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Saturday Jun 4, 2016 #
Running 7:20:00 [3] 32.0 km (13:45 / km) +2000m 10:29 / km
(Probably unsurprisingly) Humbled.
So, I guess the normal approach is to find a race, then plan the training well in advance, do the training, and hope the race goes well. I'm going to have to treat this the other way round - find an event, do it, realise how enjoyable it is, so start training.
Went up to the Highlander w/e in Cannich - to attempt the A course. My AP log over the last few years maybe misses a few runs, but not that many, so this was a touch optimistic.
Train up to Durham on Friday, then drove up with Chris through the afternoon. Pre-race prep of (not great) fish and chips in Pitlochry, and general (and genuine) excitement / nervousness about doing something different.
Had picked up a new lightweight sleeping bag, and spent much of the friday evening faffing over what food to take, as I kept trying to add more in. This side of things was helped by the fact that there was a marquee with food, beer & ceilidh at the mid-camp...
Early start on Saturday morning, to be ready for the bus up to the start. Off we go, right - steep climb to begin, but not too long, and then the first route choice leg that went fairly well with the mist still down. After 2nd control we had a great cloud inversion, and headed off not paying enough attention assuming it would all clear, so an annoying mistake on that leg. Particularly annoying as that was the last time I felt I could run with any ease (2hrs in). 3-4 was where I realised the extent of my problems - I couldnt run on the steep downhills, and was fairly knackered already going up. First grump of the day. 4-5 was ok, but slow with a long stop for a drink / brief recuperation, then 5-6 the sun was coming out, and I couldnt run, so another grump. (now about 4 and a quarter hours in). 6-7 long leg, with a massive climb (we,well I, chose to avoid the tops, so we only had to climb up to about 900m) followed by a lovely line past some lochans'. Leg went well, but by this point, I'd given up on the running idea, so actually (sort of) enjoyed this leg. Then one contour and climb and the rest was descent. Which meant the last 1hr 45 was absolute hell. Every step downhill was agony in the quads. Various bits of cramp, and the ignominy of all and sundry passing us on a downhill path. And a shuffle across the field to the finish. But, I'd made it ... well half-way.
Amazing setting for the mid-camp, views, great to catch up with people, couple of beers, and even a brief dance at the ceilidh.
Well, I'd decided about 4hrs in one day was going to be enough for me. And, Chris had found someone to run with the next day, so in the morning I toddled off to scrounge a lift from the organisers (and offer help in tidying up). I had a momentary twinge of doubt that this was the right decision when seeing everyone getting ready. But no, sense prevailed.
Despite quitting at that point, really happy to have done it. I hope it's re-kindled something inside me, as it was an amazing event (shame it's the last one), and I need to bring some of that back into life.
So, we'll have to see, can I use it to kickstart the training. Hopefully. Although given I cant walk today (Monday) it might be a few days before signs of life appear again on AP.
Massive thanks to the organisers for what is a great event.
So, I guess the normal approach is to find a race, then plan the training well in advance, do the training, and hope the race goes well. I'm going to have to treat this the other way round - find an event, do it, realise how enjoyable it is, so start training.
Went up to the Highlander w/e in Cannich - to attempt the A course. My AP log over the last few years maybe misses a few runs, but not that many, so this was a touch optimistic.
Train up to Durham on Friday, then drove up with Chris through the afternoon. Pre-race prep of (not great) fish and chips in Pitlochry, and general (and genuine) excitement / nervousness about doing something different.
Had picked up a new lightweight sleeping bag, and spent much of the friday evening faffing over what food to take, as I kept trying to add more in. This side of things was helped by the fact that there was a marquee with food, beer & ceilidh at the mid-camp...
Early start on Saturday morning, to be ready for the bus up to the start. Off we go, right - steep climb to begin, but not too long, and then the first route choice leg that went fairly well with the mist still down. After 2nd control we had a great cloud inversion, and headed off not paying enough attention assuming it would all clear, so an annoying mistake on that leg. Particularly annoying as that was the last time I felt I could run with any ease (2hrs in). 3-4 was where I realised the extent of my problems - I couldnt run on the steep downhills, and was fairly knackered already going up. First grump of the day. 4-5 was ok, but slow with a long stop for a drink / brief recuperation, then 5-6 the sun was coming out, and I couldnt run, so another grump. (now about 4 and a quarter hours in). 6-7 long leg, with a massive climb (we,well I, chose to avoid the tops, so we only had to climb up to about 900m) followed by a lovely line past some lochans'. Leg went well, but by this point, I'd given up on the running idea, so actually (sort of) enjoyed this leg. Then one contour and climb and the rest was descent. Which meant the last 1hr 45 was absolute hell. Every step downhill was agony in the quads. Various bits of cramp, and the ignominy of all and sundry passing us on a downhill path. And a shuffle across the field to the finish. But, I'd made it ... well half-way.
Amazing setting for the mid-camp, views, great to catch up with people, couple of beers, and even a brief dance at the ceilidh.
Well, I'd decided about 4hrs in one day was going to be enough for me. And, Chris had found someone to run with the next day, so in the morning I toddled off to scrounge a lift from the organisers (and offer help in tidying up). I had a momentary twinge of doubt that this was the right decision when seeing everyone getting ready. But no, sense prevailed.
Despite quitting at that point, really happy to have done it. I hope it's re-kindled something inside me, as it was an amazing event (shame it's the last one), and I need to bring some of that back into life.
So, we'll have to see, can I use it to kickstart the training. Hopefully. Although given I cant walk today (Monday) it might be a few days before signs of life appear again on AP.
Massive thanks to the organisers for what is a great event.