stopped too long so quickly grabbed my replenished bag
and set off again. Stevie walked with me as I ate another rice pudding and
creme caramel.
Auchtertyre to Bridge of Orchy (9miles)
in 1hr 55mins (plus 1min stop)
Overall 59miles in 12hrs 33mins
Just as I walked away from Auchtertyre I got the answer to our question
'where is Ian?' He came running in as I left. I gave a shout to Alison
(Ian's wife) who was getting everything ready for Ian. So I knew within the
next section I would be seeing more of Ian. I ran out with another runner
and we chatted for a few minutes. I asked him what time he was aiming for
and he said sub 25hrs so he had plenty in reserve as we were on a target
well under that. I reckon that at Auchtertyre I was 34mins under my sub 23hr
schedule.
Once we crossed the road and headed towards Tyndrum I was on my own for the
first time for a while and enjoyed the solitude. I did my mental check and
still felt good overall though I was feeling my thighs and knew that the
43miles ahead where going to be tough.
Just before reaching Tyndrum I was caught by a runner called Tim (I think).
He had caught Mark and I on the way into Beinglas but we didn't see him
again so I'm not sure if was ahead or behind. Anyway the first thing he said
to me was 'I feel I know you really well' He has been reading my blog! Tim
had done the Marathon de Sables which is a 6 day / 151 mile endurance race
across the Sahara Desert in Morocco last year but he said this race is
tougher!! We ran into Tyndrum together. Donald took a couple of photos. He
had his midgie net on so they must have been out in force there as well.
It was starting to rain so Stevie gave me my jacket as I crossed the road by
the Green Welly. I carried it but never used in the end as the rain didn't
last long. John, Neal and Michael gace a quick cheer as I headed up the hill
out of Tyndrum.
Tim ran up that hill and within a few minutes he was away in the distance. I
would say that this was one of my low points in the race. I think it was a
combination of things. Firstly as I crossed the finish line of the Highland
Fling I thought that from now on it is new territory. I had never run this
far in one go before. This is what I'd been preparing for and it wasn't a
great feeling knowing that I had 42miles to go. Secondly I knew that Ian was
catching behind me and would no doubt be running strongly on this section as
I knew he has often said it is one of his favourites. So I was really
finding it hard to run. I expected to walk the up hills but found it hard to
get going going on the flat and down hills.
After about 45mins of plodding along I was conscious of a runner catching
up. I try as much as possible not to look behind as it can be quite
demoralising plus for the runner catching you it gives them a boost!
After I crossed under the railway line (just after 54miles) and onto a long
downhill section I ate some grapes and tried to hang in there but it was
hard. Then to make it worse Ian comes running past looking strong. We
exchange a few words 'well done John, keep going' and he was away .... 20
... 30 .... 40 yards. I suddenly said to myself 'is that it ... are you
going to let him run past you without even a fight?' I don't know whether it
was sheer pride or the grapes kicking in but I started running and felt so
much better. Within a few minutes I'd caught Ian and we ran for a bit
together. Ian said that he was with Mark at Tyndrum but he wanted to run on
his own. Whether it was a hint to me or not I wasn't sure but I pushed on
and found myself opening a gap from Ian. No doubt he had worked really hard
to catch me. I then walked for a bit and Ian caught me again and went ahead.
I ran and caught him. Back to the yoyo!!
By now we were approaching Bridge of Orchy and we were catching Tim (in the
white hat) who had been way ahead and another runner. With them in my sight
I set off and caught them and just keep running into Bridge of Orchy leaving
the three of them in my wake! John, Neal and Michael had walked up the hill
to see me in. I met Donald just before the train station and then saw
Katrina and the van parked (Dougie and Laura were catching the 1.30pm train
back to Glasgow). Donald had some pasta ready but I wanted to enjoy this
feeling of running strongly so said I was going to run into the checkpoint
and then eat on the way out.
So I had covered the last 9miles in 1hr 55mins compared to my schedule of
2hrs but it was the way I'd done it that surprised me. The first 45mins were
so tough and I wondered whether I'd run again and the last 30mins I ran as
if I was on a 10mile training run. Looking back on what happened from here
on in I probably went too fast at this point!
