Over The Top

All different, All the Same

2011-11-02T20:50:00.003Z

To take a stride
Longer than the norm
and fill a day with thoughts
of just doing

the pace it varies
but at the end it completes
it is about the finsh
and the sharing with friends and family
of something that is more
than the humdrum and the mundane
That removes us from the same
and maybe the sane
existence of the day to day

We run but that is not the end
The pace is a marker
that does not define
The run is what binds us
A mutual admirer
and the distance our friend

Le Grande Tour Du Sept Collines

2011-07-28T22:56:00.014+01:00

Le Grande Tour Du Sept Collines

Just a little run to see Ian King off on before his little adventure in France in a few weeks time. We have been running together for a few years now as a gang so we all managed to meet up and have our usual trot around the 7 Hills of Edinburgh.. So a decidedly French theme to send him on his way..

Weather last night was scorchio, tonight a constant drizzle but nice and cool and great running conditions... Me, Ian, Emma, Antonia set off from mine picking up Norm at his work then heading to Costorphine.. Got there about 5:45. Carrie had said she would meet us later so up we went..
Got to the top and got a text from Carrie saying she was on her way up.. A slight bit of confusion but all good and we headed down the hill and on to Craiglockhart. En route we met Kim and we all rotted around to the hill.. Pace pretty reasonable but good chat.. Unfortunately Emma was struggling with a calf injury so bailed out at the canal..
There is probably no better feeling when you crest a hill in Scotland to find a bloke n a mad beret, a UTMB t-shirt, ringing a cow bell and handing out hobnobs.. Of course there can only be one man that you would want to see up a hill.. He name is Murdo and he is Magnificent..

Cracked open a cheeky French White Burgandy which made us all a little buzzy, left the great man and on we went.. Run to Braids was nippy, Kim and Ian setting a great pace.. we all cracked on and made it up to the top to the renamed Brioche Braids... Sensational job from Carrie and really perked us up.

Run down across the golf course, in the rain, through the bracken and nettles and then up to Blackford.

Here Norm gave Ian a training aid – a tin of French Onion Soup to put in his pack for the next 4 weeks training runs.

Here we met Lisa – random chick from Chicago just minding her own business having a run whilst on holiday... “Wanna come with us.. “ “Yeah sure..”

So back down the gentle slopes past the Royal Observatory, then to the long road section through the University and the high security fencing and the up Arthurs.. Could not see much when we got to the top. Lisa well and truly holding her own, Kim setting a cracking pace on all the hills and everybody enjoying the run.. Bloody slippy on the rocks.. At the top it was time for some bruised Brie, yummy... Thanks again Carrie.. Kim left us to go home from here.

The descent was quite slow till we got onto the path then we fanged it .. Past the parliament, and the police out for some wedding this weekend.. Lizzy is on her way.. Then up Calton Rd and up the hill on the way to Calton .. Pushed it a bit but everyone on really good form now.. Even got a view at the top.. Carrie did her best jumping frog impression

And then it was on for the final sprint up the High St .. Antonia brought out 2 berets – a lovely hand knitted one for me from her Mum..

Norm led out, I fell over on the bridges and then we all barrelled up the High Street.. Cracking end to the run.. Always a shame the Castle esplanade is closed at this time of year but the grins say it all....

To Lisa the random Chicago chick, welcome to Scotland.
To MtM - merci buckets mate
To Ian King – bon chance mon amis, croissant, eu de toilette avec Mont Blanc !

A run a beer and a swim on a Sunny Day

2011-07-13T22:07:00.003+01:00

Girls back from Spain
Hamster lost then found again
So Dad not in a bad place
Heres to Sunny Days

Left the house for a little stroll up Costorphine hill. Wednesday evening, 3 weeks out so needing a bit of a kick.. Yesterday up Arthurs Seat remembering friends, absent but still with us and maybe even smiling down at us as they look at how we all are getting on..

Had been out a few times but not much, spending time in the pool, went a swim at Gullane on Sunday in the sunshine and watched the kids and the dogs play.. Been on my bike riding about, meeting people on the street, was at a ceilidh stripping the dashing white seargents willow the oter night..

Cracking evening tonight, warm and sunny, just started along Ravvie dykes to the hill.. Runnng in the evening sunshin, starting slowly and soaking up Edinburgh in the bright.. Got up the first climb between the golf courses, reckon I was doing about 8's and a bit.. Was puffing at the first climb but the excesssssessssss of life always catch up with you.. Cracked on to the Tower then dropped down along the path to the sunny meadow which opens up the Bridges, Fife, Sunshine and hills to the North.. A dog with a frisby a couple having a chat in the sunshine...

Along the meadow down to the hotel, I had been sledging with Caroline and Laura back in January down this very hill.... Lovely long grassy slope... Along to the botom of the track then through the hill to the old clearing then down to the noise, smoke and general confusion of the main road..

Back up the way I came for this is the way to the sun
to the giving light and the ife so bright

Along the meadow, past the frisby with dog attached and couple enjoying the view and back to the tower.. and then down through some more sun and then past the zoo, not a hare, gnu or kidoo to be scene...View past Arthur, down the coast, but run on to the Pentlands in front of you, basking in the sun.. A couple of blokes, having a barby and a beer i the sunshine ... "Looking like a tough arvo boys. " "having a great one.." "Smells great" "stop running and join us.. " "Reckon I might on the way back"..

Down, caning it then hit Murayfeld road or whatever its called and turn a u and back up.. Past a girl and her dog, past the boys, working it a bit, I am gonna enjoy this beer..Then had to really kick it... been running for about 70 mins or so now with a bit of hills, but the shining sunshine and the warmth and the joy of just being able to do this sort of stuff made it feel so natural .. Up to the golf courss, watched a few tee shots, all crap, catching my breath..

then down the hill as the sun raced the land to try to stay
and hang on at of the end of a lovely day
grabbing the flowers and the heather
birds and whatever
and then leaving them with a warm caress

Rob and Stewie are on the hill. A cam of Tenanants in the sushine.. Looking over at the Pentlands.. "Hows your day been today boys, whatcha been up to ? " "Been up at Harlaw fishing" "Sounds like you've had a crap day then..:-) " Talked about running, what its like to be 24, patted a couple of cracking dogs..Is there a nicer drink than a beer in the sun ?

Down the hill in the dropping sun, along the road with it cars and confusion but thats all part of it.. Onto Murrayfield, Dad and wee Daughter in kilt crossing at lights - you are in Scotland - and then onto the water of Leith, 2 girls and a dog, you don't see that a lot.. To the bridge at the Dean Galery, a bloke and his son fishing... Off with the shoes and into the flowing waters of the leith.. Out to one of Antony Gormleys mates standing out in the middle of the water, don't reckon he gets a lot of visitors.. Swim back, little bugs also enjoying their days, probably awating a bat or 2..

Phoned a friend or 2, spoke about lives anew... and happiness

A sunny day
having a run
a beer and a swim
thinking of family and friends old and new
thinking of lots of things left to do
on days of shine or not so much
it matters not for
a sunny day warms the soul eternal
with its tender touch.

Some like it wet..

2011-07-11T22:53:00.005+01:00

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.

Been a while

2011-06-23T00:23:00.003+01:00

Not had much to say
Just been doing things
Along the Way..
Like so many family
Old and new
Each with a history
Written anew
A goblet a tear
await a new year
But for now
Rejoice, Reflect and Recover.

An Update

2010-11-16T23:38:00.008Z

So a long time between posts , not been running much, been working and stuff and as a result just now have to let loose a few words.. Currently listening to a bit of Neil Young with a glass of a fine Crianza at the side ..

Had my first run in 13 days tonight with my friend Lucy and despite carrying a Whingery of epic proportion could actually run.. Reckon I have not had 13 days off running in a few years..

Funny that, when you decide to actually get out the door and trot, the pain you thought you had, is a distant memory and the rise the call, the breath and the footfall is all that you need to feel back in one piece ..

The Whingery is there, but no worse than when I went out ..

Had my post race barby the other week .. Some great friends came around.. They are the reason I can do what I do ..

The other week I was up in Glencoe... Went out with Hugh and Ollie, who was over from Aus on a trip.. Bagged my first Munro ..

Here is Ollie

And me

and Hugh and Ollie

The next day, after a cracking night of music and Uigedal at the Clachaig Inn, we ran across Rannoch Moor and back.. Here are a couple of pics Ollie took.. You gotta love Scotland in the Autumn

And finally Rannoch Moor in all its glory

Get amongst it !

Bloody gotta get this done

2010-08-25T00:25:00.005+01:00

Apologies, this is a long one, and have not really edited it that well.. Have a glass of wine...

The start as always, mental.. So many great friends, the air of expectation, the testosterone bottled up and ready to go.. This is FAMILY night, it happens once a year and it is GOOD !
Mike had picked me up from the hotel about 11, it was so great to see him.. I was knackered, but feeling good.. It was still warm, but started to feel the chill.. Drive the white beast into the carpark and found a slot. Went into register and it was great to see so many family and family to be. Had met an irish chap in the hotel, it was hist first race and he was up for it..
Saw Debs and Marco and Deano and DQ and Stan and big Davie and Adrian and Dave and who knows lots of other people.. Felt great to be at home and glad that I would be sharing the next few hours with these great people. Went back to the carpark and sat down and started to sort my shit out. I had called Mike earlier and my lovely friend Sandy had made a cracking pasta for me, a nice bit of spice, just the trick. Mike heated it up, Dave, Lee, Hannah and the Lahndan MASSIVE were next door. Norm came past and we started chatting,. He was looking like a man ready to get a goblet.. Carrie came down with a head torch  , she had had to DNS only 2 days ago ..
Ate, got ready, said hi to people. Saw Marco and told him that with the cracking form he had run in and his sensational pacing I knew he was in for a good one.. Oh that and his personalised Marco WHW10 Nike shoes .. Caught up with Richie, the air of expectation following him like a shrouded mist , but a man who knew he had done everything possible to arrive at the start in the best possible shape.. We were all rooting for him and knew he was going to do us proud.. Told him to look out the door of the Doune Bothy..
And the time ticks closer, milling around, but everyone slowly, inexorably moving closer to the underpass newly painted, closer to the start, and closer to Fort William..

Race briefing from the lovely Shaun, then a few words from Adrian and 1 minutes respectful clapping for our dearly beloved and departed friends

Said my cheerios to Milke, once again he had got me to the start line.. Would see him again at Rowardennan.. Caught George, grinning from ear to ear, and the lovely Karen ready to go.. Then set us on our way....

Started out at the back of the pack as we knew we would.. Ran with Jim R for a few miles, always a pleasure and honour to run with the old bloke.. Ran with Ray for a short time, but knew we wanted to be a bit in front of him :-)

Crikey, 8 weeks on and I have still not finished off the trip back up the road.. Just never got around to it, been busy at work and blah blah but here goes, have an hour to kill, so here goes, will make a start and get up the road.

Got to Drymen, realised that I did not have any food.. Not sure what the &*&)( happened when I left Milngavie, but there I was, 3 AM in the morning with mo gels, no snack.. WTF ?? Lucky George had some spare and we cracked on up the hill, through the forest... Breaking through the trees, we came to Conic Hill, the only one we had missed out the day before.. Topping out we looked down the Loch from the top of the hill, I love that view.. Caught up with Uncle Dunc who was really toiling .. Did not really catch what he said had happened but was gutted when he said he was pulling out .. He was looking pretty busted - later found out he had fallen and busted a few ribs .. For a bloke of considerably advancing years, he had done very well to get that far, maybe the distance is beyond him now ?? (If this bit of needle doesn't get the bloke in next year I will be very disappointed !)

Its really funny but at no stage of the way up did I have any doubt about making it.. It was bloody hard, espectially as we were trying to keep the pace up to make the times.... Knew we needed to make Rowardennan in 7 hrs.. We were on pace at Balmaha, but only just .. Mike had left me food in the usual place, so I had a bit of scoff and walked on.. Saw Old Jim who was supporting Mad Jim and Ray the legend.. His face was a picture..

We cracked on, coming across Mad Jim... We knew we were really on it for time at this point, calculating that we had about an hour to close down the remaining 4 miles.. With now closing on the full 95 miles, we had to push on.. Said to Jim and then ensued a robust discussison about race pace and cutoff times.. Jim is just quality .. One of my best ever WHW;s was sweeping one year when we crossed Rannoch Moor.. Advice to any race virgins who are struggling.. If you want to finish, stick with Jim..

So we had to crack on, and with a couple of other blokes who were toiling, went the up and down and up and down and is there another bloody hill, oh yes there is that big fallen tree and that is the last one, oh no its not, its just there, oh thats where Lucy waiting in 2008 with Kipper geeing on people and getting eaten by midges, shit it must be around the corner, oh finally there are the brown huts and the campsite and the hotel, and tears and good memories expecting to see my roly poly mate with his midgie net on, and then relief, stop, Mike and midges and Kristin and massage and bloody midges and porridge and coffee.. 27 miles down, total now at 95

Mike had to almost kick me to get going again, George was set and so away we went.. Came across a couple of blokes Gary and Lee on their first race, just leaving Rowardennan, one was toiling the other was keeping him company.. We chatted for a few moments and just told them they were good for pace and to keep at it, but he was really struggling.. I really like this section.. I always remember running it with my dog Sam, and also Ian Beattie telling me that it is about 90 mins to the end of the landrover track and then 90 mins to Inversnaid.. The terrain is varying and unlike yesterday when we were coming down in the scorching heat we were just ticking the miles off.. Before too long we were at the concrete block and then Inversnaid was upon us.. Pretty much on time .. Always love seeing the S&R people there, they are tops.. 101 Miles down.. 35 hrs elapsed..

Not really much to say about the next bit.. It was just hard as usual, the temperature was rising but not to the same extent as the previous day.. Had a moment at the top of the Loch sitting on the tree stump - I always do - and looking down where we had just come from... Stopped this time to sign the Dario book and then took down our sign from the Doune Bothie door .. Gary and Lee past us here, going really well.. I asked Lee if when we had seen then 8 miles previous if he was just being a soft girly blouse who wanted to have a cry and with a huge smile he said "Yes that just about sums it up.. " they really looked like different runners.. (As it turns out they did not finish, pulling out at Glencoe, but I bet they will be back)

As always it was dragging between the Loch and Beinglas, it is always longer than it should be .. The temperature was rising and once again we were conscious of the time pressure.. We were running about 15-16 min miles, but we knew we needed to keep this pace to get to Auchtertyre by 16:30..

Just out of Beinglas we came across 2 of my favorite most top ladies, Mags and Fiona.. They were travelling really well and looked really comfortable.. Great to see Mags enjoying her running .. We past them going through the last trees, but they would both pass us on the way out and we would not see them till the prize giving ceremony.. Kristin was there at Beinglas, cold coke, food and the warmest of smiles that just gave me a real boost..

Did not stop that long.. The heat was now really getting up again and we needed to keep on the pace.. Coming through Derrydarroch again, where only 26 hours and 112 miles before I had had my swim was a great boost.. Then it was up and over the hills.. So so dry, even in the cow shit path that is usually muddy and crappy. The hills behind Crianlarich were crap as usual.. Really really hot but plugging away.. My feet were really getting sore at this point, just busted. At St Fillans, less than a mile from Auchtertyre and with the cutoff time no longer an issues I stopped under the bridge for another swim.. Ahhh bliss, just lying in the water with my feet soaking for 5 mins ..

Hit Auchtertyre after 14:15 running time (3:15 PM ) where a lovely lady looked at my blisters, popped a few and bandaged my feet.. Then I went around and my finishing crew of Gaz, Merv and Kristin.. Gaz and Merv have now run 4 or 5 times with me, with them at my side, and with Kristin with me for the next 10 miles, I was on the homeward stretch.. Sure I had 40 miles to go, but with friends you can do anything..

Kristin gave me a bit of a leg massage, Gaz and merv got me food and stuff ready.. Despite my swim I was feeling pretty knackered and I know for the next 10 miles or so I was having a bit of a sook.. George was ready much before me and running from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy I know I was holding him back.. Not that I was going to stop, its just at this bit George was stronger.. I had Kristin running with me, and it was just tops.. She is great company and we talked about her trip to Africa and climb up Killy of only a few weeks previous..

It really was a cracking arvo, its just we were knackered..

Got to BOO (129 miles total) after 17:29 elapsed (total 43:30 hrs) and I was really toiling... Once again, I was slow to get going.. By this stage we were trying to find out who had won the race. We knew that our hero Richie was in the lead, but that there was a well credentialled American hot on his trail.. We had been crossing our fingers all the way and sending good thoughts to the North.. We asked Sean and both screamed with joy and jumped up and down when we found out that Richie had done it.. Without diminishing from any previous winner, we knew just how much he had wanted this, and just how hard he had worked to get it .. Bloody sensational.. You can read his report here..

