From the House of Kings to the Fort of Bill

On Saturday I did the last long run on the West Highland Way before race day.

To save time and repetition I should just say...

For training run report, see JK's blog
For training run pictures, see JK's blog
For training run vidoe, see JK's blog

Famed for his regular and thorough updates, John the blog is always first on the case. When I first met JK, I knew so much about his life and hugely popular blog, that I didn't know whether to shake his hand or curtsy. Of course now he's my buddy, I just mock him for his spreadsheets and having way too much time on his hands. Although I think it's down to being more disciplined than most bloggers. JK pretty much eats, sleeps and breaths the West Highland Way race and has the full backing of his long suffering wife. At the post-race presentation, I moaned: "Now we've got to endure the post-race analysis" she replied: "I've told John he's got four weeks and then I don't want to hear about it". FOUR WEEKS?? Now I refer to her as Saint Katrina.

Well if you haven't already followed the links to JK's blog, then I best give you my account of the run. Although I've pinched the visuals from his blog :-)

The original plan was to run from Kingshouse to Fort William (my favourite stages) with JK and his two pals, Stevie and Chris. There was a bit of a debate about doing earlier sections - to cut out some of the travelling - but I was adamant that I wanted to do the latter stages as I think do the final sections would be make for better race prep. Anyway I managed to convince them to stick with the plan, so we only had to deal with the small matter of car sharig, pick-ups, bus tickets and dog sitting. Sometimes these training runs are a logistical (and expensive) nightmare. A 200+ mile trip to run 24 miles! Oh well, you can't beat training on the course, can you?

JK, of course, came armed with his laminated spreadsheet of times/splits/pace for each mini-section (remember how I mentioned too much time?). My plan was much less structured. I would run on the runable bits and walk on the steep bits. Genius, eh. I really didn't think I could keep up with their 4:15 schedule. I honestly didn't expect to see them after we left Kingshouse.


(JK, me, Chris and Stevie - picture stolen from JK)

I was very pleased to find the pace was fine. Apart from the steep ascents - where my leg length became I disadvantage - I kept up quite comfortably until Kinlochleven. I told them to push on up Lairig Mor and I would meet them at the end. Pretty soon JK and Stevie became dots in the distance, but I could see Chris' red t-shirt the whole way. Everytime I closed the gap, we would hit a hill and his six-foot legs would be carry him over. I'm not a very competitive person, but I kept imaging it was a female race participant in the race. The t-shirt wasn't quite a red rag to a bull, but I was pretty sure I wanted to catch him. Without racing, of course.

There were loads of hikers out on the trail. I think most groups start at the weekend/Monday, so by the following weekend they're doing the final section. Given that, Lairig Mor is always busy on the Saturday. I passed two (possibly) Dutch trekkers who informed me (in their best broken-English) that the two runners in front had asked them to give me a message but the couldn't understand what they were saying, I was slightly concerned but pushed on. Five minutes later I passed a groups of lads who had stopped for their lunch. One asked if I was Debs and when I confusingly replied yes, they all stood up and shouted "Go, Debs!" The laugh really spurred me on, thanks JK.

I finally caught up with a lost Chris coming out of the woods before the descent to Fort William. I think he was starting to wilt, but was still in good spirits. We covered the last few miles together - with me gibbering and frequently informing him "not long to go". When we passed through the Braveheart carpark and hit the pavement, he started to slow. Why does hitting the hard surface always make you feel like someone has just whacked the back on your knees?

I finished in 4:14:07 which is was absolutely delighted with. I never thought I could keep up with JK's schedule. Turns out he couldn't stick with it, as finished in 3:57 with Stevie a few minutes behind him. And Chris a minute behind me. Great performances all round, me thinks. Looking back on last year's training report, the fastest I have ever done this section (as a stand-alone run) was 4:43.

Check out JK's video for the finishing footage. Obviously I didn't realise the finish was being filmed. I thought JK was taking a picture. I look at bit of idiot jumping about, but hey ho, at least I could still jump about.



We had an hour and half to kill before getting the bus back to Kingshouse. Plenty of time for some well-deserved ice cream (or a feast for a family of four for Stevie) and post-run chat.

From 5K to more on the Way

Quick running update...

Saturday: I got a PB in the Glasgow Parkrun 5K :-) Just a piddly 23:32, but a PB's a PB. As Sharon would say "I don't have a fifth gear", so short speedy races are not for me. But I must say, I really enjoyed it. Even the nasty hills. When I told Sonic of my enjoyment he informed that I "didn't work hard enough". Probably wise words, but I like to come away on a high rather than having my eyes hanging out of my head.

Sunday: I went on a run with Sonic on the Kilpartick hills. Yes, me running on hills. With Sonic. And we didn't even fall out once. Even despite the fact that his course description could be deemed as false advertising. What was billed as a scenic "trail" route was in fact knee-deep in sodden wet grass. I'm sure the views were amazing, but we chose a really wet day and I could barely see my feet.






Tuesday: Mile reps round Knightswood Park. 6.38, 6.31, 6.30 (with 2-3 min recoveries)

Thursday: 6m club run. It was on the Kelvin Walkway and then on to Great Western Road. Enough said.

Saturday: This was to be my longest run in preparation for the Devil O' the Highlands. A nice 35 miles from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William. I didn't have any times in my head, I just wanted to get the miles in my legs. No pressure, so I just went out and ran how I felt. It seemed to work, as I felt brilliant the whole way. The weather was perfect for me - wet and wild ;-) Bit treacherous on some of the descents though - especially the Devil's Staircase, which had turned into a river. And it was mighty chilly at the tops. I finished in 6:30:56, which is not too shabby. I felt really strong at the end and even managed the last few miles in 7:30m/m. What started out as a day of jogging, turned into a race against the clock. It's been a real confidence booster. I'm still on a high. All I need to do is add on another 6/7 miles, throw in some race day adrenaline, mix with a dollop of healthy competition and I should be aiming for 7hr 30 mins on race day, don't you think?

Sonic did a stirling job as support. He was great. No stopping and messing about, just a quick drop off and pick up. That's the way it should be on shorter distance ultra marathons (now that's an oxymoron). I didn't take on a lot of food and drink, but what I did have was perfect. Two GO bars, two gels, 100g of jelly babies and some dilluting juice with Nunn tablets.

He was the greatest. The best in fact.

It's taken me a couple of days to mentally compose my "goodbye" to one of the best people I have met along my journey of life.

It was a year ago today that I posted the entry "Oi, Dario! Where's my goblet". A year ago since he jokingly imposed my lifetime ban for having a "support" runner. But five days since Dario's life was cut short. Turns out the man with the biggest heart, had a heart that failed him. The Daddy of the West Highland Way Race left us on the hills of Lochnagar - surrounded by the friends who loved him.

Like everyone who met him, he had a huge impact on my life. The race really gets under your skin. I often think it's a cult. And now the head of the "family" has gone, everyone has been left lost and heartbroken.

Seems like only yesterday that he was sitting on my sofa laughing at my attempts at balancing on a gym ball. Despite my promises, I never did learn to kneel on it. Only yesterday that he made the special effort to make and present Cairn with his own little "goblet". Only yesterday that he left me in charge of his Buggyfit stand at a show, when I'd never done Buggyfit in my life! I have so many fond memories of Dario. It's heartbreaking to think there is no tomorrow.


