Real trail running!

There’s trail running and there is real trail running as I discovered yesterday. We all know what road running is, that’s easily defined.  But the GGU was more tarmac than trails which was my only disappointment about what I thought was a fantastic race. As you know I do my trail running at Chatelherault but recently the trail have been “sanitised” and it’s really disappointing.
Nearer to home there’s is a tough trail known as Dungavel and with a two mile uphill start it’s not one I particularly enjoy but I know it’s good for me.  It’s a mix of forrest fire tracks which I regard as better than tarmac but not ideal.  But yesterday a local runner Donald MacLean (who is on a 1,700 day running streak!) decided to show me the real trails around Dungavel. I lost count of the number of times I was up to my knees in water crossing a river and as for running through heather that’s up to your knees - that’s tiring.  My economical running style isn’t suited to getting your feet off the ground and knees up so I was knackered.  The sun illuminated the massive spiders webs that glistened and there were hundreds of them but I didn’t see any spiders.
Going through forrests was like something from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  A completely different trail experience and one I will return to, but only with my trusted guide.  Local knowledge is important re the conditions underfoot and it was boggy in places so you had to be careful.  I also don’t think I could find the trail as a lot of it is covered with heather with no clear path.
Today I was back to Chatelherault for a very wet and cold run on my own.  It’s been a good weekends training and I was inspired by 4 ATHelite members who were taking part in Vichy IM 70.3.  3 speedy results and 1 super speedy result - my coach Genevieve was 2nd in her age category and qualifies for the World Championships!  I am so pleased for her as she has worked so hard to get into shape for this race.  Results like this don’t just happen, they require dedication and perseverance and those 4 results are just the boost I need when I’m tired and it’s wet and cold like today.  Thanks guys.