Hills, hail, headwind, hunger

And the common denominator: The Husband :-)

Sonic and I had the rare opportunity to run together on Saturday, thanks to Mama C volunteering to take HurriCairn for the day. We decided on a West Highland Way Run (backwards) from Fort William to Bridge of Orchy (36+ miles). Ideally, we would have liked to have gone in the right (northerly) direction, but the logistics were easier to do the reverse.

I suppose with the recent canal training runs, we've been quite spoiled. When you run from your house, even an epic run can be over before lunchtime. On Saturday we left Bearsden at 7am, caught the Citylink bus from Bridge of Orchy and didn't start running from the bus station in Fort William until 10am.

The weather forecast didn't look good. Heavy rain and a strong northerly wind. I don't think it registered how tough that was going to make the run. Running into a headwind for the best part of seven hours, across the most exposed areas and over the three highest peaks, probably wasn't sensible. Although it certainly was character building. Adding a hail storm and some torrential rain into the mix was a nice touch too.

My legs felt good from the off and I even enjoyed the ascent out of Fort William to Lundarva. It's the first time I had run up, and not down. Although my legs were considerably fresher than they usually do on that track, so that's probably why I enjoyed it.

Lairig Mor is much more runable when you're going south, but the headwind was testing my strength. The sun threatened to come out for a bit. But that was it. Just a thought. This was the only time that warranted a picture stop: Sonic above Kinlochleven. Don't worry, he hasn't been gorging on my home cooked (I'm laughing as a type this). The wind was just puffing out his clothes.

Again, the ascent out of Kinlochleven was a first for me. Although, it's relentless (5 miles with 1800 ft), it's really good training. Sonic kept telling me that it was "all about time-on-feet" which was just as well, as I'm pretty sure I was jogging on the spot for quite some time.

Although Sonic was good at keeping at my pace - I'm way to stubborn/lazy/slow to adopt anyone else's - my Mastermind Specialist Subject could now be: Sonic's Back. I know, I know, what did I expect running with someone who I actually nicknamed, Sonic? Shame his skeletal frame doesn't make a very good wind breaker.

Prior to the run, I was worried about my quads. Considering it's the first real WHW hill run (anything south of the lochside doesn't count, as that's just a trail run) I've done since the Devils race in August, I expected my quads to be trashed. I needn't have bothered though, as the wind coming off the peaks, including the Devil's Staircase, keep us honest. Safe to say, there was no danger of us toppling over.

I had a real energy dip on the road up to the Glencoe ski centre. I was craving real food and was all out of tablet and sweets. I sucked up my "emergency gel", which had been festering in a my rucksack for many months and hoped that would keep me going over Rannoch Mor.

Rannoch Mor is not the place to be in bad weather. It was basically hoods up and heads down all the way. I was frozen and emotionally destroyed. At one point I asked Sonic if my eyelids were closing when I was blinking, as I couldn't feel them moving. I kid you not, I thought I'd had a stroke. Apologies to anyone who's had a stroke/know someone who has/may have one in the future. I was just frozen rigid.

Even when we turned 90 degrees down the Drovers Road is was still full-face on. How is that possible? I did try my hardest not to moan. There's nothing worse than a whining runner, so mute was the order of the day. Although when we did speak we had to shout and repeat it about three times.

Over the Orchy hills (yes, the last mile) was the only time we experienced a tail wind, so at least it finished on a more positive note. When we finally made it back to the car and we peeled off soaking wet - exposing ourselves to the passing traffic - it was the first time I've been relieved at not doing the WHWR this year. Although my alternative won't be any more pleasant.

"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength" (Good ol' Oprah)

Three Reasons to Feel Good About Bad Runs - according to Runner's World. Although I'm going to change bad for tough. Someone wise taught me that: "there's no such thing as a bad run. Just bad attitude"

Opportunity for Growth. We can learn much more from the runs that humble us than the ones that go so well we hardly take notice. Tough runs inspire us to evaluate what went wrong. How many long runs have you had this season after which you sat back and thought about what went right? A brutally hard long run is an opportunity to refine your training process to avoid making any mistakes that might have led you to the tough run last weekend. Many times, when you reflect on all the variables, you can isolate a few things that may have caused a less-than-pleasant long training run. Some possibilities include: lack of sleep, stress, poor nutrition quality or quantity, weather, pacing, training too hard earlier in the week, travel, different terrain, not enough recovery in your training season, slacking on training, illness, and vacation. Evaluate, track, and modify as you go. A training plan is never set in stone and is always a work in progress.


Keeps you from dancing on the tables. If longs runs were easy, everyone would do it, and the value of the bragging rights you're earning would decline dramatically at the office. Seriously, though, I always say it ain't a training season until you've had a long run that knocks you off your socks and demands your attention. The tough runs keep you focused on your goal and they're a great reminder of the challenge ahead.

Mind over matter. That which does not kill us, makes us stronger (Nietzsche.) When you run a long distance race, you ebb and flow through a lifetime of emotions. The strong training runs prepare you for the highs, but it is the not-so-strong runs that inevitably simulate and prepare you to run through the lows. Running through it builds a solid foundation of mental strength that prepares you to tackle the greatest of challenges come race day. It may not feel like it now, but the run(s) that bring you to your knees are an important piece of the journey to the finish line.

From pot-hunting to potholing

On Friday I took the day off work - yes, I'm slowly using up my annual leave quota on training - to run along the Glasgow-Edinburgh Ultramarathon route with the Gibbering Midget. A day off work has to warrant something substantial, so we decided on Kirkintilloch to Edinburgh, which we calculated (in that I mean, we guessed) would be in the region of 47 miles. Give or take a mile or so.

You know I love a good recce, so it was nice to cover the course and iron out any navigational issues and meet the nasty bits in person. The change from the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal in Falkrik is pretty straight forward, so that's sorted. The "horror hill" shortly after, is in fact a slope which goes along a little bit longer than you'd like, but nothing to get anxious about. Then there's two tunnels. Granted, I wasn't aware there were two. First one. No problem. Enough to knock your Garmin signal, but not enough to justify a headtorch. The second one: FFS! It's not a tunnel, it's a 600m long CAVE!!


Personally, I don't think anyone should be underground ever. Well, except when you're dead. Even at that, I've told my family I will come back and haunt them if they put me in the ground. But I digress. Speluncaphobia is the fear of caving. I'm not sure how to pronounce it, but I'm pretty sure I have it. Call is caving, potholing or spelunking (as it's called stateside), it scares the living daylights out of me. Even watching someone on TV crawling through tunnel, in the name of extreme sports, makes me want to vomit.

Apparently it's called the Hallglen tunnel, but known locally as the "dark tunnel". The rat's playground (that's just an assumption) is darker than dark, with a slippy cobble stoned narrow path. And the echos and sound of dripping water, weren't exactly comforting. You would have thought I would have sprinted through, but I was resigned to a pathetic jogging shuffle, while I whimpered and clutched onto the handrail. I wasn't sure whether it was getting darker or I was passing out. The GM skipped on, totally unfazed. Although on the previous run we had to do a two-mile detour as her fear of heights wouldn't allow her to climb an out-of-use bridge, so we are now quits. Although I think I take the drama queen prize.

