Perfect timing

It's the season to be......injured, tra la la la la la la la la. Bah humbug I hear you say.  Well I've got time on my hands so I'm getting into the Christmas spirit, and a few mince pies along the way!  Actually I don't like mince pies but sticking to the festive theme here.
I'll probably not be running for the rest of the year but that doesn't mean I'm not training.  Frustrating though it is, I'm hitting the gym my spaghetti arms are more like linguine arms heading towards penne arms.  Leaving the food analogy aside, the gym work is paying off and my upper half is getting stronger.
Unfortunately, I can't put load on my legs and have to avoid bending my left knee so those options are limited.  I have a few exercises recommended by my physio and I'm now up to 1kg.  But I'm using bands to work my glutes, quads and hammies.  Regular yoga is keeping me moving - m"motion is lotion" as yogie Mark Russell says.
My PT is working me hard and will be an important part of my rehab over the winter months.  I aim to come back much stronger and less prone to injury.  That is my No.1 goal and just the thought of it keeps me going as retaining a positive mindset with definitive goals is essential.
Enjoy your running and take care on the slippy surfaces.  This is a beautiful time of year and don't forget to party during the festive season.  You've worked hard all year and your body deserves a different type of punishment!  I'll post again when I have some progress to report.  Till then....so here it is Merry.........Try getting that song out of your head!
 

Listen to your body

My blog seems to have turned into a medical journal in 2023.  So at the risk of being repetitive and/or boring I'll keep this one short.
Listening to my body isn't difficult.....it creaks.  You can't fail to hear it!  After my manual labour in Romania I came back with aching quads and knees.  They were on the mend then I tripped.  My physio has just told me I have bruised the inside of my knee cap, and have fluid on the knee.  This is going to take rest, at least of my knee, so it's upper body and core work in the gym, plenty of band work and I'm going to venture back in the pool - excluding my legs as always with a pull buoy!
I'm actually looking forward to the break from running but having entered the ballot for the West Highland Way (fingers crossed) I'll be back at it as soon as I get the "green light".  But in the meantime I have "body work" to be done.
I'll post again when I have got some news worth speaking of.  If you are fit, healthy and injury free, then appreciate every minute of it and I hope it lasts.  I am all too aware strength training is no longer optional for me if I want to continue running.  Take care.

Rest, Rehab and Strengthen

The hardest part of any race, is getting to the start line injury free and fit.  As I stood next to Beth in the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam I thought it was mildly amusing we were both undertrained and unfit, for a marathon due to various circumstances, and she had a cold and I had an injured knee and lower back.  But we were there and going to give it our best effort while enjoying the course.
My strategy was, for the first time ever, to run consistent 5 min 20 sec KMs to get a time of 3hrs 45 mins.  I knew it would be hard and was quite prepared to give it a go and if it went t1ts up, I'd either jog in or stop.  What I wasn't prepared for was that on exiting the Olympic Stadium, what an atmosphere, there would be the first of many "pinch points" which reduced you to walking.  I ran harder than I wanted to after each pinch point but my first km was still 5:40.
The course was fantastic.  The crowds were amazing lining the whole route.  Running beside the river Amstel and admiring the beautiful houses took my mind of the niggles, but I knew around 30 km it was going to start getting painful.  I got a massive boost when 2 of Beth's cousins with partners and kids gave me a big shout out.  If you are ever in a crowd watching a race, encourage the runners with a shout out as it works every time.
The weather was almost ideal at 11 degrees and no wind but there was some torrential rain and hailstones which was normal for us!
When I got to 21km I knew I couldn't keep the pace going and therefore 3hrs 45mins wasn't possible but I wanted under 4 hours so I gritted my teeth and hobbled on.  I couldn't afford to stop as I knew I'd cease up but at the same time I had to restrict my gait as my right hamstring was ready to blow - tight as a snare drum!
On reaching the Olympic Stadium the crowd was even more lively and doing a lap in that atmosphere is what had kept me going.  I crossed the line, 3 hrs 55 mins and promised myself that was my last race of the year - my body was relieved to hear that.
As I was about to exit the stadium, Beth came flying in with a huge smile on her face.  She was having a great time "living in the moment".  Despite her cold, having to stop and tie her laces and posing for a picture with her cousins, she was only 9 mins behind me.  Two days before I doubted she'd make the start line and was hoping she wasn't going to pass her cold to me (I fortunately avoided it).  What an effort and she enjoyed every moment of it.
It was good to have our friends Team Gall racing in the Marathon and they had a great race and enjoyed it too.  Unfortunately we never saw them due to the number of runners.
My knee, lower back and hammy were painful when we got home and I got a massage and saw my sports therapist who taped my knee.  I won't be running for a week to give it a chance to repair.  Today I was back with my Personal Trainer and it was more like a rehab session.  Bartek is getting to know my physical limits and adjusting the programme accordingly. The strength training and yoga are the answer and essential to me being able to carry on with these adventures. That is our winter plan and we'll have to dust down the turbo trainers.  
It's a fine balancing act, training / racing when injured but I've ran more races this year than in any other year since I started this madness in 2008.  A lot of that is down to Beth and we are hoping to have an exciting 2024 if we can get through the ballots for certain races.

