Delayed Success

Disappointment 

Like old pain

Is soon forgotten 

When memories remain

Of times spent in the open

Of long lonely miles 

Or better still 

In the comfort of others 

With random smiles 

What's done is done

In the past it stays 

Except when it's needed 

to remind us of days 

When choices made 

Were to toil a little longer 

and with the task to stay

Rather than to succumb

to the ease of the path nearly made 

Disappointment still lingers 

The better result never seen

But it's an illusion 

of someone you've never been

Better to rejoice in that 

what is done 

For the past is the past 

and can never be re-run .. 

6102WHW2016 - A Double West Highland Way

6102WHW2016
 The story of a Double West Highland Way Run

Back in 2009 George and I had a crack at a Double WHW which due to a number of factors mainly heat and a bit of blouse wearing on my part we didn't complete.  On the way down we pulled up at Rowardennon 27 miles short as there was insufficient time to run to Milngavie to join the main race.  This is the story of unfinished business.  

The challenge remains the same - to run 95 miles to Milngavie in under 24 hours, then hopefully have time for a quick shower and some rest then join the West Highland Way Race back to Fort William in under 35 hours for a total distance of 190 miles (310km) in 59 hours.  

I arrived in Fort William on the afternoon of June 16th at 15:00 and had spent the afternoon trying to sleep / rest and chill out before the start. Ollie ( John McKelvie) my mate from Australia had been in Europe the last 2 weeks and had flown in from Rotterdam to Edinburgh that night. He arrived in FW at 20:30. Mike Johnson my mate from Edinburgh who has been the backbone of my WHW support for the last 12 years also happened to be up working in FW on the day. We all went to dinner at ‘Spoons – steak and chips and rank mushy peas, then I went for a few more minutes rest.

Ollie, me and Mike 

Fort William to Kinlochleven 00:00:01 Friday 17th June

At 11:30 the guys came up to the room to get me going - I was just out of the shower.  We  then drove to the Leisure Centre and the adventure started.

                      Fort William Leisure Centre - The start at the finish.  



Mike joined me for the initial run to the roundabout, then I continued on by myself. At Braveheart some bloke was in the middle of the road with a head torch – what sort of nutter is out at this time. Gday Ollie. He left me as I proceeded up the firetrack – with early enthusiasm I was probably running at 9’s or 10’s at this point.  

Weather for the whole of the run down was perfect, cool, overcast and with a following breeze. I was dressed in leggings, a fleece top, t-shirt and waterproof but soon took the jacket as I progressed up the hill. In this initial section I wanted to get a good crack on as I would never be this fresh and the reverse hills are quite challenging. Lundavra (6.6 Miles) was reached in 01:35 (against 01:38 on plan, so far so good). I then started across the Lairig Mor.
On the Tuesday I had sent a message to Peter Duggan and asked him if would be in Kinlochleven at 02:30 on Friday morning (“Yes, I live there, so will be in my bed sleeping"). I asked him if he would leave a bottle of water out for me.. He asked why, and following a bit of conversation he said that he wouldn’t have much on on Friday and would meet me en-route. I was stoked about this as last time I had done this, George and I had taken the wrong path down into KLL and lost 10-15 minutes. I was running pretty well at this point – Hokas soaking up the rocks and everything feeling ok – was conscious of my fluids and eating. As I neared the abandoned cottages my head torch flickered and went to low power mode. Bloody hell that’s a pain – had deliberately replaced the batteries that day.. I was wondering how much this was going to slow me when I turned a corner to see in the distance a light. Ran along the ups and downs and the light grew nearer. There is something quite surreal about meeting someone in the middle of the night on a wide open expanse of the Scottish Highlands. Gotta love the randomness of life that puts different people with a shared interest together. “I hope that’s you Keith" We had a great chat about the burning down of his shed, replacement of boats then all of a sudden we were descending into KLL. Pete had parked his van at the leisure centre so we stopped there for 5 mins to get water and dried apricots.. He led me out of town and I started my ascent of the hill up to the devils. (Arr KLL 14 miles 3:12 vs 3:17 on plan)

KLL to Bridge of Orchy - Leave 3:15 The sky was getting brighter – no sunrise as a result of the cloud but I could ditch the head torch and managed a couple of pics going up. Was feeling pretty damn good and making good progress up to the top of the devils. Remembered a run me and Antonia had done here back in Feb / March when there was still ice on the ground. Topped out glanced around to say cheerio to Ben Nevis – it would be 46 hours till I would see it again. Down the devils we go – the Buchaille looking imperious in the morning light. Altnafaed (19 miles reached at 04:45 vs 5:00 ) .. It was at this time I noticed my Sumos Armpit watch was a little bit ahead of itself as told me I had run 30 miles – I wish ! Stopped for a wee breakfast of food I had stashed yesterday under a fallen down road sign. Lucozade, grapes and some pizza here – it was AWESOME ! A good run to Kingshouse (arrived 05:38) where I scared the shit out of the morning chef but he was a great bloke and let me into the kitchen and got my bottle filled – sausages looked good ! (Love the Kingshouse, always friendly !). Got up to Glencoe ski centre carpark just for completeness. Saw my first walker of the day – “you look like a man on a mission coming up there” “Yes, you could say that !”