It gave us such a boost so after trying to sort my back out we cracked on up the hill... Krusty would be leaving me at Victoria Bridge, so away we went.. I love BOO, having stayed there with my mates from Aus in 2007, and climbing the hill one morning with my mate Rup. As we approached the top this time, there was a familiar looking Saltire flying high and proud.. there is of course only one man who flies such a flag at Ultra events in Scotland, my good mate - Murdo the Magnificent.. A jelly baby and and a kick in the arse and away we went

At Vic Bridge I was still toiling and the midges were getting up, so we did not tarry that long. From here until Kinlochleven I would have the company of my mate Merv. He has joined me 3 times previously at Kingshouse, and did that and also part of the Great Glen with me last year. In 2007, when I was on my best pace, I actually had to leave him at the botrom of the Devils as he had been recovering from a flu and still had come up to run with me .. Having run 4 times, he said this time would be his last, so wanted to come across Rannoch Moor with me ..

And Scotland turned it on.. Rannoch Moor is just sooo sensational at all times, whatever the weather, you have open open miles, and hills around and clear coutry and nothing but everything.. And we had the closing of a clear blue day, high lenticular clouds and the open vista that is beauty defined.. And we started running.. There are lots of ups and downs and we found a down, and found our feet, all 6 of us (George had his crew) and we got a pace on.. Not super fast but a run it was... And on the ups we walked and talked, and Merv (who amongst other things has a Geography degree) told me about the landscape and how the little bumps are remains of what the glacier had dumped, and we ran along in the closing of the day and 140 miles in the glorious sunshine, just a few folks out for a run in the wonder that is Scotland. To experience an afternoon like that, in the company of such great people is the reason I do these things..

coming off the moor as the sun dipped and the white oasis that is Kingshouse beckoned the temperature started to drop. I knoew this was on its way and combined with fatigue it made us want to get to Glencoe and into our warms.. Gaz was waiting for us there and immediately the machine clioked into place.. Clothes, drink and food appeared and as I sat in my seat I was warming up.. Had a lovely meal of heated up tomato soup and Waitrose risotto.. So easy to eat and full of goodness.

We rug up and I get George a pair of tracksters, it is cooling down and with the tiredness we are liable to get cold.. Make it through Kingshouse at a walk.. Was taking me a while to get going.. We have done 140 miles, only 23 to go.. Piece of piss.. The the really shitty bit to Altnafaed which I hate.. Plodding ok.. Merv in good form, George travelling well. Then we hit teh bottom of the devils and explode.. We caned it, absolutely kicked the shit out of it .. It was bloody sensational.. I had Merv on my tail, and U was thinking I would lose him, but puffing a bit we topped out in less than 15 mins.. Motoring.. If that is the last time I go up the Devils with Mervyn Jones, then I am so glad we had a belter..

Got to the top, where we met Ian King.. He was sitting down and I was really worried for him.. He should have been hours in front of us.. But then when I spoke to him and he said "Leg is knackered, but I am going to finish it ." I knew he was ok.. there was absolutely no way that he was nor going to finish it.

But it was with real relief that we hit the forestry track and eventually made it to Kinlochlevem... There awaiting us was my mate Gaz and the lovely Neil and Caroline manning the KLL Checkpoint. Took us a moment to find the new place, but what a great spot... Gaz had everything ready, hot drink, food etc .. George had a pint of guiness whilst I laid on the floor scoffing fruit from a cup, muller rice and a coffee....

Back was giving me a bit of gyp, and was getting a bit knackered but we laughed about the trip up the Devils... It was great to see Neil and Caroline both family .. Neil is in the Navy now so spends his time underwater, not sure if he can run there, but it would not surprise me ..

Said goodbye to Merv, what a cracking run.. Then off we went. Had the chat about the run in, we were now in getting home mode. We would just get it done.. No need to beast the KLL hill, just crack on ..No sprint finish.. Left Kll at 2:23 - 50 hours from start time.. 150 miles done

Great trip in, really can't remember a lot, know that me and Gaz chatted a lot, the sun came up, we put one foot in front of the other.. We ate, we chatted, George with his crew, me with Gaz, just bringing it home.. Middle or Lairig Mor, in the morning light as the 3rd day dawned on us.. Just walking, thinking, stretching my back on the grass, seeing white Unicorns up against rocks, or are they rocks, not thats a sheep in a tutu, Gaz, can you see it, whats that .. One foot in front of eachother, Lundavra arrives, hidden and then there, the smoke from the fire waiting for us and keeping the midges at bay.. A wee break, saw Lorna, Ians lovely wife and she said he was cracking on... Then one foot in front of the other, up the hill, along, through to the Dear Gate, a 400 foot wooden style encrusted with broken glass and gun emplacements (well thats what the *&(&*()er feels like !) and along, one foot in front of the other, the closing in of all sound as the body shuts down all processing that it does not need. The dawn becomes an echo at the bottom of a fishbowl, fatigue..

And one foot in front of the other, through the forest.. And the dark again until the light and the expectation of the finish that is just down this little hill, oh you can see the lights, but no its 3 miles.. at least, and quads are aching, we remember the pace of the ascent 53 hours previous.. I hate it so start running out of the forest, this is my sprint finish.. As come down the forrestry track (with the extra special big stones.. ) I shout back up to George telling him I need to get off this hill.. And we run, jog, walk, putting one foot in front of the other, each step another one closer. Braveheart finally appears, as does Merv... Gaz just talking, keeping me going, just being there like the great mate he is .. I stretch again (what a &*()&(ing show pony), and tben we are off, on the tarmac..

The road, as ever, drags.... But following the mantra we plod on.. And then we are at the 30 mile sign, the B&B, the roundabout... As we approach the Nevis Bank, where my bed awaits, I say to George "Lets finish it " ... And so we run in.. Just 2 blokes doing about 3 miles an hour, strolling in.

Emotions overwhelming, pain a forgotten friend
Mates, friends, family, got us there
and would not let us stop
and so we did not
a succcess delayed
but a success, nevertheless
2 blokes
went a run
had fun

163 miles, 56hrs 05 mins..

Thanks to all who ran, walked, kicked, fed, checked us in, laid out the course, was there, we ran beside, or behind.. To those who sponsored and supported in time or deed.. If you want to sponsor me, you still can click on the link..

Thanks to our families and friends ..

To a friend
Old or not yet known
Never forgotten
we share a time
that we never replace
nor want to

I've got a Whinjury

2010-07-23T17:45:00.002+01:00

I've got a whinjury
Or a whinging injury
It comes from the mind
and the body saying no more
here is the excuse
this is the reason
to stop
put the feet up
drink beer
don't run, it hurts
its in my ankle
oh it is sore
I can run no more
just run in 2 days
or maybe 4
or bugger it
take the month off

but then I go out
Whinjury be dammed
funny it doesn't hurt as much
when the miles pile on
and my mind says thats better
Sure it is sore a bit
but the running feels great

Still got a whinjury
it is lurking in the background..
and ready to strike
if I let it..

(Still got to do my race report !)

A brief Interlude

2010-07-13T19:38:00.006+01:00

So how did I find myself in a hotel in Milngavie, next to a snoring 50 something y.o bloke, trying to get a kip after running 68 miles before starting a 95 mile ultra marathon..

So take us back a little less than a year, when I went to the Post WHW barby at Ian Beatties house.. I walk in and there is this mad bloke who does a semi arms aloft praise you sort of thing and tells me what a great effort my little run to Inverness was and how I was a legend or some such words.. And then he says "So whats next, is it the double"..

Now having just run 168 miles the week before, I guess thinking about doing a 190 mile run was not on the top of my priority list (beer was !) but I had thought about it .. I think about a lot of things .. I tend to think about things then work it out in my head, then talk to a few people and go and do it.. I said to George that I needed a year off after the WHW / Great Glen, but it would be an interesting challenge..

Roll forward a few months. My personal situation has changed significantly, I am living by myself, it is the new year, our very beloved friend has passed away and so I am thinking of not taking a year off, but having a crack at a PB for the WHW. I have had a great winter so far in the snow, am feeling strong after June and reckon I could do ok to get inside 23:12.

George puts a post on the WHW Forum to the effect "I have solved the problem of transport back from Ft William after the race.. Leave your car there, run to the start and then do the return journey " ..

I replied "Interesting"

George goes and does the Way Highland West, me and a few of the gang are out for a wee jolly from Kingshouse to Lairig Mor, meet him in Kinlochlevem and see him on his way south in the dark and the cold and the snow for a cracking 27 hr run..

A few weeks later I was in Aus for my nieces wedding and I sent George an email laying my cards on the table and asking him if he was up for it.. He replied that he was keen to do it but had a few things he needed to sort out first..

And it built from there. March / April we decided to go for it, we both had the same idea about going South then North, agreed on the timescales for the Southern leg.. I said that I would like to keep it a secret as I don't really like all the expectation of these things.. So we sort of agreed that we would just keep it quiet and go and do it..

Then Jez comes up to me at the Fling and says "So I hear that you are planning a little bit of an extra run..." Apparently he was sitting next to some bloke in a restaurant in Milngavie the night before the fling who was drinking Zambucca shots who said he was going to do the double with some Australian bloke..

So what followed was one of the worst kept secrets.. Oh well.. We actually had never ran together before, George is a bit quicker than me and we had never really hooked up on a training run.. Until the Cateran Trail when I spent a cracking 14 hrs in the company of George (and 14 *&(^&&*^*(ing frustrating hours in the company of some other bloke !!) .. we got on, we talked, we thought about things.. We agreed on the goal..

George and I are very different runners, he runs lots of miles, I am minimalist in my training.. But the desire is the same. As we waited in the Travelodge in Milngavie I was on the spare couch, he was snoring on the bed. I was a little bit envious that he could sleep and my head was spinning... I had just spent 18 hrs doing the hardest continuous running of my life.. I was relaxing.. We had taken a hit on the big goal.. We were not going to do the double. As I lay there, I kept thinking that maybe we should have cracked on, had a go.. But I knew we had made the right decision..

We had one goal remaining.. A goblet. We had a cracking support team and I knew that me and George were running well together.. He would not stop until the door of the Lochaber Leisure Centre and neither would I..

So what started at a barby 11 months before had changed a little bit, but thats what its about.. Re-assess, focus and crack on..

At the barby I saw Dario for the last time.. He gave me my goblet, as he has done for so many people. I post this picture again in his memory, a year on from his passing.. There are 2 blokes in this picture. One ran a bit, the other made the run and the dreams possible.. Look how happy he is, his joy at the achievements of others was infectious and that is why we will always remember him..

The end of the Start...

2010-07-03T10:36:00.000+01:00

So leaving Beinglas we knew we were behind time and needed to make a real push for Milngavie.. I have always found the section to Inversnaid tough, all those boulders and tree roots and tangled path. We pushed on.. Tried to make good pace coming down the top of the Loch.. Now feeling it really warm, it is about 1PM and we have been going for well over 12 hrs. Everything seems to feel fine, we have been keeping the food and the liquids up and topping up with Nuun and really striving to get through the miles...
But try as we might, the pace still slipped.. Ran past the bothy’s and put a message up for Richie on the bothy door “Beetroot Rules “ ... When we finally got to Inversnaid it was looking well behind schedule. Came in and really needed to stop... Had a lime and soda, a pint of cold milk, a 500 ml of nuun and a visit to the gents.. Inversnaid at its best.. People sitting out in the sunshine enjoying the cracking day . We must have looked pretty full on. Got myself under the hose and had a good shower to comments like “Are you a bit hot then mate ?” from the people on the tables. “Aye”
Kept having a crack and was able to run lots of the next section.. Really nice running, 60 odd miles in, up and down the forestry track picking the points to run to.. Oh just get to that tree, that bit of shade, that next little rise. Me and George running separate but in sight at this time. Just running at different paces so both needing to do our own thing.. Still trying to get to Rowardennan still pushing the pace.
We had arranged to meet John Kennedy and the Lovely Karen at Rowardennan.. Due there by 16:30 to give us 8 hrs to make it to the start.. Finally made it in at 17:15 and the questions and reality became apparent. Sat down with John and had a discussion.. Working out that we needed to do a sub 7 27miles to Milngavie to make the start. Then we would need to turn around really quickly and do the same again for the return leg to make the cutoffs.. 4 miles an hour is the pace .. So we needed to work out what was the priority. Was it to do the double regardless , because if so then that would be done. If it was to do the double but keep within all the time limits then that would be challenging.. The early cutoffs mean you need to push on and we just did not want to do it and constantly be worrying about getting cut out.. John and Karen really supportive and offering perspective and support.
I looked at George and we both knew what we wanted. The race was always the priority .. the plan should have changed the previous night, but at that point, sitting in the sunshine and getting eaten by midges, eating a tuna sandwich and drinking soup on the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond, we needed to change the plan.. Once the decision was made, it was a weight off both our minds. We would get to Milngavie, to the hotel, regroup and get ready ..
68 miles done, 95 to go.. Body’s strong, mind ready, people to support us, game on ..

Down and Ups - Part 1

2010-06-26T21:56:00.006+01:00

So here goes... A week ago this time I was just finishing crossing Rannoch Moor with George, Merv and a few other top folks..

9 days ago me and George and Steve were having a spot of dinner in the little Italian under the Bank St Hostel in Fort William .. I had travelled up from Edinburgh on the 8 AM train, heading to Glasgow and taking the West Highland Way line to Fort William.. Absolutely cracking day, sunshine and warm me sitting by myself trying to collect my thoughts and to be honest bricking myself at the thought of the run ahead.. Great views over Loch Lomond and then leaving Crianlarich, I could see the heat on the ground.. Have never been across Rannoch Moor to the East, what a blast..

Camped out in the Bank Street and managed some sleep.. George in a red g string arrived about 14:00 and we spent the next few hours trying to relax.. Slim chance, but got a few catnaps.. Had a walk and an OJ and a pokey hat, bit more sleep, just passing time.. Thinking and yeah bricking it ..

Still warm

Then we are at the Locaver Leisure Centre, nake a few calls to Aus.. It is 12:01, Shorts and T-Shirt, we start...
Early pace good to Braveheart Carpark (passing a bloke looking for the start of Ben Nevis ) then a good walk up the hill in about 40 mins or so .. Coming out of the forest I had my first fall, landing nicely on my knees and hitting my shoulder (nice bruise now ) Ok to Lundavra, lots of frogs. all soaking up the heat.. Lairig Moor was hard as usual, even on fresh legs it is a tough slog with all the rocks... Made good time to KLL where Steve net us, along with about a quadrillion billion of the locals.. My word they were thick.. Getting a juice from the car I thought I was going to be eaten alive so glad to get back on the road again.. The climb up to the Devils saw the sky becoming claer and the mounains all coming into view.. A pink tinge to the sky that cleared rapidly.. Topped out at the Devils, Rannoch and the south waiting expectently at our feet..

Making some good pace in the early light, just plodding along until the turn of the corner and the Kingshouse comes into view.. Ran through and then met Steve at Blackrock Cottage where we fueled up, dropped kit and went on our way.. Up the hill to the new checkpoint, then up and over. Shorts and t shirts, must have been about 16c and 6 ish in the morn ??

Rannoch flew past, walking the hills, finding the path, the gaps, running the downs, Ba Bridge, chatting some more .. Is this where we stop, nope its the next set of trees... Coming down past the last woodland, my left foot dug in and over I went .. Was not travelling particularlu fast, but was running and I went in quite hard.. Scuffed hands, blood..

Steve met us in Vic Bridge where we dumped kit for the short trip over the hill to BOO.. Really starting to warm up but we had been drinking plenty and both of us topping up with Nuun.. More food at BOO, check of the time and we were down so knew we had to make a push for Tyndrum.. Really started noticing the heat at the farm, but good running being had, light packs, doing ok. Still keeping better than 4s but knowing what was ahead, pace becoming a little niggle.. Made Brodies about 10 mins down on 24 hr pace so not too bad... Pot noodles, milk, juice and muller rice for ne ..

Leaving Tyndrum, along the river I heard the train and turning my head to it, walking along I twisted my ankle, the same one that I had twisted at the Fling.. And it hurt.. Bad.. George was hehind me and he went "Ow ".. So what followed was 8 miles of real pain.. Trying to run, not able to, knowing we had to make time, knowing that my pace now back to less that 4 miles / hr .. Really worrying that I would not be able to make it .. Through Auchtertyre tried to make some running but no joy.. George put some of his red g string stuff on my ankle which sorted it out a bit, still a bit flat..

Hills of Crianlarich were challending, with the heat really starting to get up, the sun beating down on my floppy hat, George just putting one foot in front of the other.. Up and down, like my mood and doubts starting to creep in.. Steve met us at Carmyle, had a drink then we were on our way.. I told George I would need to have a swim at Derrydarroch..