It's come full circle

For those of you who are new to my blog, all this "craziness" started in 2008 when, due to too much alcohol, I entered a "white collar" charity boxing event in London.  It was an amazing event, black tie, £400 per ticket and TV camera's.  Fortunately I lost, so gave up boxing, but not before raising £14,000 for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre's.  I loved the training and the fitness, but not getting beaten up, so entered a triathlon as I couldn't swim!  That led to Ironman then Marathon des Sables  (5.5 marathons self supported across the Sahara Desert in 6 days) and many more crazy events and this blog has reported on my journey throughout.
I'm now approaching 62, how did that happen?  I still have ambitions to enter events that will stretch me to limits I don't know I even have.  But my body and mind need to hold up.
I'm still coming to terms with being diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation but hope the medication and me keeping an eye on it will allow me to continue with these events - might have to turn down the ones over more than a week in the heat.
To do this, I have hired a personal trainer as I need to be become stronger to reduce my susceptibility to injury.  Before the Glasgow half marathon my training was affected by sore quads and then I fell and really hurt my left knee.  I was fortunate that it didn't affect my Glasgow half marathon but it has affected my training for the Amsterdam Marathon in a weeks time.  The strength training is going well, although my knee is still not good, but today I returned to boxing training after a 15 year gap.  Just circuits and pad work but, I managed to get tennis elbow FFS!  Couldn't believe it and had to miss out part of the training.  It was a tough session and I was blowing out my a@@e but I don't like failing and this was a fail.
Earlier today I read a race report from my pal Wilson who has had a tough year involving back problems and DNFs in half ironman races.  He battled through in his "A race", Barcelona Ironman, and was slower than he wanted but took pride in finishing the race in difficult conditions.  That's the mental strength you need to compete in these events.  He might be feeling his age, we're all getting older but mentally he's focused on his goal of a sub 10 hour ironman.  It's friends and stories like this that inspire me to work hard during the winter to get in shape for next year.  
So 15 years later I come full circle and back to boxing.  It will be part of my winter fitness training and hopefully I can get rid of the tennis elbow.  I can assure you however that I won't be going back in the ring.  That was an experience I wouldn't want to repeat.  Age may only be a number but keeping my body injury free is probably my biggest challenge.  Bring on the winter training.

Great Scottish Run Half Marathon 2023

What a day.  What an event.  What a race.  It's estimated 30,000 took part in the half marathon but all I know is Glasgow "came alive".  The runners, experienced or otherwise, came out to complete either their 10th or their 1st.  The sun shone.  The crowds lined the streets and cheered us on.
I was in the purple pen and separated from Beth, Holly & Stuart that I was travelling with.  I met my pal Beardy which was good but there was so much chatter going on from excited runners that I shrank into myself and just focused on the starting pistol.  I was unsure I could complete the race due to my knee injury but I was going to give it my best shot.
I was aiming for 1 hour 45 mins and knew from last year that the pacer starts off fast up St. Vincent Street.  After 500m I'd lost Beardy, he was flying and after 3km I was doubting my knee would last and I was considering pulling out.  Then I thought about my WHY.  This was a lead up to the Amsterdam marathon in 2 weeks time.  It was to test my ability to maintain a fast pace, faster than I'd ever achieve in training.  Faster than I'd run all year.  And I was injured.
Beth was also injured with plantar fasciitis but she was going to push through the pain.  They say 80% of runners are running injured but we weren't going to let spoil our day.
I lost the 1:45 min pacer at 5km.  He was doing sub 5min kms which was too fast for me.  But the time made up with the sub 5's offset against the slow K's in Pollok park.  Once again my heart rate defied logic.  Running my fasted time this year and my average heart rate was 147 with a max of 157.  It goes higher in Strathclyde Park running slow!  But my other watch showed I had been in AFib - it's all about the rhythm.  I hit my 1:45 target and Beth was happy(ish), being 5 mins behind although she would have preferred being 1 minute ahead!  A successful day. Fortunately the meds are working so tomorrow is a new day. Training starts for Amsterdam in 13 days time.  I think both Beth & I will enjoy the scenery around the route rather than go for a PB as we don't have the training in us.  But then again, who knows.  It will depend on the WHY.
But Glasgow you rocked today.  Thank you to everyone who cheered us on.  Being "inside the ropes" is such a privilege and I will never take it for granted being able to take part in these events.