Other than that, it's a lovely route. Way nicer than I expected it to be. More trails than tarmac. It was a gorgeous, fresh day, which always helps. Although when we stopped to replenish supplies half-way at Linlithgow we chilled down really quickly.

The closer we got to Edinburgh, the less responsive the walkers/cyclists were. What is it with east coasters? The GM used this as an excuse to greet everyone super enthusiastically - in the style of the Mad Hatter. Hey, it passed the miles. Although one poor girl, in sunglasses that enveloped her face, thought she was about to be mugged.


At approximate 47 miles (plus a mile or so, as I forgot to start my watch again at Linlithgow) we reached the end of the canal Edinburgh. The finish of the race. Feeling pretty good, we managed to muster up the energy to run another mile or two to the Haymarket Bar for a well-deserved refreshment before getting the train back to Glasgow.

All in all a great day out, with an average pace of 8:49m/m. A logistical dream too: Get up, go for a run and get the train back. Simples. Although after nearly 50 miles of running and pint of beer, we giggled and gibbered the whole journey home - much to the delight of the rush hour commuters. Personally I think the GM's anouncement that she was going to have twins and call them Eccle and Fechan was HILARIOUS :-)

Pot-hunting? Never even crossed my mind

After a few weeks of hard training, I had scheduled in a lower-mileage weekend. Sonic was running the Scottish National Cross Country Championships on Saturday afternoon in Falkirk, so I had the morning slot. I had been meaning to try out the Parkrun in Strathclyde Park since it started, but didn't want to "waste" a whole day just running 5K.

The timing fitted perfectly and I wanted to use a shorter distance race to gauge where my fitness is at. I have been really disciplined (and most chuffed with the results!) with my speed sessions this year. I've been training alongside the boys with the jet-propelled legs at lunchtimes. I've been following Mark Johnston's training schedule (loosely) for over a year, but generally did the sessions by myself. My New Year's resolution was to stop wimping out. Granted, those jet-propelled legs are dots in the horizon shortly after kick-off, but I can hang on to the stragglers.

By mid-week the forecast predicted snow and 50mph winds, so I started to back track on my 5K race decision. After a visit to Sweatshop for new road shoes, the lovely Gavin managed to find a pair of last season's super-zippy Adidas Tempos for much cheapness. So I saw that as a sign.

At the start line, I knew it wasn't competitive race when I was the most naked runner there. During the winter months I expose very little flesh in my Burka-style ensembles, but this time I was bravely sporting a vest and capri tights. Despite the freezing conditions I was still expecting a gal, who weighs less than my three-year-old son, to appear beside me in nothing more than a bikini. But, no, the whippets were all limbering up for the Nationals. Result.

I can't really say much about the race. Given the short distance, 5Ks are pretty uneventful. In short, it was great. I loved it. I finished in 21.25 (average pace 6:53m/m) and the best bit was I was first lady! I was certainly as pleased as punch. I put it down to bikini-clad being Falkirk bound, but hey ho. A win is a win :-) First and foremost, I was really pleased to get a PB.

Here's a little video by the mad Andrew Scott. Something tells me he wasn't taking the race as serious as I was.



Just for the sake of balance, I did a steady 20-miler on Sunday.

Hoka: Don't knock them 'til you've tried them.

That should be their marketing strapline. The first time I saw someone wearing a pair of Hoka was in the Alps and I nearly died laughing. His shoes were the size of newborn babies. So radically different and in such garish colours, he didn't exactly blend in. Since then I've heard them referred to ridiculous/daft, along with the words never and ever. I'll have to admit, it took me a long time to get over the hilarity of them. Even when Richie rolled up to the 24-hour race a few months agao, there was wave of pointing and giggling from the Scotland camp.

Anyway, you know I'm a complete sucker and it would only be a matter of time until I succumb to something new. Although I bought the Bondi B, which I consider to be a much more "toned down" version of their original shoe. Less like the Tweenies and more like a road shoe.



Sonic took great pleasure in mocking my latest random purchase. Although I think he finds it moderately less embarrassing than my winter running gear and ear muff combo. Personally I find that serves dual purpose. They keep my ears warm on frosty days AND they mortify my husband. Double bonus.

Here's something to illustrate the comparison...





...after seeing my Hoka, the Crazy German has made the leap. Wonder how long it will take Sonic to follow suit... :-)

With an RRP of £125, they're not exactly cheap - Although, let's be honest, you don't get much change from £100 for trainers these day - So, I'm saving them for times when I need something special. The thinking behind this purchase, would be to use them on the epic races like the 145m Grand Union Canal Race and for my next 24-hour (you knew I was going to succumb that that never-ever too!) race. Of course, I would need to try them out and break them in.

I have to admit I was slightly nervous about launching them on the streets of Glasgow. It's not a city for the faint-hearted, so my Tweenie shoes were in danger in attracting some unwanted attention. They were almost rendered nocturnal.

They do feel strange at first. Very bouncy. I was more conscious of every step, which I put down to being a little bit taller. They're so light. So light, that when the box arrived, I thought it was empty. After a few tentative miles, I was loving them. Although I still think they will take a bit of getting used to.

My second run (last Sunday) was in daylight. A nice 10-miler around the west end. I was watching people eyes to see if they would dart to my shoes. Like the attraction of person with their zipper down. But nothing. I think I can away with these. Although I did have to adopt the dance-like-you-need-to-pee tactic at the traffic lights to ensure no one's eyes became fixated on my feet.

Let's just say so far, so good. I've been converted. I'm eating my words. Or choking on my chuckles.

Here's the science bit:

Rolling: Hoka OneOne running shoes utilise a unique rolling motion to deliver superior underfoot performance. The sole features a 50% rockering profile to provide a smooth, energy efficient stride transition from the heel strike through to the push off from the forefoot. It is this progressive motion that propels you forward with each and every strike of the foot.

Oversized: Hoka OneOne running shoes are the only shoes of their kind to make use of unique oversized technology. Using up to 2.5x the volume of EVA in the midsole compared to standard running shoes, they offer outstanding impact absorption and a highly comfortable underfoot feel. This oversized approach to design ensures a natural stride whether on smooth road surfaces or the most uneven trails.

Control: Hoka OneOne running shoes feature a unique patented bucket seat design. This is recessed between 20mm to 30mm into the midsole so that the heel is firmly supported allowing for precision striking and optimum stabilisation of the foot. The recessed nature of the bucket seat also ensures that there is still a superior level of responsiveness between the foot and the ground, despite the high level of cushioning.

Stability: Hoka OneOne shoes aren’t just oversized in terms of height and cushioning; they also utilise a 35% wider platform that is designed to enhance underfoot stability. This profile works to counteract the height ensuring that you are comfortable and confident with every strike. All of our uppers are engineered with flexible, reinforced sidewalls, precision fit and close lacing systems to enhance the feeling of stability and support.