Last Friday he had asked Marco to help me put on four stone, so he could beat me in the Devil's race. I promptly replied with he'd have to cut off my legs too. I'd do anything to see his wee stumpy legs running passed and hear his infectious laugh.

Here's the picture I took of him in last year's Devils. I remember having to push him on, as he wanted to stop for a chat. And boy could he chat.



Not only is his departure a huge lose to the running community, but the telecoms industry could be in danger too :-) If BT said it's good talk, Dario thought it was great to talk. I doubt anyone had a converstaion with Dario that lasted less than an hour. He was like a little fish-wife - always too willing to tell you things you know he shouldn't. I always ended a conversation with Dario and went straight on the phone to Sonic with "you'll never guess what..."

Every time I step foot on the WHW I will have a moment for Dario. I'm sure he'll be looking down on us all. And if he's wearing one of his usually ghastly-bright ensembles, chances are we'll see him.

Dario, I'll miss you buddy. See you at the Devil's race in three weeks. Don't be getting cocky though - make sure you stay behind me :-) xx

You'd think I would know better

Yesterday I went to Achilles Heel to pick up the new Asics Trabucos I ordered. I'm not entirely sure I have done the mileage in my last ones, but when I saw that the new version are pink I just HAD to have them. Plus I knew that at few more long training runs in the soon to be RIP-Trabucos and it would be game-over. So best to break in the new ones and have the better cushioning for the big race. Right? Oh and they're pink and lovely too :-)

So while I was in the store, I had a bit of time to kill as I was waiting for Sonic to finish with his sports' massage - administered by the wee-but-brutal, Christine. I spotted the Nike Lunar. I've read a bit about them in Runner's World and I know there are representatives from Nike coming along to showcase them at the Parkrun tomorrow. I was intrigued.



Now you'd think with a honours degree, post-graduate diploma, professional qualifications and 10 years in experience in MARKETING that I might have wised-up to gimmicky products. Nope, not me. I bought a pair. In my defense I'm genetically programmed to like new shoes. And gimmicky shoes? That's a little bit of heaven, that is. They are so light and comfortable they're like walking in bouncy slippers. I'll be trying them out in tomorrow's 5K. Watch this space.

Just in case you think I'm all-the-gear-no-idea, I went along to club training after my spending spree. I must thank Big Stevie for choosing the route along the canal and onto to the million-miles long Alderman Road. Regular readers will probably know that my least favourite routes are the canal and the Kelvin Walkway. I call them the al fresco treadmill - as the scenery doesn't change and they go on forever. I don't know whether my runs this week have taken their toll, but I felt like we were running faster than we were. As I made a song and dance about splits in my last blog entry, I'd better post them: Seven miles in total 8.46, 8.29, 8.19, 8.07, 8.16, 8.21, 8.15.

On the way to a good 5K?

Last night I had a great run. You know one of those runs when everything comes together? I could have easily been talked out of it, but I soldiered on knowing that I would feel better for it afterwards. What was supposed to be a tempo run was in danger of becoming an easy/steady, but I managed to get in the way of it.

Following a tip from Rachel, I did a one mile warm-up (9.30m/m) and then re-set my watch and went for it. I often found that I would go out too fast, to keep my average pace down. I didn't really have a goal pace in mind, I just wanted to push it for six miles. I was consistently ticking off 7+m/m, so felt great. I felt lighter and faster than I have done for months. I wasn't even completely spent when I finished. I couldn't wait to plug my watch in and check out the splits. But then I soon discovered that a certain person borrowed my Garmin for a certain long-distance race and decided to change all the settings and turn off the autolaps. And said certain person neglected to mention it or even change it back. So when I downloaded the data to SportTracks, all I could get was the summary details. I could say I was slightly completely fizzing, but that would be shallow and over-reactive...Anyway, the average pace for the six miles was 7:35m/m. Fizz. Fizz.

I plan on doing my second ever 5K on Saturday. The Parkrun 5K in Pollok Park, Glasgow. My one and only 5K was back in 2005. A blistering hot JogScotland Glasgow Green effort. Sharon beat me by one second because I had to stop to tie my lace. Nowadays she would have to stop for full outfit change, if I were to have chance of passing her. I can't find the results anywhere but I think it was 24 minutes something. Needless to say, it was such a torturous experience it has taken me four years to forget. Anyway, I digress...last night I wanted to run 3.1m (of my 6m) at a swift-for-me pace to get an idea of a time for Saturday. I covered the fairly hilly distance in 23:30. I would be quite happy with a repeat performance, but would love it if it started with 22. Watch this space.

Today, Sonic was going for an early morning run with John the Jogger - which meant I was up too. It felt like such a long morning that by 10am I think I'd already had breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a break from staring at my computer screen - and to keep me out of the fridge - I took Cairn for a seven-mile run in the Baby Jogger.

The Baby Jogger is getting much easier. The first few attempts were so brutal, it was nearly flung on the "useless must-have purchases" dump. But I'm glad I stuck with it, as I actually quite enjoy it now. I really think it's helping with my speed and strength. It's a tough session, especially on the hilly country roads I usually frequent. I definitely get a few double-takes from the local farmers. Although it's (obviously) a slower pace (today averaged 9:15m/m) it's a great all over workout. And I'm forced to maintain proper running posture - straight, lean and feet turning underneath your body - so that's a bonus too. If anyone wants to try something out their comfort zone, I've got a baby jogger you can borrow. Baby not included.

The big day is looming

Just over a month until my big race. That means I've got less than two weeks before the tapering should officially begin. I know I haven't done anywhere near as much training as a should have, but considering the obstacles I'm feeling quite positive. And considering the distinct lack of training I did for this race first time around, I'm feeling quite confident too. Really I've only had three months of (totally unstructured) training, but I've trained more on the course. Last time I had a good endurance base, but the terrain knocked it out of me. So who knows?

When I signed up for the 43-miler my main aim was just to get back in shape and complete the race. Now I'm back to 8st2 (114lb), glad to welcome the return of my 25" waist and slip quite easily into my pre-pregnancy jeans, I'm happy to say it's been worth it. And now that I'm getting in some good long-runs at a fairly reasonable pace, I may have to raise the bar a little.

I did a 28-miler on the West Highland Way before I went to Rome. I survived. And I didn't have any aches or pains the day after. Double bonus.

I was full of good intentions (well, I packed my gear) of running in Rome, but I never quite got round to it. There was just to much to do and see in the limited time we had. Lots of sight-seeing (I've definitely had my quota of old bricks) and shopping (Sonic was over it by day two). Thankfully there was mutual admiration for eating.

I did a 20-miler the morning after we got home. I used the cycle route round Helensburgh and back via Dumbarton. The first seven or so miles of the circuit is a relentless incline - which completely kills my thighs. I was agony by mile 12. By 16 miles, my calves started to ache as my altered running style was having a knock-on effect. I have never been so glad to get home in my life. I collapsed a whimpering wreck on the living room floor. I vaguely remember Sonic standing over me asking if I "wanted a leg massage" and his kind jester being met with shrieks of "DON'T TOUCH ME! DON'T EVEN LOOK AT ME!". Thankfully the drama was over quite quickly.