Oh the soothing waters of Derrydarroch
Your cooling embrace
returned my state of grace
eased my limbs and my mind
gave me focus
and release..

Climbed over the fence a bloke having a bit of a sook.. George had gone on.. When I came out of the waters, I started walking and shouting .. Loud.. Rude words, questions, what did you want to do this for, DID YOU NOT THINK IT WAS GOING TO BE HARD ?? YOU *&^&*&(%^ GET THE 6$^&$^&*(&^$%£ AND TTFU..

Caught up with George, running.. Hard hot yards ahead, Beinglas could not come soon enough.. An ice cold coke and Steve the man..

More later ..

Recovery and thinking

2010-06-26T13:27:00.002+01:00

Back to reality with a thump this week, work on Tuesday which has been interesting and pretty full on but never a dull moment.. Been hobbling a bit with some cracking blisters - photos later :-).. Also noticed my bruised left shoulder from where I fell between Nevis Forest and Lundavra on the first night .. Starting to sink in what happened last weekend .. All good.. Been sitting at work with my feet in a tub of water.. very professional...

Thanks to all who have donated, it will be open for a month or so yet.. Hopefully over the next couple of days I can start on a proper update on last weekend, but being hampered by lack of internet at my flat - this being done at the girls house.. Might have to write a pamphlet :-)

George - strong as a goat, what a machine :-)

Run on Friday .. You know you are having to work when you can drink a sports drink, a pint of milk and a can of coke in under 2 mins.. Coming down from Beiglas to Inversnaid we were pushing as hard as we could but making no headway.. Cracking stuff

Status update

2010-06-21T18:22:00.003+01:00

Did not get a chance to update over the last couple of days.. here is a quick summary - full run report to follow - and you know how long they take to write (and read !!)

Me and George left Fort William as per plan on Friday 18th at 00:01 AM. Very warm - shorts and t-shirts.. Ran 68 mile taper run to Rowardennan in 17:15, in the hottest conditions I have ever run distance in. Have never had to work so hard for miles in all my time running so when we got there we made the decision to cut short the run as we would be close to missing the start time for the WHW and hence making the cutoffs on the return journey that little bit too tricky..

Crashed at hotel for 3 hrs, change, then start again. Did the 95 miles back up the way in about 29 or 30 hours .. 163 miles total in about 53 hours ..

Sensational running with George, just so strong and awesome .. We had the best support from our crews who made this all possible and all the rest of the WHW family really spurred us on ...

Full report to follow, but right now I think a little sleep is needed !!

Leave it out

2010-06-13T20:03:00.002+01:00

Leave it out there
on the track
no turning around
or looking back to the place
where you should have put in
instead of giving in

Leave it out there
Go that little bit further
when all is dark and thoughts are black
start again from the beginnning
just start
don't finish
until the end

Leave it out THERE
Don't bring it back with you
to ask you questions and plague the mind
in times to come.
Adjust, change your goals as time or circumstances dictate
But go forward..
always forward
then
Rest and drink beer !

2 weeks and counting !

2010-06-04T22:46:00.002+01:00

A niggle in my left ankle since the fling and a hammy strain that won't go away.. Not running much, just saving myself but at the same time feeling guilty for not running.. Still mad at work which is a real distraction.. and feel really nervous.. thinking ALL the time !

Just the usual run down in the final 2 weeks.. I should be used to it by now.. Have done more training this year and am probably in the best shape I have ever been, so why do I feel like I do ... I reckon the mind tells the body that it is stupid to be trying this sort of stuff again and sends little signals to convince it that it should not .... Just as well I am bi-polar or schizo or something coz the other bit of my mind is lifted up whenever I think about getting up to Derrydarroch, or passing Brodies store or coming down into Kingshouse or that long awaited beer in Fort William..

So roll on 18th June .. Let me have that arvo nervous nap to get some last sleep.. Let me start the run and leave the work and the niggles and the dodgy hammy behind me.. Let me enjoy the company of some old friends and make some new ones.. Help me keep it together as I come into Rowardennan where I will have my porridge but will be missing that bloke in the midgie net and the garish fluro jacket ..

Bring it on !!

Lots of Reflection

2010-05-21T22:26:00.006+01:00

I have been reading a lot of other peoples blogs and facebook notes etc and there seems to be quite a bit of nerves, angst, questioning, niggles, pain, motivational mojo missing and general malaise..

Only natural I reckon, we spend so much of our year shaping ourselves to spend a few heartbeats on a 10 m wide, 95 mile corridor in the west of Scotland that the reality of the focus becomes a little intense and the questions come out .. Physical and mental, emotional ..

It is a long road to the start..

So a slight interlude..

How the fuck can 2 blokes who are supposed to be sweeping a 55 mile run in perfect conditions lose the last runner in the race ? Waiting on a stile 350m and a short downhill to the next checkpoint I said to George "Should we wait " "Nahh, it's just downhill, he is just there, we'll go and get a bit of a blether " .. Downhill, past the THREE BIG RED ARROWS POINTING TO THE CHECKPOINT and what we thought would be 10 mins break .. Skip forward 45 mins, phonecalls, Sean out in his car.. Luckily some random folks came past in their car and asked if we had seen a lady walking a dog .. We countered with "Have you seen a short moustachioed bloke wearing shorts and joggers ".. "No.." ... They brought Ray back 10 mins later.. From 3 mile away.. WTF ???? .. 10 miles later..Kirkmichael "Ray, end of the road (20m away) turn RIGHT, then take next LEFT .. Ray goes to the T juntion and turns LEFT "YOUR OTHER RIGHT RAY ! " Bloody funny bloke.. What a great day - 55 miles of cracking weather, views and company ..

Anyway that's it .. Just been watching a Neil Young Doco - he is the Man !!

"Don't let it bring you down, Its only castles burning, find someone who is turning and you will come around "

I've been thinking

2010-05-07T23:28:00.003+01:00

In 42 days and 90 mins me and a few other folks will leave Milngavie on a little 95 mile adventure... This will be my 6th time, and I reckon I feel as good at this stage as I ever have. Have a little niggly ankle from the Fling the other week, and my hammy is sore as ever but reckon I will be ok...

So I find myself now thinking .. A lot .. A run up a hill makes me think of the one at 61 miles at Bridge of Orchy, a slight incline the gentle but definite rise up off Rannoch Moor, stairs at work I take, they are the Devils, cobbles and rocks underneath my feet I seek , they are Lairig Moor..

And I keep thinking, isolating the bits of the Way, the tree roots, Darios book, the bothies, the ups and downs, how did I feel this time last year there, what am I going to eat, ahh that where I was running with Eric, or Alyson.. Shit I felt crap there, ahh Carmyle where Mike was waiting for me .. Still thinking and visualising .. I need to get rid of this niggle sure, but I am thinking, the long 13 miles from Kinlochleven, Lundavra and the fire, the forest, the ache of the hill down and the last 2 miles, and the door and the end and goblet number 6..

I am just thinking at the moment, and running, but every run now wherever it is, is another step on the way .. Every day walking into work, each step is another step closer.. It sure is tiring this thinking, can't wait to start the running bit.. But thinking is important, it helps in the doing when your mind is telling you that the Devils is just the stairs at work, the rocks that don't budge are the cobbles on the way to your front door and the door at the end is yours to open as long as you think you can ..

A bloody impressive run

2010-04-26T20:25:00.006+01:00

So along with a lot of WHW Family and some new friends I ran the Highland Fling at the weekend. That is the subject of a different post. I feel privileged to know Rachel who ran the London Marathon at the weekend. She is my mate Mikes sister in law and this is a post for her..

Rachel had run a marathon a few years back and did a good honest time, no world beater sure, but an achievement like all marathons are. In 2007 Rachel and her husband David were pregnant with twins. However, Rachel went into labour at 23 weeks. They lost the little boy, Finlay, but Eilidh (who was 1lb when she was born!) was a wee fighter and is now a happy and healthy 2 and a half year old. However, because she was so early, her eyesight was damaged and, despite numerous operations when she was only months old, she's completely blind in one eye and only sees partially out of the other.

So like so many people Rachel ran in London at the weekend for her chosen charity LOOK which helps and supports visually impaired children and their families. Only for Rachel it was a little bit more than just another marathon. Less than a year ago Rachel had open heart surgery. She crossed the line yesterday in a little over 6 hours - "a little bit disappointed because she had to walk a bit "

A bloody impressive run...

Some of us can wonder why
and moan and cry
about the path our life has taken
then there are those that just crack on
do what they do
lest a moment be forsaken..

http://www.justgiving.com/racheljohnstone1

33 x 3 + 33

2010-04-04T21:46:00.002+01:00

It was all about the numbers... At the start of March I went back on my pre WHW race sabatical and gave up beer, wine and all things alcoholic.. I also thought I would get a bit of running in and put myself in some sort of shape for the efforts of the next few months.. And there was the little matter of unfinished business from the attempted Marcothon of December.. You know, the running every day (at least 3 miles ) for a month .. I gor to 22 in December when a combination of a couple of slight tumbles and some sort of attack of the frilly blouse stopped me in my tracks..

It is a lot easier in March, but even so, getting in 31 x 3 mile runs requires a little bit of focus .. But in the last 6 weeks I watched "Running the Sahara" about 3 blokes running 8000 miles across the Sahara (117 days, non stop), Eddy Izzard (a tubby British transvestite comedian ) doing 43 marathons the length of Britain in 7 weeks, or William Sichel running 1609 times around a 1k track in Athens in 13 days to come 2nd in the World 1000 mile race (not bad for a 53 y.o bloke ), so it was not really that much of an effort..

So anyway, 31 x 3 mile runs (minimum ) is what I did .. With a couple of decent ones in there as well. A nice 18 miler up in the Pentlands in the last of the snow (so we thought) with Norman and a cracking 36 miler from Balmaha to Beinglas and back again on a glorious March spring day which topped off a 75 mile week.. Then back to the grind of getting up at 6:15 to get in a run before work...

So some things that I learnt from running every day even for a month.. It is a good mental challenge but it does become a bit of a grind just to tick off a run for the sake of putting a 1 in a diary.. And even with just a short run, you need to give yourself a day off to let niggles go away and the body and mind to relax.. Well at least for me.. But the routine is great and it definitely has given me a good base for the next couple of months.

So I got to 28 , clocks have gone forward, ya beauty !! Easy street now, until winter had its last (???) stab ... Sleet, rain, torrential downpours, floods on the Water of Leith.. Went out on Tuesday with Adrian and made our way up the Water of Leith, except the W.O.L was coming down on us - knee deep and hoarsing it down the path.. And another nice dunping of snow on the Pentlands .. But made it to 31 so job done.. Until I worked out that another 2 would bring me up to 33, and I had a little matter of ther D33 on the day after.. So I did them too..

The D33side way (http://deesidewayultra.webnode.com/) is a cracker.. A tenner to enter, cake, beer, jam sandwiches and a choccy medal at the finish.. Great company and very very flat which is not really to my liking (I need hills to walk on and stretch my legs ) but a great day out.. I ran ok for me, 2:34 for the half way, finished in 5:18 so pretty happy with that .. Grant Jeans won it in a sensational 3:34... When he passed me (it is an out and back course ) he was going like someone doing a 5k.. Really impressive..

Today I had a day off, even though I worked out that another 19 runs would bring me to 53 runs in a row.. Which is a nice number before doing a little 53 miler in 20 days time.. Tomorrow some stretches, and I might not run as well...

All change

2010-03-12T21:32:00.005Z

So went to Aus, came back.. Had an absolutly cracking time but of course it seems so long ago, even though it was only 3 weeks ago today that I was on the beach having my last run, swim with the girls, a chat to my mate, put my best boy to rest on the sands he and we loved so much and then a bomber of EB to finish the trip and the long but fun travel back home.

It seemed to have been such a short time but so much done. Caught up with mates, spent time with Mum and Dad and my big Sis, had a run or 2, and best of all had time with just me and the girls, what a hoot, sleeping in the same room, chatting away, go to sleep, yeah but Dad, What ? go to sleep, looking at stars on the beach and just chilling being we 3

Back to home, to the cold but brilliant sunshine and the hills gleaming, back to my empty flat and the reality and the quiet too much, back to my work of 6 years but only for a week till the end of that without a card or even much of a goodbye but lots of good memories and a few beers and some friends, the last weekend of February and some cracking runs, a wine or 2 then goodbye to that too..

2 days looking, till the Yes that I was waiting for, then 3 days off, some runs, a brekky and driving a big digger at my mates, new job awaits, new challenge and a kick in the arse of comfort and complacency and some more runs and stretches a canal and some sunshine running and bright and starting again as is my world at the moment so lets see how it goes, all change and thats 4 weeks..

It IS all about the beach - A Very Special Day in Aus..

2010-02-10T14:00:00.000Z

So this morning I was due to leave my sister Karens house and go further south for 2 nights.. But then my middle niece (and most closest in age to my darlings ) had another day off.. So we went down to the beach with the girls winging all the way about how cold it was (+28C) and how they didn't want a swim..

After a little 5 k trot on the totally empty beach, including a k or so with my nephew Hayden, we decided that we would stay another night... And then we went for a swim... Not really much else to say except what followed was about an hour of pure bliss and a day that I will never forget..

Some days like time
can pass with a frequency and familiarity
that only leaves the ticking of the clock
in your soul

Some days will shine in the now
and the future
and will always be the perfect day
and yes they may only be 1 or 3
but when they are at the end
it is not with sadness that we sleep
or for their brevity that we weep
but we rejoice for all they were
and we remember for time
and be happy
until the next we meet...

For my big sis Karen, her great husband Glenn, Hayden, Rosie... Thanks for a great few days - Uncle Keith, Kirsty and Caroline.

It's not just about beaches

2010-02-10T00:51:00.002Z

Yesterday had a top day with Sis, the girls and my niece and nephew... Went down to see the dolphins but they did not come in... We then went for a little drive in the country.. Ended up in the very picturesque Fergusson Valley, just past Dardanup... Bit of a twilight zone moment, ended up in Gnome Town.. Not sure of the population - but at least in the 100's.. Enjoy

Beach Runs 2 and 3

2010-02-09T00:59:00.003Z

So a week on from my last run out to Cramond I am having another little trot to the beach.. Instead of the glorious panorama of East Scotland and the Firth of Forth, I have Point Peron, near Rockingham Perth.. Cracking run with my mate Kingy. From 2C to 24c ...

Wedding was sensational ... Bit of dancing, a few beers, some tears and everyone having a great time.. The bride of course looked absolutely gorgeous..

And then down to my Sister Karens house.. She lives about 150 k south of Perth, just outside of Bunbury .. We are staying here for a couple of days... Barby last night, a few beers, a bottle of 2001 Amberley Estate Cab Merlot.. Then up this morning, just me and 10 k of open beach... I am still buzzing from the swim afterwards, needed the run to get rid of the beers...

Cheers all

1st for the year, No Answers here...

2010-01-31T22:05:00.001Z

So I have not written this year, but have been busy getting back into the way of Zen and work and all of that.. A lot of excess in the festive period for me, combined with some running and playing with my girls and stuff, but still a lot of drinking and running amok... So as per usual, with the beginning of the new year, I put all of that behind me and give it all up until I get to the Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William.. Only this year it is slightly different as I am going to Aus for my nieces wedding in 12 days time.. So I reckon there might be a few Emu Bitters and a Cab Sav or 2 awaiting me .. Will just have to work a little bit harder when I come back..

The weather has been a belter, great snow which made running great on the most part.. Really enjoyed running along on the crisp white stuff.. It's all gone now of course, but I did manage 4 or 5 middle to longish runs in the deep snow which were belters. Tuesday this week I went out with Ian, Adrian and Norm for our regular run... coming down the road off Arthurs seat with nothing to skid on was absolutely cracking, the benefits of the last few weeks were evident..

I had the great privilege to give a bit of a chat at the WHW Inspiration and Training night on Wed night.. I really enjoyed the speakers, esp the Q&A session at the end and Dave Wallace at the start.. What a guy, 5 times winner in the 80's and a man with a single minded commitment to not only competing but winning.. Even now at the age of 59 you could see the fire that burned, and I reckon there were only 2 or 3 people in the room that would have been able to take him on.. Amazing stuff and so far removed from my mindset that I found it so interesting.. I enjoyed giving my talk, even if afterwards I thought of all the things I couldve shouldve wouldve said but I guess having an Aussie accent and putting in a few expletives is guaranteed to get a laugh or 2...