Grip: All Hoka OneOne shoes are designed to synchronise with the terrain on which you are running. That is why they feature a wide variety of tactile lug constructions with a selection of depth profiles best suited to the terrain in question. The midsole is also designed with grip in mind allowing for the correct amount of deformation, so as to provide constant contact with the ground.

Lightweight: Hoka OneOne running shoes are engineered with weight in mind. All individual shoes are considered first class in their respective categories. Being so lightweight they help to alleviate fatigue over longer distances and are ideal for those who crave high-levels of performance without being weighed down.

I bought my Hoka Bondi B from Pete Bland Sports. They're on offer just now for £110, including delivery. I ordered them in my usual running shoe size, but had to exchange them for the half size up. That's a personal thing though, as I like room for expansion.

Anyway, Time to Fly. Yeah, they're best to stick with that strapline.

Trip to the seaside

One of the best things about running is the view. And it doesn't necessarily need to be picturesque or scenic. Rural or urban, I just like looking at things. I've lost count of the amount of times I've stopped in my tracks to browse in a shop window or to check out the menu of a restaurant. Of course, when I'm out of town or off road I do love a "wow-wee moment" when you take in your surroundings.

But, my favourite is house spotting. I just love looking at houses. Not the modern ones, that are dated by the time the owners get the keys, but the ones with real character.

Last weekend, Sonic, Cairn and I went to Bournemouth to visit BrotherSonic and the gorgeous Gillian. That was like a wow-wee house spotting session. Lovely thatched roof cottages, Victorian townhouses and contemporary apartments. Unlike Glasgow, property is referred to as condos or villa. No maisonettes or end terraces for the affluent folks of Dorset :-) It was like house spotting heaven.

After taking Friday off work to do a 37-miler with the Gibbering Midget - to bring my mileage up to 120 over eight days - I was aiming to have a "normal person's" weekend. Sonic and BrotherSonic, on the other hand, were doing the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon on the Sunday.

The relaxing Saturday started with a visit to the shore. Their apartment looks over Boscombe Pier - so very handy for a seaside jaunt. Also very handy for quick retreat when Cairn was caught by a wave shortly after this picture was taken.



Then it was a vist to Farmer Palmer's Farmpark



So the kids could burn off some steam....





When we originally planned the trip, I was going to do the half-marathon, but I wimped out. To be honest, after being out on the course, I knew I'd the made the right decision. It was a little cheeky to say the least. Undulating doesn't even scratch the surface. The guys did really well though. Sonic finished 6th in a time of 1:18.38 (he may have mentioned a few times that he beat Jez Bragg's time from last year's race by a few seconds). BrotherSonic smashed his PB by over five minutes to finish in 1.26.58 - on a course which is certainly not a PB course.

On Sunday afternoon the urge to run on Sunday was too great. It's such a gorgeous place, it would be rude not too. On Sunday afternoon I did a leisurely 12-miler along Bournemouth promenade with a loop around Sandbanks. Jeezo that was extreme house spotting! It's the fourth most expensive place to live in the world, so you can just imagine. It was even worth the trip just to look in the estate agents' window. It's a good job it was closed, as I was practically drooling all down it. I've now got my eye on my dream home. A bargain a £7.7m. Think I might need to curtail my random purchases and shoe fetish for that.

Sandbanks is a peninsula which is only one square kilometre, so I think it would make the perfect 24-hour race route! Although I might have a bit of a creek in my neck with all the noseying I'd be doing.

Shake a leg

Hello! I know, it's been a while. January was such a quick month, although it was like the perfect race - started slow and rusty (with a dismal performance in a short road race) and finished on a high, with some confidence-boosting sessions and long runs.

I was full of great intentions about posting my vague plans for 2012, but really even I don't know. All I know so far, is that I'm going to do the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra on March 31 (57 miles on the canal) and the Grand Union Canal Race on June 2 (145 miles on canal). Then it's a bit up in the air thereafter. To be honest, if I don't throw myself in a canal it will be miracle.

I'm going to focus on the two races and fore go the temptation to complete the required four races in the Scottish Ultra Marathon Series...for now! I toyed with the idea of doing the Highland Fling. Actually, I'm still toying, but there's been chat about an organised training run to cover the last 70 miles of the GUCR at the end of April, which will be more beneficial.

I'll have to admit, I'm genuinely worried about my lack of navigational skills. I've ordered the maps, but really, I'd rather not have to faff with them on race day. Especially in the dark when I'm 100 miles down. Refer to previous statement about throwing myself in the canal.

So, this year there will be more focus and more time recovering from races and training for the next. Not just race, recover, repeat a la 2011.

Which brings me nicely on to my next random purchase (Well, it was a gift from Santa): A vibration plate. Firstly, lets ignore the sh*te about it burning calories and melting away fat. Personally, I don't buy it. And regular readers of the blog will know I'm a little bit gullible when it comes to the latest fad and gadgets. This random purchase is for muscle recovery. After using it for a month, I can safely say I LOVE IT. I've been using it daily and I've had no muscle fatigue or stiffness.



I don't do any of the fancy moves that you're supposed to. I literally just stand on it.. clenching my jaw so my teeth don't rattle. There's no contortion, sweating and panting. Just lots of jiggling. Apparently, these are the benefits of using the vibration plate on a regular basis. I'd take some of them with a pinch of salt.

■Accelerates metabolism thus increasing calorie burn
■Reduces the appearance of cellulite
■Increase muscle strength and flexibility of motion
■Strengthens bones and enhancing your body posture
■Increases blood circulation and cellular oxygenation
■Reduces back pain and overall stiffness of the body
■Reduces production of the hormone Cortisol (the stress hormone)
■Stimulates lymphatic drainage, detoxing the entire body
■Enhances athletic strength increasing explosive power
■Boosts natural level of human growth hormone (HGH)
■Increases bone mass and density
■Combats osteoporosis
■Enables you to perform multiple exercises using only one machine
■Allows each and every muscle group and body part to be targeted
■Improves core strength and stability
■Accelerates recovery and regeneration from sports injuries

Happy Old Year

As I might not get another year like it, I thought I'd best write it all down. And possibly frame it!


Anglo Celtic Plate 100K: I was lucky enough to be selected to run on the Scotland team. I'll never forget my first Scotland vest, and I'll never forget this race. It was probably the hardest race I've ever done, but it was great to try a classic distance and push myself out of my comfort zone. I just missed my sub:9 hour goal, but was happy to finish in 9:03. Maybe that's just the incentive I need to give the distance another bash.


Highland Fling 53 miles: I wasn't holding out much hope for this race, as it was only a matter of weeks after the 100K. Plus, I hadn't really done that much hill and trail training, as I was predominately focusing on road. I was fairly relaxed about the race and went out with the suck-it-and-see attitude. I followed splits (devised by Sonic) that had me running 10 minutes slower in the first section than the previous year. It started rusty, came together in middle and fell apart at the end. I was delighted to finish second female in 9.39. As the event doubled as the UK Ultra trail championship, I also went home with that silver medal. And the bronze team medal. One event, four medals and a new PB. Not bad for a day's work. Sonic is now my official split co-ordinator :-)


West Highland Way Race: This was my key race for the year and I was ecstatic to achieve my dream sub:20 hour goal. 19:39 to be exact. I finished third female and 13th overall. After three WHW races, I vowed not to sign up for next year's. Not because I didn't enjoy it, because I did. OK, maybe enjoy isn't the right word, but you get the gist. I just want to try something new. I'll always be happy with my time, but I know I'll go back and try it again some day.