Last week I did a good short rep session on Tuesday and went to club training on Thursday night. As I've been out of the whole club scene for the best part of a year, I'm not quite sure where I sit. The packs have changed and I don't know what other member's paces are like. Plus, I've got no idea how I run compared to other people these days. I tried to go out with the lower packs (or the "less able" as Jill calls them) but when I heard the Geordie shrieks of Coach Lesley "Debbie, get back here!", I had to do the walk of shame back. I was then teamed up with Emma, Anna, Neil and another chap, who's name escapes me. Considering how hot it was, I was a bit concerned about running out of my comfort zone. The route was a six-miler along the Kelvin Walkway and through the west end. I wasn't sure I would be able to keep up, but I managed it. I didn't have it in me for the final kick, so I was deserted in the last 100m. I'm not sure I enjoyed, but I definitely pushed myself more than I have done of late. I know I always moan when the temperature heats up a bit, but I honestly looked like my head was going to burst when we were finished. I swear you could have seen my big purple face from space.

Friday and Saturday I just did five and four miles (respectively) on the treadmill. I'm not sure treadmill running counts as proper training, but it was better than nothing. The treadmill was one of my random must-have purchases a few months ago. I get these things in my head and I've just GOT to have something. In reality could probably count on my fingers how many times I've used it. It has been a bit of a waste of money so far, so hopefully I'll get more use out of it at some point. On that note, the next must-have purchase will be a netbook. Sonic has told me I can't buy one just because "they're cute". Apparently. Anyway, I managed to knock over Cairn's swing and smash the keyboard on my laplap (which was carelessly placed on the floor), so a netbook is a definite must-have :-)

Yesterday, I was back on the West Highland Way. Tyndrum to Kingshouse. I had a pretty good run all in all. Bit hot for my liking, but not too draining. Got to Glencoe in 2:57, fairly comfortable. Well apart from tearing down the hill into Glencoe, as I was super-keen to get in under three hours. After a cool-down run down to Kingshouse, I cooled-off in the River next to the hotel. So there we were: Me fully-clothed sitting in the water, Sonic standing with his jeans rolled up...and Cairn in his pram pulling his sun-hat over his face. Poor kid - mortified by his parents again.

Photos from Rome

Click here

All over for another year

The day after the WHWR is like the new Boxing Day. I wasn't even running and I feel like there's a void in my life. There's a huge build up, loads of planning, LOTS of chat, kit lists, race strategies, support team requirements and meetings and numerous shopping trips. Now I feel like I've left home and forgotten something.

(nervously awaiting the start)

It was a real eye-opener being on the supporting side this year. I loved every bit of it (well, apart from the midges!) and learned a great deal.

(Team Sonic and Mama Consani)

Sonic's race plan didn't quite come good, but he finished. And that, above everything, is the most important. He knew I would mock him forever if he threw in the towel, so I'm glad I "inspired" him to keep going. And to finish - after having to walk from Kingshouse - in under 24 hours is an amazing achievement.



My HUGHEST congratulations has to go to Sharon, who finished first lady (or is it woman, Dario?) is an awe inspiring time of 19:55. She is only the fourth gal to finish in under 20 hours. She is definitely taking the ultra-running scene by storm. Not bad for a girl who was supporting me last year and was bubbling "never let me do this" at the end. Her second fabulous performance of the day was still having the ability to gyrate on the dance - even with 95 miles in her legs. I think the beer in her belly helped mask the pain though :-)



Well done to everyone who ran. I don't want you slip into a coma, but there are a few special mentions: Scott (Just WoW. Although I'm sure you looked younger at the Fling)Richie (the best bridesmaid in the ultra running scene), Pacepusher (I'm still eating my words), JK (been there, done that, now everyone's got the t-shirt), Billy (we need to have a chat about the wonderful experience that is shoe shopping) Mike (about bloody time), George (fuelled on the black stuff), Wee John (you never did tell us what you were saying) Ian (the BBQ will be more of a party than a cremation this year), Drama Queen (did you get a lift?), Karen (No more kids juice now you've come of age), Davie H (even a pregnant burd beat you), Dave Waterman (shirt, slacks and grown-up shoes for the post-race party? Impressive)


Sharon and Sonic. And they didn't even whine when I dragged them back to the finish this morning.

Hope you all enjoy the recovery. I'm off to Rome for four days. Yippee. Just need to get myself a double-buggy :-) I have tried to ban WHW chat for the holiday, but I doubt we'll get as far as the airport.

WHWR Vs Childbirth

There was a forum entry a few months ago debating the comparison/differences in running 95 miles non-stop and childbirth. Men obviously "think" ultra-running is the most painful infliction of all, where as woman "know" childbirth is. Me? I'm torn. No pun intended. They both had their highs and lows and both ended with the "never again" syndrome. As I have recent experience in both, I feel the need to clarify.
Click on the image below

As I sit here with my goblet (on the shelf, probably dusted more than a month ago) and my gorgeous son, I can safety say they are both amazing life-changing experiences. After my nephew's second birthday party last week, I'm starting to think that one child is suffice, but I'll be back at the start line for the WHWR in 2010.

Karma

Well that's what I get for mocking my weekend's race attempts. I had to bow out of being last runner at the Milgavie and Bearsden 10K, as the only course I was capable of patrolling was the route from the sofa to the bathroom.

No I wasn't struck down with wine flu - not a drop passed my lips. Honest! Although Sonic was concerned I might have swine flu...as he wouldn't be able to run this weekend. I don't know what it was but I went to bed on Friday night feeling a bit bloated and ropey and in the earlier hours on Saturday I was head down in the toilet. Many trips later (sometimes not quite made in time) and I was a shaking/freezing/boiling/moaning zombie. It continued until about lunchtime. I couldn't get off the sofa and spent most of the day sleeping.

I don't do sick. I could probably count on my fingers how many times I've been ill in my life. I've had one day off work in the last 10 years and that was because I was so hungover that I couldn't get my head off the pillow. Even then I called in to take a holiday. I won't even admit I've got a cold. I'd have to be bleeding out my eyes before I'd admit defeat.

Thankfully it was over quite quickly as I felt loads better by Saturday night. And by Sunday morning I felt well enough to run round the Vale of Leven 10K with Gillian. I'm a bit of a sucker for doing what I say I'm going to do, as I don't like letting people down. Nothing else would have got me to that start line. Surprisingly I felt OK and enjoyed the run. I tried to get Gillian under the hour, but failed miserably. Actually I think I helped her get her slowest time ever. With a bit of training (Hills, Gillian!) it would be more than achievable, as the best miles were the last two miles of the race.

(Gillian and I - raring to go)
(gearing up for the sprint finish)
(one more medal than Sonic)
(with Brother Sonic and Gillian)

So with four days to go until the biggest race of his life, Sonic has now developed a close bond with the toilet. Oops. I'm so in trouble. Especially because he's a boy and therefore his symptoms are so much worse. It started this morning and should only last a few hours, but I suspect he might milk it a bit.

The need for speed

And boy do I need to do some speedwork. I want to add some variety and feel light on my feet. I haven't really done any speedwork since before London Marathon last year. After that I toned it down for the WHWR. Now I just feel like I'm plodding along quite happily. But moaning because I'm not getting any faster. Some may define insanity as : doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.