A fine balancing act

As you know, I'm cramming for the Great Scottish Half Marathon next Sunday, 1 October.  Two weeks later I am taking on the Amsterdam Marathon.  I've been getting treatment from Grant McLullich of the Treatment Hub in Hamilton and the results are showing.  Before the treatment started I could hardly bend my knees without severe pain in my quads.  At the same time I started with Beth's personal trainer Bartek, who doesn't take any prisoners.  A week ago after my treatment, Bartek made me squat for 40 mins.  Before that my normal was 10 mins then I couldn't walk for the next 2 days.  Surprisingly the next day I had no pain and was out running!  But one squat session doesn't make a summer!  
My personal training is tough but going well.  However with my race a week away I need to balance getting strong with not being too tired for Sunday.
I also have to keep an eye on Amsterdam.  So on Saturday I ran 32 km at a slow 6 min km but this is ideal practice marathon preparation, but it might not help my half marathon speed.  I was accompanied by my pal Gavin who is also doing the same races and having company made all the difference.
Beth is also cramming her training as life has "got in the way" of training.  But it's important to train when ever possible as it makes you feel so much better.  Today she ran 30 kms on her own down south and that's tough mentally. The races are just the cherry on the all important cake.
This week I will run three times which will include some speed work as I want to get a good time in both races assuming my body holds up.  I'll also be keeping a close eye on my heart rate and if it gets too high I'll walk it in.  Life is more important than a medal.
We're definitely in Autumn now and choosing what to wear can be a real pain as you're either too hot or too cold depending on what you wear as the temperatures fluctuate.  But there is something fresh about the air now.  Not as fresh as the other week when we were walking on the most beautiful beaches in the world on the island of Lewis & Harris.  We took a rest from training but had a couple of dips in the sea which was refreshing.  It was a much needed break and part of our fine balancing act. 

Bloody ballots

The UK is one of the most active ultra running scenes in the world.  We have so many different races you are spoiled for choice, if only you could get in them!  Last week I said we'd got the first half of our year planned.  That would have been the case if 2 out of the three of them didn't go to a ballot. The West Highland Way hasn't opened yet but I have lost out twice before so fingers crossed.  Beth & I applied for the Montane Lakeland 50.  She got in, I didn't.  Went for a charity place and 15 minutes after it opened I was number 751 in the queue, didn't get in.
The only race that is booked is The Lap (Lake Windemere) 43 mile Anti-clockwise in September next year and I'm glad to say, we're in.  I only found out about it last night from our pal Stu who has also entered - the race entries opened 2 hours ago and it's almost sold out!
I have a good for age for the Boston Marathon and entries open tomorrow so again, fingers crossed.  It's in April and 2 weeks after it is the Chiltern 50 miler which opens next weekend.
In the meantime my quads have some issues that are being worked on by my "medical team".  Running down even a slight decline is painful but running on the flat is fine.  I've also started work with a personal trainer to get stronger so hopefully that will help.
I'm investigating a "big race" in the next couple of years as I haven't succeeded in anything "big" since Tahoe in 2019.  Races in the heat are probably out due to my AF so it looks like I maybe going cold!  I'm excited about that but a my research is just starting.
With the Glasgow half marathon 3 weeks away, I ran 16/21&13km in the last fours days with my dodgy quads.  I have my fingers crossed that I can build up some speed work as I really want to "give it a go" and get a PB.  I also have to remember we have the Amsterdam Marathon two weeks after it so my mileage is going to increase.  I've enjoyed my training runs this week but need to lose the sharp pains in my quads.
There is a great deal of planning in advance required to put together a good race calendar for the year ahead and you success in getting into some races comes down to luck.  So plan well ahead and look into the application process as well as the race as you can get caught out.  As for the ballots, it's a sign of the success of ultra running in the UK and many of the entrants are from overseas as was demonstrated in the Montane Lakeland 50 (& 100) and every year in the West Highland Way.  I can only keep my fingers crossed for the WHY which would be amazing. 