Clyde Stride 40: Probably not my wisest move just four weeks after the WHW, but I signed up with a view to completing four of the races in the Scottish Ultra Marathon Series (SUMS). It was a bit up and down. Some parts I felt great and in others I was burst. All in all a good race and I finished second behind Lucy Colquhoun in 5:56. My main goal was sub:6 so no grumbles from me.
T

Devil o' the Highlands (43 miles): This was my first ultra back in 2007, so it's always been quite special. Although, to be honest, this year I was only in it for the SUMS point. As it turned out, it was by far my best race of the year. You know when people talk about how some races just "click" or "come together on the day"? Well, this one did. I finished second behind Lucy (who incidentally smashed the course record by over an hour!) in 6:56. Again, my ultimate goal was sub:7.

SUMS award: Guess what? I finished second behind Lucy :-) Julie once hit the nail on the head when she said "if she wasn't so nice, you'd hate her". Wise Julie also said, "finishing second to Lucy is a win", so I'll take it.


Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Running Championships: I guess you'll know I ran on the Scotland team at the 24 hour race, because I haven't shut up about it. I finished 4th female. 1st for Scotland (overall). Broke the Scottish 200k record and was part of the team that took bronze. It was worth the destruction.

Sponsorship: After the Highland Fling I was contacted by Montane, as they wanted to give me some shiny new gear as a way of saying congratulations for being 2nd in their sponsored race. Result! Then a few months later they asked me to come on board as their first ultra-running female sponsored athlete.

Garscube Harriers' Meritorious Award: I won the award a few years ago and I was honoured enough to receive it again. As far as I can see by the listing on the trophy, I'm the only member to have won the award twice.

International Association of Ultra Runners Athlete of the Year nomination: It's a pretty safe bet that the uber-awesome Miss Hawker will walk away with this one, but I'm still in shock about making the shortlist.

Marcothon: Well tomorrow's the last day. And there will be nearly 1000 nutters (including those who haven't fessed up to bowing out) celebrating their last run. It will be a fabulous end to an amazing year. Although I have to do a 5k first. Yikes.

Happy New Year everyone.

The final countdown

The end of the Marcothon is nigh. I can't believe we're on day 22 already. Apart from a couple of hangover torture miles, there's been a limited amount of whining from me. Well, in my humble opinion. In fact, compared to last year, it's been relatively easy. Even the hurricane didn't faze me. I did, however, consider dusting off the treadmill in the garage, but thought it would be less painful to take my chances with the Bawbag. The police car that tailed me for about a mile of said run was probably a sign that I should have got the duster out. Or the flattened coke can that flew at me like a frisbee. Thankfully my ninja-like skills saved me from death by coke can decapitation.

After the hurricane, we had ice. Then a big dump of snow, which eventually turned to ice. Last weekend brought glorious winter sunshine and now we have rain. I'm pretty sure we could change the Marcothon to some kind of multi-activity event or a Decathlon.

The photo was taken on Sunday down Ayrshire way on my last run with the GM for 2011. It was a glorious day, so crisp and clear. Very icy though, so the kahtoolas came in really handy. Tomorrow, I drop the GM off at the airport so she can fly to sunny climates for a romantic festive holiday in South Africa. Jealous much? She's so psyched, she could probably fly there herself.

The support on Facebook continues to be overwhelming. People who have signed away 31 consecutive days and run the risk of falling out with their spouses/partners/families on Christmas day and they probably don't know where the event name came from. Incidentally it's an abbreviation of Martin-Consani:-) Obviously I'm joking, but it's clever, he? ;-) Some folks might even think it's a memorial race!

We've also had another wee bit of publicity. Ruth Walker from the Scotland on Sunday is an enthusiastic recruit. Click on image right.

We had a kind invitation from one of the organisers of the parkrun in Falkirk to attend their 5k on New Year's Eve which went something like... "I know you have probably had many requests for what I am about to ask, but here goes..."... ha ha you wouldn't believe how many requests we've had... That's poetic license by the way, Dave. So we've decided to make this the grand finale and have tried to encourage as many Marcothoners along as possible. Given the logistics, it seems to be the most central. Well, for those living in Scotland.

Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas.

Here's a special sing out from Cairn and Lucy. Yes, there's no end to the talents of the world's bronze medal holder. And when I picked her up en route to the party, she appeared with a homemade Christmas cake too.

IAU Athlete of the Year Nomination

The Marcothon is a great thing, but the messages/notifications have clogged up my personal email account. So much so that I missed an email from Nadeem Khan from the International Association of Ultrarunner (IAU) to say I had made the shortlist for Ahtlete of the Year. I didn't even know until Richie text me to mockingly ask for my autograph. I thought it was strange that I hadn't been notified...and trawled through my email to find it was sent last week. Doh!

I'm still getting over the shock, but this year just keeps getting better. See below (or click on this link) for info.

List of Athletes of the Year Nominated for 2011

2011 was an outstanding year for ultrarunning as it was evident from the performances of our athletes. The following athletes have made the nomination list that has been forwarded to the Member Federations and the IAU Executive Council to be voted on. The results will be announced in the third week of January 2012.

They will select their top 3 athletes (male and female) and these top 3 athletes will receive points (5 points for 1st, 3 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd) and the overall score for each athlete will be compiled.

Congratulations to all the nominated athletes!

Nadeem Khan
Director of Communications
nadeem.khan@iau-ultramarathon.org

Nominees for Athletes of the Year Award 2011

Men (in alphabetical order):

Eliot Kiplagat Biwott KEN 1st 50km World Trophy Final 2:54:53
Patrick Bringer FRA 3rd Trail World Championships 6:47:50
Giorgio Calcaterra ITA 1st World 100km Championships 6:27:32
Erik Clavery FRA 1st Trail World Championships 6:39:07
Ivan Cudin ITA 1st Spartathlon 2011 22:57:40
Andrew Henshaw USA 3rd World 100km Championships 6:44:35
Kaito Iwayama JPN 3rd World Trophy Final 2:59:12
Kilian Jornet ESP 1st Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc 20:36 :00
Rainer Wilfried Koch GER 1st Los Angeles to New York 522:55:56
Jason Loutitt CAN 2nd Trail World Championships 6:40:32
Andras Low HUN 25th Ultrabalaton 212km 25:53:05
Ian Sharman GBR1st Rocky Racoon 100 Miles 12:44
Pieter Vermeesch BEL 2nd 50km World Trophy Final 2:57:23
Michael Wardian USA 2nd World 100km Championships 6:42:49

Women (in alphabetical order):