Had a great run across the moor – Hokas ignoring the rocks, going really well on the downs and flats and powering the climbs .. Rannoch was just so pretty, here I was running with the whole of the world to myself , about a marathon in my legs, the morning cool, the air clear and the miles ahead like a party guest you are waiting to arrive but you are not sure how they are going to behave.. Made Vic Bridge at 7:26 (7:43 in plan) and sent Ollie a text as he would meet me in BoO for breakfast – he was already on his way after a good nights kip in Fort William. Went over Jelly Baby hill at a good pace – no Jelly Babies no whistles – and then made the descent again to meet Ollie at BoO train station (35 miles at just after 8 – 25 mins ahead of schedule). Ollie has prepped a storm – porridge, juice, fruit and my first coffee since Jan 9th. It had the desired effect. I swapped to my bumbag for the run to Tyndrum and took off my long pants and then headed away.. Left bang on time, 08:10..

Brekky

BoO to Beinglas (Leave 08:25) Great run to Tyndrum , the last time I had done this was in 2015 after 5 beers and a few drams at Ian's stag do.. For some reason I took a wrong turn at the farm house and ended up with a 10 minute detour but soon realized my error (its not hard when you are on tarmac rather than farm track). Nothing much to report about this section – easy running, pace good. Tyndrum at 09:50 on plan (sub 10 Devil of the Highlands) Really wanted this to give me 14 to get to the start. Had a wee stop at Auchteryre (10:25) for top up of water then arranged to meet Ollie at Carmyle for more supplies post hills.. Started seeing more walkers about this time and could see the looks in their eyes – WTF is this guy doing out here in shorts a bumbag and a crazy hat. I was wearing a WHW 2013 top and someone asked me if I was doing the race “Yes, as long as I make the start later tonight” Good progress through the rollercoaster then forest then along through cow poo alley which was remarkably dry. 

It wasnt me

 The temperature was ideal – 10/11C, overcast and still that following wind. It was about this point back in 2010 that I had my major crash – I remember George trotting on and me thinking it was all over.. That day I had a swim at Derrydarroch and spent 10 minutes giving myself a SERIOUS shouting at. Didn’t need to do it this time. Ollie met me with more food and juice for the last miles to Beinglas. I had to make a longer trip to the bushes for the first time today – oh the glamour !

Beinglas to Rowardennon (12:45) 

Good run into Beinglas and top up of soup, coke, water etc. Not sure what else I took on here. Ollie would leave here to meet up with John Kennedy in Milngavie then meet me in Rowardennan. The lochside is always tough. I was making good progress but still had a lot to do .. 40 miles to go in under 11 hours. One foot in front of the other .. In 2010 we hit a real low and probably knew the challenge was off – it was just too hot and we didn’t make any speed. No such issues today - was making progress. Go to the place of angels and looked down the loch. Made it about ¼ of the way down the hill and realised I hadn’t patted my mate on the head. Climbed back up.. Stopped at the book and made an entry “Double WHW Leg #1” and the time and some other stuff. Made ok time to Inversnaid where I stopped for my standard pint of milk and pint of fresh orange and lemonade. Took the high road down the loch – as I figured it the new route didn’t come into effect until 01:00 the next morning so I was still on the correct track from 2015 and all previous years… Was toiling but still running into Rowardennan which I made at 16:50 – 30 mins shy of the schedule but still with 7 hrs to go.. Had a good refuelling stop here.

Rowardennon to Milngavie (16:50) Ollie and John Kennedy are there – all positivity and good vibes. The midgies are ferocious but he has setup the aid station and I start bringing on food. BTW – Its all his fault . In 2001 I was just an innocent guy working in BP Grangemouth going to run the London Marathon when someone mentioned I should speak to this bloke about running – oh he has run the WHW .. Cue initial incredulous looks, then a first conversation , then 3 months later I find myself running from Kingshouse to Lundavra with a bloke who has convinced me that if you can do 4 miles an hour you have it nailed. “If you make Kingshouse you WILL finish” He has supported me a number of times, including on 2009’s Over the Top trip. His wife Anne and son Richard have come along allowing a change of cars at Balmaha (leaving at 19:00) and then the 3 of us (John, Ollie and I ) climb Conich Hill to get us under 19 miles to go.. I will need to be back here in under 12 hours. It really is the most spectacular arvo / eve. The climb is a slog but the view at the top is brilliant. We are ticking off the miles with the walk / run . Just a few miles short of Gardabhan forest there is a bloke in the path who looks familiar. Norm has come over from Edinburgh for his first run since Comrades 2 weeks ago. It was really tops to see him, even if he does tear a calf about 500m from the carpark. We stop there for a bit and the midges are even more violent than in Rowardennon so I say cheerio to Anne and Norm and Ollie and I get cracking on. The sun is beginning to go down and have run about 80 miles or so. It is a sensational evening. We go over the bridge and back on to the path near Kilearn Cross.