Cramming

It's been a difficult month for me as far as training is concerned.  The two weeks in Romania involved one 4 km run.  However I did lose 3km with the manual labour of being a volunteer.  When I came back home my knees were aching from the constant bending down when putting the tents up or down and working 8 - 12 hours a day.  Now I'm back I've started training but my foot/calf injury came back and I took four days off training before I saw my wonderful sports therapist Pamela.  When I booked the meeting it was my right knee that was the problem - it kept collapsing.  But by the time my appointment arrived my foot was very uncomfortable and walking on it was difficult enough.
She focused on my foot/calf and finished off by spending some time on my right knee/quad.  I've got stretches' to do and hopefully it will start behaving.
In the meantime I have signed up with Beth's Personal Trainer to strengthen my body as for too long I have suffered injuries.  I'm not aiming for "beach muscles" but being stronger for my running.  First session is on Wednesday and Bart helped Beth in her prep for URR in 6 weeks so here's hoping.  He doesn't allow swearing and that will definitely be a f@@@@@g problem!
Today Beth and I headed to the "Arrochar Alps".  It was our intention to do 3 summits but when we got there it was all in cloud base.  We power walked to the top and my lack of training showed although one climber said she thought we were running so it was a decent pace.  Beth "threaded the needle" but there is no photographic evidence as you can hardly see the rock!  I did hold my breath while she did it as the rocks were slippy which meant she didn't get to the top of the rock (the Cobbler).  
We had a wonderful run down taking about 40 mins and I relied on my poles as my knees had a few weak moments - total distance up and down 11.7K.  We skipped the other two summits and agreed to get back home and run a lap of Chatelherault.  We arrived stiff from the drive but the sun had come out and again we had a fantastic, although tough lap (7.6k).  I was blowing out my arse but my heart  behaved itself although it did show up my lack of training.  It was interesting to watch Beth tackle, what in normal circumstances we'd call hills.  They didn't even feature for her having come back from the Romanian mountains. 
The reference to cramming is that in a month I have the Glasgow half marathon and two weeks later the Amsterdam Marathon.  This is not the recommended approach and it will be "reverse tapering".  I want to do well in both races but much will depend on how my knees/calf and foot hold up.  But I'm excited for the challenge and Beth will be racing both events.  I have the experience to run sensible races and also have the miles in the legs.  But I'll be pushing for PBs so lets see if the cramming works.
We've already got our races planned for the first half of next year, if we get in, and I'll provide those details in the coming weeks.  

Living in the present

I sometimes have to remind myself that I need to live in the present, meaning here and now.  We all make plans whether it be for a holiday or a race in the future, but somehow the actual event disappears before you know it.  Ultra Race Romania was just like that.  We spend a long time planning it and were excited as we sat in the departures lounge thinking about arriving in Romania where it was 15/20 degrees warmer.  Before we knew it, 2 weeks had past and the adventure was over.  Our memories of the people, the beautiful countryside, the mountains and the challenge are stored in our heads and constant reminders come up on FaceBook, but life has to return to normal.  That's not so easy but a transition we all have to make.  We can't live in the past - it's a reference library to dip into when required, not lived in.
I've been thinking this over since returning and gradually switching from adventure mode to business and normal life mode.  Last night I had friends Martin & Elizabeth Schwitter, from Grand 2 Grand (2017) visit me from Geneva and stay over.  We shared memories of the race and the people we had met and it took me right back there.  I helped them plan their tour of Scotland and again, when looking at locations to visit, my memories kicked in as though I was there.
But if I live my life in the past or thinking "one day....." then I am missing the most important part, today, right now.  It came to me this morning as I was walking Poppy around the Hamilton Race course.  Her nose was twitching as she picked up the scent of deer and started searching for them.  Nose to the ground she went back and forth.  They were hiding in the undergrowth fortunately or I'd have been pulled off my feet!  It's happened before.  But Poppy was living in the present, making the most of her early morning walk,  Not like me, I was on auto-pilot, walking Poppy before our breakfast and then off to work.  What I should have been doing is taking in my beautiful surroundings, the noise of the birds singing and the sight of the deer running for cover.  The morning dew makes the fragrances come alive and I remember my first run when I came back from Romania and I was overwhelmed with the fragrances of the flowers and the trees.  Something I rarely noticed because I'd become accustomed to them.

