Some like it wet..

Some
Like it wet..
A race to never forget or
Look back down the track with a
Single regret of what could or might
Have been

For me anyway.. Always room for improvement, but I reckon the 2011 WHW Race was for me anyway, run in the most ideal conditions for running long distances over a few hills..
Coming in I reckon my preparation was as good as at any other time if not a little better. Had not done the bigger mileages of the previous years but they had all added to a cumulative leg strength that I had never had before. Last big run was sweeping the Cateran in about 14hrs.. When me and SaTAN were coming up the last hill in the pishing rain after 53 miles of strolling I knew that I was ok for the big run..
Even managed a really good sleep on the Thursday night of the race...
Matt picked me up from the house about 9:30 and we headed West... As we reached Grangemouth the rain started tipping it down and I put my head below the dashboard and said to Matt “Tell me when it has gone away”. The whole western sky was obscured by dark black clouds the likes of which have not been seen since the closing days of Mordor... As we headed through Kilsyth, Lennoxtown and Blanefield things eased a bit and with some Iggy Pop and the Stooges http://youtu.be/BJIqnXTqg8I “Now I wanna be your dog’ on the tunes it was all systems go..

The start was the usual buzz as 3 or 400 people all descend on a little train station in the west of Scotland just to start a little adventure for a day or 2.. It really is a special place to be, so many friends, old and new, and some unknown as yet to you or still to be.. Reckon I spoke to a few people and had a bit of banter.. Norm was in good form, The Twins were as sensational as ever, Jamie toeing the line with some trepidation but up for it, and my Pirate Mate his usual understated self...The Rayster looked as solid as always.. Seemed to be a lot of video cameras ..

Carrie and Jamie - getting ready for 2012





Martin Hooper the Paratrooper(just back from a sandy place and great to see him it is too), Dave, Some Aussie bloke and the sensational Matt..


And then we were off... Started off slowly as usual, spoke to Ellen, Allyson, Pauline and Fiona , all doing their 7th or more race.. Great speaking to the virgins.. Spoke to the sensational Pete and listened to him evangelicise his mantra for a sub 20.. He was a man on a mission... Was dressed in shorts as the night was mild and the weather not too wet..
Got into a bit of a steady groove and was running to schedule. Ground underfoot was wet, but not as bad as it can be especially leading up to the Beech Tree at about 7 miles.. Clocked through there bang on time, was running with a good gang.. As always in the pitch dark you really don’t get to see who you are running with until about 2 or so hours in .. Perfect conditions though, no rain, cool skies.. Got to Drymen after about 2:20 or something.. I had a look at my timings and said to the guys
“Oh thats good, am bang on schedule”
“What time are you going for “
“16hrs ..
“Gasps...
“Nahh just kidding 22 or so 
Didn’t stop, great to see all the support teams clapping and saying gday.. Had a good run up the hill, to the Gardabhan forest.. The last time I had run this bit was about 3 weeks previous when Ian, Sandra, John K, Marco, Richie, Caroline, Katrina , Neil and a couple of others came out here leaving Milngavie at 11:00.. That time there were fallen trees (LOTS !!) over the track which made a 1k section an obstacle course of epic proportions.. I did not make my way up Conic that night, finding myself a little lost in the forest (ok I have only run down this bit at least 15 or so times...) at about 2:30 in the morn .. What a great night !
Anyway had a good run up to the open plain before Conic and then up it we went.. Quite a bit of water coming down, and muddy and the cloud obscuring the usual view up the Loch to the north .. Bloody sensationa.. Was a bit worried about the descent but did not try and emulate Jez and Andrew and Stuart who I saw clattering down this hill at breakneck speed back in the Fling..

I don’t usually stop in Balmaha, but as it was a mandatory checkpoint, Matt was there in position A with my bag and questions as to what I needed. Matt had run with me for a while a couple of years ago as I was running from Gairlochy to Clunes along the Great Glen. Bag and stuff ready discarded top and walked through. Great to see BDTP, the lovely Carrie, Ian Beattie and all the rest of the Marshalls and folks there. Was told Norm was 20 mins ahead of me, thought they were joking.. I
was a few minutes adrift of my pace, but felt relatively ok.