Stevie was waiting at the checkpoint. I was very aware of my knee at this
point so only stopped for 1min. Just enough time to grab my drinks and towel
down.
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (13miles)
in 2hrs 46mins (plus 2min stop)
Overall 72miles in 15hrs 20mins)
Stevie walked with me up the hill out of Bridge of Orchy as I ate some more
pasta and a rice pudding. I knew I had 35miles to go and was confident that
I was going to finish this race. I was still 47mins ahead of sub 23hr
schedule so even if I slowed as I felt I may well do I was still on for a
sub 23hrs. I was on my own for the next 2miles as Ian must have had a longer
stop at Bridge of Orchy. I have done this section to Inveroran Hotel twice
but I couldn't remember much of it at all. Maybe because both times I've
been running with a group and having been early in the training run I was
chatting to folk and hadn't taken much in. I walked all the way up the hill
and then once I got over the top I could see the Hotel and at that point
realised that going downhill was gong to be very hard. My quads were burning
and every step down was so sore. I couldn't even think about running so very
gingerly made my way down the hill. Stevie met me about half a miles from
the hotel and said that Donald was going to run with me over Rannoch Moor. I
tried to protest as our plan was for Stevie to run from Kingshouse and
Donald from Kinlochleven. But by the time I'd got to the Hotel and saw
Donald with his kit on ready to run I realised I needed company and support.
We walked for a bit down the road with Donald encouraging me on how well I'd
done so far and how proud he was of me. Then he suggested we run which we
did. We crossed the style at Victoria Bridge and started the long gradual
climb up to Rannoch Moor. Half way up the hill Donald said that he could see
Ian running up the hill behind us. He had almost caught us by the top of the
hill. Donald suggested that we make it hard for Ian to get past. We both
knew that he was going to pass us but we decided he would have to work for
it!! So every downhill or flat Donald gently got me running. Very quickly
the gap between us lengthened. Then we'd walk the uphill and the gap
reduced. Then we'd run and the gap lengthened again. This happened over the
next 45mins or so. Donald had the theory that Ian was running at a very
constant pace ideal for ultra running whereas I had two paces. Pace 1 -
walking which was slower than Ian's constant pace and Pace 2 - running which
was faster than Ian's constant pace. Donald was suggesting that I need to
learn how to run slowly but for longer. Something else to remember and
practise for next year! Anyway the result of all this was that I was still
ahead of Ian! At one point Ian shouted out for help. I carried on and Donald
went back to see if he could help. Ian needed
water and asked to go into the stream to refill his water bottle.
Finally we crossed came over the top of the hill and could see Kingshouse.
We passed Blackrock Cottage and enjoyed the cheers of the watching
spectators and ran along the road into Kingshouse with Ian still behind. We
passed George who was waiting for Ian. I think he was surprised to see me
still in front of Ian (so was I!!). John, Michael and Neal encouraged us as
we passed. I was now exactly 1hr ahead of my sub 23hr schedule but I wasn't
thinking of anything but trying to beat 23hrs. I knew the next 23miles were
going to be really tough, my thighs were killing me and it was all about
being mentally tough enough to complete the race. Plus Ian still had to get
past me!
Once again a very quick stop at this checkpoint. My knee was fine if I kept
walking but as soon as I stopped I could feel it so didn't want to risk it
seizing up completely. Katrina and the family were not here but I didn't
have the energy to wonder where they were! I found out that they missed the
turn into the Hotel and just carried on to Fort William as planned to put up
the tent, get something to eat and be at the finish.
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (8miles) in 2hrs 56mins (plus 1min stop)
Overall 80miles in 18hrs 18mins
I left Kingshouse on my own leaving Donald and Stevie to sort out what food
I needed. I was still wearing my vest and hoped that Stevie would bring a
long sleeved top with him as it was starting to get colder. I walked along
the road trying to keep my knee from seizing up. As I did I was calculating
my times. Worse case scenario - it is now 4.20pm (15hrs 20mins running time)
if I take 3hrs to Kinlochleven, 2hrs to Lundavra and 2hrs to Fort William
then that is 7hrs. So 4.20pm plus 7hrs equals 11.20pm which means 22hrs
20mins finishing time. So that became my goal. I felt I could achieve that
even if I had to walk the majority of the way. So that worse case scenario
still gave me 40mins extra to do a sub 23hrs. So even though I was suffering
I still had a clear goal to motivate me.