But I have often thought that there is maybe too much information out there which can confuse and conflict so it is always wise to take everything with a grain or bucket of salt.. None of the early runners or even the best of the latter runners had a book on what to do, they just worked it out for themselves, made mistakes, ran like buggery and tried again.. I recently spoke to Jez and he said something about a "competitor" in the Western States who used very liberal interpretations of the rules to gain every possible advantage... So each year they change the rules... I guess the point is that no matter what food, training, gel, shoe, legging, hydration pack or whatever you use, you still have to run a fuck of a long way, so ultimately you have to work out what is best for you and there is no-one who can give you the answer...

Just back from my Tuesday run .. Tops.. But that followed on from a great weekend of running ... Bloody hell it was tops....Saturday me, Norman and Carrie left Edinburgh at 6AM, picking up Ian King on the way and getting to the Green Wellie not much after 8:00.. A little bit early for the 9:30 start, but we had allowed extra time in case of bad roads.. Ian B met us there and off we went, meeting up with Jamie at Kingshouse.. What followed was 8 and 1/2 hours of pute brilliance.. A little icy to start going up to the Devils and I had the first fall (but landed well I must say !) ... The path up the Devils was cracking, and the views from the top... Well see for yourself

Slippy down the other side, but we made it down to Kinlochleven to meet George, Karen, Mark, Flip and Dino on their way south. - George the bloody legend in shorts on his way to doing the full 95 miles. We did just a little marathon, and finished coming down the Devils in a great hurry, skipping down through the now softened snow which SOOOO good.. Then a run on the Sunday with Dave Waterman and Lee - only the 2nd or 3rd time we have shared running time together.. Gotta love it when a Fireman comes to your house and you get an impromptu fire inspection..

Bugger me, started this 2 weeks ago and still have not finished it.. Final run in Scotland for the next 3 weeks - leave on Wed.. Reckon I can cope with the 30C temperature diferential ?

This morning went out with Carrie - Norman having called off because the drunken bum spent a night on the piss.. So he missed out on a run along the Water of Leith to Roseburn, along to Costorphine Hill as the morning sun started breaking through the low sky.. As we went along the ridge, the sun pierced the trees and it was just magical. Down and across Queensferry Rd, onto the path behind Royal High to Barnton and then onto the River Almond down to Cramond.. The river was flowing quite strong, a Heron having a great early morning fish.. The running top, nice chat just trundling along at 8 and 1/2 min miles.. We got to Cramond and the tide was all the way out so I asked Carrie if she wanted to go out to the island.. Which we did, running along the Causeway to the hill on the island. Standing there at 9:15AM on a Sunday morning with piercing blue sky we had a full 360 Panarama of Eastern Scotland. All the way down the Forth to Bass Rock in Nth Berwick, around to Arthurs Seat, the Castle and then the Pentlands. Panning North to the Forth Bridges, the snow covered tops of the Ochils and the view over to Fife... It doesn't get much better than that for a start to the day, or a finish to a month at the start of the year ..

Go well .. Am off to drink beer and catch up with family and mates, and be Uncle Keith, and maybe have a run or 2.. And a swim ... and maybe a glass of red wine.. and a swim.. and a beer .. ooohh better have a barby ! Cheers - KH

End of the Challenge, Start of New Days

2009-12-31T16:30:00.000Z

So after little fall on Tuesday (in my work shoes !) and a little sniffle, with the TTFU cabinet empty I had my first DWB for the year... Gave up on the challenge after 22 runs, so great to see Fiona and Debs and my mate Norman still going.. The later left me in no uncertain terms of how he felt with a "Veinte y Tres" and a picture of him arms aloft.. Quite rightly so !! (Brrrrsssttttttrrrrrddddd !! )

So no running for a couple of days, but time around the house, building a snowman with my wee girl, cooking truffles with my big girl, and just trying to help out my good friend and just having a nice day or so.. Christmas was really nice, morning with the family and in a fhanged world it was really good and warm and girls running around mad and ... good really..

Bit of soup, and Doreen and Coralyn and then there were 4 mad girls (including 2 bigger girls who really should have known better from Strathaven and Austin TX) on the trampoline ... ) Then the girls went off to Grandma and Papas and I went down and spent the arvo and evening at my friend Krusty Mitchells house..
What a great arvo.. Great food, people, a few drinks, a couple of games and a very nice way to spend a few hours .. Then watched the first over or 2 of the cricket from the MCG

The rest of the year has been going well, went out for a Boxing day run with Doreen and Coralyn up Costorphine Hill which was cracking with the snow and the lovely white vista of the city opening up below us.. Then out with Ardrian for a belting 15 or 16 in the Pentlands in the snow on Sunday .. What a great run, sometimes knee deep, always with the snow on us, saw 3 other runners out.. Adrian lent me a pair of Yak Traks - what a great bit of kit and stopped me falling on me erse a few times.. Wish I had them later that night ! !!

Went to see Tom Staid at the Stand comedy club in Edi. Toms daughter is in the same class as my wee girl and so we got to go back stage to the Green room.. Ok so not quite as glamorous as the one one Mr Ross's show but it was still fun... Then to the Basement for a beer or 3 then a walk home.. And my 3rd fall in 2 weeks... This time a sore one right on my bum bone !!

So now just getting ready to head out for Hogmonay - was hoping to be out of town as it is quite a different place I am in at the moment (well different but somehow the same) but that did not work out so away we go..

Year review next week.. All the best to you and yours for 2010..

An open field of Dreams

2009-12-19T11:41:00.002Z

Tis definitely the season
to be jolly and not wallow
in the mire of the
melancholy meanderings of
things that mightve, couldve
should've been or are yet to be

The dark is swept away on a
white sheet of clean and thoughts
can only be of the bright and the good
and the winter sun
that beats the dark if only for a few hours
of bliss

The field on the hill in the sun
to get there, is why I run
for all the dark and dreich is
only the path to the clear and the light
and the sunshine and a smile
from a girl who's
needimg a hand

Tis the season to be jolly
to rejoice and be happy
in the beauty of the light
the shine, the glow
the ever never after
of the first fallen snow

Plodding along - over half way

2009-12-15T21:21:00.002Z

Felt really ordinary on Sat and was ready to bin the challenge.. But 4 days later and a 7 or 8 miler with Norman, Ian, Adrian and John Sneddon and I am feeling brand new.. And over 1/2 way with a week of Christmas parties and excess to go !!

Got the rest of the week planned out so should be fine.. Saturday is a going to be a tough one, works Christmas do on Friday night so there is potential for damage.. oh well

Beach Run pt2

2009-12-13T23:21:00.002Z

run 14 and i am beat
knees sore and even
though me
feet are ready to keep
going may be i am not

a day that started in a red
suit with my girls, and ended
with mulled wine and
a train back to my
world

running along the beach
again i was free,
running with new friends
but really just running
with me
hard sand beneath my feet
and a breeze to push

yesterday picked up my boy
now he's just sand in a box
but today i was running with him
along the sand, he was
in the waves and me and
he were free and enjoying the company
and the sound of the sea
and i was alone
but he was there with me

Marco Challenge - Double Figures

2009-12-10T19:40:00.002Z

11th run today and what a top one it was .. Just a usual Thursday run with the guys from work .. we usually stick to the flat paths between Canonmills to Leith or Roseburn, but today we went up Calton Hill and it was tops.. Great early winters day, sunshine, clear skies and views across to Fife..

Gotta love it..

The next 14 days are going to be a challenge to keep it going.. Was thinking about it last night as I went out for number 10 that another Month challenge would be to run a mile for every day in the month... Starts off slow - Day 1 = 1 Mile... Day 2= 2 Miles ... But it becomes quite challenging towards the end.. :-)

Hope you are travelling well - cheers !

It was damp but warm - repost

2009-12-09T21:53:00.000Z

Signs and portents of dooom
Go no further
Flashing neon and bright
along with family and friends
saying
"Your mind - it isn't right !"

Heavy weather, rain and sleet
All the reasons that anyone needs
to stay home in bed
with the telly at the end of the feet
and a warm coffee, the game on the tube
as your slice of life for the day

But past the signs we go
Loch Lubnaig and the breaking of
light through the high cloud
the crimson heather lifting us
and the cranked up AC/DC
starting our hearts racing

The rain closes in but we are there
and amongst family new and old
in the rain, fueled up and
ready to go

What is there to say
It rained, but we carried along up the Way
Chatting along about wine and food
and what to eat
and what things (if any)
we should wear on our feet

Rannoch Moor with cloud high
and wind behind and company
Queens having a Drama
Princesses to the rescue
and at halfway sunshine after a bowl of soup in
the House of Kings

More spread out on the way back
but tired limbs still up for more
some stop at the Bridge
Others going further
than they thought they could or had even dared
when early that morn they lay in their bed...

As a parting gift and perhaps a reward
The rain abates and the wind turns to end up
behind
and pushing us down the hill
10k to the end of the line

In failing light we made it just
to the dry
Our day is done and the rain and wet is
all but forgotten
Just smiles and friendship and the warmth
of some real food and the glow from the
slice of life
we chose for our day

The Marco Challenge Pt 1

2009-12-04T23:00:00.004Z

So I am day 4 (or 5) into the Marco challenge.. This is a challenge laid down by the Lovely Debs, and is named after her vet bloke Marco - it's a run every day for a month...

So I went out on Monday for a little 4 or so, then Ian Beattie called me for a beer, Tuesday was a 9 with Norman and Adrian, Wed I was not that fussed but the challenge was laid down so I ran around to see my girls and then ran back to mine at about 930. Thurs 4 miler at work and this morning because I knew I had a busy weekend, I got up at 630 and ran for 30 ..

So 5 from 6 or 4 from 5 this month.. This morning I was thinking what it must be like to do the 6 day challenge, when you are sleeping far less and running far far more... My legs are a little tired, but what would they be like if I had run 150 miles or 200 by now ?? Something to think about ...

Am thinking of going out in 53 mins, if not then when tomorrow... Nahh reckon I will have a quiet beer and sort it out in the light.. I have already wound up my mate Norman, he is also onboard, albeit he has done a couple on the softy tradmill .. He ran 2.5 at lunch which I told him was not enough, so he did more tonight.. Gotta laugh !!

More later ..

Musings

2009-11-28T00:16:00.005Z

So why do we go out
in the wind and the rain
what is it that turns on
or off
in our brain and
takes us up a hill in the fuck
off pouring
RAIN

it's only mid week
there is no prize at stake
no winner, no loser
it's just a mile or 2
we had to make to add
on
to the total

but they add up,
and we beat the
rain
and the cold shoes
the toes going
blue
the looks of strange
and the oh shit never
again
and we go again

obsession or deter
mination
it is a line that
need not be drawn or tried
to explain
in rain
or skies of blue
we ramain true
to the peace of our brain
that says
go again ...

See if this one updates the blogroll

2009-11-15T21:16:00.000Z

I have been running
a bit
and possibly been drinking a little too much beer
in between
but there is a lot going on and
my running keeps it together
and helps to clear my head
and focus the mind
from the confusion
and the reality of a change that has
come into my world
the beer is good to help forget
but it is a crutch
a leg up to the escape hatch
whereas a step out the door with only
some miles ahead
is a step to clarity and release
and the quiescence of the turmoiled mind

Beach Run

2009-10-20T21:01:00.006+01:00

The sand hard and white
no breeze,
friend and dog
off we go

I am on the beach
like so many times before
but not before so much time
has elapsed
and so many things have changed

I am thinking of my mate
wondering if he is running tonight
and with each step
with nothing but good company
and the wind and sea
to remind me
as the sun sets
my spirits rise
and run free

The distance I don't know
the time neither fast or slow
The pace, it was no race
but he would have been happy
to go around again
and to have a swim at the end.

The darkness draws in
as it does at this time of year
and the nip in the air is there
but I am on the beach
and the memory of the june sun
and the warmth of this run
pushes the season aside
and leaves only
Summer

A Barby

2009-10-18T20:30:00.003+01:00

So is it just a matter
of burnishing meat over
a flame
a cooking fire that we first leant
all those years ago, the need
to feed, to eat, to feed
to make fire and cook that
which had come across your
path

and now it has become a meeting
a place a wood burning
pyre
a gathering and a place for
tribes to meet
and to eat and to exchange the
pleasantries of the day
to today.

To the barby,salt and fat
to clean the plate, just
like my Grandad showed me
a while ago
and then to feed to eat
to dine and to enjoy
the circumstance that has brought us together..

Waters, Lakes and Wine ...

2009-10-14T21:48:00.001+01:00

I could get used to this lark.. Had a great week so far running wise.. On Sunday I caught up with Lucy and Richie and Kipper the dog and hung on with them on their way up the Water of Leith to Balerno... I knew when I started that despite them saying it was going to be an easy run, that I would be doing well to keep up which is what I did. I had my strategic exit about 3.5 miles into the run when I left them at Slateford and went up Craiglockhart Hill whilst they continued on to Balerno.. This is what I like about our sport that a plodder like me can enjoy some time with somebody way faster / better than you and still enjoy it .. Sure, if they were running hard, then I would not have lasted more than a 1/2 mile, but that was beside the point..

The above was written a week ago - sort of lost track of time.. Mon last week wss 5 miles, Wed was a 11 miler, Thurs 4 miles at lunch and then it was down to Windermere with Gary and Merv and their boys for an overnight stay and then a walk in the lake district.. Gaz and Merv have supported me on all my WHW runs (bar 2008) and are really good mates... A lot has been happening in my world the last couple of weeks, so it was great to get away for a night and a day... We stayed in the Windermere Manor - a hotel run by Action for the Blind - well recommended, great accomodation, friendly people.. It is quite weird being shown the way to the town at 8:30 PM by a guy with a dog wearing dark glasses...

I had been wanting to open a bottle of Penfolds Grange for quite some time and made sure with Gaz that the one I had chosen was ready.. Grange is Australia's finest wine - quite a statement I know but it is fact.. In Oz you can't get it for love or money, but in the UK you can pick it up in Tesco's - which is where I got it.. Gary said he would bring along a couple of other wines to support the evening.. We ended up in the Cedar Manor in Windermere - a great place with friendly people, great food and a very welcoming attitude. After a cleansing ale after our drive from Edinburgh we started our meal.. First cab off the rank was a 2002 Leuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay - a spectacular wine from Margaret River - just south of where I come from.. It was absolutely blindingly great.. Then we went on to the big boy. I had never had one of these fellas before - it is sort of a right of passage and I was so glad to be able to share it with such great friends.. And it did not dissapoint ! It was like having your first ride in an airplane or the first time you ever rode in a fast car, or even the first time you had sex - but unlike that event, this one lasted longer than 30 mins :- ) !! I will always remember the first sip I had, like no other wine I had ever had before..

Meanwhile the meal was coming and going, we were having a great chat and a top night was developing. We had to have a spacer after the Grange with a desert wine, then we moved onto the final for the night - a '98 Penfolds Bin 389... What a closer.. A Glengoyne to finish then it was back to the hotel, and bed (well after some chasers of beer, gin, Baileys and JD, with Gaz's eldest son Matthew, a 3rd Year Med Student who can only give you hope for the future..)

Next day saw us at Great Langdale for a delayed start. Rocked into the carpark only to be confronted by people in running vests, limbering up and looking like they were up for a day on the hills.. Turned out it was the English Chanps for Hill Running or some such thing... Spoke to a few blokes about it and they were very friendly (Not sure if my WHW buff made any difference !) And then we were off on the hills. Goal was to get up Great Gable and back (about 18k) but after a short time we knew that might not happen.. I was champing at the bit to get cracking, but this was not a run it was a walk.. a change of pace, and all the better for it.. We had some cracking views to start with, but when we got to the top of Rosset Pike it started to close in.. Me and Matt decided to go up Scafell Pike, the others went down towards Green Gable.. We got up to the highest bit in England, but may as well have stood on the top of a chair in a steam room.. Visibility was down to about 10m, but it was a great climb up !!

the trip back up was uneventful, now back to work and also running, 5 on Mon, 10 or so tonight with Norman and back to running tomorrow lunchtime.. Hope you are having a good one !

Support

2009-10-04T22:07:00.000+01:00

Weekly running total - Monday out with Norman up Costorphine hill (twice) for a wee blast before he does Loch Ness. Wednesday a little trot with Ian Beattie - up some steps on the Water of Leith and then C. Hill again.. Both Ian and Norman are doing Loch Ness, and they are in fine fettle - hope it goes well for them ! Today a lazy 4 miler at lunch time with Ian King and others from work along the Water of Leith.. So a good few days... and only a few glasses of wine in between !! (well a bottle of Campo Viejo Rioja !! over 2 nights ...

Last weekend I had the privilege of having my suppport crew and families (minus Stuart McCormack) from this years little adventure around for a barby. this is the beast - my mate Mike made it - it is TOPS !!