So this week was the start of my new training regime. Not that there's a regime per se. Just a want to take the bull by the horns. Not that you'd catch me near a bull you understand, but you get the drift*.

Anyway on Monday I did 1K reps. Don't get excited, I did three. I learnt back in February - when I got injured for two weeks - not to push it too quickly. So I discovered at 1000m loop round the block of houses next to me and off I went. The first one was torture, but the second and third were better. 4:28, 4:23 and 4:18. Blogging those times should shame me into working harder.

On Tuesday night, I went out for a seven-miler. I couldn't face running through Alexandria again, so I drove up to the start of the Balloch Horseshoe and did a seven-mile loop round Gartochan. It's a fab undulating country road. Plenty of nasty hills to get the heart-rate up. I started out (not feeling too energised) thinking I was going to go easy, but decided to pick up the effort level. Total time 57.56, Average 8.16. 8.50, 8.10, 8.24, 8.09, 8.11 and 8.21.

This weekend I've got two "races". Said in the loosest term as tomorrow I'm the sweeper in the Bearsden & Milngavie 10K. Jeez I hope the last runner isn't too fast for me :-) Would it be wrong to sprint finish? Ha ha. I think finishing behind the sweeper would be wrong. I hope it's not raining. Best pack a stick just in case.

On Sunday I'm pacing Brother Sonic's girlfriend, Gillian, round to get under the hour in the Vale of Leven 10K. Gillian, if you're reading - No parties tomorrow night. I want fire in your belly, not vodka! And if you even consider taking over an hour, I may have to DNF at 6.1 miles. Just kidding, my lovely. I'll ask to be omitted from the results instead :-) See me, see motivational chat.

* This brings me on to another subject. Not bulls, but cows. Why are cows scared from everyone except me? They don't cower away more me, they come at me. A few weeks ago when I was out walking on a country road with Cairn, there was one that came pounding towards me and followed me along the hedge line moo-ing it's head off. I know she was protecting her calf, but it was Cairn who had to protect me. And then last week I was out on the cycle route in the Baby Jogger. Part of the path to Dumbarton cuts across a field and over a bridge. Fine on the way out, but on the way back there was a large herd of cows. I tried but I just couldn't muster up the courage to approach. I was considering turning back, but saw a cyclist to approaching. So along came a 70+ man on a 70+old bike and dispersed them. I hung on behind him, but as soon as he was gone they all came bounding back over. I swear it should have been filmed for youtube. Me pushing a jogger at break-neck speed whilst turning every second and squealing like an idiot. I have since googled "cows that kill" and there are many tales to be told. Try it.

Garscube Harriers' WHW relay race

Yesterday was the annual WHW relay race. This involved four teams covering the 12 sections and 95 miles of the route. It's more social, rather than competitive. Or maybe that's my excuse for not taking it seriously.

I was running the Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse section (12 miles) but decided to carry on to Kinlochleven to take in another section and another 9 miles. It was strange finishing a "race" and starting a training run. But it even stranger finishing a training run in Kinlochleven. It's always been the half-way house to Fort William.



(Passing Victoria Bridge)



(Delighted it's all over)

As you will see from the results, I was in the last team. That's three years in a row. I think I'm a jinx.



It's when you look at these results to realise our superhuman Jez and Lucy are. Their course records (15:44 and 17:16) are pretty close to our team efforts of 12 runners.

Although the jury's out on results from the winning team A. Last runner Lesley got lost - ended up on the Lundarva road - and had to get a lift back to Fort William. Mmm, you go figure. Although she is 21 weeks preggers, so she can get away with anything :-) She ran the Helensburgh 10K at couple of weeks ago in a very impressive 44 minutes. I think her PB is like 36 minutes, or something rediculously fast. When I informed her that her pregnant best was faster than my PB she offered to pace me round the Clydebank 10K. I had to politely decline. Can you imagine the shame of being paced by a pregnant gal %-) To be fair, she would probably be more embarrassed finishing in my time.

The sun can take its hat off now

I must confess, I'm kinda glad this heat wave malarkey is nearly over. I know I'm quintessentially British and will therefore moan about the weather regardless, but I've so had enough. For those outwith the British Isles, when I say heatwave I mean 25 degrees. That's generally the height of the great Scottish summer. It would be lovely if you could spend your days with a book and some pink lemonade whilst someone sparks up the barbie. But in reality, I have a car with no air-conditioning (an excuse to use Sonic's), I work in a windowless cupboard and Cairn and I have so much sunblock on we look like THE shiniest people in the world.

Being of the fair and freckled skin variety, I'm quite fanatical about sunscreen. Sonic - relying on his fading Italian genes - isn't. I've had many a full-scale barney with him as he refuses to wear anything more than SPF8. And that's only after being fried. Anyway, whilst spectating at the Edinburgh on Sunday, I didn't even bother. So after four hours of baking he succumb to the high factor. Too late though as his bare feet (exposed for the first time in years) had taken the brunt. Now he has a lovely red flip-flop design on his feet. I'd post a picture, but my blog would be shut down for health and safety reasons.


(Sonic and Cairn at Edinburgh Marathon)

Well done to everyone who survived the heat (and empty water stations!) at the Edinburgh Marathon. Special congrats to Jill, Maz, Kaz and Anita who were running their first marathon. And to the Crazy Germans and Pacepushers. Usually I feel quite jealous watching races, but this time I was quite happy to only have sore hands from clapping. Oh and a very sore throat, as I was screaming like a banshee.

Despite my dislike of running in hot weather, I have managed quite a few runs. I was out with the baby jogger again last Friday. I don't know whether it was the heat or sore arms, but I had a stinker of a seven-miler. I was so glad it was over. I didn't get a chance at the weekend, but did some step reps on Monday night and a 10-miler last night - three minutes slower, but I actually quite enjoyed it.

Stop press: Sonic and I have found a TV programme we both like. I don't usually have the concentration span to sit and watch a full programme. Sonic always gets annoyed, as I get up and wander off to potter about. I do, however, love a bit of reality TV. Britain's Got Talent, X-factor, Big Brother - all the cr*p of the day really. But I don't do soaps or anything you have to follow. Anyway, our Skybox is full of Sonic's faves: Heroes, Lost, Fringe, Terminator, Prison Break and some very bizarre documentaries. All of which I don't really understand. I kid you not, he once sat through a documentary on how to make windscreen wipers. Really! As my eyes were boring into the side of his head he casually said "it's only got 15 minutes left". That was 15 minutes of my life I'll never get back. I digress...has anyone seen Lie to Me? It rocks! And we both like it. But now that Britain's Got Talent has finished it's time to start with Big Brother and America's Got Talent (which always has a special class of nutter) woohoo!

Good luck message from Cairn

To everyone running in Edinburgh. This is everything you need to know about running a marathon :-) Sound advice really.



Get your suncream out. After looking at the forecast I fear the sweat with be running faster than most legs.

Baby jogging debut

The time has come to get the new wheels on the road. My lovely Baby Jogger Performance Series has been locked in its box in the spare room for months - eagerly awaiting the day that Cairn was big and sturdy enough to ride in it.