Lindsay Anne Van Aswergen RSA 3rd 100km World Championships 7:42:05
Meghan Arbogast USA 5th 100km World Champs (World’s Age Best) 7:51:10
Marina Bychkova RUS 1st 100km World Champss 7:27:29
Monica Carlin ITA 1st 100km del Passatore 7:45:28
Lucy Colquhoun GBR 3rd Trail World Champss 7:57:20
Angela Gargano ITA 1st 12 Hour Belgrade 96km
Maud Gobert FRA 1st Trail World Champss 7:41:31
Emma Gooderham GBR 1st 50km World Trophy Final 3:17:30
Anna Grundahl SWE 1st 24 Hour Bronholm 221.681km
Susan Harrison GBR 2nd 50km World Trophy Final 3:25:05
Lizzie Hawker GBR World’s Best 24 Hours Outdoors 247.06km
Sumie Inagaki JPN World’s Best 24 Hours Indoors 240.631km
Mami Kudo JPN World’s Best 48 Hours Outdoors 368.687km
Szilvia Lubics HUN 1st Spartathlon 2011 29:07:45
Debbie Martin-Consani GBR 5th 24 Hr Commonwealth Champs 208.057km
Cecilia Mora ITA 2nd Trail World Champss 7:50:02
Kami Semick USA 3rd Comrades Marathon 6:26:25
Joanna Zakrzewski GBR 2nd 100km World Champs 7:41:06 & 3rd 50km World Trophy 3:26:37

Do I feel like a fraud? Hell yeah, have you seen who's on the list? But hey, I'm the happiest little fraud in the world :-) By the way, I was fourth in the Commonwealth Champs (not 5th) but I doubt that would make a difference. I'm off to frame my email... :-)

The four seasons fun run

The Gibbering Midget and I decided to get in a long run (35-40 miles) before the winter set in. I'm not sure why, to be honest. Even when we were firming up plans last week, neither of us could think of a logical reason as to why we were doing it, or who's daft idea it was in the first place. Although the smart man's money is on it being mine. I think it stems from last year's month-long ice rink leading to no speed or long runs and then having to crank up the miles from January to run the 100K in March. This year, I'd like to keep ticking over. I'm not even convincing myself here...

Anyway we're not sensible enough to back down, so plans were made. We were to start at mine in Glasgow, head over to Balloch, then on to the West Highland Way to Milngavie and back to the start. A nice 37 miles circuit, with a bit of everything - roads, hills and trail. On paper, perfect. Although it's all runable so it's pretty unrelentless at points.

Of course, it was pitch black when we started at 7am on Saturday morning. We toyed with the idea of taking the canal path to Dumbarton - which would involve headtorches - but I wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, so we decided to grin and bare the pavement alongside the street-lit dual carriageway of the A82. At least I thought we had made the decision. It later transpires that the GM had two buffs over her ears and had no idea what I was asking her and just nodded in agreement!

The first 10 miles were character building to say the least. It was dark and sub zero with a ice cold wind. And then the sleety rain started. Add in dirty spray from the passing lorries and buses and it was a a brutal experience. My legs were so wet and frozen, they could barely move. It was really just heads down and move forward for about 90 minutes. Thankfully, in our heads, we knew this was always going to be the nastiest part. It's a grim prospect even on the nicest of days.

After huddling in a bus shelter to refuel, we headed over the Balloch horseshoe to Croftamie. In true Scottish weather style, the sun came out revealing breathtaking views over to the snow-capped Ben Lomond. And then, of course, the grey clouds appeared and it p*ssed of rain again.

When we hit the West Highland Way, I was starting to wilt. I can't quite put my finger on it as to how I felt. It wasn't fatigue, fuelling issues or muscle pain, I just felt flat. I've felt the same for a few weeks. Just flat.

Wading through ankle deep ice cold water for a few miles didn't really help either. It was completely flooded around Beech Trees. And there was no point pussyfooting around the edges, as wet feet were inevitable. For fellow WHW runers who haven't been on the Way for a while - like me! - then there's been some resurfacing around the bottom of Dumgoyach. That's the nasty muddy bit between Carbeth and Beech Trees. And there a new lane which bypasses the farm. The WHW is turning into a cycle path and I'm not sure I like it. The mental gates were bad enough. Anyway, I bet Rosie Bell wishes this was done last year, as she wouldn't have lost her kneecap during the Fling. Still officially the worst running injury/accident I've ever seen.

After the magical powers of a Red Bull shot at Carbeth Huts, I started to perk up for the last four miles on trail. Believe it or not, we were actually blinded by the sun heading through Mugdock Park.

Then we stopped at Milngavie for some Coke before heading on the five miles home. We were still in really good spirits and just as things were looking up for the final stint, the hailstones started. Remember how I said the route had a bit of everything...? Road, trail, hills, wind, rain, sleet, hail, floods, sunshine and rainbows.

My Sunday run for the Marcothon was rusty to say the least. I managed a spaced-out 3.5 miles and that's only because I misjudge the distance of the route. Now that we have the snow and ice here, I'm glad I got that long run in after all.

Congratulations to everyone who got a place in the West Highland Way Race. I feel a bit like Cinderella not going to the ball, but I'm really looking forward to trying something new. Plus, even if I never did it again, I'll always be pleased with my time from this year. I'll be there for the race though - Sonic's on back-up payback time!

Poll for Marcothon Tshirt

The lovely Lee Maclean is trying to organise dri fit Tshirts for participants - who will, of course, be finishers. Could you please let me know of this is something that you would like to purchase. Vote on poll below please.

Poxy plans and the Marcothon

One sure way of getting out of a 10K race, is your Son breaking out with chicken pox. I was supposed to be in Bournemouth over the weekend, visiting Brother Sonic and the gorgeous Gillian. And, of course, running the Boscombe 10K. Unfortunately the nursery called on Thursday morning to say Cairn had spots that were spreading like wildfire. He was sent packing along with two of his chums.

Last year we applied for the same race, but then the flights became crazy expensive, so we decided to bank the trip and do the 10K in East Kilbride on the same day. That was to be the first day of the terrible winter weather, so that idea was canned.

Next year I'm not making any plans for the last weekend in November. It's doomed.

All was not lost though, as I finally got stuck into that house spring clean that I've been talking about since, erm, spring. Anything to stop me overdosing on the Disney Channel. And my Mum took wee poxy for a few hours on Sunday morning, so I could run with the GM. Call it respite. For him.

Given the weather forecast, I thought we'd need full waterproofs and bricks in our shoes, but we were pleasantly surprised. Don't get me wrong, it was bloody awful. Just not as bloody awful as we expected it to be. At one point I was quite toasty and even contemplated removing some layers...until some t*sser purposely drove through a massive puddle and cover us in a tidal wave of icy cold water. I was so angry, I even used the c-word. Even though the industry I work in, being called a c-word is actually a term of endearment!

So, this week (Thursday, December 1) sees the start of the Marcothon. Nearly December and no sign of snow/ice yet. Touch wood. There are over 500 recuits on Facebook. Apparently there are lots of followers on Twitter too. Although I don't really understand Twitter, so you'll have to advise me on that.