We had the best weather and I really enjoyed getting the Big Barby out and cooking up for the 30 or so people who were there.. A few beers were had, and then a few wines.. And then a few more wines.. Luckily there were more sensible heads that prevailed when I wanted to set off a few fireworks..

So for Mike Johnson, John Kennedy, Merv Jones, Gary Haywood, Kristin Mitchell. Matt Stoner, Mike Smith, Norman Duncan and Stuart McCormack (who unfortunately could not be there), this one is for you ... Also thanks to Shirl, Kirsty, Caroline who are always there and Sandy, Zak, Ben, Anne, Pauline, Alex, Luke, Eloise, Anne Marie, Matt, Rachel, Jarrad, Alison, Brody, Jasmine, Sheena, Jenny, Katie and Laura, Shirley, and David and Trish Ruxton, thanks for a great day and also for lending me a mate for a day or 2 !

So I am doing this run
Do you want to come
And support me in this dream
It's a bit of a long way
And it is all about me
and what I want to do
What, you can make it
How did I get a friend like you ?

I am running
And
I can only do what I do
because you are there
and I will never forget

The miles are mounting
the midges are biting and annoying
the hell out of you
sitting in your car and I
am running

And then I get to where you are
and I see you and my eyes well up
when I see the bowl of porrige
or can of coke
or just the smile
I have made this goal
done that last mile
when I was feeling like shit
and needing you just to be there
for me
and I will never forget
that I am running which is a
privilege
and I owe it to you

And this is all about me
in this most selfish dream
and then towards the end
we share some miles
you keep me going through the dips
and pacing me, chatting away
I don't recall much of what you say
I can't save it for another day
but you are there
and I am running

which means
We are running
I am the legs
You are the engine, driving
Every step I take
Every mile
Ever bloody rock I kick
or hill I climb
I can't stop
not when we have come this far
We would only have to come back another day
To do it all again

And you have not given up
you are lying and tell me how good I look
In the moments that we share
when I ask for 'the thing' I need
You know the one
it's the, you know
it's at the bottom of the pack
you know - I am sure it's there
oh you've found it
no excuses then
you've done your bit
so I must do mine
Until the end
and we have done
what we set out to do
Only at the end
can we stop..

and now it is all over
and many months hence
So I did this bit of a run
and so did you
and supported me in this dream
It was a bit of a long way
And maybe it started off as all about me
and what I want to do
But we made it
And I am glad that I have a friend like you

If it sounds bad - it probably is

2009-09-22T19:28:00.005+01:00

Been doing a little bit of running, but not much .. Was having a good week last week, Sunday, Monday and lunchtime Thursday... Went to the Adventure Show preview night - was great to see everyone and I thought the race report was tops...

It is a sign of my off season that I am back on the turps and so was also out on Thursday night. This time it was for dinner with my good friend Kristin - the lovely Kiwi girl who ran with my for the first and last bits of Fort William to Inverness and provided the wonder hands to massage my battered body and keep me going to the end. Her Mum and Dad were over from Kiwi land, and so me and a few work colleagues went out .. So we all went to a newish French Restaurant here in Edinburgh. And what a top night it was... Beers, a few wines, some cliche'd French food, a steak, and some more wine...

Next day - was feeling a little rough, but put it down to the wine.. Now 1:30AM Saturday morning was a different matter.. Oh dear.. Without going into the details, my guts were in a terrible state.. We've all been there.. Slept intermitently between trips to the loo..

On Saturday I had arranged to help my mate Mike (my best mate and the guy who followed me from Milngavie to Inverness in Lucy the Combi) to demolish his shed.. So it was not something that I wanted to miss out on .. Climbing up ladders, hitting things with big hammers, smashing bricks, loading the pickup, lifting bit of wood, shovelling rubble all with clenched butt cheeks and between running to the dunny made for an interesting day.. But at the end of day, there was a bare concrete pad where a shed used to stand..

So lesson learnt - if there is something on a menu that says Snails and Pigs Ear, even if you think it might be interesting and it ticks a box - read the words..

Snails (yes - you find them in the garden) and Pigs Ear (it is fatty crappy stuff that your dog might chew on...) - FUCK ME - that is NOT FOOD !!!!

A few days on, and am nearly back in one piece.. Happiness is a dry fart !!!

2 for 2

2009-09-07T21:05:00.002+01:00

And just went out again
not too much beer at the weekend
to slow me down or
take from me the
will and the desire to
end
the malaise of the everyday
all those excuses that the mind will say
oh I'll just do it another day
I know I will
just not today
much better to listen to the heart
and the pleading of the soul
get out and run
don't sit don't recoil
get out and breathe and work and
beat the heart
get off your arse
don't think
don't reason
just start..
with a step
the one out the door
once that one is done
you can do one more
until you can rest
contented and in repose
with a body, mind, heart and soul
at one ..

Not time for a new top - YET !!!!!

2009-09-05T20:07:00.005+01:00

Been a bit of a week. so have been looking forward to getting out tomorrow for a short run with Norman.. He is doing Loch Ness in a couple of weeks so sent him a text and said I was not up for more than and hour or so but would join him for the first part of the run... So now I find he is picking me up, for a trip to the Pentlands and I guess I will be coming home when we have stopped running...

You gotta love mates who can see the signs of an impending change of clothing in the direction of something flouncy and floral and nip it in the bud... Best pack a gel or 2 and a sachet of toughen the fuck up..

KH

PS - Job done - 2hours out and a cracking run it was too... Gotta love it .. Saw a few dogs out and thoughts turned to my little black haired mate - all good... Blouse and tissues not needed !

ENJOY !

Who's the Best Boy - It's the Sammy Boy

2009-09-01T19:55:00.006+01:00

How many miles did we run together
Along the sand when you were young
and my years of running had just begun,
in the dunes on the other side of the world
the Freo doctor blasting into my face,
it was a race
you barking at my feet, chasing seagulls
catching one just the once
getting such a fright
and look at me to say
look what I've got, thats a bit of all right..
the setting sun disappearing
into the waves we crash, you yelling at me as I swim too fast
the only time I can make you work
then explode out of the water
you really pissed off
chasing me as I dive again, yelping and clawing my back

You are the maddest boy, eating swimsuits, stubby holders,
digging holes, chewing things
stealing my steak from the barby
always running, always the fastest thing
you catch the air
you fly, speed and black hair
noise and energy, and a perfectly still
poised
and focussed gaze

And then we could run together,
and that is what we did ..
Just a bloke and his best mate, going out
running
in the start 5 feet in front looking back, egging me on,
and maybe checking that I was still there as when you get too far
I turn and you have to chase me
and eventually that is the lead that I never need use,
as we run together
and there is nothing
not cats or dogs, the rest of the human race
nor aliens from out of space not man or beast
nothing
can separate a bloke and his mate
running

We move from the beach,
to a cold place, with hills
and snow that you love
and rain
and the girls
who grow,
and we run still
by my side, at my heel, never moving
stride matching stride,

we go out on the Way
from Rowaradennon to Inversnaid
and back
with my mate John and a few others
he doesn't like dogs,
but like everyone he likes you ..
the tree roots don't worry you
it's the goats you smell and want to catch

and things go on
staying the same
and changing
you are no longer beside me
you are 2 out 2 back
but you are still my best boy
you're still having a crack

On Monday this week
we went to the park,
you stopped for a pee
and then ran to join me
you saw a branch of a tree
and tried picking it up
just like you used to
when we were at the sea

So tonight you sleep
I held you as you went
to the beach, from the snow
chasing
running and chasing
head poised in perfectly still
gaze
where's the birds Sam ?
catch them and bring them
from the hills
back to the sea
Go on
Catch them Sam...
You're the best boy...

From A(shes) to B(louse)

2009-08-27T20:43:00.008+01:00

So on Monday I had the great pleasure of catching up with the Pirate Dave Waterman, the Lovely Lee, Murdo the Magnificent and Ian the Wise.. A nice little lunch sitting in the sunshine, trading a bit of chat and just having a catch up.. And getting a present and a surprise..

1st one off the block was from MtM - my own version of the sacred urn that the Aussies and Poms have been tussling over for the last few months.. As I was still pretty gutted from the outcome of the weekend, it was a little light relief.. Still bloody hurts though, roll on 2010/2011 !! We'll get them back..

And then we come to the best bit.. Cue The Pirate, at this stage wearing a black zipped up fleece.. Clearly smarting a bit from his pansy like performance and DALBBNFE (Did A Little Bit But Not Fucking Enough) in the Round Strathaven 50 miler on the weekend, he was clearly keen to get my thoughts out in the open and over and done with .. Knowing full well that the Blouse moniker was heading back south he had come prepared. Now the guy is truly a SCPB, but I tell you what, boy does the fella have a great sense of taste, elan and a certain je ne se qua. Sitting in the sunshine on a warm August lunchtime he has singly re-defined the meaning of the word blouse and for this my friends I Salute him !! The tatts, the hairy chest and back, the friendly little man boobs, what a shame he is taken.. In the words of DQ "Marks out of 10 - I'd give him one !"

Enjoy

Training and Motivation

2009-08-20T21:13:00.000+01:00

Seems a very hot topic on a lot of blogs of late so without going into the various discussions I thought I would put in my 2 pence worth here. Anyone who is a regular reader of the WHW Race Forum will already know my views and thoughts, as I am always telling people to relax and not get too obsessed with times and distances..

My first Ultra was the WHW of 2002... These days you would not even get an entry form with this sort of 'pedigree' but back then you could still apply in March and get in.. I was working at BP Grangemouth at the time and mentioned to someone that I had always wanted to walk the WHW. As I had done the London Marathon the year before, they knew I ran a bit, and told me about a bloke who ran the whole 95 miles. The bloke was John Kennedy and the rest is history .. Lesson number 1 - never listen to someone who can rationalise a 95 mile race and say - it's only 4 miles an hour average for under 24 ! Lesson number 2 - always have time to listen to someone who has done it before and decide what advice you want to keep.. The one I will always remember from John is "If you get to Kingshouse you WILL finish "

So at this time there was no forum, no real website, scant information.. In some ways this helped, too much information can be quite daunting and you worry if you are not doing enough, haven't got the right shoes, supplement, leg support or t-shirt.. I only did 1 'long' run with John that year - from Kingshouse to Lundavra and return (he ran to the end of Nevis forrest). This was just him and me, I was a rank novice and underfit, yet this did not matter. I would never get near John in a race, but for 6 or 7 hrs, we just plodded on and chatted, and cracked on..

So over the next couple of years, I went on a few more runs and got another goblet. I remember meeting Ian Beattie in Jan or Feb at Falkirk Station for a run with John and others from Rowaradennon to the top of the Loch and back, meeting mad Jim Drummond for the first time going around Queen Elizabeth National Park, John McLaughlan and other notable proper runners. And I learnt a lot, from people faster than me, and those at my pace or slower. I learnt from Ian that where the forestry road turns into track after Rowaradennon is about 45-50 mins, and to look for the concrete block that is less that 500 m from Inversnaid.

And not only in training. I have had the privilege of sweeping the race twice and supporting once, learning all the time. In 2006 (?) I met my Pirate mate, and learnt that it is possible to get lost at Auchtertyre, and no matter how crap you feel and the fact that your knee is going to drop off, you can keep going.. I also learnt how to better read the signs of people who really don't want to be told they are going to get poked with a big stick :-) ! And in this race I spent 3 or 4 hrs with Mad Jim Drummond going across Rannoch Moor, on a cracking still night, listening to his tales of life in the army, and the words of his Sgt Major "The Queen pays you and she wants you to go 40 miles that way and be there in 8 hrs.. The Queen doesn't care how you do it, and she doesn't care if have to stop in the bush and have a little cry, as long as you do as she asks.." Classic.. In 2008 I swept the whole race, and ended up finishing the last 40 or so with Jim Robertson.. 67 years old, doing his 12th race and going through all the ups and downs.. A truly awesome experience.. At 1:45 AM, going up the Devils Staircase, 40-50 mph wind, sleet, rain, dark, cold and we are all getting asked some big questions. I was thinking that they would give us a safety stop at Kinlochleven, and said so to Jim .. "No they won't stop us" was his only reply.. I immediately felt ashamed to have had that thought, and will always remember the big cup of Toughen the Fuck up that I got from this bloke 25 yeats my senior.. Needless to say number 12 was completed by Jim and I was so proud to be with him when we got to Lochaber Leisure Centre after 33 hrs 45 mins, how can a PW also be a PB ??

So what's the point of all of this... It's not only about training and running, at least not for me .. It's about the friendships, about the shared learning.. It's finishing a run in darkness in January with Mags and Jim and Michelle and Gus and Jeannie and John and others and sledging DQ coz his car broke down and having had a cracking day out.... It's about getting mental cues and aids for recovery when you are down in the depths, about taking something from every run, which if you are only set on the goal of beating a time, I don't think you can do .. A bad day running is still far better a day or period of time than most of the world can enjoy, which sort of means there is no such thing as a bad day running . So as a natural extension, a bad period or dip in a run, whatever the distance, is still only a passing and fleeting moment of insignificant discomfort... Best just dry your eyes and have a crack !

Test Cricket - The Ultra Running of Team Sports ?

2009-08-18T23:05:00.000+01:00

Been feeling like I should write something for a few weeks, but have been struggling to find the time.. So a quick summary

Went to Birmingham for 5 days of cricket.. Now it is one of the things that I really miss living in Scotland - cricket... I love it ... I can watch football (just), I like rugby and other sports, but cricket is definitely my favorite.. No-one gives a hoot about it up here, it is just one of the crosses I must bare (just as well the hills are good ! )

So every 4 years when the Ashes comes by I make a point of heading down to England to get my fill.. This year (and in 2005) I made my way to Edgbaston in Birmingham for 5 days... People often say "Oh that must be so boring.." ... I have been thinking, and I reckon that test cricket is the Ultra Running of Team Sport.. In these days of instant gratification, of year round football, of penalty shoot outs and now now now results, Test Cricket over 5 days just should not fit in. It takes too long, people can't concentrate for that long can they anymore ? Sound familiar ??

So is it boring ?? Not for a moment.. The tension builds from the very first ball.. You can very rarely win a test in 2 hours... One team can get on top and be seemingly cruising, only for a someone to play an absolute blinder and turn the course of the game.. Each day brings a new challenge... There is always a chance of a turnaround... And best of all, there is beer... And mates... And you can sit there watching the game, having a chat, blowing the froth of a few and relaxing.. No agro, no hassle... Sensational..

And a Test it is.... Not only for the players, but also the spectators..

A standard day saw me wake at 730-8:00 AM and go for a trot with Gaz (K'leven to FW support runner) and my mate over from Oz Peter West.. Westy is 65 but still fit as a fiddle and great company... Not a long run, but 25-20 mins for a great hangover clearing start to the day.. Enter the ground at 9:30 - 10.. First pint at 10 :30 then on it all day... Carlsberg which is very weak, but needs must... After play closes it was out for dinner, then a pub or wherever to get home at around 1:30 ish to get ready for the next day.. When it rained (on the Thursday and Saturday) we either got a taxi into town for a 3hr lunch or went back to the flat to investigate the fridge..

They had these cracking "automatic" beer dispensing machines. The ist day we walked past and at least 1 of them was open at any time getting fixed.. On day 2 they were working... In order to get these "automatic" machines working, they had 1 person at the voucher dispensing unit helping you put your change in, then you handed your voucher to the bloke at the beer unit and he pressed the buttons and within a minute you had your pint.. 3 pints took 3 minutes.. Sensational... An automatic machine that needs 2 people and takes longer to pour a pint that I did to pi55 it out 2 hrs later... I love it !!

So after 5 days, the end result was 1) The Game: A Draw, 2) Subversive Behaviour: Lots !! 3) Runs: 4. 4) Money Spent: Are you kidding - who knows who might read this..

And it is game on again this Thursday in London .. I had a ticket for the Oval but have to pay the bills somehow so sold it to a mate.. He is a pom, so I hope he enjoys the day, but not too much !!

As an aside, cough still giving me grief but have managed a few runs.. My mate has shrugged that blouse off in style so it is currently looking for a new home.. Am toying with going to Strathaven on Sunday.. The idea of a lazy 50 miler and a hug from rhe lovely Lee is very tempting... But I might well be celebrating the Aussie demolition of the Poms so ....