Sonic bought me it for Christmas. Apparently it was a "Sh*t present" but it was what I wanted. Actually I said to Sonic that we should cap our Christmas expenditure at £250, as the year before we had gone a bit OTT. When he asked why, I replied "obviously the thing I want is £250" :-)

So today was our debut performance. I started working early so I could take Cairn out for a spin at lunchtime. Jeez by the time I'd got everything sorted I was so over it.

Here's a picture of Cairn in his Baby Jogger. You can tell he's distinctly underwhelmed by the experience. He's got a look that says: "When I can speak, I'm going to tell everyone I'm adopted". I know he's secretly wishing he'd going to wake up in the reality TV show or that someone is going to slip up and call him Truman.

The Baby Jogger is light and easy to maneuver, but it doesn't mean it's easy to run with. It will definitely take a bit of getting used to. I liken it to the first time I ran with a waist/back pack. I thought it was a restrictive nightmare at first, but now it's second skin. Regardless of the mechanics, I'm still pushing over two stone in front of me (Cairn is now 16lbs!). My arms ached from the word go, so hopefully continued use might strengthen them.

Today I managed a 10-mile out-and-back over to Croftamie. It's a undulating country road, so only a handful of cars passed me. I'm going to use the Jogger on quiet roads and cycle paths. No bumps and pavements. Today I drove up to the start of the road though. Not only because I didn't want to tackle pavements, but I don't think Alexandria is quite ready for a Baby Jogger. It would just look like I'd stolen a baby.

Four days on the Way

It's only 10 weeks until the Devil o' the Highlands and I'm having a slight panic. I know many readers of this blog will think that 43 miles with a little tiny 5000ft in ascent is a walk in the park. Though for every one of you, there's a million who think it just plain stupid. But for me it's my biggest (running) challenge of the year and one that's making me slightly edgy right now.

The first time I did this race in 2007, I was a little cocky to say the least. I distinctly remember sending Sonic a weblink with the subject title "Fancy this?" My reasoning was: "surely if we can run a marathon, we can walk/jog this?". Pah! We did one training run - from Kingshouse to Fort William - which nearly had me in crutches for a week. I was truly and utterly broken. You know the runs that have you practically in tears towards the end? Let's just say I wasn't so cocky after that. I wasn't even sure I would make to the end of the race let alone make it within the 12 hour cut off time. But somehow I scraped my sorry ass over the finishing line in 8:48. It was certainly a life changing experience. Now our whole lives revolve around the glorious trails of the West Highland Way. Cairn has seen more trails than the inside of his crib. Thankfully he's so happy and content, that we can take him anywhere.

So in the midst of my panic I decided to take in two long runs over the bank holiday weekend. As Sonic was taking part in the two-day training weekend, it involved regimental planning: three shopping trips, two cars, a caravan, 450 miles of driving and 120 miles of running. Not to mention drop-off bags, checkpoint pit stops and the small matter of a small child.

My first run was from Kingshouse to Fort William. Just a piddly 23.5 miles with 3000ft of ascent. The main aims were to finish it, enjoy it and feel better than I did on my first attempt. Big tick on all three. I loved it. It was a glorious sunny day and I felt brilliant the whole way. It was great having Sonic as support, although his skills aren't as fine-tuned as mine. When I got to Kinlochleven he was in full-on panic because Cairn needed feed AND changed. As babies do. And when I got to Lundarva he was busy cleaning his car with babywipes. WTF? He did turn up in all the right places and tell me I looked good, even thought he was telling fibs. I have learnt of late what difficult, often tedious and thankless task supporting is, so I really appreciate my boys coming out.

I did (kind of) return the favour by supporting Sonic on his two-day adventure. I let him take my car and leave it at Balmaha. Surely that's helping? I didn't make it up until the troops (Sonic, JK, Sharon and Davie) were over the lochside. Davie had texted me en route and me to pick him up, as his ITB was giving him jip. No problem thought I. I'd soon be passing his pick-up point. What he neglected to mention was that he wasn't actually there yet... before he dissappeared out of mobile signal. I drove up and down the A82, in out of the farm road and back and fourth to Tyndrum. I couldn't get hold of anyone and couldn't find Davie. I was convinced he was hiding in bushes laughing at me. I swear the Nazis could have found Anne Frank quicker. By the time I found Sonic et al I was a bit on the ratty side. They duly informed me that the abandoned Davie was behind them. One more drive down the road and there he was. Looking like a drowned rate. And smelling like a wet dog. Nevertheless, he was still upbeat - considering.

After having dinner in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel and a night at the Pinetrees in Tyndrum, Sonic set off on day two of JK's pacing class. Late. Maybe he slowed down his pace a bit too much. Actually maybe that's why he goes off too fast at the beginning - because he's always late and has to catch up on time? Mmm there's food for thought.

I spent the day with Mrs JK, Dr Crazy German and Davie. At least we knew when Sonic and JK would be arriving. You can set your heart by JK's timings. When I asked Mrs JK what her thoughts were on ETAs she said with a smirk: "What, you don't have a laminated sheet with splits and pace?" I'm sure it would have been useful if we referred to it. I think JK was a little close to spitting the dummy as I continued to ask him about arrival times. Obviously not referring to said laminated sheet.

So Monday, it was back to my turn for running. I opted to run back to Balmaha to pick up my car. The original plan was to spend Sunday night in the caravan and run along the loch back to Balmaha. But after spending a rainy Sunday in the car, I couldn't face being coped up in another tin can, so we just drove home.

My quads were still very tendor, but I thought I'd give it a bash. I even put the bus timetable in my rucksack in case I decided to bow out early. I ran over the horseshoe to meet the WHW before Drymen. I took it easy and wasn't even remotely bothered that I reached Drymen three minutes behind last week's time. In hindsight the reserved pace meant I could run all the way to the bottom of Conic Hill - even the nasty inclines. And even managed to run up about 40% of Conic. My quads were only causing me grief on the downhills. Actually it took me 19 mins to get up Conic Hill and 16 mins to come off the other side. I think I mentally yelped the whole way down. Despite the slow start I finished one minute faster than last week and felt a million times better. Proper pacing definitely makes a huge difference. Doesn't it. Sonic?

On another note: On the way back from Fort William on Sunday we discussed the changes being made on the West Highland Way. Horrible new gates, removing stiles, clearing forest, detour paths etc... All because of health and safety. You can tell the decision makers have never walked the WHW. This is my favourite H&S hazard - on the way to Drymen.

The path over the bridge often floods.


Which forces hikers/runners to walk along the small wall. Don't want to get wet feet afterall.


But steady those wobbly legs as there's 30ft drop on to the rocky river below.


Maybe I shouldn't have pointed this out. There will probably be a handrail there next week.

Multitasking

This weekly blogging is becoming a bit of a habit. Maybe I'm not superwoman after all. I'm mean with being a full-time working Mother (minus the childcare), 247 milk machine, maid, cook, coach and wannabe athlete, you'd think I'd have loads of time on my hands. Thankfully I'm a member of the fairer sex and just get on with it. Although I did take it to a new level last week I was feeding Cairn, making the dinner and replying to emails on my Blackberry at the same time.