Jamie Aarons has run out with Pirate and Hope to meet us. She provides a welcome boost to the backside kicking requirements. John meets us at the Beech Tree and takes Ollie back to Milngavie. We leave at 22:08… Under 2 hours to do 7 miles. I trot on with Jamie, chatting about the WHW, BGR’s, friends and family, all the while soaking up the most spectacular evening. I really wish I could have run backwards to really see it all – what an absolute privilege to be able to be there - A Californian Girl and an Aussie bloke running in Scotland at its best .. 

Look at that Sky (Photo courtesy of John McKelvie (aka Ollie)

Jamie is not letting me off – “just run to that hill”, that tree, that post .. I want to get my rest time so am compliant as much as I can.. At Carbeth the doggies want to go home but Jamie has agreed to take me to Milngavie – good news actually as I didn’t pack my head torch and its getting dark.. And then we are in Mugdock, and the wooden path, the left turn, the park, the trail, the start of the lights then the shopping precinct. I see a few people in WHW tops and am sure they must wonder WTF was going on.. Jamie has stopped to talk to someone but I keep heading to the underpass. Mike is there with camera, I complete my reverse run and that is ½ way.. 95 miles in 23:50.

Leg 1 done. Not really sure how to feel about this. I have just run a really good WHW but I am only half done. The usual sense of relief is put on hold. All I can think of is that I now have 70 minutes to turn around and head back up the road. I head to Registration where I must admit I feel like a rabbit in the headlights. Not the usual release of finishing the WHW, I am wired and just want to register and get myself changed, fed and as much rest as I can.. I see Hoops and Dave (though don’t say hi to him coz I am ignorant), then Debs, Big Davie the Polis, Stan and loads of others. It’s a blur. I am in an out of there in under 10 mins . Ollie has parked around the corner so I say cheerio to John K ("Go and make history")and we head to the Premier Inn. A quick shower, no major issues, chaffing or blisters. I lay down on the bed and ask for stuff.. I get some noodles, cooked chicken, coffee, and coke. Matt is there and its great to see him too.. I turn the main light out for 15 minutes, put my feet up and shut my eyes. I knew I wouldn’t sleep at all but was trying to process things.. I feel ok. 

Pre-Race Training 
People have asked me what I did to train for this race.  The short answer is not much.  I have always been a pretty low mileage sort of bloke, but did manage to complete the Marcothon in Dec (a run of 5k for each day in Dec).  This set me up with a really strong base for January and Feb where I managed to get up to the Pentlands almost every weekend - even for just a few hours.  In April I walked the Highland Fling - starting at 21:30 on the Friday night after all day at work and finishing up the next arvo at about 16:30.. (This was my tiredness training :-) .  I also did my standard sweep of the Cateran Trail race in May (56 miles).   Other than that its all about 20-30 miles a week, some slow, some fast.  But I guess this is also on a base of 12 years of running the WHW and other Ultras which cumulatively gives me some decent strength and endurance - both physical and mental.  The mental side is probably the most important.  This is my 3rd run over 160 miles and more than 2 days.  I have also run quite a few over 30 hours.

The Trip Back 
At 00:50 we exit the hotel car park and blast to the start line. I am screaming and swearing and saying “lets ****ING DO THIS”. Mike will be my support until Rowardennon, Ollie will go back to hotel for a good sleep .. Arrive at 00:56, briefing has happened, I say good luck to a few folks. 

Mike Johnson

 My plan in doing the double this way was that I would be able to join in the race I love, chat to people, getting swept along in the buzz and excitement that is this fantastic event. One issue – my legs don’t come to the party. The break has totally knackered them. I hobble up the steps, past the Outdoor show cameras “I’m doing the double” and by the time I hit the precinct I am stone dead last and I don’t see another person from the race for 16 miles. A few people see me and ask if I am ok – “I have had a warm up”.

The rest of the morning is basically me trying to hit times. I have a very conservative schedule that gets me in to all of the cutoffs. I know I need to work to Balmaha so try my best to walk / run and keep on pace. In all my races I have never stopped at Drymen – I like to get to Balmaha before I take a break . Tonight though I know I will need every extra bit of help so I ask Mike to meet me there and I have a wee top up .. I am about 10 mins behind the last runner but I have about 2 hrs to make the 6 miles over the hill. Am running walking and going well. When I finally hit the open moorland before the hill I see 2 runners. I catch them heading up the hill – its Ian Minty who is sweeping and a girl who’s day is unfortunately done .. I have over and hour to get up the hill. It takes me 20 mins to get to the top and 40 to get down – quads are telling me that 114 miles is enough. WRONG !! I get a big hug from Lee and then find Mike. Not sure what I eat but have something and some juice etc. I have 3 mins in the front seat resting my eyes. Ada is the sweeper from here. She calls me a fanny – it’s a term of endearment apparently 😀 I am stoked to see her as she is great crack. We leave Balmaha and trudge up to Rowardennon.  

We are making steady if not spectacular pace. Around Sallochy we come across another runner and Ada and Neil fall back. I am still focused on getting to Rowardennon where Mike will meet me. I am running late and mentally starting to struggle with sums etc. I get to Rowardennon and it all falls apart. Mentally I have deducted 1 hour from my available time to Beinglas and I have therefore in my mind run out of time. Unfortunately Mike does not realise this. I am saying I don’t have time to get the 13 miles to Beinglas by 12:00 but he is looking at my schedule and telling me I have plenty of time. I have 12 hours from Start Time – ie 13:00. The disconnect does not get cleared up until about an hour down the track when I meet another runner and he says 13:00. Ada confirms this. Mentally I am done.. I wont make the prizegiving, get a goblet. 