Here are a few of my favourite posts on Marcothon Facebook page:

"The event of the year is back. Can't wait" Graeme Lawson, "Even If I have to limp it" Need Neilson, "Oh dear god, not again! What am I saying? Of course we're in" Sweatshop Glasgow, "Defo! Bring on the snow, none of this warm autumnal nonsense" Toby Messenger, "Great idea. I'm keen" Andrew Murray, "A fun idea. Got to give it a go" Tony Gilmour, "Discussed this with the wife who said it was a good idea as I might even lose some weight" James Savage, "In 24 years of running, I've never run7 days/wk so this should be interesting" Zoe Thornburgh, "It was a great incentive last year and met so many people. Looking forward to giving it a god again this year" Fiona Macdonald, "Third attempt. No excuses. I will finish the Marcothon" Norman Mcneill, "Last year if helped me regain my fitness and set a new half-marathon PB" Harvey Whittington "Will help me get my butt out there in what is normally a cold dark month" Ian Beattie, "Christmas day is brilliant to run. I do it every year and love it. It's so quiet it's as if you own the city" Leanne Hamilton, "Can't wait for this. I start a new job with a long commute and it's exactly what I need to avoid picking up bad habits" Lucy Blake, "Hell's teeth. If you lot are, I are" Rich McLeod, "It's December, must be Marcotime" Stan Bland, "Can't wait to go for runs in snow after nights of Christmas partying" Niall Mcleod, "It's just the challenge I need to get back to the discipline of running regular again" Kirsty Davies Snare, "As a non-runner just now sounds like a great challenge to get me running again" Alan Lindsay, "Why not? Except for business, Christmas events, two children and bad weather...I don't have any ideas why this wouldn't work" Harald Jasser, "We have a whole batch of runners from Forward Fitness Glasgow doing it" Elle Morrison, "Delighted to report the cast and crew of Batman Live the World Arena Tour are signing up in aid of Luekaemia and Lymphonoma Research" John Conroy

There's also a nice wee bit in the Scottish Running Guide.

Not long now, folks. I've got my Kahtoolas ready. Last year, I managed to get my hands (well, feet) on a pair the day before the ice melted.

At £45 they're not exactly cheap, but I found a very similar alternative on ebay for less that £12. I bought a pair for my Mum and Sister - for just generally getting about on the ice - and they look like a pretty good deal to me.

A girlie weekend

Last Saturday morning, I met with the Garscube gals (and two token chaps) for a 10-mile trail run around Mugdock Park.

I probably only make club training about twice a month on average, so it was nice to catch up with some old faces and meet some new ones. Although I always feel like the new girl these days.

The run was due to start at 8:30, but there were a few minor delays. The carpark to the visitor centre was closed, so we abandoned cars outside. Then it was open, so we all moved. Then two gals were running late after an alarm malfunction - that wouldn't happen on JK's shift :-) Then we had to wait for a few to use the powder room. I decided against it as I'm so used to peeing outdoors these days, that I don't feel the need for a "make sure". Actually, I'll stick my neck out and say I actually prefer al fresco peeing over public facilities. It's also quite liberating :-) Just as well really, as I can barely make it round six miles these days.

The lovely Karen Mac was official tour guide for the day. Thankfully, as I had no idea where we were. And having to watch my footwork meant that I wouldn't be able to retrace my steps for re-run of the route in future.


We all stayed together, so it was nice to chat to people I wouldn't normally get a chance to. A people chain of beautifully co-ordinated outfits (again, you wouldn't ge that on JK's shift) all zig-zagging though knee-deep muddy fields. Although I'm not convinced it was just mud in parts! There was lots of Squelching, shrieking and whooping.

It was jam-packed 10 miler - hills, fields, fence hopping, mud, streams, road, trail, more mud - and lots of water!


An off- road run that doesn't require an outfit change before getting in the car or pre-washing your socks, isn't quite an off-road run.



On the Sunday, I went for a hilly 14-mile road run with the Gibbering Midget - thanks to my wonderful Mum's babysitting services. The difference with running hills on the road, is you've just got to man-up and run up 'em. There's no plodding and admiring the views like you do when you're off road. Although the last hill nearly had me on my knees, it was a grand day out.

Something worth sharing

Compiled by Julie, self-confessed "watcher of the trails" this is a lovely thought-provoking and inspiring list of observations...just in case you're not an avid reader of the WHWR blogroll, here it is...

In no particular order, these are the things I've learnt from runners and running.

Falling over hurts.
Getting back up hurts more.
Getting back up and running again hurts less.
Everybody has bad days and bad races.
Upright, outside and running is a damn good place to be.
Running through puddles doesn't stop being fun past the age of 5.
Ex-boyfriends are like jellyfish.
Good shoes are not a luxury.
Midgies are evil.

Sore legs are not a reason not to go running.
Don't ask an ultra runner to decide if you're hurt or have a whingery. They don't understand hurt.
The human body is capable of impossible things.
Running 3 minutes for the first time is harder than running 30 minutes for the first time.
Rain is a reason to go out running, not a reason to stay in.
It doesn't matter how long or short you run; sooner or later your bowels will catch you out.
Runners want other runners to do well.
The inside seam of your leggings will give way at the furthest point from home.
Only normal people have ten toenails.

It's possible to start running with tears pouring down your face.
It's not possible to keep crying when you're running.
Learning to stretch is not optional.
Being hugged by a hot and sweaty friend at the end of their race is wonderful.
A race has a winner but never a loser.
Never say never again.
Adrenalin and joy will keep you awake for a whole weekend.
Running is addictive.
Despite being an incredibly selfish sport (in terms of time and effort committed to training and racing), ultra runners are generous and open-hearted. Mostly. I'm sure there must be the odd bad egg.
Fetcheveryone.
A mile is a very long way.
Second place to Lucy counts as a win.

Legends work in supermarkets.
True love will climb Conic Hill to deliver blueberries.
Your soulmate will walk you across the Lharig Mor in the dark and cold.
TTFU.

It helps to be able to see where your feet are going.
Stopping and restarting is much harder than keeping going.
Here's to the Dreamers - God bless us all!
Run as fast as you can for as long as you can may work for Stu Mills; for most of us, negative splits are the way to go.
The longer the race, the less you compete against others and more against yourself.
A good support crew is priceless.
Too much water is more lethal than too little.
Some people race and some people run.
Being sick when you run is not a big deal, continuing to be sick when you stop is.

There is at least one person who can run 90 miles on a broken ankle.
There is at least one person who can run 15 miles while having a heart attack.
Runners don't stop because they get old.
Sometimes you run away, sometimes you run home, and sometimes you run in circles.
Jelly babies are a recognised food group.
Dates and crisps are not.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll get to the end.
There are more uses for vaseline than you really want to think about.
Ultra runners have an inordinate capacity for food and alcohol.

Hazel McFarlane runs ultras. She's also blind.
Only yoofs and wannabe rappers have white trainers.
The body can't remember pain. The mind will rationalise it.
There will always be someone who can run faster or further than you.
But maybe not both.
And maybe not today.
Finishing last is better than not starting.

Always run from the heart.
No regrets.

The long and short of it.