After 5mins or so of walking Stevie caught me up with food to eat. I think
it was more pasta and a yoghurt but I can't be sure. We left the road and
headed up the track continuing to walk. Stevie was skipping along full of
life whereas I was plodding to put it kindly. As we headed back down the
road Ian and his support runner George caught us running well. I tried to
respond and followed them along the path but I had little left so very
quickly they were away never to be seen again (well not until the prize
giving the next day!). It was a great battle while it lasted!! Ian went on
to record a new personal best of 21hrs 11mins. I was so pleased for him as I
know his main goal for this year was to record a pb in the whw race. Well
done Ian.
Donald met us at Altnafeadh at the foot of the climb to Devil's staircase. I
had changed into a long sleeved top by now and didn't need anything else
unless I could have Stevie's legs!! I had arranged with Stevie that I would
like to lead the climb so I could set my own pace but after a few minutes I
asked Stevie to lead and I would try and hang on to him. We made a steady
pace up the climb but Ian and George were disappearing quickly. Eventually
we made the top and started the descent. It was then that all my fears came
to pass. Every step down was so painful. I was finding it so hard to stretch
out. I knew I had a long downhill walk to Kinlochleven and then another long
downhill to Fort William so I would be using everyone of those extra 40mins
I had calculated I had. We also tried rubbing my thighs to break up the
lactic acid. Normally I have a little flabby bits under my thighs but they
were absolutely rock hard!
You may have wondered whether I have just missed out mentioning stopping for
a wee or poo. But the reason I've not mentioned it is because I didn't have
a wee or a poo until this point! So I went almost 17hrs without a wee or poo.
But once I needed one I really needed one. I won't go into details but
suffice to say it took quite a few bits of bracken to cover it!! Also my wee
was bright orange - a sure sign that I had not drunk enough though I thought
I had.
After 10mins of painful downhill walking I suggested to Stevie I walk
backwards. So holding Stevie's arm as a guide I walked backward down the
hill on and off for the next mile or so. By the time we got to the flatter
bit I was feeling slightly easier and managed to walk all the way into
Kinlochleven without having to walk backwards again. We were passed by a few
runners and I knew that we would be losing places from now on. At Kingshouse
I think I was 13th but to be honest my position wasn't the thing that
motivated me. I didn't really care what position I finished in. My time was
the thing that kept me going. I really wanted to break 23hrs and felt I had
run well enough until now to deserve that.
Once we arrived in Kinlochleven Stevie suggested trying to run to see how it
felt but after 50 strides or so I knew it was foolish to try. I felt I could
keep walking at a good pace but if I tried to run too much I could end up
not even being able to walk.
It was good to see Donald ready. I literally stopped long enough to replace
water bottles and I was off again. 15miles to go .... and 4hrs 42mins to do
it. Still possible? YES! I remember Ian saying that he walked from
Kinlochleven to Fort William one year in 4hrs.
Kinlochleven to Lundavra (8miles) in
2hrs 22mins (no stop)
Overall 88miles in 20hrs 41mins
Donald caught me up by the time we turned off the road and started climbing
up the hill. At least on the up hills my thighs weren't sore but I was
feeling the effects of being on my feet for over 20hrs. It was a long climb.
Donald walked behind and fed me some food but said let's get to the top and
then we'll aim to get more food inside me. It was a long tough climb but I
was aware that I was going to find the downhill to Fort William hard so I
needed to go as fast as I could on the way up to compensate. With Donald
encouraging me along we reached the top of the climb and onto the Old
Military Road that goes over Lairigmor. This road is a good path but quite
rocky and undulates for mile after mile. You can see the route winding ahead
for ages. On a good training run I have ran this road from the top of the
hill to the forest into Lunavra in about an hour but today I knew it was
going to be hard going and a real heads down lets get this done.