Enjoy

A new home for an old blouse

2009-07-28T20:51:00.002+01:00

So as regular readers of my Subversive Pirate mates blog might know, I am not averse to providing a bit of constructive advise that sometimes careers into the vernacular.. I make no apologies, I do try to moderate my language for the many hundreds of faint hearted and sensitive types that his cracking blog attracts, but sometimes something irks me that I cannot confine to the norms of polite conversation. On more than one occasion I have had to refocus the bloke when he forgets for a moment who he is and starts behaving and writing like some wittering nappy wearing show boat who would be better placed as an agony Aunt for incontinent day time television viewers than in his privileged position as spokesman for the running,drinking and boxing fraternity. On at least 1 occasion I have had to call him a Soft Cock Pommy Blouse.. Now since his efforts in this years 2009 race where he not only removed a dreaded three letter acronym from the lexicon of his life but also badgered the earth moving behemoth that is Martin Hooper the Paratrooper to within 5 miles of the finish the Blouse needs a new home, because on the back of my leaned friend it has no place !

And unfortunately dear reader I think I have found it.. Now I will not name names, but I will recount the story of my weekend, where I was trying to get back out on the track after a few weeks of fighting a bit of a cracking cough (not piggy related !!) So the run was teed up, timings and route confirmed and despite the fact that I was coughing up buckets of gunk it was all systems go.. Now my friend (or lets just call him the Blouse Wearer or BW from now on) is no stranger to a bit of running so I went to bed safe in the knowledge that no matter what happened overnight we would be out at 8:45 for a little lazy 5 miler up Costorphine Hill

I woke the next morning to the sound of rain on the window, and must admit I had to convince myself that it was a good idea... Always easier when you know you have someone to meet.. Turn on my phone to send the "Just leaving house" text as agreed to find a message from BW "Too wet, going back to bed " WTF ?? I texted back with the best wishes on his sleep in and hope that his knitting went well..

I did my run, coughing up more gunk every 400m or so, but up the Hill - surprisingly dry and a balmy 14C - I went and rhen back home.. I too went back to bed, for coffee and papers and not a knitting needle in sight ! It was great to get back on the track, running is good !!

So the Blouse has definitely come north...

Am off to Birmingham tomorrow eve, where if the rain clears I will hopefully be watching the Aussies level the Ashes series ... 5 days (or maybe 4 ??), a few mates, cricket and beer... Sensational !!

A pause

2009-07-24T21:05:00.004+01:00

Our family, were there
At my shoulder, by my side
From near, and far
Even via Escort car
Some could not make it
But were there in heart...
The leaders of the pack, the ones we revere, because though so far in front
They never disapppear...
The ones in the middle, and those at the back
My family, our family
And his family we had never met..
One man , who meant so much to so many
And the message he has left
Will always be
More than a memory
If our days are indeed numbered,
And we have but a few,
Then it is fortunate indeed to spend time
With one such as you.
Tonight there is no smile
As hard as I try
Tonight there is but sorrow
at this shared loss of mine
Tomorrow is different
The dawn always renews
But tonight is for sorrow
It is for sorrow..

Dario

2009-07-21T20:17:00.005+01:00

Like all of the West Highland Way Race family and the wider running community I am still coming to terms with the loss of Dario Melaragni on Sunday 12th of June. I was away on holiday and came back from dinner and saw I had 2 missed calls - one from Dave and one from DQ.. I immediately knew something was up.. Dave had left a voice mail and I was sitting there on the sofa, tears streaming down my face as I listened to the details.. Shirl asked me what was the matter and I really struggled to tell her.. After speaking to Dave and DQ, my thoughts turned to his family, and also to those who were with him, running the hills on that day.. I know that they all did everything possible to save our friend and really feel for them..

So many words and tributes have been written to the great man, he touched the lives of so many people.. If you read any or all of the messages there is a common theme.. It is always "Dario encouraged me when I first wanted to race the WHW" or "He was a great inspiration and always offered me great advice", "He loved seeing people finish", "I really enjoyed talking to him about the race, and about how he felt it could be improved" etc etc

And that was the thing, he gave and gave and for each person he had something different.. I will always remember him wrapped up against the midges in a bright yellow outfit at Rowardennon looking like some sort of being from out of space, asking how I was going.. I will remember him at the end of the race in 2008 when Jim Robertson, Tony Gilmour and I finished up - he was just so happy to see Big Jim make it to the end.. I will miss the email banter we shared, and how he would laugh at some wisecrack or the other..

I was so fortunate to get my goblet from Dario at Ian and Alibea's barby.. How many people has he made feel so good as they shook his hand ... Look at the smile on that face, who was happier ?

What a truly wonderful and inspiring man, one who I feel so privileged to have known. To Gilian and his sisters Alida and Diana, my deepest sympathies..

Dario - rest in peace mate..

I never ran with you
But our family has
We never shared a meal, but had a beer or 2
Your family I have never met
Such a brief friendship, but I have known you all of this life,
And now every step of every mile, every stone, rock and stile
Up the staircase, or before Beinglas,
Somewhere touching the sky
When the rain clears, and the sun shines
On the Way,
You will be there and I will smile ..

Relax

2009-07-05T15:38:00.003+01:00

Time to put my feet up, recharge the body and mind and enjoy playing with the kids and swimming, and drinking beer and eating lots, and enjoying the beach and going out with Shirl and chatting with Mum and Dad and that's about it ... And do some thinking of course..

Cheers

KH

Get amongst it !

2009-06-30T22:32:00.003+01:00

Got out at last... Feet started feeling a bit better on Friday, following dress down day at work when I could wear my trainers.. Then after the top Post Race Barby at Ian and Allybeas house where I got to chat to a few folk and picked up my Big Daddy goblet and got ANOTHER cuddle from the Race Goddesses (Lee and Dino) and a snog with DQ, I got home and my big girl told me we needed to take the neighbours 2 greyhonds out for a walk.... Can't really refuse can I, so me and my Pop take the 2 4 legged grogan machines out for an hour or so through the park... And a nice chat is was too..

So onto this week - work shoes are gining ne grief, but my workmates are not now being treated to my feet up on the desk and gunk ooozing through my socks.. No sympathy left, just a boredom so time to get back to normal.. Walked back from work and yesterday Norman and I exchange emails .. He is doing Corryarrack this weekend - time for a little 3 miler ???

And so tonight that is what we do... A slow pace, but good chat and we got through it.. Feet ok, but legs a bit wonky from having to cope with blisters.. Ended up probably closer to 4.5 miles, but it was a top run.. He then announces he is putting an entry in for next year... Sensational - gives me a reason to keep training and getting some runs in next year, but alos one not to do the big race if I chose not to... I mean the fella is going to need support isn't he !

6 days before my holidays.. Mum and Dad arrive in 4 ... Girls on hols from school in 3.. End of project phase 1 party on Thursday night - reckon that I might be saying cheerio to Mr Zen for a little while !

Cheers

Keith

PS - Thanks so much to everyone who has donated to the Malawi School fund.. Your generosity is really appreciated.. Justgiving has now assured everyone the link is now all fixed, so if you tried and got bombed out give it another crack if you wish..

Over The Top - Pt 2

2009-06-26T21:51:00.005+01:00

So I leave Fort William about 2 or something. Am walking with the lovely Kristin who has today decided to get her hair peroxided and is looking absolutely up for a little stroll. When I first met Krusty she had dreads so a hair change is not a biggy for this girl.. As we walk to the shopping precinct (is there any better place to start a run ?) I realise that I dod not even have a photo of me crossing the line, must mean I am not finished.. So we take the stairs down (as opposed to the wee path up) and then go through the tunnel under the main road (there seems to be a pattern developing here ) We start having a bit of a chat then we are past mcgrogans the cooked crap outlet and we are into the little path .. We can smell the sea and I am feeling at home.. We make a little stuffup at the turn after the houses, and ened up flagging down a cab to get directions back to the Great Glenn.. The girl in the cab has had a decent evening or maybe the sight of 2 mad runners with head torches coming out of the night is a bit freaky ? Anyway we get back on track, over the railway, and then we are through the houses and we start to have a little run.. Just doing lamposts then walking, but by the time we hit the sea past the swings and the mad toadstoool garden (I kid you not !) we are along the waterfront and doing 2 lamps .. The grass is soft beneath my feet, which are feeling it a bit from the last few miles..

At the end of the playing fields we take a right straight up to the canal, probably skipping about 1/2 a mile, but I reckon this is like the last bit of the way where we go straight - ir just does not make sense.. Then we are approaching on Banavie, first checkpoint down.. So we had a little bit of a parking prob, but soon I have a hot bowl of Stewie cooked heavy soup in my hands and I am in Mikey's jacket... This is as close to 100 as I am going to get so mentally I am glad to be there. I am about 2 hrs behind schedule, but that is old news... And then we are off again, Kristin has the tracker on - I hav.e been saving the battery. It's a lovely early morning, no major lights except our head torches. and we are making good time... We are run trotting and as the path is by the canal it is dead flat and so easy.. It reminds me of course of the Glasgow to Edi, but not by much. Then we come across some cows.. A bull... And a mummy cow.... and some little baby cows... The big guys aren't that happy to see them so I do my best Paul Hogan and .. nahh, we just turn off our torches and go past with the minimum of fuss, the daddy gives a bit of a snort and starts pawing the ground, so we proceed steadily... (maybe Krusty has a different view :-)

It is time to drop the torches anyway so we crack on with it.. Am still having the occasional gel and my nuun, and the miles are clicking off.. Def below 65 to go now and am feeling ok.. And then we are at Gairlochy, we have had a great run... Stewie has setup a storm... As have the midges... Ohh they were friendly, the guys are getting eaten...I take a seat and the machine clicks in.. I get my porrige, which I put a stinger into (sensational !) and I get my first coffee for 5 months.. This is what I have been waiting for....Stewie puts the burner on to kills a few of the locals ... I have had Coke for the first time yesterday as well but there is nothing like coffee... Matt is looking ready to go so with a full tum we crack off up the hill...

I have know Matt for a few years now from working with him in RBS, we have a bit of banter about the cricket and he is a solid bloke.. We have run a few times toether at lunch time .... And so we are going up the hill, and getting into our stride.. We come through the pretty but unfortunately we miss out on the fairy grotto (once I again, I kid you not !) because of fallen trees.. By the way, if I am mising out bits here I hope you will forgive me.. As we are going along the road, Loch Lochy (what a great name hey !) on our right, glistening in the morning sun, the birds starting their easy early morning call we see 2 stags on the hill, looking at us with all the disinterest we desserve.. Then a wee doe clambers down to the right of us.. Just having a chat with Matt and clicking through the miles....Before long we are in the camping area of clunes, don't stop here too long, but long nough for the machine to click in again.. Stewie is doing a sensational job... Mikey is strolling about and I think Kristin might be having a little kippo..

Off we go and I am still looking at my phone which Matt threatens to take from me -pushy bloke that he is :-) and then I am really needing to STOP for a short time. A few moments, some desecrated thistle bushes, and several kilo's lighter we are on our way again.. Having good chat with Matt, it really is a cracking morning, my 2nd on the hoof of the last 2 days and I am really enjoying this. Relatively flat, but with e few undulations to make it interesting.... Taking it easy, but probably breaking 4's at a push.. And then suddenly we have done a lazy 12 early on a Sunday morning and we are going around the Loch into Laggen Locks. Just a couple of blokes having a bit of a trot... How hard is that.. That is the last I will see of Matt today, he is back off to Edi on the 9:15 bus, and I am stoked with our trot..

Mikey is joing me in Laggan Locks, were we take the opportunity to look at my feet... Not very pretty, and very sore.. We put some gause pads on the balls of both feet (or was that in Clunes ?) but it is pretty nippy.. I get some more food from Chef Stewie, and something to drink I think. I also get weighed, and I am still within 3 kg of start weight in Milngavie so am ok,, Norman is up and about as well, Kristin is there and then Mikey and I head off..

Mikey is also from RBS, and a part of our hursday running gang.. He is about 6'3 or 4 and although he is not as big as his wee brother is a pretty big lad ...He used to run 200m's very quickly so is used to a bit of a trot.. For a big bloke he moves quite gently on his feet .. The path here is a belter, soft forrestry track.. Laggan Locks marked approx 53 (or a Fling / Double Marathon) to go so another milestone down.. We have passed the canal boat where the Glee Club stopped in pi55ing rain last year and after a coolish welcome (what is it about wet, smelly runners that put people off >>) had a great soup and coffee and a chat with the bloke.. He has a great knot in there - check it out...

So Mikey and I will be running to Fort Augustus, the last Fort and the start of the last Loch..We have about 10 miles or so.. Once again, really good underfoot. Mike is trotting along, we are at the south side of Loch Oich, away from the cars.. Running along an old rail route, it is very peaceful... Chatting away and talking about life and stuff ... Just getting through the miles.. We eventually come to the iron rail bridge and double back on ourselves and then head into Aberchalder, where I see Krisitin with her flaming white hair in the distance and then we are amongst the machine..

A check of the things that are at the end of my legs confirms they are a bit ugly but no point changing.. We get some food, and off we trot... Fort Augustus awaits. By now the sun is getting up, it is a glorious day, the path is dead flat and the pace is good.. Just running and walking, walking and running, one foot in front of the other, oh lets make it to that fence line and then break, oh there is a yellow flower 100m from here, lets run to that, take a stroll, one foot in front of the other.. Can feel the sun on my Aussie cricket hat... Map is only telling half the story, but the end of the range of hills can only point to one place.

Mikey has been running well and once again has been great company, and we are there.. .Fort Augustus, bost trips, shinty teams, Customs boat (I think ?) canal side chippy and the full machine.. Gaz, Merv and Mike, who have been kipping back in Fort William have joined back in for the rest of the day... Matt has taken the bus home, Norman, Stewie and Kristin are all there, it is a lovely sunny day, and at the end of this Loch where the monster sleeps and will not be disturbed by me is the goal..

Loads of food, scoffed down much to the disgust of the team.. I am putting suncream on... The guys are telling me how good I look... MY feet are knacked, so I change back into my black ones for some stupid reason (I will change them again in 10 miles).. Am faffing a bit, but getting rechargeely and sitting on my seat, lovely fresh strawbs as well... Can't be unhappy.. About to start a little 22 miler with my mate Norman after which we will be in Drumnadrochit.. The machine eventually kicks me out, I say thanks to Mikey and off we go...

Up the hill past Morags Lodge where saintly people who make Macaroni Cheese for tired wet and very hungry runners late at night abide. Myself and Norman are chatting away.. We have run so many miles togther this year as we prepared for the Fling, Normans first ultra. We first met a few year back and kids swimming, I spied his Loch Lomond marathon t-shirt and we started chatting after that .. Took a few years for our first run and beer but have made up for that since ! So we are plodding along, run walk etc. A bit more up and down, and the path harder underfoot.. A good chat, well actually now I am just getting into the stride of completion....I don't really remember much of this bit.. I know that I am running with my mate and I just go with the flow. I am thinking of the last time I did this section when myself and the Glee Club ran through the rain to Incermoriston so we would not have as much to do the next day.. Getting there we went to the pub, only to be almost foreceably ejected by the rudest &*(&*() t&*()&()& wa&*&*%% etc in the whole world. I hope he has left there, would not sell us a pint coz we were wet, would not even give us a cup of tea. Very rude ! But not today.. Temperature is getting up there and a bit uncomfortable but can't do much about that ..

After another short but relieving stop, we cut down the forrestry track and run along the road to Invermoriston.. Mike come out on his bike to meet us then we run down the road, around the bend and we are another checkpoint down.. I am pretty broken here, not mentally, but sore.... Everything takes over... My friends look after me... I get a massage to ease my back which is really struggling with the compression of the decents.. Legs are feeling strong... I lie on the grass whilst an Asian family sit nearby having their picnic and looking in bemusement.. I eat, I drink, I have filter coffee.. Big Gaz grabs me a Magnum, you gotta be happy.... I put my gold shoes back on for the rest of the day, best leave well enough alone...

Past the friendliest corner store in the world (they make up for the plank in the hotel ) where we went last year.. They have a river running under their shop you know..

Now we get a little bit interesting, the next 2 hills really do it for me.. 136 miles in and the climb out of IM requires focus.. Not as much as the one out Altsigh... That is the worst of the 2 days as we climb up to nearly 1000ft above the Loch for some sensational views but you have to earn them... It is warm, and I am having to do quite a bit of work.. Norman is just strong beside me, chatting away as we go.. We have been here before, training on the 7 hills in early Feb, up our local Corstorphine Hill, down to Crammond.... One foot in front of the other.. What a view, switchback , what a view, switchback, what a view, switchback ok I am getting the message, but give me a break, too much of a good thing and all that .. Finally after a good 40 or 50 mins we get to the top.. It really was a grind and I am hot, my feet are nipping and although not going to stop, I need a moment to collect...

Have you read this in a one-er ?? I have been typing now for about 2 1/2 hrs.. It is tiring me out.. But then we are nearly at the end.. Thats the thing, if you keep going you do get to the end.. It must get closer...