I eat the delicious selection that Mike has prepared as quickly as I can amidst the midge swarm and try to get going but I am stuffed. I call a mate who advises me to keep going but I am swithering. Mike has followed me out of Rowardennon and tries to get me going but I am stopped in my tracks and even at one point turn around. I am looking for excuses to give up. Mike tells me he will see me in Inversnaid – he knows me well enough to see what is going on. I figure I may as well get as close to the time as I can and see what happens. Ada and Neil catch me as we hit the new low road. I am told I have an hour longer than I think and we should make it .. Not sure of the damage of the last 20 minute meltdown but there are now 4 of us and we are progressing along.

I hate hate hate hate this new section. I am sure if I was walking it I would be ok with the lovely path by the lochside. I would love the varying climbs and the new views and the windy path, the descents to the water, the random climbs .. Right now I hate it and I tell Ada so.. I want the boring landrover track, I want the long uphill and then the longer downhill decline, but it aint happening .. I am whinging, a sook and a blouse wearer that needs to TTFU.. But I haven’t even seen my big girl yet, she hasn’t seen me run… People are waiting for me, wanting me to finish this journey.
(I don’t think I will like this section for a while but for all the improvements in the trail up Conich and between Balmaha and Rowardennon over the past 5 years I think it is a fair addition. Will be interested to see how Fling and WHW records are maintained / defended by this new path). 

 We finally get through the new bit and then the path to Inversnaid – we hit the concrete plinth of destiny (I love seeing that ) and then we are up the steps to the hotel. Mike is not there but has left food for me. I go into the hotel and get my pint of milk (it wasn’t cold enough ! ) and then start on the last bit of the loch. In my heart I know we don’t have enough time – and I start to think of the ramifications. I think its under 2 hours for 6 miles, 4 of which are going to be slow .. I make as best progress as I can, playing leap frog with the other guys . I miss out signing Darios book for a second time - I know he would understand that I don’t have the time.

I try to run as hard as I can and when we finally clear the loch I am like a man possessed, demented. I leave everyone for dead and am sprinting – even before Darios post. I have more than 2 ½ miles to go and less than 30 minutes but I am melting it. If I am going to miss out its not going to be by 2 minutes. It’s futile of course. I am trying to run at the same pace I saw Donnie do it in the Fling in April. This is not possible for me on fresh legs, let alone with 130 miles in them. I have run out of water, its hot and I still try to push on. When I am less than 10 minutes to go and I still can’t see the Drovers Inn I give up on this ridiculous chase. I am spent, and the cost of this flurry of activity lasts for the next 2 hours.

As I finally get to Beinglas I see the checkpoint being taken down.. I come in and am screaming “where is my Chocolate”, which is my name for my daughter Kirsty. The checkpoint folks look at me like a lunatic – fair cop. With a heartfelt apology my timing band is cutoff and I have my first WHW DNF. 10 races, some slow, some quicker, sweeping, following truly inspirational people or running beside them, making friends and meeting family but always finishing in under 35 hours. This is a different day.

Kirsty is there, as is Ollie and Stu McCormack. Stu doesn’t do short stuff, the last time he supported me was the WHW / Great Glen in 2009 where he met me at Neptunes Staircase and finished at Drumnadrochit. Johnny Fling is there all smiles and I start to re-assess. I am knackered from my pointless sprint, but there is nothing else wrong with me. I ask everyone what they think and the unanimous decision is to keep going. Stu sums it up with a “Well I am here all day and have nothing else to do” As in previous times that’s all I want to hear. I AM NOT going to stop here. I AM NOT going to be back here in a year or 2 years time at 135 miles and still with 55 to go. I AM NOT going to have spent 37 hrs getting to this point, only to stop. I AM NOT going to speak to my mate who would give everything to run 1 mile let alone 190 and tell him why I stopped. And I am NEVER going to do this double again (its funny what bullshit comes out of your mouth 😀

The time is now. I have the best support, I have friends and family willing me on. The weather is kind and its time to crack on.. Why am I here ? The same reason I started some 37 hours ago.. The goal remains. I lay down for a few minutes (probably 20 ) then off we go again. I am sure I had a Diva request of an icecream which Ollie went and got me. I had food. I have a bit of a whinge. I get some lovely raspberry and chocolate brownies made by my wee girl. They are the best. .. The guys are all heading to Fort William to drop cars so Ollie can run from Auchtertyre where they will meet me next.