So I've been back working for the last couple of weeks. Well, working from home. I wasn't sure I was motivated enough, but I actually get loads more done. And I'm lovin' it. Not that I've ever been away from work you understand. Sonic used to threaten to confiscate my Blackberry.

Although I love hanging out with Cairn, I'm so not cut-out to be a stay-at-home-Mom. I did try the baby group thing. A baby massage class, in fact. The first couple of weeks were great. But by week five we were still talking about our childbirth experiences and breastfeeding, so I losing the will to live. Maybe they were a little more wholesome than me. Especially when they were excitedly telling me about the Baby Rhythm Time class they go to on a Friday morning. I found myself saying: "oh that would be lovely" when really I thinking: "I'd rather stab myself in the eye with a rusty compass". I never went back.

I have converted the room (uh hum, cupboard) under the stairs into my office. Now I know how Harry Potter felt. I spend many long hours without even a window for sanity. I pretty much start work as soon as I get up. Given the light mornings, can be as early as 5am. When we move house, I promise I'm going to buy black-out blinds. My early morning meanderings could be grounds for divorce. The only thing with working from home, is there's no cut off point. No 9 to 5. So I could be sitting at my PC at 6am and still working at 10pm.

I'm usually up and organised before Cairn even stirs. And he sleeps through the night. I know, I've been blessed. Actually there was a day last week, when I had to wake him up at 9.45am. Not because it might mess up his routine, but because I was starting to look like Lola Ferrari. Anyway, I wished I had left him sleeping. Within the space of 30 minutes he'd puked on me, peed on the carpet and sh*t in the bath. Babies, eh? Can't live with 'em. Can't sell them on Ebay :-)

This week it's been a hard slog trying to fit in some running and general exercise. On Tuesday night, I did my usual 10-mile on the Balloch Horseshoe. Sonic always mocks me for running the same routes all the time. Does anyone else do this? I don't usually like a route until I've done it a few times. On Thursday, I did my usual seven mile tempo run round Dumbarton. See me, see creature of habit.

But wait, On Saturday I pushed the boat right out and did something different - I ran from the house (via Drymen) to Balmaha. OK it starts on the Balloch Horseshoe and I have ran from Drymen to Balmaha more times than I can mention, but I've never linked it all together. And I've never done the bit in the middle. Does this count? Wow what a great route. Undulating country roads, peaceful cycle paths and then onto the West Highland Way before Drymen. I knew this was going to be a tough 18.5 mile run, but I didn't really flag until I got to Conic Hill. I was pretty glad my journey would be over at the other side. I tried to run as much as I could, but was reduced to walking at the mega steep bits. Except when I jogged past a group of hikers and I overheard one saying "Look, there's a fell runner". Oh boll*cks! I felt obliged to keep going to save face. Thankfully the wind was behind me on the way up, but it didn't help on the descent on the other side. Being pushed off a steep muddy hill in road shoes wasn't pleasant. And the fact that my quads were screaming didn't help. Hopefully giving my legs are good kickin' should see me right for my first long run on the WHW - Kingshouse to Fort William. It's my favourite section, so I can't wait.



total time 3:19. Average pace 10:56 m/m

My first post-baby race

The Women's 10K in Glasgow. It was my first ever race, so it's a bit like a birthday celebration for me. I don't think I would have signed up for this year's if it wasn't for the fact that I want to do it every year. Even if I have to crawl round (don't quote me on that). Today would be race number 8. I had no idea what to expect. I haven't done any speed work for over a year. And the 10Ks I did when I was preggers were just for giggles.

Basically I'm starting from a clean slate. A new personal best (PB) is now a new post baby (PB). Over the last two months it's been great monitoring the improvement ever time I go out. Hopefully this will continue until I meet and surpass where I left off.

Today's run was great. I loved every minute of it. How often do you get to say you loved a 10K? I think it was the no pressure and no preconceived ideas of time/splits/pace. I just started out steady and maintained the effort the whole way. I crossed the line in 48:57 with a huge smile, as it was way better than I had expected. I finished 324 out of 10740 runners, so I'm delighted. I think that's top 3%. Not bad for my first race back. It's onward and upwards me thinks.



Average pace: 7:49 Splits: 7:50, 8:01, 7:42, 7:56, 8:06, 7:31.

And for anyone who thinks this race is flat, here's proof that there are a few cheeky hills.



The race was won by Linet Masai in 31:30. Check out the picture I found on Flickr. Big Rob (worse than a man down) rubbing shoulders with the elite :-)

Bits 'n' bobs and a 10K

I know, it's been a while. There's been a fair amount of running, but not a lot worth wibbering about. Plus I don't have the time or the inclination to bore you to death with a mile-by-mile report. And there isn't much point listing: I ran eight miles. The pace was 8 m/m. It was sunny. I liked it. Yada yada.

So, here's a synopsis of my running week. At the club training weekend, I was VERY well behaved. Well, for me anyway. I blame Jill on forgetting the Playstation leads, so we couldn't have a Singstar competition. Resorting to playing Pictionary on a flipchart using Trivia Pursuit answers (don't ask)...is enough to send anyway for an early night.

On the Sunday I had volunteered to join Kas on a 20 miler. Kas is running the Edinburgh Marathon at the end of the month, and this run was to be the tip of the training plan run. I knew it was a bit of jump for me - the longest run this year being 14 miles - but I figured as I was running with Kas my ears would ache more than my legs :-) As we were up in Callander we used the number 7 cycle route - which I'm sure Mark Beaumont used to cycle round the world. Is there anywhere that path doesn't go? The weather was nice, cool and clear. Perfect for a long run. The plan was to pace Kas round on 10m/m. We remained pretty steady, but by 12 miles my thighs were killing me. Long suffering readers of this blog may recall I had problems with my adductors and hips a while back. You may also remember I always refer to them as adductors, as I refuse point blank to call is groin strain. It's so graphic and 5-aside-like. So anyway, it was pretty long drawn out journey to the end. Kas was practicing with gels, which she duly informed me "didn't agree" with her. On the contrary, I've never seen her so happy. It was like she'd been plugged into the mains. Despite being adamant that she would take over four hours, we finished in 3:18. Kas is a sensible (pah! I'll never say that again) even paced runner, so I predict 4:15 for her marathon.

On Sunday night, I was buckled. I couldn't sit, stand or lie down. My thighs had their own pulse. I had to go to bed early as I was starting to annoy myself with my constant whining. I was pretty sure I would be out of running for a while, but on Monday morning I felt way better. And on Tuesday I did a fabulous five-miler - with one minute intervals from mile two. Thursday night I ran eight mile with the club. And that, folks, is it. Ta da. One brief summary.

I took Friday and Saturday off, as I always like two days rest before a race. Women's 10K tomorrow. Sonic had signed up for the Cateran Trail 23 today, so I thought I'd be the dutiful wife and go along for support. I did tell him that if we had to get up at the crack of dawn and drive forever to get there for the early start, that he would have to organise himself. I would sort out myself and Cairn. I always mock Sonic for being "hand-knitted". A delightfully apt phrase that I picked up from the aforementioned Kas. The one who refers to her husband as "worse than a man down". In Sonic's defense he doesn't have much of an option. I'm a complete control freak that must do EVERYTHING. But I did laugh when I told him he had to go shopping to get the stuff he needs to eat before/during/after the race and he responded: "No problem. What will I want to eat?" In all seriousness too. And this is why I say I have two children to organise.