Did not have the best of the next section.. I felt like I needed to stop for a longer duration comfort break and thought the toilets just north of Balmaha would be good, but when I got there it was all busy .. So I decided to crack on.. Was running ok, but not feeling 100% and starting to worry about pace.. Like you really need to do that at mile 20 out of 95..

Was really looking forward to my porridge at Rowardenan, and there it was.. Once again, Matt doing a champion job .. Everything ready, OJ, water, milk .. I had put on my notes that I wanted a honey stinger in my porridge, Matt could did not see the gel packs so had squashed up the jelly baby ones .. Love his work.. The food did the job and I felt a bit better .. 27 miles down ..
Had a good section up the Loch, running with this person and that . Friends old and new.. Feeling pretty strong, the cool weather was just perfect and feeling so much better than in the Fling only 6 weeks previous.. By the time we hit the concrete plinth of joy, I had got back on time.. Was very quick through Inversnaid, but walked through and caught up on texts etc.. Always a great boost to read people telling you to TTFU..

Tummy was still feeling a bit sore, really felt like I should stop but could not for reasons I do not know.. Historically I have always hated this section, the tree roots, the up and down, the logs, the rocks the never running. But I am getting to hate it less and even begin to enjoy it for what it is.. I think it was Thomas the mad Scottish German that first got me to change my mind about it. He had said on some post that he really loved it , it slows everybody down so just soak it up and enjoy it for what it is.. Being so wet, it was a little slippy but the rocks give a little more which makes the going that much easier..
Hit the top of the Loch but did not stop to sign the book.. I know our mate would understand..
To the 3 great friends that put the Dario WHW post up, thank you.. I did stop here for a few moments..
The long 2 miles to Beinglas did drag a bit.. Very weird running along knowing my crew would not be here. I did speak to the owner 2 weeks before and asked him why he did not want runners and approximately 250 customers coming through his door. He was very polite, and we had a good chat but his opinion is that the WHW takes away from his regular customers and it is not worth the hassle.. As I went arrived in the drizzle at 10AM to see a car park with NO CARS I did wonder at this but to each there own.. Not sure how it could be worked out in future..
It was so great to see the very most wonderful Maggs Turnbull here and also Ian B and other friends.. Also I finally caught up with Norm... He had been travelling really well early on but I think was feeling the pace.. 40 miles down.. 53 to go..

We spent some time together for the next few miles, but I lost him just before the lead up to the cow poo promenade.. Was really gutted to find out later he had put his blouse on a few miles later and pulled out.. I cracked on because my need to stop was finally getting to urgent to ignore.. Found a lovely soft place in the hills behind Crianlarich and finally was able to have the stop I needed. Some minutes and 5 kg lighter  I was like a new man..
About this time Michelle came past.. It was great to see her, she was running her 2nd way, the first since the birth of her baby boy last year.. We upped and downed through the hills, passing the time chatting away .. She was looking really strong, and was really hanging out to see her crew and the wee (he’s a bruiser !!) man in Auchtertyre.. I came of the hill feeling really good and was also looking fw to seeing my crew for the first time in 23 miles and about 6 or so hours.. Saw a bloke with a stick here, told him he would need to put it down or he would get binned... the response “It really hurts when I go down hill.” No shit .. He did not finish..
Got to Auchtertyre where Kristin and Gaz were waiting.. The strain of the past few hours had taken its toll and I had a bit of a moment here collecting my emotions for the next stanza..

Gaz is an eternal, supporting me for all 7 of my races.. Kristin has done the last 3 years. Once again, new support crew but the quality the same. Everything ready, food, drink, shirt .. The last time I had seen Gaz was on Hay Street in Perth after Australia s only win in the 2010/11 Ashes series.. I was just a little bit behind time, he told me that he had checked and he was able to run with me to BoO .. Had a bit of a stromash, could not find my weight card.. Had to get Krusty to plead ignorance as we left to go up the road, only to find it in my jacket pocket 200m down the road..