Beinglas to Auchtertyre
Its starting to get really hot and I am thinking of a little treat ahead. I am not really running much but still making progress. At Derrydarroch I stop at the waterside and have a paddle .. Takes me a bit of time to get into the water. My legs are absolutely stoked, the water is really cold. I splash away for a little while looking out for crocs.. This is bloody ace .. Not fancying running in wet shorts I am skinny dipping but luckily no one else comes past.  It takes me a little while to get all my kit back on but I am really refreshed so it was worth the investment in time. I then do the climb under the A83 and up to the trees.. I am passing a few walkers, I guess they would have seen the rest of the family a while ago and must be wondering what I am doing still out there .. It is really warm now and I might not have enough water with me.. I plan to stop at the bridge and fill my water bottle – just where I met Norm destitute and broken back in the 2008 Fling but helped him recover (thats my version – it may bear no relationship to actual events ).. I am starting to feel really a bit shit here.. Then some bloke comes running up the hill - its Tim Downie who has come out from Auchtertyre for a wee run and maybe meeting someone on the way. He has water, Ellas fruit pudding which is bloody awesome, and randomly some pork scratching which are interesting but quite hard to consume. Its bloody great to see him and we get through the roller coasters chatting about his recent travels around Scandanavia. Miles are always easier in company.

We hit the road and the farm and then we are in Auchtertyre – Ringo runs out to meet us and there is Muriel (who I reckon had something to do with the food choice J thanks ! ) with the campervan.. Some nice miles with family.. Its a lovely evening .. Stu, Kirsty and Ollie are also here so I thank Tim and get some food onboard. Ollie is ready to go .. The Love Van turns up and there is George and Karen.  He is working hard and we share a moment or 2, not much is said but it means so much that he is there.  there is a hug.. Things are always easier when you have a mate running with you, every step...

Auchtertyre to Glencoe
According to a post I leave at 18:08. Stu and Kirsty are a team.. 45 miles to go.. The evening is warm, the air clear... And now I am running with my mate Ollie .. A top bloke with whom I have shared only quality miles. The goal remains ... This is truly Scotland at its finest. The autumn of a mid summers day . A day of highs and lows but a day not yet over with miles to come. Along the river, a bit of a splash. Sending a gday to my mate Parky who I ran with along here 12 years ago, see you in December cobber.. A short stop at Brodies, where I have to ask Kirsty to avert her eyes whilst I apply some chaffing cream – some things a girl doesn’t need to see her Dad do .. Then up the hill.. I am stoked to hear that the guys have seen Adrian ahead at Bridge of Orchy, going slow but steady.. We run on we chat. As usual the long path to BoO keeps turning and twisting and I think back to yesterday and remember the easy run down on fresher legs and I just enjoy it.. I am thinking of Krusty in New Zealand who has been putting some lovely messages up .. We ran this bit in 2010 albeit a few hours earlier.. A train passes us and I reckon those folks are getting a cracking eve with the beauty of Rannoch Station and Corrour to come. Then the white beacon that is the Bridge of Orchy train station comes into view. We jog a bit of the remaining miles at least I think we did .. We come under the trainline and I am thinking sheesh I was here 37 hours ago.. Bloody funny..

Stu’s campervan is there. He has converted this himself and it is the boss. Wee kitchen, fridge, nice floor space ! I think I had my veggie risotto here, there was definitely coffee. I debated putting on leggings but not too much.. Its a cracking night. The team are on point. I ask Kirsty what they are going to do and she says they are going to get a DVD going. I reckon they will have plenty of time to watch it..

We left Bridge of Orchy at 21:45.. I am not sure but I might be pushing the sprint finish. Make good progress up Jelly Baby Hill, am a bit bummed that I don’t get a jelly baby but then I shouldn’t have been stuffing about having a sook and you don’t get jelly babies if you have a sook (well a long sook anyway !). Descent was slow.. What a night. We try to jog some of the road but fail. The long climb out of Victoria Bridge takes forever. There are no easy miles now and my timings are all totally out the window. Rannoch Moor is just glorious, still warm. Not really much to report, we plod on. Finally we crest the rise out of Rannoch Moor and I can see the welcoming lights of the Kingshouse Hotel. The path has definitely got rockier since 2 days ago.. It takes an age.

Finally we get down the hill and there is the magic wagon.. It is about 2:00 AM. Kirsty and Stu have it all sorted, we have soup and risotto and coffee and a seat. Then I get my Fathers day card from my big girl and I am absolutely stoked. She is having a great time, soaking up all that the race has to offer. I must admit to getting a little emotional at this point. The girls have never seen me run before and here I am pushing it really hard and she is there to support me. 

Furthers Day coming off Rannoch Moor

 We head down the hill from the carpark – there is a bloke on a pushbike clearly coming back from a party – not sure who was most surprised. The skies are starting to get brighter and the Buchaille is showing its shape. We pass by the hotel and the coffee is kicking in. I really want to continue along the road instead of that bloody pointless hill but that wouldn’t be a double then so we crack on. We reach Altnafaed and I need a comfort break (bloody coffee). We then climb up the Devils and I have 1 real hill to go. The descent to Kinlochleven continues the theme and the past few miles. Hard. We really are making such slow progress but progress it is .. Stu is waiting at the community centre, having taken Kirsty back to Fort William and bed. It is probably about 7:30 AM. I lie down on the floor of the van and Stu feeds us bacon rolls (legendary), more coffee and juice. Only 14 miles to go. Martin Hooper is there and I am gutted to see him. He should be up near Fort William but unfortunately his race has ended early.

