Training Log Archive: Big Jon

Boig to the Socach, (CP80). Lovely run up through fields and then some forest - path a bit snowy in places but all firm and solid. Out to moor and great views all round - such a good viewpoint for all the Cairngorms, Lochnagar and further east, plus to the north towards The Buck and Ben Rinnes.
34 up 21 down - surprised how step descent was, it didn't seem as steep on ascent!

Casteal na Ceilidh (CP47) and bridge over Glas All (CP45). Up tourist track then cut diagonally u pto hills then over tops (lovely runnable tops with great lumps of granite sticking out randomly). To the castle of the old woman and then diagonally down to top of tourist path - lovely snow field running in places. Cut off on wee path that traverses along to Glas Allt - lots of snow patches but mostly firm and runnable. Short chat with a walker at the bridge - didn't envy them, valley looked pretty well choked with snow in places :-) Down Glas Allt path and back along loch side - tempted by hte water but loads of people and dogs at boat house and some the bridge, so just toddled home to the car. Feeling pretty stuffed, never really felt bouncy but great day to be out - just wore thin thermal and tights. Rucksack full of extra kit!
Lots of large snow patches on hills around, but skiing would be a bit of a faff with plenty of gaps appearing now.

C • ‘Walker’ 1

2nd day of First Aid refresher course.Home then out to Aboyne chippy for fish ‘n chips :-)

lap of Dess Woods and fields, went reverse way with some different sections, just to be radical and ring the changes. Feeling fairly sprightly despite (because of?) a day in Aberdeen at a First Aid renewal course.

With RC, Hound Hillock and Sturdy Hill (CP98 & 96). Long plod with surprisingly few trods early on - then lots of snow drifts on the bigger tracks to into the heather and the peat hags. Slight headwind on way out so felt tough going, esp near Sturdy Hill where there was a wicked wind whistling up from the W. Turned and managed to get much better lines on return. less snow and hags! Had a wee food/drink stop at a new hut near Silent Pool, a bit grim inside with nothing but a few damp chairs and pools of water on the concrete floor - I guess they don't make the huts as well as Norwegian hyttes. Perked up after food and felt return was much less effort than way out.
Pleased to have done them, doubt I'll be back there soon, nothing really inspiring about them but some good views to the south to the lowlands of Strathmore.
Nothing damaged after, just a bit stiff!

With E at Potties, planned the 5+km loop but he wanted shorter so went with his 4 x 5 mins. Oof too fast - esp with no warm-up.

1st and 4th 5mins were def level 4. Not worked this hard for a while, found it tough - especially breathing.

Pleasant session in the sunshine with squirrels at the nut-feeders :-)