This is where Donald came into his own as a support runner. After
unsuccessfully trying to see if I could run at all he set himself the target
of trying to make sure I ate as much as I could. Donald ever since we
started planning this weeks ago he had been concerned about my food intact.
He knew from the Fling that I felt I hadn't eaten enough and so wanted to
make sure I learnt from that. Knowing that he would be doing the last leg
with me he didn't want a collapsed runner on his hands! So for the next 3hrs
Donald the pattern went like this. Donald hands over a jelly baby (or friend
egg sweet or wine gum or energy gel or honey stinger). I struggle to eat it.
Donald hands me my isotonic drink. I take a swig (by now this orange flavour
drink tastes absolutely horrible). Donald hands me a bottle with water in. I
take a swig of water which at least tastes good. For the first 10 or so
exchanges I say thank you each time but after that I don't react much and
Donald says don't thank me I'm just doing my job!
So this is the pattern for the next few hours. The other thing that
interested us along the way was the runners going past! I was losing places
over this leg. Not loads but in Kinlochleven I was 16th and by the time we
reached Lundavra I was 21st so 5 runners went past us. Most of them I
recognised from the run. Mark Collins went past with his Dad and friend. It
was good to see Mark again as we'd run a lot together in the first half of
the race. His Dad said that Mark had had a really tough time over Rannoch
Moor but was going well now. Mark finished in 22hrs 16mins which was superb.
The bbc Reporting Scotland did an excellent piece about Mark which was
showed on Tuesday after the race.
One of the fun things about being overtaken by these runners is that
everyone said 'love your blog' 'keep it going' so that brought a smile to my
face.
Just before the Lundavra checkpoint we were passed by a runner I think
called Jody. We were surprised to see he was running on his own and Donald
asked him whether it was his first attempt. He answered casually no my 7th!
So we reckoned he knew what he was doing.
Finally the bonfire at Lundavra arrived. I went straight through. Donald
stopped to replace drinks and try to find some food I might be able to eat.
Lundavra to Fort William (7 miles) in
2hrs 4mins
Overall 95miles in 22hrs 45mins 19secs
I couldn't work out if some of the runners who had passed us were now still
at the check point but I thought they would soon be passing us again. Donald
quickly caught up with new supplies and restarted his pattern of force
feeding!! I have a confession here. There were at least three occasions when
I spat out the jelly baby! Sorry Donald but there are only so many I could
eat!
Ever since I didn't need to wonder where Ian was I began thinking where is
Peter? I had ran with Peter Duggan a few times in training and at the start
you may remember reading my exchange with him. His last comment was 'I'll
pass you somewhere between Balmaha and Fort William.' Ian had mentioned
seeing him at Tyndrum and so I had been really surprised that he had not
overtaken me seeing the pace I was going. I assumed that maybe he'd had to
drop out. So when I heard a cry of delight and looked round to see Peter
with his two support runners ready to run past I knew he had not dropped out
and his prediction was correct but he'd left it pretty late! The splits were
posted on the web site and it is very interesting to see Peter's positions
... Rowardennan 44th, Bridge of Orchy 20th, Kinlochleven 24th, Fort William
20th. Maybe there is something to being at Balmaha in 4hrs!! So well done
Peter. I never doubted you (much!).
The thing that was upper most on my mind now was how I was going to feel on
the long down hill into Fort William. Donald was reassuring me, we'd be all
right but I wasn't sure. We were still on schedule to beat 23hrs but there
wouldn't be much room for error if I struggled on the way down.
As we got into the forest with about 4miles to go it was getting very dark
so Donald got his torch out and we used that for a while and then I put on
my head torch which really helped again. Donald was had a bit of trouble
getting it the right way round for me to put on. So I had a go, lost my
balance and fell into the ditch. Donald pulled me out and we were away
again.