Luckily Gaz and Mike have found a way up the hill near Altsigh and I get some food and a drink.. I think I make a bow as we get close to the car... It is great to see them.. We have to keep going, so it's through Balbeg and then we are on roads, but not before the downhill of course which is really doing things for my back.. It is hear I say to Norman that I am finally stopping running.. I will finish this but I am done so now must just walk it in.. I am not unhappy about this, you change and re-assess and crack on.. I have less than a marathon to go...

We are through the little farms and countryside, the hills are behind us.. Walking ok, I rememeber this from last year with Aly, and we were making great time... I do NOT remember that last bastard of a hill though... Maybe it is not that bad.. We come down off into Drumnadrochit and continue on the road (the Cycle route) as opposed to the path to the left... Probably saves me a mile or so, but with the cost of the steeper decent.... My back is really nipping now, but I am not done.. My mate is by my side, and I am closer..

Drumnadrochit ... 18 to go... Apparently now I have the "scarey starey eyes" according to Norman.. The full machine is in play.. Stewie and Mikey have the barby out.. Kristin, Gaz and Merv are there. Mike is sorting things out .. I think to myself at what a lucky person I am .. Everyone has come up here for one reason only, to drag a body to Inverness.. I can't pay them, I can't thank them enough.. If I fail they will no doubt say the right words, but everyone will be gutted... I can only do the one thing we set out to do, otherwise it will have been a wasted day..I am sore, and tired, but I know if not today then I will have to wait a year to come back here... and I will be sore, and tired, but a year older, and with a yeear of coulda shoulda woulda behind me.. And I am not that bad.. I still have a choice, I can stop.. It is not like I am doing something really hard.. I am not trekking 20 miles through African bush with a bucket on my head to grab food and water for my kids.. I am not fighting a disease or doing anything really serious.. I have my friends, I have my legs, and so we go on.. I get another great massage to ease things off.. I say cheerio to Norman, what a great run we have had..Say Cheerio to Mikey as he will travel home with Norman.. I phone Shirl and it is great to hear her voice..

I am walking with Gaz and Merv... I am high, walking hard for the first 2 miles out of town, then we go up the hill onto the moor behind.. Gaz and Merv are arguing about the height of the hill which amuses me for a while.. I am not talking much, but I am moving.. Upwards, we even take in the lookout .. Finally we are up on the moor, and going through the ex forest track where we get to the top of the moor. I lie down and have a stretch.. It is quite hard underfoot and I am getting a bit cold, so I borrow Mervs waterproof trousers.. I am just going now.. It is a nice evening, but towards the end of this section we get some light drizzle.. We go past the bush cafe's (must stop there one day ! ) and then we are on the road and Mike and Stewie are waiting for us.. I say cheerio to Stew as he holds a brolly above my chair in the rain, he has done such a job today Gaz goes back with him to get his car from DD, Mike and Merv and I plod on... We finally get to Blackfold. I am asking Mike how far, and he reminds me it does not matter.. `

Massage, coffee with Stinger, somethign to eat, 9 miles to go, stretch, new trousers, lying on a blow up mat of some sort.. I ask out loud how a bloke can be so lucky to have such good friends who have given up so much of their time for this. I am just so grateful for all they have done for me today.. One foot in front of the other..

I am with Mike and Kristin .. Midges, 9 miles to go, one foot in front of the other, Headlight on, run into the circle, soft forest path, glimpses of lights, soft path, exploding backside, one foot in front of the other, trees, chat about cricket. Mike is in front, looking out the path, he does tri's, and this year we went for our first run together... He is an artisan in every respect, 100 % quality.. He put me at the start line 160 miles ago and we are going to finish this.. The circle of light is hypnotic, the forest muffles footfall, the chat is incidental, I am isolated but not alone in my own world.. I am chatting with Krusty, no cows here.. One foot in front of the other. repeat, repeat repeat.. The circle of light is hypnotic... The trees and the clatter of a bird taking off..

We get out of the forest.. The lights are below us.. I have a stretch and a quick massage.. We take ages to come down the hill.. Another crick.. One foot in front of the other, keep on.. Through the hospital, past the houses, under the underpass, pass the golf club, one foor after the other, down the river, over the bridge, one foot in front of the other. The circle of light is bigger as the street lights are on, but the zone of my vision is fixed.. 8 ft in front, one foot in front of the other.... Into the town, lost a bit so ask some park inspectors where to go.. Onward behind the sports ground as we pass where I finished my last marathon.... Over the bridge, Gaz and Merv join us.. Through past the tree, over the raging river, it's noise wakes me ... but I can't go on.. I don't want to feel like this when I finish and we are 300m from the end and I am on the ground getting a twist in.. I am NOT feeling like this.. onward, along the river, photos out...

Shirl, Kirsty, Caroline, Mike, Gaz, Merv, Kristin, Stewie, Mikey, Norman, Matt,John, are all there with me.. Past Lucy the VW, past the backpackers.. Up the hill, to the sign... It's done..

Over the Top - Interlude

2009-06-25T23:08:00.001+01:00

So I thought I would take a moments interlude to try and put into words why the feck I was going about this mad thing.. How does a 42 y.o Thornlie Boy from Perth Western Australia end up at 01:30AM in Fort William Scotland about to embark on stage 2 of a 168 mile adventure..

I just don't know.. I am not a naturally sporty sort of bloke, I am one of those people who turns up to have a go, knowing full well that the pointy end of the race is somewhere I will never be.. I am not from a family of runners, though both my Mum and Dad have always been active in things.. I adopt a very minimalist approach to training, with peak mileage weeks rarely if ever getting into the 30's - outside my once a month long run.. Sure I give up beer when I am training for this gig, and caffeine, and I try to eat less crap (but don't succeed)... I have a relatively busy life, a very supportive family and 2 lovely girls who I don't want to spend all the time running away from, so I do what I can..

I do think a bit though.. And I try to visualise when I am half way round the 7 hills of Edinburgh on a cold and dark February morning, what it would be like to be in that place 20 hours later...

I was originally planning to do this mad thing in 2007 - the year of my 40th.. Someone once mentioned it on the Forum and when you look at the map, with the Way and the Great Glen only separated by 300m of road, it really does make sense..

I had the support crew all lined up, food packed but with one little problem... I always said it would depend how I was feeling at such and such a point, and maybe when I get to that place I will crack on.. So when I fell into a little mental dip before Bridge of Orchy, even though I was bang on my sub 24 hr pace, I decided to pull the pin on the bigger challenge.. Still cracked 24 in style so was pretty chuffed, but this has been niggling ever since ..

You can't achieve anything on a "maybe I'll do that", you are either in or out, you either set yourself a goal at the outset or you don't.. There is no half way house..

Not this time... Some people wondered why I wanted to just do the whole of the 2008 WHW as the Sweeper.. I am so grateful that Dario helped me do this, and that David Ruxton and his wonderful wife Trish were there to "sweep the sweeper".. It was absolutely sensational to run at the back of the pack and see people in various states of discomfort but still keep going .. And to spend time with Big Jim Robertson and think "oh geez I am doing it hard" only to look over at this bloke 26 years older than me and give myself a little cup of 'toughen the f**k up".. That run was the 33hr 43 min training for time on my legs, which you just can't get.. Then in Oct 2008 we did Great Glen over 2 days with DQ, Stan, Ellem, Mags, Jim, Stan, Ally, Neil and Eryk which gave me time on the route.

Also in 2008 I went camping with my girls to Loch Morlich, when I got a call from Shirl saying that Dario had been on the phone, telling me that the entries were open.. I asked her if I should do it and she said "If you want".. So I texted Mike, Gaz, Merv and Parky and said we were going "Over the Top".. I got a load of expletives back but also the only thing I needed - 4 texts saying "We'll be there"..

This year I have done more prep than ever before, running a lot with my mate Norman (more on him later) as we trained for the Fling.. Did the Glasgow to Edinburgh Double (boring as hell, but nice and flat and 53 miles in March is pretty good). Had some great runs with the folk of the Glee Club who always make the miles pass by with good humour - Gus, Jean, Michelle, Mags, DQ, Jim, Jon, Ian, Flip, Stan and I know I have missed so many..

And then a few other folk who I work with also agree to come along for the ride.. Matt, who was scheduled to do it in 2007 is in, Big Mikey who I run with at work says he'll do a stretch, Norman is in and Kristin who is this lovely Kiwi girl I work with (and a masseuse, and a pretty decent all round sports person) says she is in as well. I also get an offer from Stewie, who likes his cars, his bikes, his ciggies, has knackered knees from his army days, but would like to come along and drive if he could ..

So this is where I find myself just after leaving the Leisure Centre.. I am tired, but fit. I have friends by my side, family in Edinburgh, in Rockingham, the Thornlie Boys rooting me on.. I have Kristin with me to start the first 10 miles to Gairlochy.. It is a nice night, perfect for running... I think of all my friends and WHW family still out on the path.. I just feel ready, there is no reason that I can't do this.. So if there is no reason not to, you better just had...

(If you are following this blog, and you have a spare fiver, please consider clicking on the Just Giving Link at the top of the page.. After 5 days of turmoil following a poorly tested, badly implemented upgrade of the website, apparently it can now take donations again.. The money will go to a good cause, and a fiver is only a few gels and a can of coke..! Thanks for your support)

Over the Top (Part 1)

2009-06-24T20:24:00.007+01:00

Am trying to capture my thoughts on the weekends events in the same way that Ian Beattie has said - before they all fade and get glossed over. The main problem is that having been focussed on doing this for over 3 years, I am struggling to contain this in something suitable and pithy enough for a blog.. But lets have a crack anyway ..

So finally the Friday arrives, all the planning, talking, thinking, training, worrying etc is over and done with.. Did not have a good day, despite all the best efforts of the girls, just did not feel good at all. Had a little sleep in and then pottered about the house in the AM. Managed a couple of hours in the arvo which was good, then got up and had my Milngavie Butchers Steak Pie (sensational !) and Mashed Potato for dinner.. My big girl was off to guide camp, so the house was a bit of a flurry with all sorts of kit (running and guide camp) but it was all good.. Had dinner with my wee girl and then managed to get back to bed for 2 hrs of dozing.. Picked up Lucy the yellow VW combi from my mate Andy's house at 9:00PM, loaded up my kit and headed out to Ratho to pick up Mike for the drive to Milngavie… Still not feeling good, but at least on the road. Got a hug and wishes from Mikes wife Sandy and the 2 boys Zak and Ben and we were off.. Ride across listening a combination of Wolfmother, AC/DC and The Datsuns.

The scene at 11:30 PM at Milngavie Train Station is always a belter… Old friends you haven't seen for a year, new ones you have never met before. Davie gave me my Wallaby bar as promised, had a cuddle with Dario and got my tracker, got my pretty bracelets from Sean (WTF was the point of the fluro bangle ?), then gave blood and wee.. Said my cheerios to Mike with the promise that we were going to do this and then it was time to go.. Caught up with Ian King, Jeannie Beattie, Dave Waterman, Martin Hooper, DQ and lots of other folks and then it was time to start.. Still not feeling good but hey ho not feeling bad.. Was at the start line of the WHW race, with 150 other determined folk, all of us about to embark on our own mission together..

Kept it cool for the first little while, managed to run with Jim Robertson for a 1/2 mile which was sensational for me as I spent about 50 miles in his company sweeping last year and he is a true gent, was really sad for him on Monday when I did not see him on the list. All good for the first 5 miles or so, going at a fair clip, banged on the windows of the Pirate Support vehicle and made em jump.. Having a good banter and getting into stride, probably going a bit quick for this early but feeling good with it. First inspiration part of the day was coming down into the Beach Tree, running with Chris Moon.. Had only heard of Chris and to see him running along with his blade foot and apologising that he could not keep the gates open because of his missing arm was a truly memorable thing for me.. As I have said in a previous post - It's Not that Hard !

Nothing really to report to Drymen - I never stop here or Balmaha so I just went through the checkpoint and waved at the few faces I could see in the gloom.. Going through the forrest I caught up with my good mate the Pirate and Martin Hooper the Paratrooper and had a bit of banter with them and Jon .. They were going ok, but they looked like they wanted to be alone together and have a cuddle so I moved ahead just as we were coming to the foot of Conic Hill :-).. Once again, followed their progress throughout the day and knew they were getting their moneys worth and so stoked to find out they had both secured goblets ..

Coming down off Conic met DQ who was taking it easy on the decent (very unlike him !) - we would spend the next 70 miles leap frogging eachother… Mike had left me a bag at Balmaha which I scoffed and then it was off to Rowardennon.. Am sure I saw Aly MacPherson here in this stage.. Feeling ok, and knew at this stage that I would not be having any problems with the date muscle / left hammy that had annoyed me for the previous 9 months.. All that physio worked ! R'dennon was good - am about 20 mins ahead of target pace and am really trying to keep my checkpoint times down in the early stages. Did have my customary porridge and a can of coke.. Also got rid of my leggings, what a welcome relief !! So first milestone - 1 marathon down, 5 and 1/2 to go..

Had a great next section - ran and had some great chat with a few newbies who were going well. Paid homage to the concrete plynth of love and felt good and strong going in and out of Inversnaid.. Thanks to the Rescue folk who were manning the checkpoint

Next stage was ok - was worried about it because I hate it, and because of the extra distance but in the end it was not too bad.. Gave the folks from the BBC Adventure Show one of my best put on Aussie accents (I was wearing an Aussie Hat - no corks - at this stage to complete the cliché !) as I went past.. They must have had a great day for filming ! Great to get the water at Balmaha, ran some more with DQ, and past Neil MacRitchie too I think… Still feeling pretty good, but was looking forward to meeting Mike at Carmyle..

And finally we get there ! Phew .. First person I see if Murdo McEwan who has been a great friend and provided such great support and advice over the past year.. He was really rooting for me to meet my goal of sub 23 and it was great to see him.. Then I see Lucy the Yellow Combi and I have my first little emotional bit.. I always have these, where the mental pressure of maintaining discipline for mile after mile takes its tole.. So I have a sit down and Mike is asking me what I want and I can feel the tears welling up and I just ask for a minute to compose and then everything is ok again…. He is just seemlessly doing stuff around me, getting me food, drink, being my mate and just chatting and talking about other things .. Am not there for long it seems and it is off over the hill … Am on pace at this time for my sub 23

More chat with DQ, more up and down, and then seeing Aly again .. Aly, Neil, Stan Bland, DQ, Ellen, Eryk and I all did the Great Glen last year and we are all so close in time at this stage … Aly is just demolishing the hills behind Crianlarich and making it look so easy .. I am feeling ok and not having my St Fillans dip that usually hits me .. Get to Auchtertyre and see John Kennedy, who after waiting for the cutoff time, will join me later in the race… He is the reason that I started and finished my first race in 2002, and seeing him is a great boost… Also see the lovely Lee who gives me news of the Pirate.. Mike gives me more food (not sure what ?? ) and I kick on … Am thinking at this stage of the finish to the Fling, how I was doing this very section with my mate Norman (who I will be running with in about 24 hrs time) and how we were cracking on for a sub 11:30 time… A bit slower than that now, but not too bad and still around 12:20 at Tyndrum so well on pace for sub 24 (though sub 23 is starting to slip..). A quick drink in Tyndrum and then up the hill… John catches me about 2 miles later and it is off to Bridge of Orchy… We are running ok, coming into B.O.O we see Mark Collins coming the other way looking for Aileen …

Mike has to do a job (work and pleasure ??!!!) so misses us at B.O.O but I see Tom Collins which is great - I ran some with Tom in 2003 and he with me in 2004 so it is great to see him.. I get over the hill at B.O.O and mark off another milestone - I am now 1/3 of the way on my journey .. Feeling pretty good all things considered. Mike meets us at the bottom of the hill next to the hotel and we get a quick bit to eat and then Rannoch Moor ...

I love Rannoch Moor ... It is Scotland at its finest, and raw.. I always get to think about things, about my friends, old and new... The arvo is clear, the skies blue, it is not too hot, not too cool. John and I are making good time, DQ is behind me, Aly is continuing to destroy the hills in front and it is just sensational... What a place to be, 65 miles or so of running behind you and scenery that just blows you away with every step... John is bigging me up about the next bit and telling me how I am going to do it and what a great achievement it will be.. Running with someone who has done the Devil in 6:10 is a real boost, and hearing his words really spurs me on.. We crest the final rise and the Buchaille is below us, and the white oasis of Kingshouse. I pass Ali who is getting some food.. We walk off the last bit of the track, then John gets me to run it in to Kingshouse, "look strong" he says, "Go in strong for your team", so I do and there are my mates Gary and Mervyn who have supported me in all but one of my 5 races and I know that the goblet is mine.. 23 miles separate me from the end of the WHW and it is only a question of time.