There was a light drizzle so I had put my jacket on.. One of my goals this year was not to have my usual dip in this next section.. I usually hit Tyndrum and struggle to get going for the next bit.. Krusty had met us here to check on supplies.. She had parked right next to the Dave and Lee memorial hall .. Gaz and I barrelled up the hill at a good stroll and then got amongst it.. I started what would prove to be my pace for the next 42 miles. Run, run run, walk .. Always running more than walking, when running was possible.. It was cool to run, and the chat with Gaz was as quality as always.. Usually he kicks my arse from KLL to Fort William but he had to go out to dinner than night so had wanted to do an arvo shift.. If I see him another 2 times this year I would be surprised, but for 10 or so miles and a few hours we chat and catch up and put some of the worlds troubles to right and all is good..

By the time we had hit BoO the rain was getting quite damp, and it was time to put leggings on.. Kristin had everything ready, and i had a bit more food and got ready.. I had not taken off my shoes for 60 miles.. Decided not to change my socks – whats the point I thought ..
Kristin helped me on with my tracksters, telling me that she would have to get use to this with her baby due in a few months.. so I started kicking my feet about and made to pull her hair to make it the full experience  .. We hit the checkpoint with Lord of the Bridge, the wonderful Carrie and the man whose fault it is John Kennedy.. Gaz had done such a great job of kicking my arse that we would need to wait till Vic Bridge till John could run with me..
Going up the hill I had to do a double take as I passed John Kynaston.. I really did not expect to see him, he was not having a good day and was grinding it out to the end.. I was feeling really strong on the hills and just ticked this one off and then had the pleasure of see Murdo the Magnificent and his Saltire at the top .. A kick in the arse and some wise words and I was heading down.. For the first time ever I even managed to run some of the road section to Vic Bridge
John joined me here and after a quick top up with supplies I said cheerio and thanks to Gaz and Kristin and away we went.. John told me that Michellle was just behind me.. There was about 3 or 4 of us within a mile of each other. I managed to pick a few people off, but had to stop for another comfort break so lost one place.. Once again, run run run run, walk.. Really maximising the running and not walking when I could run..
I love Rannoch Moor, the isolation and the memories of some good times and runs here. Each time a bit different.. I was feeling pretty good, running along, chatting with John, him telling me when to crack on, keeping my pace steady, bringing us up to people.. He left me with just as we cleared the last hill with Kingshouse in sight and headed off to get things ready at Glencoe..
Where big Mikey was waiting.. With heated up Risotto, soup, coffee, milk, gels and questions as to what I needed. With a brolly over a full put up table... With a seat, a big smile Once again change of crew, quality the same.. this can only spur you on... People giving up their whole day just so you can do what you enjoy and all you need to do is PUT IN !!
We had a good 15 mins at Glencoe.. As I was leaving Michelle came in, looking pretty beat, but still strong.. By this stage I was about 15 or 30 mins adrift of where I wanted to be for my sub 22 time.. This did not faze me, I knew I was travelling as good as I ever had, and thought I might be able to pick things up in the closing stages... Got to Kingshouse where Johns wife Ann was waiting, great to see her.. We cracked on a bit.. Mikey had come back up the track with the car to see if I needed anything..

Made good time to Altnafaed feeling pretty good then barrelled up the Devils passing about 4 people on the way, including Canadian Neil. We had had lunch on Tuesday, was great to see him travelling so well.