I have been running. Honest. Unfortunately my enthusiasm for blogging has gone into hiding with my mojo for running. Only one post in October - and even that was a picture of a pot of urine.

So, here goes. I took 10 days rest after the 24-hour race - enforced rest, as I was destroyed. I went out for my first run on the second day of holiday in Madeira. It wasn't pretty, but it wasn't awful either. Nothing hurt, but nothing moved properly. More like arms and legs flapping in robotic motions. It got better as the days went on and I managed four runs over the week. Given that Madeira was unseasonable hot, I had to get up and get back before the sun came up. It was tough enough, without adding 30 degrees to the equation.

And hilly! Wow, it's a hilly place. And I'm not talking about the mountains, just the roads. I'm sure even my car could get up those inclines.

Madeira is really beautiful, and staying five-star was total bliss. Although I'm not sure the hotel were quite prepared for the en slot of Cairn. He doesn't come with volume control. Or how much Sonic can actually eat from the buffet breakfast. Still we managed to bring down the average age of the island quite significantly.

Sonic managed to get in some hill reps with a heavy pack...



If you're bored, the holiday snaps are on flickr. Click here.

I'm back to running six days a week - Friday is my rest day - and doing two speed sessions. It's coming back slowly, but surely. Some days I feel great and other days are just plain rotten. Most days, my heart's really not it.

Last weekend I had two good runs. One on the Kilpatrick Hills with the GM and Mr and Mrs Pacepushers. Despite having the frozen car, it was a glorious morning. Really crisp and clear - just the way I like it. It was great to get my trail shoes on again, as the last time I was off-road was the Devils race in August.

Moving forward, I doing a 10K at the end of the month in Bournemouth. That will be, erm, interesting. Over the last few years, the only 10K I've done it the Glasgow Women's 10K and that always falls just after the Highland Fling.

My plans for 2012 are still a bit up in the air. I've decided against doing the West Highland Way Race again this year. Three goblets is surfice for the time being. I've got a place on the Grand Union Canal Race in June. That's 145 mile from Birmingham to London on the - yes, you've guessed it - the Grand Union Canal. This has come as a bit of shocker to my club mates, as I'm usually the first to whine when club runs are on the Forth and Clyde Canal. I've been known to liken it to treadmill running. Anyway, I now just remind them that what I've mentally endured this year with lapped running, the canal is a joy!

Marcothon 2011

Can you believe it's November already? That's exactly one calendar month to the start of the third Marcothon.

There are already 300+ people signed up on Facebook from all over the world - and it's growing daily.

The rules are simply, you must run every day in DECEMBER (any other month doesn't count). Minimum of three miles or 25 minutes – which ever comes first. The challenge starts on December 1 and finishes on December 31. And yes, that includes Christmas Day.

It's not a competition. Just a personal challenge or an incentive to burn off a few mince pies. So, who’s up for it the Marcothon 2011?

Don't try this at home, folks

Following my recent race report, I've been accused of making the 24-hour sound "quite nice". In reality, the aftermath was much less pleasant than the event itself.

When I finished the race, I was congratulated by an official from UKA ...only to be informed that I was selected for random drug testing. I thought this would have been a simple affair. Wrong. I was whisked off to a campervan, where I had to be helped up the two steps. Sonic was required to join me as my official witness. I had to fill in numerous forms, sign confessions, declare all medical consumption and wear surgical gloves to open and close various tubs and tubes. Then the representative had to escort me in the portaloo to watch me wee. Quite literally watch me. I would have been mortified, but I was totally passed caring. At first I thought I was going to have stage fright or be too dehydrated to perform, but when it started flowing I didn't think I would stop. So I was standing squealing and cursing as the tub overflowed and covered my clothes. After wearing the same pants and tights for 24 hours, I doubt it would have made any difference.

Anyway the result was so horrifying it deserved a picture for the blog. This is quite special, don't you think? More water, less coke maybe?


(Yes, this was my first post-race pee!)

After my ordeal was over and I was seated and covered in a blanket to control the shivering, I watched the GM violently puke in a bucket before her lifeless body we carted off to the hotel. She has turned a cartoon-style colour of green. I thought it was quite comical that Val and Sue (team Scotland volunteers) had to strip her and put her in the bath. Until of course Sonic had to get me out of the bath, dry me and put my underwear on. Ah, the romance.

After I was escorted to bed and slept for about 20 mins (damn that adrenaline!) - and the majority of that was spent trying to turn over - we went out for nice Italian meal. It more a case of devouring every carb on the menu. We were so scooped, we couldn't even finish a GLASS of wine. I've never been know not to finish a BOTTLE of wine.

And this, dear reader, is the classy restaurant exit of the international athletes...



That evening my calves and ankles became one - and ballooned quite specularly. Sonic woke at 3am to find me clutching the door frame of the bathroom and wailing about how it took me 30 minutes to get there. I needed assistance for quite a few days and got lots of bizarre looks when shuffling about the streets.

My legs took about a week to resume normal shape and my "cankles" were the joke of the office for a few days. Thankfully, they took pity on me and published a nice story. I think the Editor felt obliged :-)

Last arrow in my quiver

"It'll be FUN!" That's what the chipper Canadian girl said as we waited outside the portaloos before the start of the 24-hour race at Commonwealth Championships. As the GM and I looked at each other, she finished: "FUN stands for F**king Unbelievably Nasty". And that statement became the event strap line.

Ultrarunning isn't fun. You don't play ultra-running like you play football or hockey. It's all about the journey. And if the journey is blessed with a scenic backdrop, then it's a litle more pleasant.

On Thursday, when we made the trip down to Llandudno, North Wales the views across the hills and open water were spectacular. So why did I travel 300 miles - to an area I instantly fell in love with - to run a one kilometre loop around a central reservation in a housing estate? Two reasons really 1) I actually wanted to run a 24-hour race 2) I had the honour of being selected for the Scotland team.

In summary: I finished 4th lady with 208.57 kilometres (or short of 130 miles in my speak). 1st lady being the global phenomenon that is Lizzie Hawker, who broke the world record. I was first Scot - and that includes all the boys - and broke the Scottish 200K record. Together with the Gibbering Midget (who broke the Scottish 100m record) and Pauline Walker (who retains her 24-hour record) we took bronze for the ladies team.


Click here for full results

Team Scotland: The before, the after and the happily-ever-after...



Sharon AKA the Gibbering Midget (204km), me (208km) and Pauline (193km)


Jk put together a fantastic video of the race. See below. Lucky for you and me, that saves me writing a real race report :-) Let's be honest, 24-hours around a 1K loop is never going to be a right riveting read.





Some things I noted...

Blast Off: The race goes off too fast - even if, from the outside, it looks ridiculously slow. Australian, Jo Blake went off like sh*t off a shovel (as my Granny would say) and left me feeling way out of my depth. The uber-experienced, William Sichel told me that the race completely changes after four hours, and he was so right. I have never seen the wheels far off anyone like that before. And by hour 12 it was a whole different set-up. Although the neightbourhood had started to resemble a scene from Dawn of the Dead. Given the average age of a Llandudno resident, this probably wasn't out of the norm.