KLL to FW – Leaving 8:45 The next 14 miles I am on the death march. All pretense of running is long gone and it will take me 7 and 1/2 hours to finish this.  Stu has packed his van and headed home so I only have one way to get to FW. We talk we walk, I stumble but don’t fall. We eat, drink. I blether and ramble .. Auto pilot is the wrong word as Ollie is by my side. I am like a dog being led by a lead, left to right, picking our way across the landscape. We finally get to Lundavra and I lie down in the sunshine and get 5 minutes rest. I don’t remember falling asleep but when I come to, there are people sitting with us.. It is a lovely day, warm but not hot… Ollie offers me some sultanas to eat .. They are good.. But there is still more. The path to the forestry track is done, the final climb up the hill that I had forgotten about, we meet some runners coming down the hill – one of the WHW family and his girlfriend. I know he will understand that I don’t remember his name but I will thank him for his water. We are halfway down the hill that 2 years ago I sprinted in under 40 minutes and there is Pete Duggan coming up. There is a light drizzle so I put my jacket on .. I stop a few times to stretch my back. I am whinging and being a sook.. As we approach Braveheart I hear the bells, there is Lucy and Russell, George and Karen. It is great to see them and I start to feel nervous about finishing.

The 30 mile an hour sign has been moved again.. Its always further. I try to run to see what my legs do. In short they don’t… Then it is there, some houses, a road, a roundabout. I start to run .. I have just done 190 miles and I want to finish this, I may have been walking for most of the previous 27 hours but now I run.

I can see people, hear shouts, I hear “Go Dad” and I am flying. I am in the carpark, I pass Lucy and George and I bang on the door.

The best door in the world !

64 hours and 15 minutes from starting I have completed a 190 mile Double West Highland Way. Hugs and tears, with my big girl, and the WHW family who have turned up to see me finish, Lee, Ian, Sandra, Lucy, Russell, Rhona, Mike Raffan and of course George and Karen.

Wild eyes - onya Ollie

I get a beer with Ollie – he is knackered as well having kept me going with his chat and positivity for the past 45 miles / 22 hours. We sit there and I have a moment or 2 when the mental and physical release of being finished goes over me in waves. Out of the corner of my eye I see one of the people from the Leisure Centre wiping my handprints off the door, that will be that then. Footsteps wash away, handprints the same, but memories and achievements like dreams are eternal.

Me and my choc . 

After my beer we go in Pete Duggan’s van back to the Travelodge where I am helped upstairs. I get myself into the smallest bath in the world and alternate between torso and legs.. I somehow make it back out again and get some pants on and crash into bed. Kirsty is knackered as well so is having a watch of “Chalet Girl” – we have seen this before so I say I will watch this with her. I last 30 seconds and pass out. I wake up 3 hours or so later. I am totally spaced out – I could have been on the moon on a pink scooter, and Kirsty is also a bit gleikit. Ollie is at the door .. Everyone is meeting downstairs and I tell Kirsty we need to go as I want to see everyone.

Walking through the door into the pub, there is a massive cheer and everyone claps and shouts. It is really special and moving.. The rest of the night I sit and chat to George and soak up the post race buzz.  Me and Ollie have a few beers and all is good.

Now it is some 2 and 1/2 months after the race.  It has taken me an age to write this.  Recovery was quite good, no real damage considering.  I didn't run for nearly 2 weeks after, did a bit of swimming and just tried to look after myself.  Any time I did even a 5k it would feel like I had done 20..  Had a cracking holiday with the girls with lots of swimming and rioja and good food.  Mentally I did spend a lot of time analysing the run and wondering about all the what-ifs ..  I felt really disappointed not to have made the leisure centre in time and to have gotten timed out.  I don't think I would have done it any differently, except maybe to have stayed at the start line and kept moving.  Lucky I spoke to a few people who told me to pull my head in and actually accept what I had done.  That is now 3 160+ mile runs I have now done, which I guess is not bad and all bodes well for the next challenge.

Just trying to write this all down I can look back at the pics and it all seems a bit surreal.  I am back running now and almost back to pre-run fitness.  This run was always about the Double.  I had wanted to complete it with George and finish what we started, but CIDP has put paid to that for the moment.  From the moment I told him back in March I was doing this I knew I would finish.  He is going through far harder battles at the moment than a little walk along some trails, but he doesnt stop and so neither will I.

With me for every step

I was blessed with the best weather and an incredible team - Ollie, Mike, Pete, John Kennedy and Anne and Richard, Norm, Jamie, Stu, Kirsty, Tim and George and Karen who kept me going and ran with me but also the many messages of support I was getting throughout the run.  Thanks to everyone, it really meant a lot.  The Scottish WHW and wider Ultra Family is really special, no one ever really runs alone unless they choose to.  I feel privileged to have been able to do this and enjoy (in hindsight) an incredible experience in the most breathtaking scenery.  It has been a great training run for the next challenge - because every run is an accumulation of the runs before, and a base for the runs to come.  Thanks for reading.

To Kirsty, Caroline and Alfie.  Love Dad.  

A climb

The climb out of Kinlochleven is always tough ..

You have climbed and then dropped to sea level 

Only to climb again .. 

The roar of river gives way to the relentless rise

The step after step to the wee switch back 

Then climb on some more ..