Club run and pre-weekend frenzy

This weekend we're off to Callander for the annual Garscube Harriers' training weekend. I say training in the loosest way possible. It's usually a bit of a messy affair. There's traditionally a lot of late boozing, a Singstar competition and very dodgy morning runs. Actually one year I was so ill, I pretended I had a stop to tie my lace...waited until everyone was out of view and went back to bed.

This year I'll need to be a little more sensible. Not only will be have Cairn on tow, but Coach Lesley will be there to keep us line. Plus, I've probably been drinking too much for a gal who's supposed to be exclusively breastfeeding. There seems to be more bottles being introduced. Bottles of wine for me. And bottles of formula milk for Cairn. Thankfully Cairn - like Sonic - doesn't mind where his food comes from. As long as it's frequent and in abundance. I swear he would suck milk off a dirty cloth. Cairn that is, not Sonic.

So I've had two girlie nights with my Sis and Sharon, which have ended less than graceful. And I was at the Scottish Press Awards at the Radisson last week: In a dress, with make-up, lady shoes and a very, very small bag. It felt a little strange going out with light luggage. Anyway like all awards ceremonies, there were a lot of audience quiet moments, which unfortunately meant too much of the complimentary wine was consumed. I did laugh when the invite said the bar would be open until 3am. I'm pretty well-known for my inability to function after 10pm. The only way I would see 3am is if I needed a pee of a pillow fluff-up. I did think 11.30 would be do-able though. But I texted Sonic at 10.30pm asking if he would come and pick me up as I was "tipsy and tired". In reality I descended the marble staircase like I'd just been shot. I probably only had the equivalent of 3/4 glasses of wine - which were diluted with soda - but I gibbered utter p*sh all the way home and suffered from the wrath of the grape on Friday. Every time I half-heatedly sign the pledge never to drink wine again, but it's just too good. Pity the love is unrequited.

Anyway. Running. Let's talk about running. This evening I went out with the club. Not without precise planning though. I meet Sonic at his office and picked up his gear, whilst he went on a six mile run up to Bearsden. I drove up to the club, feed Cairn and then handed the parental duties over to Sonic. Reminding him not to throw him in the air as he's only three months old. Sometimes is best not to know what they get up to. When I came back from my run on Tuesday, Sonic excitedly informed me: "Look! He's eating banana". Help me, Boab.

I'm digressing again. Tonight's run was an "out and back". The plan was to run out (along the f-king canal!!) for 25 minutes and then turn and run the same distance back in the same time. It's supposed to be about even pacing, but I felt pretty rubbish when I set out, so I did the return journey in 22:50. I was tempted to hide behind a tree and spare the wrath of Coach Lesley, but I was willing it to be over. I only averaged 8:30m/m as I felt my legs were so stiff and heavy. I might need to reintroduce speed work sooner than planned.

Enough about him. It's all about me!

Apart from running about after Sonic (and not just on the WHW) I have been pounding the streets myself. I'm nearly up to 30 miles per week. Woohoo, ho'd me back. I've had some cracking 10 mile runs. And a 14-miler that nearly cracked me. Every run gets better and faster. The fact that I'm getting lighter (down to 8st 6lbs)has really helped. I definitely feel lighter on my feet. Still a wee bit to go until I feel comfortable in my pre-preggers jeans, but definitely moving in the right direction. I suppose three months on, I can't use the baby weight as an excuse. Especially when the baby weight is sitting in his Bumbo watching BBC news right now. Strange kid, I know.

I've been using a 10-mile route on the Balloch Horseshoe to gage how things are going. Before I was preggers (and the week after London marathon) I completed the run in 1:22. At the end of March I did it in 1:35, which I thought was good until I came back at looked up my previous time. Last week I ran with Sara in 1:35 and on Sunday I ran myself in 1:24. So I'm getting there.

I still haven't done any speed work. I'm going to wait until Mid-May and after the Ladies 10K. Then I'll be in serious training for the Devils race in August. I have no idea how I will get on in the 10K. And to be fair, I'm not really that bothered. The only reason I'm running it is because it was my first race way back in 2002 and I would like to complete it every year. If I got under 50 minutes I would be absolutely delighted. But I would be happy with anything under 55. Although I did the Paisley 10K at five months pregnant in 54 minutes, so I would have to have a serious word with myself if it was anything slower. I'll be shelving my 2008 goal of a sub:45 for another year, I think.

Although I think I'm doing OK, I would like to mention my crazy blog buddy Natalie, who ran the Boston Marathon in 4:21 - 10 weeks after having her baby son. That's four minutes faster than my first marathon. Well done, Natalie.



Congratulations to everyone who ran the London Marathon at the weekend. Special congrats to Paul (Brother Sonic) who ran after being injured for three weeks, Athole who ran a stormer in 3:05 and Coach Lesley. We came home on Sunday - with no radio, mobiles or news updates - only to discover the Skybox had crashed :-( It was quite sad to watch the marathon on TV. I ran London in 2004, 2005, 2006 (2007 I did Paris Marathon) and 2008. I've got a guaranteed place for next year, after getting 3:31:00 in 2008, so I might go back and give it another bash. But again, it's on the same weekend as the Fling, so I'm torn.

Anyway, I forgot to mention the most amazing athletic performance of the month. Forget Usain Bolt, you should have seen Dr Crazy German sprint across the carpark when a certain Mr Bragg was in need to some painkillers. Wow I've never seen a burd move so fast :-) We're both running the Devil's this year. I hope we don't have the same competitive rivalry as our husbands, or I'm in serious trouble :-) :-)

Highland Fling pictures

Click here

Dave - you might want to click, click, click.

Sonic's Fling in the Highlands

My wise pre-race words to Sonic were: "Run your own race and ignore everyone else. If you don't get the time you're after, you can say whatever you want at the end: You got injured, you blew up, ran out of energy..anything. Just do not tell me you went off to fast". Now anyone who knows Sonic, will probably be chuckling at my ambitious advice. Especially when six miles into the 53 miles, he appeared on the horizon right on the shoulder of the course record-holder and North Face sponsored ultra-human, ultra running, Jez Bragg. I was rolling my eyes so much, it took me nearly an hour to regain focus.



And, surprise, surprise, 12 miles on at the first check-point in Drymen he was still in hot pursuit. Even one of my "LOOKS" didn't dampen his sprits, as he was off bounding down the track like a Labrador that had been let out a car.

Needless to say, 20 miles in, his arrival at Balmaha was somewhat less jovial. He was 20 minutes ahead of schedule, but still in good form. Sonic must be the easiest runner in the world to support. All he fuels on is energy drink and gels. Throw in the odd jelly baby and sandwich and my job is pretty simple. So other than the fact it takes me almost as long to drive as it does to run, I had loads of time to chat, cheer and take pictures.

Because of the staggered start - females and vets start at 6am and the rest start at 7am - there was plenty of action and support teams about. It did get a bit confusing trying to work out the runner's postitions though.