We kept a good walking pace going and with the end in sight I pushed as hard
as I could. We crossed a style where Katrina and I had walked up to 2 weeks
ago to watch the Devil o' the Highlands race. I knew it was about 50mins of
walking there to the car park so again mentally did the sums and felt we
were still on for a sub 23hrs. As we started the descent my quads were sore
but Donald went just ahead and by holding his shoulder it helped me get down
easier.
We continued striding out down the hill with Donald providing support which
made the walking a lot easier. It was then I knew that I would be able to
get down and I was going to finish most probably inside 23hrs. After 20mins
Stevie appeared running up the hill. So the three of us walked down into
Fort William together arm in arm. We had such a laugh as we talked about the
race, the highs and lows, how we all felt, how bad Stevie's pasta was!, the
achievement of finishing the race, my nickname had become 'John the blog'
after all the comments from runners.
Sooner than I thought possible we were at the Braveheart car park where
Katrina, Jo, Emma & Hollie were waiting. Time for a quick photo and then we
were off down the road to the finish. One or two folks out for an evening
walk congratulated us. Donald was quick to point out I was the one who
deserved the congratulations but to be honest we all deserved the praise.
Rosie Bell and her support runner went past but I couldn't have run for all
the money in the world so congratulated her on a great run and concentrated
on getting to the end.
We went past the official end of the whw, over the roundabout and round the
corner and there was the sign for the Lochaber Leisure Centre. Donald &
Stevie held back and I tried a shuffle across the car park. I walked into
the Leisure Centre and gave my number 93 has finished! That felt good to
say. My official time was 22hrs 45mins 19secs. I had beaten my goal medal
goal of 24hrs by 1hr 15mins and was under my best possible time of 23hrs by
15mins. I was HAPPY! I had run a competition on my blog to 'guess my time'
and our of the young people in our church Barry was the closest with 22hrs
43mins.
After the race
Katrina and the girls came in and offered their congratulations. I then sat
down for the first time in 24hrs. I had worn the same socks and shoes
throughout the race. It hadn't been my plan but once the knee was sore I
didn't want to stop so didn't change socks. Stevie helped take them off (is
there no end to their willingness to help?) and my feet where a very strange
white looking colour. Donald said it was the start of trench foot. I hobbled
down into the shower and hobbled back again. I then had a massage from one
of the physios. She worked for a good 40mins on my quads. It really hurt but
I felt it must be doing me good. I chatted to the physio and friends and
family as she worked on the right leg but once she started on the left I lay
down and closed my eyes and would have been asleep if the pain hadn't kept
me awake.
Once the physio was over I just wanted to get to our tent, crawl in and try
and sleep. I hobbled across the car park to the van, climbed in with
difficulty, put the heater on and tried to get warm as I was feeling sold by
now. When we arrived at the camp site the gate was down (well it was after
1am by now). So we had to walk about 400yards to the tent. I held on to
Katrina and we made it. I climbed into bed and tried to sleep. After 10mins
or so I was shaking violently but soon warmed up. It was hard to sleep as my
knee was sore but as I lay there I had a real sense of achievement.
Next day Sunday 24 June
I woke around 7am and crawled out of the tent but couldn't stand! I waited
until Donald and Stevie were up and they helped me up and into a chair! We
chatted for awhile, had some breakfast and then headed over to the prize
giving.
The prize giving was a very special time with everyone who had finished
receiving their crystal goblet. Dario has a word or two to say about each
runner and when he came to me said some encouraging comments about my blog.
I received a big cheer and felt very proud of my achievement.
Thanks ....
I think one of the amazing things about a race like this is how many people
it affects and how many people support and help. So I'd like to say a big
thank you to all who helped me along the way from fellow runners to family
to friends. On the day my family Katrina, Jo, Emma, Laura & Hollie plus
Dougie, who did the back up over night. To Donald and Stevie who were the
greatest support runners I could have had. To friends Renita, John, Michael,
Neal, Jay & Susan who came out to support on the day. Also a special thank
to two physios Richard and Catriona at the RAH (Royal Alexandria Hospital in
Paisley) who helped me be ready for the race.
I will be back for more next year aiming to beat my pb!!
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