We chat away we go up 

We move upwards 

Always upwards 

Turn around to look at where we have come from 

The rock face granite I think ..

The last few bits and we are there .. 

The snaking path of a glorious Lairigh Moor greets us..

Last hill, 12 miles to go..

Downhill but with the climb in our legs 

It remains, it builds 

If not for today but for tomorrow 

Or tomorrow's to come ...

Every run is a training run

We build on what we do

Until we stop we climb 

We descend 

And we climb some more .. 

Rannoch Moor 2016

A week on and a different world .. 18-June 2016 and I am out in the middle of Rannoch Moor.. A little under a marathon to go.. 167 miles or so in in my legs .. The way no longer forgiving .. Every mile earned but at the same time a joy.. All quiet, a warm day.. A mate by my side and friends and family up ahead.. The goal remains, the way no easier but the goal remains.. It is there and it is not for changing .. The only thing that can change is the pursuit.. The goal remains.. 

Lost and found

Occasionally we need to get reminded that no matter how fit or experienced we think we are, there is a price for arrogance, complacency and stupidity. Luckily this story has a a happy ending, with a lesson being learnt. A lesson that has been paid for with the upsetting and distress to those closest and dearest to me, which is a price high enough, but at least there is change from what would have been the alternative.

A quick summary of the day. The weekend was for my friend Chucks last Munro. There was 32 people invited up for the weekend, with the plan go up Bein na Lap near Corrour station. For anyone who has seen the movie Trainspotting, this is where they all go for their day in the Highlands . Out in the middle of no-where.. We drove up to Tyndrum on Friday night with a load of kit to cover all weather conditions. Had a few beers, wines and whiskys which led to a 3:30 bed time and a bit of a slow start to the day.. A good breakfast of porridge and a bacon roll was had. Took the train to Corrour at 10:30 on Sat.. Was feeling a little rough on the train so really glad when it stopped and we were able to get out..

We all started our wee trek up the hill, which given that we were starting at about 500m was not that hard. A pretty well worn trail took us to our destination where champagne was popped and pork pies, salmon on bread and other snacks. All of Chucks family were there and a lot of people from the mountaineering club and Hunters Bog Trotters. It was quite cold up top so I put on my waterproof trousers over my running leggings. Walked the descent back to the station with Jamie, chatting away about running, injuries and the like. We made it back down to Corrour about 2:30. Had a cup of coffee with Carrie and we swithered about going up the Corbet just the other side of the train track. The train back was at 18:20, so a bit of time to kill. Knowing that I did not want to spend a whole arvo in the pub I decided to go up. Jamie had left 10 minutes before me but it was a very simple ascent across boggy ground and thick heather. I made it up to near the top after about an hour and and saw 2 or 3 folk from the day out coming down then after about another 10 mins came across Jamie and 2 others. I asked how far to the top. "5 minutes just up that way - you can't miss the cairn - there is a bit of cloud so you wont see much, but its all fine, just follow your footsteps back in the snow. ." .

I swithered for a moment thinking I would just go back down with them and have a beer in the pub but thought not much point coming all this way without getting to the top. They said they would walk slowly back down..It was probably about 16:45 by this stage..

Made the summit in 5 mins, took some photos of me at the cairn then turned tail and followed the footsteps in the light snow back the way I came. It was indeed cloudy and couldn’t see anything below the cloud.

And somehow took a wrong turn and went down the hill .. The wrong side..

Descended about 50m or so and realised that the terrain was not what I had come up in.. So went back up the hill, but could not find the line I needed. If I had a compass, it would have been good, but of course I did not - Yes I am an idiot ! A mobile phone - useless - out of battery. (Yes - I am an idiot - my 'running phone' with a battery that lasts for a week was back in Tyndrum). Map - ?? Nope.

By this stage I was starting to get a bit worried. I decended one more time but still could not see what I needed to see as the cloud had possibly come down a bit more. A mild panic started to settle in .. Then the full reality of the situation . I was going to miss the train. My friends were going to be worried. I would be spoiling their party. My girl Sam, my girls, family, loved ones and other wider friends would also be worried.

"Oh dear - you have really f***ed up this time Keith". I said..

By 18:30 it was dark and I took stock of the situation. I had a mental calculation that Moutain Rescue would be called but it would take them at least an hour to get a helicopter to me .. (I later found out they would not have come until first light due to the cloud on the hill). I could not stay on the hill, it was cold, the ground icy and sodden. I looked for shelter from the light rain, but there was none in the low gorse bushes and rocks. I was lost up a hill in the dark.

On the plus side, I did have adequate clothing. Shorts, running leggings, waterproof trousers, socks, Hokas (I had left my Innov8's back in Edi). T-shirt, long running top, Waterproof Jacket, Waterproof gloves, lycra hat, wool beannie.. 1/2 a Mars Bar, 1 small block of Cadburys Milk and Nut, 2 Carbo gels and a pack of Minties.

