Blown over

This was a mixed week of different types of training, taking my hamstring into account, and treatment from my sports therapist and my chiropractor.  Therefore I was back in the gym on the elliptical machine and the stair master to get a workout without loading my hammy.  Boy oh boy are those machines boring!
On Tuesday my sports therapist went to work on my hammy.  She was concerned about the tightness of the muscles and did her best" cleaning out" the hammy.  But she wasn't convinced it had worked and I was sure there was an alignment problem which is why I was seeing the chiropractor.  Turned out I was right and my sacrum was causing all the tension. Gill gave it a good "seeing to" (technical term!) and I walked out with my hammy happy.
The following day I ran 10km and had no hammy issues so back into the mountains on the weekend.
I headed off on my own for Ben More.  It has exceptionally steep elevation and a decent path almost to the top.  I'm also familiar with it although my last two visits have been in cloud base.  I checked the weather forecast and got different results so decided to go up early and take my chances.  As I left the car the rain started.  It was advertised as showers.  Well this one lasted for over an hour and the wind was so strong the rain drops felt like hailstones.  Three times before I have climbed this mountain with the goal being to go on and climb the one next to it but I've been defeated by the weather. 
When I got to 100 feet below the summit the wind was so strong I took my glasses off as I felt they might blow off.  Then a gust came through and knocked me off my feet.  I was lying on the path gripping onto the grass trying to work out what had just happened.  It was now completely clagged in and although I knew the route to the top, the path becomes less defined and you are more exposed to the elements.  I was also the first climber up the hill so I didn't know when someone else would come through.  I made my mind up to come down without summiting which was obviously a disappointment as I was meant to be out for 6 hours.  When I turned to come back down the wind was even stronger and was now pushing me down the mountain.  The big stones that make up the path were wet which on the way up was fine, but now so nice on the way down.  I wanted off this mountain quickly but had to be very careful with my footing while the wind kept pushing me down.
I had lost all feeling in the fingers in my left hand despite wearing gloves and a water proof mitten.  Fortunately I had a hat to keep my head warm with the rain smacking me in the face.  I warned the climbers behind me and some took my advice and others went on. Total time 1hr 47 mins.
When I got back to the car the sun had come out, typical.  However the trees at road level we swaying wildly with the wind so at the top of the mountain it would have been dangerous.  Sometimes you need to take these decisions even if it goes against your training plan.  To make up for the lack of climbing I went to the gym and did a long elliptical and stair master session followed by a leg session.
Today, Sunday, I was short of time with it being Father's Day and we had plans.  So I headed out early to Tinto and power walked up and ran down the hill 3 times taking 3hrs 30 mins - with a 6km weighted rucksack.  Because you repeat the hill you pass the same people a number of times and the comments they make are encouraging from; didn't you pass us before?  How many times are you doing it?  On one occasion I said 3 and the woman said you mean this week! What age are you? One young guy shouted out "are you some kind of ironman?"  These comments are all very encouraging and while repeating the climb 3 times seems impossible to some people, the fact that most of them are out and about and eventually getting to the top is a great achievement for them and I salute them all.  I also thank them for the comments because it does give you a lift.  One elderly gentleman about 70 said to me, son I'd love to have your battery.  He's doing bloody well at his age and was faster than the youngsters.  When I told him that it made him smile!
Now the hammy/sacrum is sorted it's business as usual although I've lost some vital training time.  I'll meet with my coach soon as she'll be busy adjusting the schedule.  I just need to keep injury free, get plenty of time in the mountains with my weighted rucksack, get stronger in the gym and my heat chamber work should be starting soon.  It's an exciting time ahead and all because I have a race booked in the calendar that I have unfinished business with.  Bring it on.