The descent to Kinlochleven was ok, so much easier when you are doing it in the light.. Now this is a bit I do not think I will ever like ..  .. John cracked on again as we hit the bottom of the forestry track which left me to run into KLL .. Which I managed to do, once again for the first time at this stage of the race..
And the quality continued.. Mikey parked straight out the front of the community centre.. Chair in a massive puddle.. “your feet are wet anyway, thought you would appreciate less distance to walk “ – CORRECT ! Saw the lovely Julie who used to be my neighbour in Edinburgh and was marshalling here..
Was not feeling that flash again and had to spend about 15 mins in the toilet. Felt a lot better and ready to go after a bit more food, coffee and a red bull .. After Glencoe this was only my 2nd caffeine in 5 months and it hit me.. In a good way  .. Went up the hill with John talking away and making sure my head was straight for the last stretch. I had only called him up on the Monday before the race as one of my mates had pulled out due to illness at the last minute. I mailed him and within 2 minutes got a reply that he had nothing on that could not be changed and he would come up and run with me as long as needed.. So him and Ann and the dog had driven up.. Pure quality.. We had discussed it going across Rannoch Moor and with the end in sight he was going to head home.. He had 40 miles on the Kintyre way to do the next day and wanted to get a break...
As we climbed up the hill, me burping Red Bull we passed Neil again.. He had got in and out of KLL very quickly and was on a mission.. We finally made it to the top – what a bastard hill it is... John had set me on the way and got my pace just right.. I would need to run a 2:30 half marathon to get under 22 hrs so knew that target was out so the pressure was on to get as far under my previous PB of 23:12 as possible (oh and beat Johns PB at the same time ! )
Going across the Lairig Mor I reeled in 2 people, feeding off them as they slowed on the hills. There was one bloke who I could not close in though .. every time I got to within ½ a mile he would move away .. I did not want to beat him, but I was using his pace to keep me going.. If he slowed on the ups, I would make sure I tried extra hard when I got there.. Great to see the top blokes of the outdoor rescue out there..
Finally got to Lundavra and was feeling good... I had a quick gday and man hug with the legend who is Uncle Duncan Watson and walked through .. Finally caught the bloke who I was chasing , he was sitting down having a bite to eat.. Said gday and told him how strong he was looking and telling him I had a great time chasing him across the moor.. I knew I would see him again shortly..
So 6 miles to go, 21 and a bit hours down .. On pace...No rain, cool, all my faculties.. My goal for this year after the longer runs of the past 2 years was to have a 95 mile speed session.. I knew at this time that I had done what I wanted....
Within 5 mins of me leaving Lundavra I got caught up by the runner I had chased across the last bit .. Donnie Campbell was on his way to Skye, immediately following on from the WHW.. A total of 184 miles that he completed in 48 hours.. I had heard of his challenge so when he told me that he was just taking it easy I said “I have done something like that” .. “Are you Keith” “Yes, its a real pleasure to meet you .. “ We talked a little about fatigue and how to cope with tiredness. A really top bloke, running to raise money for a Skye Cancer Care. I told him I was going for a PB and he said lets run it in together.. I knew within a few minutes that this was not going to be a good thing so told him to crack on as he did not need to be out there a minute longer than he needed to be..
The lack of the forest really threw me, I could not believe I was less than 4 miles from the end of the WHW way and I still did not need my head torch.. I really liked the lack of trees for running in, you can see where you are going and the pain in front of you .. I finally cracked through to the track with a whoop of joy and then I was heading down the hill.. I tried to keep up with Donnie but he was away..
Running running running running, walking , and NOT walking when I could run.. Down the hill.. Determined to take another minute off ..
Still no head torch even though it was dark.. And able to run for minutes at a time.. Just before Braveheart I saw this big outline on the side of the path.. As I got closer I see Mikey with his midgie net, just coming out to meet me .
“Is your car at Braveheart ?” “ Yes...” “How Far” “Oh about 2 miles” “WHAT !! “ What time is it .. “About 20 past.. “ Luckily Mikey had got it a bit wrong, it was less than a mile but it did give me a kick in the arse.. I was NOT going to miss out on my time now.. Hit Braveheart and the tarmac.. Passed another runner on the road..
Then the lights, the 30 mile speed sign.. The B&B’s.. Mikey was back in the car, driving to the end.. I ran with Neils brother who had come out to meet him for a little bit of the road.. The roundabout.. The road .. The bend.. and the finish.. And the cheers of those there. Ian, Adrian, the sensational Lucy and so many others.. and Mikey with my cold beer that tasted so good when shared with a mate..
Neil finished not long after me with Michelle finishing just after 23 hours in a cracking PB..

22 hours 40 mins and 21 seconds after leaving Milngavie I had run the 95 miles of the West Highland Way. This was my best race of the 7 I had done. .. I finished with not a single blister and feeling strong, so job done .. Could I have broken 22 hours.. Maybe, but not today, maybe another time..

Gotta thank my sensational friends Matt, Krusty / Kristin , Gaz, John and Mikey for getting me up the track... The quality was endless and you are all the reason I was able to get up the road in the way I did.. Thanks also to Shirl and the girls,all my friends and family and everyone who tweeted or texted me durng the day.. Also thanks to all the other runners, marshalls, committee and everyone else who makes this great race possible..

So speed work done.. Time to think about getting a bit of distance on the legs. Till next year...






Not sure why I am doing a ballet stance !



The beer is here.