I really had to focus on what to do. I could keep trying to go up the hill, looking for the right path to the train station that would be less than 2 miles away, but at the risk of falling on the hill or off a ledge. It was a full moon, but the cloud was playing havoc with visibility. I tried following a number of tracks off the hill but once again these led me to dead ends. As I looked around I saw in the distance the outline of Blackwater Reservoir. Beyond that I saw a light, if this was train, truck or illusion I do not know but I decided to head down off the hill and go that way. I knew that I had seen that stretch of water from the top of the Devils Staircase a number of times, so figured it was as good a direction as any.

Probably came off the hill about 19:30, in stopping for a drink I lost a glove.. With no head torch I could only use my camera flash to search the ground, although flurescent on one side, it landed face down and hence invisible. Ooops.

The next 8 or 9 hours were spent trekking across the expanses of Rannoch Moor. As I got down to the shores of Blackwater Res. I once again saw lights in the distance - over the other side. So I went left, and avoiding the many little streams, jumping puddles, tripping over gorse, falling waist deep in bogs and got to the bottom. At one stage after about 5 hrs without a break, I got really tired and lay down in the lee of a rock to see if I could just rest. Within minutes the cold had seeped through my body and I knew that if I stopped I would be in trouble. I had a Carbo Gel which was good but made me feel a bit crook.. I was eating the chocolate to keep me going . Had ran out of water, so topped up my water bottle from the loch or running streams.

I could hear Stags in rut, when the full moon was out and the drizzle stopped it was quite surreal. All I could think of was everyone else that would be worried. If I could have taken that out, and known where I was, then I might have even enjoyed it.. I was bloody lucky.. The rain whilst constant was only light. The wind was negligible, there was no snow and the temperature was maybe 3-4C. A heard of geese (I thought they were dogs ) exploded behind me and scared the shit out of me .. I was tired but working hard and not in really any danger whilst I kept moving and focused..

I kept walking, wading and lifting my legs. The ground sucked the strength from me.. It was like a wee walk George and I had done on the SUW back in December, with better weather but without even the semblence of a course, and alone. I finally got around Blackwater and headed North again, to try and pick up the light I had seen earlier. It was really boggy, many times having to pull myself out with my arms as I was deep in the mire. Gorse and heather held me back, lucky I only fell once and landed on soft ground. Rocks turned into houses, moonlight became beacons..

At about 2:30AM I saw a steady light in the west, so started to head in that direction. It stayed still but was a long way away ! A while later I saw a moving light south of the first one which I realised was a car. It was a long way away but decided to use my cameras flash to see if I could signal for help.. I took a bearing on the light and walked towards it .. Unfortunately there were no further cars so I lost the line and was then stuck again so just had to keep heading in that direction. In the light it seemed that a huge loch lay between me and the 'road'. At about 3:30 I turned around and behind me saw what appeared like 2 lights. It meant not heading to the road but I had to make a choice and decided to change course. By this stage I was getting very tired, both mentally and physically. I was really pinning my hopes on this light and every time I dropped down into a dip, or to cross a wee stream, or behind a hill, I would pray that when I can back up the light would be in view.

The last 30 mins as I got closer were really hard. What would I do if the light was just random roadworks ? As I got closer I could see the outline of trees, then had to jump a fence, then ultimately the house appeared with all lights blazing. 2 cars parked in front of the first house, but no answer. I walked past the stables where a dog barked and a horse neighed. The next house was no better - all the lights on, the curtains open and a bed that looked as if someone had just left it .. I tried the bell but no-one home. I tried the door and it opened and into the warmth I stepped. I called out and apologised and after removing my wet shoes, went into the house asking if anyone was home. There was no reply.

At 4:20 AM I lay down on the floor next to a still warm radiator and collected my thoughts. After 5 mins or so I went and found a phone and dialed 999 for the first time in my life. After 10 minutes of speaking with the coordinating police officer I got put through to Fort William Police station and spoke to the very nice Duty Sargeant Kirstin.

"Hello Keith "
"Hello - you might have me reported as missing "
"Yes, we do, there are a lot of people worried about you "
"Yes, I figured that "
"Where are you "
I told her, and we worked out i was about a mile or so from the A82, maybe 16 or so miles from where I started.
"How did you get there "
"Mmmm I don’t really know. "

In the next hour Sam (who had travelled up from Edinburgh during the night with our great friends Nick, Nyci and Perry ) came and picked me up.. She had clearly been very worried. We then went back to Tyndrum where Carrie, Kata, Jamie, Chuck and all the others were waiting and also very relieved. I found out about people who were on their way to come and look for me, of all the stress my little adventure caused.

I have done longer runs and been put for more hours but mentally and physically this was as challenging a few hours as i have ever spent. To be truly lost and alone is a rare thing these days. Looking back now with the memories fading it doesn't seem so bad... I was bloody lucky that despite my lack of kit and basic common sense nothing really bad happened. I still feel really bad for all the upset that I caused and am glad that at least people didn't need to walk around at night trying to find my silly arse. Thanks to all those people who were ready to come and help and of course to my lovely girl Sam who somehow ended u with a broken finger from the night and who was so upset..

So next time , if I am allowed out again, I promise to check the phone, compass and map.. And maybe go with a friend... If you are a potential idiot like me, maybe you should do the same...

On a full

On a full Noon in June
Our paths cross
We swoon
And dip and fail
to climb again and
prevail

All different, All the Same

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

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

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..

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.