Sonic was still 15 minutes ahead of schedule at Rowardennan and still looking fit. He set off on the 14 miles of the Lochside, whilst I started the journey of driving round to the other side - which can take up to an hour and a half. Although runner's always moan about the Lochside, I think the support teams get the short straw.

Watching runners appear over the bridge at Beinglas Farm is like watching the Dawn of the Dead. The lochside is notorious for zapping every ounce of life out of you. What's worse is that hitting the top of the Loch is like almost the end, but in reality there's another 12 miles of very undulating (f-ing hilly) terrain to battle.



Sonic appeared in Beinglas looking very white, after losing all the time he'd gained in the first section. He was still on target for his race goal of 8:25, but was in danger of losing it. Especially as his knee was throbbing and the girls were trying to get him to take a seat - and I was pulling him off it and telling him to get a move on. I know, I'm a bad bitch, but I only had his best interests at heart.

I stopped at the A82 about four miles along. I really hate this support point. I always feel slightly queasy stopping and getting out the car, whilst cars are flying passed at 60/70/80 miles an hour. It's a pretty straight road, so drivers really put the foot down and motorcycles dice with death. You can imagine how far my jaw dropped when I saw another support team doing a three-point-turn. WTF??

After I packed up my bag of goodies and put Cairn in his baby carrier (which is almost an operation) I headed down to the track with kathy and Silke - Dr Crazy German and wife of Sonic's biggest "friendly" rival, Tom the Crazy German. Sonic had stayed ahead of the Crazy German all day, but I knew when he appeared first my weekend was in danger of going t*ts up. Thankfully I was entertained by the Crazy Germans shouting at each other in their Mother tongue and throwing sparkling mineral water everywhere. What a diva you are Tom :-) Most people would happily cool off with some tap water. But no, not you.

Sonic arrived soon after. Walking. Of course the only thing he requested was the only thing I hadn't dragged down to the trail, his road shoes. So off I scrambled running through the tunnel and up the steps - with Cairn strapped to my front and a bag of food on my shoulder. After shouting at Sonic to change is shoes faster and stop sulking about "everyone passing" - everyone being the Crazy German - I gave him a knee strap handful of grapes and pushed him onwards.

My last support stop was to be the Wigwams, which is about 2-3 miles from the finish. I drove along to the finish in the hope of seeing the winners crossing the line, but I was too late. Jez had broken his own record and finished in 7:19. Now you can understand my previous angst.

Back at the farm I met up with Mrs JK, the long suffering wife and support of, obviously, JK. Although he was still on for a storming time, he wasn't his usual cheery self. As previously mentioned, I'm convinced little birds dress JK in the morning. But what was this? Could he have been close to spitting the dummy? :-)

After sharon went blazing through to secure a fabulous third place, I was willing Sonic to appear so I could get to the end to see her finish. I didn't have to wait for long as he came jogging/hopping down the trail in a much healthier state than the last time I saw him.



So back in the car, it was nearly over. And I was bloody exhausted. Between getting up at 4am, driving, supporting and looking after a three month old baby, I barely had time to stop let alone eat or drink anything.

Sharon finished third lady in a fabulous time of 9hr 41. And still smiling. As she had to leave, I got to pick up her prize - much to the confusion of many spectators.



Sonic finished in 8h:52. 15th position out of 242. Although he seemed quite dissapointed, I was totally over the moon for him. And to be fair if he knew that was going to be his time before the race, he would have been delighted with that. No guesses as to what he said his race faults were :-) I could say, he's just a boy at a bad age, but his plans for sorting out his race strategy was short-lived. On the way home he was still analysing the top runner's pace and splits. With he learn in time for the big race in June? Stop shaking your head. I've got eight weeks to drum it into him...

...in one ear and out of the other

But at least Sonic and the Crazy Germans are still pals. Although it looks like Sonic was off to drown his sorrows.



Big huge congratulations to everyone who ran, supported, organised and marshalled such a fabulous race.

Safari run

Well, Sara, where do I start? My closing words to Sara when we completed a 12 mile trail run was: "at least I'll have something to blog about".

It started before I'd even laced up my shoes. My original plan was to run with the Millies, but Sonic had booked a sports massage and wouldn't be home in time for their kick-off time.

The Pacepushers were going to join us, but they decided on WHW run. Sonic was hoping to have an Xbox evening the Pacepusher though. So Sara I planned our own run starting at 6.30pm. Sara, notorious for her tardiness, was on time. Sonic, also notorious for his tardiness, wasn't. It was closer to 7pm when we embarked on our journey over Stoneymollan to Cardross. All was going well. It was a nice clear evening, so the views over Loch Lomond were amazing. After heading through Cardross we turned onto the farm tracks to take the off-road route to Renton. I had just warned Sara about the evil sheepdog, when said evil sheepdog and two of his equally evil pals appeared. We tinkered about for about 10 minutes, but there was no way they were letting us passed. As previously mentioned, I'm not very good with dogs, so I wasn't going anywhere. The dogs were down on their front legs trying to chase us back down the track - and I was taking the hint. Then we saw the farmer coming up the road in his tractor. After what seemed like eternity he approach and we cowardly asked if he could help us passed. God, if felt about five years old. He seemed suitably unimpressed with us, but admitted they were "quite fierce". After we made it through we were half expecting the farmer to set them after us, so we were up the hill in record time.

Five minutes later we were surrounded by cows. Sara's a farmer's daughter so she stomped on through - with me attached to her. Despite my love of the great outdoors, I'm still convinced that all coos are bulls. One day I'll know the difference. Why do animals that bloody HUGE cower away from humans? I bet there's a story of a cow who killed a human. I'll google it later.

We passed through the last farm pretty much drama free. I was slightly nervous as the last time I was on the route a manic dog came flying out from no where.

Back on the tarmac, a mile from the main road, I thought we were on the home straight. But no safari would be complete without some neds (that's undesirable young men to my international readers!). Except these were neds with a difference. They stopped their car and asked us if we'd seen two Rottweilers. WTF?? After a series to "you're joking"/"we're not joking" they informed us that the dogs had got out of the North Lodge, as someone had left the gates open. I was totally expected them to start laughing, but they remained poker-faced. I knew the dogs they were talking about, as I'm generally terrified just walking passed the lodge gates. They are mental. The electric gates, complete with CCTV, are about 10" from the ground, so you can see the dogs growling and foaming at the mouth as they try to get free to kill you. The always remind me of Fluffy from Harry Potter. But the neds informed us: "don't worry, they're pets". I know, it keeps getting better.



We were about 70% convinced it was a wind up, but we were obviously super cautious and super terrified. Thankfully I came up with an SAS-style plan. "Right, if the dogs appear, we should cuddle each other and hide our faces. Best not to run". WTF! Where do I get my stuff from? Even super-nice Sara looked like she wanted to push me off the hill. Note to self: Look up what to do in a dog attack.

Back on the main road, we passed the Lodge. They gates were closed, but there was no sign of the dogs. Was it a wind up?? The only things that made me think otherwise was the fact the neds-in-car literally came round the corner and stopped to ask. It wasn't like the saw us coming and thought it would be a laugh. Plus, they didn't laugh. And they drove away really slowly. And the dogs actually exist.

We completed the last two miles a bit shocked and slightly battered. Think I'll shelve that route for a while.