Walking isn't cheating: It's planning. Towards the end I was walking way faster than I could possibly run. I ran for the first 50 miles and then played some games: I'd run for 20 minutes and then walk for two minutes. Then I would run 3/4 laps to the feed station and then walk to the top corner. Later in the race it was run for 100 counts, walk for 50. And in the last hour - when my calves had exploded and my hip flexors had their own pulse - I just gave up all hope of running.

The laps weren't that bad. Actually they didn't bother me at all. Mainly because the race is about time, not distance. The clock that didn't move on the other hand...aaahh! It was a LONG 24-hours. If a marathon is a games of two halves: 20 miles and then the last six, then this race is certainly 20 hours and then the final four.

Lapping, not napping. I've never been one for faffing about at checkpoints. The longest I stopped for was to put my calf guards on. Although with Fiona Rennie within earshot screaming "keep moving!" there was little danger of over staying my welcome.

Who's where?: I had no idea where I was in terms of position, so I relied on Sonic for information. I seemed to spend a few hours at a time playing catch up an individual runner - but never the same one. It was good though, as I pretty much got to know everyone in the field. Well, apart from the unsociable ones. I ran a good bit with Sharon Gaytor, before she pulled away. Her race didn't quite so to plan and I caught her a few hours later. Sonic was on hand to give me the required information: "Come one, you're going to catch Sharon Gaytor on the next lap. She's totally burst" I had to giggle and point out that her husband was standing right next to him. With absolutely no one else about. I don't think they were bessie mates after that.

Some blether on the weather: To be fair, we were really lucky. Not a drop of rain. It was fairly breezy though. And muggy. One straight was warm with a tailwind and the other was straight into a headwind. It was essentially blowing hot and cold every three/four minutes for 24 hours! Although I'd packed for all eventualities, I wore just my vest the whole time.

Keeping the points in check: When you're used to fuelling at 10 mile section points, seeing the feed station every kilometre throws you a bit. Sonic was even coming behind the tent to see if I needed anything, so I was seeing him every three minutes! I kept telling him to go and sit down. At one point I felt like I'd taking in too much, so tried to stick to every five miles (I still can't work kilometres!) It will probably come as now surprise to you that my food intake was pretty poor. I had a few bit of tablet, a couple of sandwiches, handful of sweets, two Goodness Shakes...and then mainly survived of coke. I've learned that I can take Gu gels, as I long as I throw them back and take a gulp of coke. We came home on Monday with so much stuff, I'm sorted for Halloween. Although Sonic's been trick or treating all week!

It kinda hurt. But as I sit here almost a week later, I've forgotten all the nasty stuff. Yes, it's like childbirth. And as with childbirth, it's going to take all the king's horses and all the king's men to put me back together again. But hey, it's the best time to happen. I'm not only done in, I'm done. That's all from me this year, folks. The quiver's empty.

I'm off on holiday on Monday - to Madeira. I had a big f**k-it moment when I booked it, and we're going five-star. Before we go, we're off to Inverness for the Loch Ness Marathon this weekend. Cairn's taking one for the team and doing the Wee Nessie again.

___________

HUGE thanks to Sonic for putting up with me for the whole 24-hours. Considering how short the laps are, it must be been pretty relentless. I thought I was on my best behaviour, but he had a different opinion. I guess there were a few diva moments then.


Thanks to Team Scotland - Adrian, Mike, Val, Sue, Ken, Fiona, Les, Tim, JK and anyone else who chipped it. Also, thanks to the organisers, lap counters and everyone who came out to cheer us on (an up!). The support was amazing - especially the random strangers who got caught up in the excitement. I lost count of the amount of times I heard gasps of: "They're do what?"

You get what you pay for

It's been a while since I bought a useless random purchase. Recently I've been thinking of investing in step machine/staircase/stepper (delete as appropriate). My useless random way of thinking, is that I could condition my legs for the hills without the need for hills and/or childcare. Simples? Advice anyone?

I'm really looking for a backup plan in case we get another winter like last. Long suffering readers of this blog, may recall that winter on the hills is not a good combination for me.

Anyway, this hasn't gone further than my crazy thoughts and quick look through the wonder and joy that it Amazon.

First to note is that such a machine isn't as readily available as they once were during the height of the craze. Secondly, the extremes are quick comical. Yes, you do get what you pay for.


How about the StairMaster Stepmill Stepper. Yours for a mere £7194.

I've got one of these in the house already. It's just not motorised. One end of the extreme. It's not really in my budget. Especially considering - let's be honest - I'd barely use it. It would be more cost effective to march up and down the stairs in my office building.

Then there's this budget contraption. The Sitting Stepper - Personal Portable Mini Step Up Exerciser, retailing at £8.99.

Surely they've got a cheek adding "exerciser" into the product name?



The latter is hilarious. What a great cardio workout from the comfort of your sofa. I can sonic's face now. I could even do it at work. You know how I'm always moaning about time constraints. A wee Loch Lomond screensaver on my PC and I'd be half way up Conic Hill.

Yep, I'm still looking....

Back-to-backs

Well, that's my last weekend of training done and dusted. Signed off with two very pleasant 20-milers.

On Saturday morning I met with the GM, Emma and Nicola who are training for Berlin and Chester marathon (respectively). Yes, I managed to drag three childless gals out for an early start. Well, with the exception of the GM, who makes larks look like students.



A dull, but flat, out-and-back on the canal. We stayed together for the first few miles and then Emma and Nicola pushed on to do a 13-mile marathon tempo. Thus reminding me why I'm too lazy to run marathons. The GM and I just stayed in our steady groove. With another 20 miler looming, we didn't have the luxury of going all out. That was our excuse and we were sticking to it.

I was so nice to have the GM back in action - and injury free - and it was good to have a proper chat about plans and strategies for the 24 hour race. Although we spent more time discussing outfits for the closing celebration party.

The most entertaining thing about hanging out with the Gibbering Midget, is that she gibbers so much that nothing goes round the brain first. Like when discussing nutrition for the race, she duly informed me she's "right fond of the coke just now". Not quite as priceless as the time she annouced to a packed train "Since the WHWR, I just can't stop bonking. I was even bonking going round Tesco the other day". You could have heard a pin drop. Even over my snorting.

On Sunday morning, I had arrange for Cairn to go to my Mum's for a few hours and I ran the 20-miler down Ayshire way. A very late start for the GM and I, at a very civilised 9am.

I know sometimes the untrained eye can get the GM and I mixed up, but when we rolled up in the matching cars (yes, same make, model and colour) pink Adidas tees, nike sleeves, Gore visor and Brooks Adrenaline trainers, we can't quite understand why. The only difference was I'd swapped the Nathan bottle belt - which I'd used the day before - for a back pack.

So, that's it. No more big runs left. Just a 15-miler this Saturday. I wonder what complaints taperitus will throw at me.

I've got my post-race active recovery sorted out. Treated myself to a new road bike. It was in the sale, so it was practically free. Hopefully I should have it by the end of the week.



My Ironman quest starts next month. I might have made a dent in it by 2020.

What type of runner are you?