In 07 Merv and I started out from KH and unbeknownst to me he had only just recovered from a major flu .. So he was unable to run that quick and I ended up leaving him at the foot of the Devils.. This year he had a monkey to get off his back, which he did in style.. We had some hot food and got some clothes sorted and then were off... Knew for certain at this stage that we could not make sub 23 without some sort of super effort and so decided to ensure the sub 24 .. I guess in hindsight, the Great Glen always was looming on the horizon, but I don't think I would have done it regardless. Things just did not seem as fluid as in 07.. We made really good time to Altnafaid where Mike was waiting and then up and over the hill we went.. Last year I did this with Jim Robertson at 01:30 AM in a 50 mph gale with sleet and rain and so to go up in such a lovely night was glorious.. The views from the top were sublime and once again I was just so glad to be alive...

Was pretty good coming off the hill, making ok progress and not too bad on the quads.. Merv was just powering along, and we had a great chat about all things important, mostly cricket ! Mike came up on his bike out of Kinlochleven to see what we needed... Had a pit stop and then made it down the hill.. Saw Murdo in front of the Leisure Centre, I think he knew I had missed a sub 23, but I could not tell him why I was not that disappointed... Went and had my weight done and a hug from the wonderful Geraldine, some food and then again we go.. I have 4 hrs 15 to go 13 miles to break 24..

Climb up and out was not too bad, then about 4 miles across Lairig Mor I am half way.. This is another great boost... It is downhill from here.. I am running with my mate big Gaz, who always strides much better than me but is great company. We have known eachother for close on 18 years having worked together in BP Kwinana and we also share a love of cricket.. So we are cutting through the miles, he has a GPS tracker doofa that does a good job of telling us where we are.. About 1/2 way to Lundavra we come across Eryk Grant.. He is toiling big time - a sub 21 man he is not having a good day.. He tells me his quads are knackered but he looks great to me so I tell him so.. We to and fro for the next little while - him passing me on the flats, me him on the downs.. DQ passes us as well with words like "Time to get this over and done with".. He is looking strong.. I am feeling ok, but going along at my pace.. Did not stop in Lundavra for more than a time check - and to meet Eryk's wife (?) and then we are on our way again.

the last 6 are a blur .. What am I thinking ? I have done it ... I am 89 miles out and I have a forrest and a hill to go before my 5th goblet.. I am feeling strong, feet are quite sore, but am going along at 3.5 to 4 miles / hr.. A couple of people pass us going through the forrest and I am happy to let them go.. Coming out of the trees I get a bit of a kick on ... I see some lights behind me and I say to Gaz "They can pass, but they will need to work for it " He is up for it and wo we start running down the hill and make it almost to Braveheart till Eryk catches me .. He has clearly sorted out his quads.. I am so happy to see him and wish him well, and he tells me that he is coming in with me.. So we continue on and get onto the road where I get passed by 2 others - including a storming but silent Marco :-) ! Eryk has kicked on, but I am with my mate Gaz, Merv and Mike who trot the last bit with me.. Eryk is slowed down just by the roundabout and we jog to the finish together.. Just before the Leisure Centre I see my next support crew waiting and I am determined to show them I am feeling good..

We get to the doors, which Eryk holds open and insists I go through.. What a gent and great running partner.. So we finish in 23:37 and share a wee dram of Glengoyne from the quaich handed to us by the lovely Lee... It is quite surreal now... I see Ian Beattie, Marco, DQ.. I get my blood taken.. My friends come in (they are ready for the next bit ) to shake my hand and ask me if I need anything... I go and grab a shower and chat to a few guys ... The shower is sensational and I could stay there all night ... My feet are a little bit rubbish but other than that I am fine.. I am not done.. I get a new shirt, and shorts and bidding farewell to the shower ( I am getting really comfortable !) head out into the foyer.. DQ is still there, and is the only one in the whole race who knows what I am going to do, he waves and me and wishes me luck.. Lee also comes over and tells me I am a madman..

I see Aly is now in - she has cracked 24 and is over the moon.. I ran with her quite a while on the Great Glen so know how much this means to her.

My lovely friend Kristin is with me, and she is a qualified sports masseuse.. I know it is a bit of brass neck, but I ask the lovely girls if we can use one of their tables... I am so grateful when they say yes.. Kristin works on my legs and tells me they are feeling great and better than any time in the last 3 months that she has been working on me.. I put on my leggings, some dry shoes, look for something to eat and say hi to the folk in the kitchen,,then realise I am faffing about .. Needed the break, but also need to start again..

So I walk out the door.. Mike, Merv, Gaz, Kristin, Stuart, Matt, Mike S and Norman are all there. I am still dithering, getting this thing and that... But I don't need anything.. I am approx 2hrs behind my schedule, but it is a clear night. I am feeling good, and I have 8 people with me who are only there for one thing.. I go down the stairs, leaving the Leisure Centre behind me, turn left and start walking.. 95 down, 72 to go.. I am going to do this..

Over the Top (Preface)

2009-06-22T20:29:00.006+01:00

Just a short note to say thankyou ..

This morning at 02:02 AM I reached the Castle at Inverness, having started out 49 hrs earlier at the start of the West Highland Way.. After completing the WHW in 23:36, I followed the Great Glen to Inverness. A total distance of approx 168 miles.

This was a great team effort. I have been supported in this madness by Shirley and my girls Kirsty and Caroline. On the day I had the most incredible support team of Mike Johnson, John Kennedy, Merv Jones,Gary Haywood,Kristin Mitchell, Stuart McCormack (also guest blog editor!),Matt Stoner,Mike Smith and Norman Duncan.

I am struggling to put into words at this moment my feelings towards all these grear people. It truly was a team effort, they gave up all of their time and together we did it.. I will always have the utmost love, admiration and respect for all that they have done for me and how this achievement was theirs as well..

Now I am off for a little kippo !

Cheers

KH

Finally I wish to thank all the people who gave up their hard earned cash to sponsor me for this challenge. With this support, real good can come from this and it will make a difference to many lives. Thankyou, and also for your good luck wishes and texts !!!

For the last 3 years I have been collecting money for a group of schools in Malawi. If you have a spare 5 or 10 quid, please consider your support. The charity is an Edinburgh based church, who ensure all the money gets to the kids who need it most.

www.justgiving.com/overthetop2009

The last Fort down

2009-06-21T12:21:00.003+01:00

Arrived hungry (that's good), ate and drank well and hastely.

80% done, and half of the Great Glen to go - next stop Invermoriston around 2:30pm.

Kristin's met a 'delicious' guy in a kilt, and says she's not coming back!

2009-06-21T08:49:00.002+01:00

...sorry ran out of batteries.

Mentally still strong and surprisingly positive; probably because he only has two marathons left to run today!!

- next major milestone Fort Augustus, and 128 miles.

On to Aberchalder

2009-06-21T08:46:00.004+01:00

Keith is still chugging along; a wee bit behind schedule, but still going strong. Body is holding up well, apart from expected foot blisters.

Had a quick coffee at last stop, and headed off straight away...

One down - second on the way

2009-06-21T07:16:00.002+01:00

Keith is doing great - completed the West Highland Way around midnight last night, and continued on up the Great Glen - obviously needs more tablets!

Currently (as at 7:15am Sunday) between Clunes and Laggan Locks - 113 miles done, and 55 miles to go :-)

He's looking pretty good physically, and mentally strong at last check-point, where he had his morning porridge.

Onwards ...

It's not that hard

2009-06-18T18:54:00.009+01:00

My good friend and race legend Murdo put this up on the WHW Forum today in the thread of "Single Best Piece of Advice"..

""Yesterday I went along to the talk in Edinburgh by inspiratioanl yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur that I flagged up in an earlier thread.
It was very interesting, and there were certainly quite a few parallels between her experiences and ultradistance running experiences.
In the question & answer session at the end someone asked her if she had ever considered giving up. "Never" was the response.
If you are feeling a bit downhearted and self-sorry and blistered at some point in the next few days, it may help to think about this, and to adopt the same mindset.............
She was going solo unsupported non-stop around the world for about 70 days with a maximum of 3 hours sleep in a 24 hours period. "Giving up" might not have been a very practical option in the circumstances.
But if you are feeling wretched, and your support vehicle is right there, ready and willing to whisk you off to a hot bath and a beer or two, you may have to dig pretty deep to resist the temptation and continue on to the end to win your hard-earned finishers crystal goblet.

Think about it........ You may have to dig pretty deep, or give up........"

So this is something I have thought about a lot.. The way I see it, because you always have that option, the race is not that hard. The really hard things in life you can't give up on, you don't have that choice. We runners can get a little ahead of ourselves (guilty as charged), but we are doing something of our own volition, with all the relative comforts that our wealth, health and privilege give us.. At any point if it gets too much, we can give up, we can hop in the car.. No-one is going to die, the world will not fall off it's axis, life will go on.. It IS a significant challenge, but compared to real life in other parts of the world, compared to real life and death and illness and poverty and all that, it is nothing to worry about in the grand scheme of things..

This is not meant to be a negative post, or a comment on anyone that has not completed the race having started .. It is meant as a reflection on what this race is. It's an adventure and a challenge but at the end of the day it is not life and death, so put it in perspective and enjoy it ..

Enjoy the scenery, the people, the comradeship and the hills.. Relish the great outdoors, the midges, the tree roots, the mud, the rain, the pain, the miles that you gain, the rocks under foot, the stubbed toes, the sore back and the pain in the inside of your left armpit that just won't go away. Breath the silence of Rannoch Moor, the beauty of Buchaille Etive Mor, the lights of the oasis that is Kingshouse and the switchbacks of the Devils Staircase, the dips and the highs, the "Ahh fuck I'm gonna die", your friends being there with the perfect cup of soup, the text you get from someone dear. Live it, breathe it, soak it all up, you'll never do this again (for at least another year), and what might that bring so best do it here, and NOW ! And remember all you've done, you deserve to be here, and on cresting the hill down that bloody ugly forest track, watch the lights of the finish below that move further away, bottle that feeling till the end of your days.. Say never again, but then get through the doors, the cheers and the quaich, the dram, and the goblet that is yours..

Have a crack

Cheers KH

Here I come ready or not

2009-06-16T21:23:00.002+01:00

So I reckon I am just about done.. Last trot with my mate Norman last night, 1k and a bit in the pool this eve, massage booked for tomorrow night, food nearly together, transport (a great VW Combi !) sorted, support crew all in place and ready to kick my ar5e if required, charity organised (nearly !), Pirate Buff looked out, new shoes, blah blah blah - bloody lot of effort just to get to the start line ! Still got a little bit of a niggle on my left date cheek, but that's something that has been with me for a while now so I am not worried about it ..
So following on from what John Kynaston raised - how do I feel, what are my goals and aspirations. I have definitely run more than ever before and the combined running over the last 3 years has definitely put me in pretty good shape.. I am a lot stronger than in 2007, but I am also 7 kg heavier.. (Am convinced that it is all muscle !)
So I reckon all things being equal I should be ok.. Was thinking the other day about the distance again, even after 4 times it is still a bit of a hoot to be running this far.. I was thinking about a few comments on the Forum about how the race being 95 miles. I joked that we should run to Corpach to make it a round 100 miles .. But then I was thinking about something my good mate Tom Collins (WHW 2005) said about there being a X distance in running, whatever the distance you run - it is always the last X k that hurts the most.. Go out for a 10 miler and you are busted at 9.5 miles, go for 40 and it is the last 1 .. So the distance is just a number that separates you from the finish.. It is a big or small number, but just a number .. If it was 98 miles would the race be any harder, if it was 89 would it be less of a challenge ? So I am not thinking about the number, just abouut the finish and the cold beer and Crystal Goblet that awaits me there.. Bit of a ramble - sorry..

So how do I feel ..BRING IT ON !

Ohh - the other good thing is that the fabulous Dario has sorted me out one of these tracking doofa's.. Should be a hoot for my Mum and Dad and friends to check out and see where I am and see when I am slacking off.. Link on the page above.

Now some music. The Mighty Mighty Datsuns - if you aren't moving after cranking this up to 11 you are officially dead !

In memory of the fallen

2009-06-11T21:23:00.001+01:00

22 survived, 2 fell on the long long road .. May they rest in pieces..

Fears, Tears and Beers

2009-06-07T15:24:00.009+01:00

Thanks to all who have commented and read the start of these ramblings.. Can see how this can become addictive as I was lying in bed last thinking what could I write.. Oh dear...

So the week started ok - even managed a couple of runs - was out on Sunday for a little 5 miler up my local hill (Corstorphine in Edinburgh.. Monday about 8 or 9 at a very easy pace with my mate Norman and one of my support crew Merv.. Went up Blackford Hill in Edi. Yesterday I went to the FASIC physio for the last session on my dodgy backside.. Am sure it will be ok - just need to get the first 30 miles under my belt.. Aside from that been getting together my kit, my food and etc.. And doing more thinking...

Today was all about the top of the Loch... Always a particular low for me as I really struggle to get going from Inversnaid - I hate it hate it hate.. Worse than Brussel Sprouts. I just want to get it over with and Derrydarroch and my support crew.. Except this year, this is closed for support... Just as well in the Fling I tried to make it mentally a much better section.. I reckon I did in some ways, so the extra mile or so to Carmyle won't be a bother.. and once you are there, there is only a little bit of mud, a little hill or 2 and then auchtertyre... which is only a short stroll to Tyndrum....

So all ok - until today ... Some some sad sad news... It seems I am cursed and I am not sure if I can go on.. The worst of it is I do not even know the extent of my grief.. As some may know, I give up all alcohol when I am training for this race.. Since Jan 7 I have had 1 small bottle Brahma beer and 1 pint (all in 1 night !!) and a small sip of fiz on Saturday last to celebrate the graduation from the OU of my good friend at home and my main support man Mike. At the end of the race I look forward to a bottle of the finest beer in the whole world - Emu Bitter... Now you cannot get this in the UK - so my Dad mails me a carton from Perth (it works out at about 80 quid to send it, but I REALLY like this beer... So imagine my anguish and tears when I get the Non-Delivery note from the postie "Package not delivered - it's too damp - broken bottles ??". So I have a nervous couple of days till I get out there and see what the damage is.. A carton has 24 x 375ml bottles of the amber nectar - I am hoping for a low hit rate..

At least I still have 4 left over from last year - here is one of the little fellas with another wonderful glass object...

Time goes by - so slowly

2009-06-05T22:33:00.006+01:00

But on the other hand you can't just wish your life away.. This week I am really on the taper. 2 runs - about 9 miles total.. Date muscle still giving me gyp but am doing the stretches. Now there is too much time to think, think and ponder. You know when you are in a meeting at work and you drift off in the middle of somebody waffling and are thinking of the muddy bit after the crossing of the A82 before the hill behind Crianlarich.. Or you remember the joy of hitting that bit of concrete that is about 500m before Inversnaid Hotel.. (I want a shrine built there - just something exceedingly ostentatious like big a F.O Gold Buddha or a mini Angel of the North or maybe even a giant garden gnome bedecked in a Liberace Crush Velour Pant Suit - you wouldn't be expecting that would you !). Anyway I digress, but I am constantly running the route, remembering little bits.. How do you become so obsessed ? Only 14 days 2 hrs and 3 mins , tick tock..

Sad day today - I sold my Neil Young tickets - concert is in Aberdeen on 24-June - only 3 days after the race ... I am gutted as the man is a &*(()ing LEGEND - saw him last year and f. me if he did not make some EFFING noise.. But 3 days after the race I don't reckon I will be up to standing up for 2 hrs in a concert... or travelling to Aberdeen... So here is one for the Vampire Slayer in Romania - crank it up Mike !! Rock on Neil !

Counting down the days

2009-06-04T21:31:00.003+01:00

So it is now 15 days to go. Today I met up with some of my support crew to have a bit of a chat and work out logistics for the weekend of the 20th... I am always blown away by my friends and family who give up their time to support me when I am doing this little adventure.. Not only on the day, but all the weekends that I have gone running and therefore my good friend at home has to do all the family things and keep everything else going whilst I am running across the coutryside... I love my running, but I am really privileged to be able to do it and it is only through the support of others that I can..

So it was great to catch up with the gang today, a few old faces but some people from my work who have never been out on the Way before but nevertheless think that being cramped up in a car sheltering from the pi55ing rain, eaten by midges for the privilege of seeing a tired and (hopefully) only mildly cranky bloke for a few minutes is a good way to spend a day... Love em and I will hopefully make their efforts worthwhile...

And I am still trying to work out which charity I am running for...

First Post

2009-06-02T21:59:00.002+01:00

This is my first post to see what it comes out like.. I am starting this blog as I approach the final days of training for the 2009 West Highland Way Race.. This is a 95 mile cross country adventure from Milngavie just outside Glasgow to Fort William. This is the 5th time I have done the race so I am looking forward to the challenge !