Living in the present means appreciating the here and now.  Take time today and discover what fragrances have been under your nose that you haven't noticed.  Look up when walking and take in the horizon.  Unplug your headphones and listen for the birds.  Feel alive because it's a privilege to be fit and healthy.  The simple pleasure in life can be the most precious and sharing a home cooked dinner with a friend who I hadn't seen in 6 years reminded me how quickly time passes. Go and enjoy today.

Ultra Race Romania - 2023 Reflections

This is the last of 3 blogs regarding URR and I think it's an important read for the athletes who took part, the volunteers and anyone who is considering signing up for this adventure of a lifetime.
The athletes and volunteers have returned home to their families and they will enjoy telling stories of bear foot prints, bear poo, wild dogs, the stunning scenery and all the experiences they went through in this adventure.  I call it an adventure because it's way more than a race. 
The athletes have completed an extremely tough 7 day adventure and during that time they were "stripped bare".  No luxuries, no showers, no fresh clothes, no make up or hair conditioner, eating freeze dried food and suffering from a calorie deficit every day which means you lose your muscle mass.  It's not for the faint hearted.  But you are treated like "movie stars" with cheering volunteers and photographers taking unlimited pictures of you and giving interviews about your experience to the wonderful Fisheye team.  Facebook receives these images and they go worldwide.  But when the race is over and you've enjoyed some downtime with your fellow competitors life returns to normal.  In my experience that can be a tough time making the adjustment to normal life and going back to work.
Most of us lead a risk free sedentary life.  That's part of the reason we put ourselves into an event like this, to stimulate the "animal" in us and to take risks (calculated) because it makes us feel alive.  But when we go back home it takes a period of adjustment and this is where an opportunity lies.
What did you learn about yourself during the 7 days?  How did you cope with the fear of being in the forest in the dark on your own knowing that there were wild animals about?  How did you handle sharing a tent with 3 strangers who spoke different languages and constantly being with other people with little time for yourself?  Personally speaking it had a profound affect on me after I came through the post race blues which really had me quite down two years ago.  Coming back as a volunteer wasn't as tough but it still required a period of adjustment and Facebook prolongs that experience with everyone sharing their stories.  And quite rightly too, you should be proud of what you have achieved even if you DNF, you still contributed to the adventure and got outside your comfort zone.
Some competitors have races coming up immediately afterwards so this will delay the come down but it will happen.  
This is your chance to see if you need to make changes in your life.  It may confirm you are perfectly happy but it may also confirm that you are not.  If it's the latter then start to analyse what makes you happy and follow that path.  It may be a change of jobs or making a commitment to a relationship or leaving a relationship.  When I was in URR two years ago it made me feel alive and appreciate "real" people more than ever.  As a volunteer it made me realise this is my "happy place" with likeminded individuals in an environment that excited me.  There's no room for posers or bullshit in this arena.  Taking part is too painful so you only get the gritty people who have a love of the out doors.  URR has changed my life significantly. The changes haven't been easy but I realised "we all know the end of this movie and nobody gets out alive" so you might as well enjoy yourself.  I've always said URR is more than a race, it's an adventure so pluck up the courage and follow in the foot steps of Legends who took on the challenge.  I leave you with one final thought - you have one life.  Live it.

Ultra Race Romania 2023 - the race

This is the second of a three part blog.  The first was about the wonderful volunteers that make the race happen.  This one is my observations of the race as a volunteer supporting the runners.
When you sign up for a 6 day multi-stage, self supporting race with 250 km over 6 stages and 7 days, you probably don't know what you are in for, unless you have done one before.  But URR is so tough with 11,000m of ascent and descent, 38 degree gradient climbs and rough terrain under foot that many experienced runners were surprised. 
When you describe it to friends they start asking questions, do they feed you? are there showers? do they put you up in a hotel between stages?  Your friends begin to question your sanity when they find out the answer was no to those three questions, because who in their right mind would sign up for that?  So why do we do it?  Each runner has their own story which brought them to this particular start line and as long as their WHY is strong they will be successful in their race.  But success is measured differently for each athlete ranging from winning to completing the race.
There were 15 athletes on the start line from, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong, Romania, France, Great Britain, Japan, Brazil, and Luxemburg.  The age range was from the youngster in his early 30's to the mature gentleman in his 60s and the split was 9 women & 6 men.  When they met on the first day I observed those that were excited and happy to talk and those that were there to win who were more reserved and had their "game face" on.  At the first meal one athlete at our table finished their food almost without speaking to anyone and then retired to bed.
The next day the athletes traveled to the base camp and they weren't really mixing.  In fact in one tent they didn't speak to each other at all that night.  This however is normal as they are all contemplating in their heads how the next 7 days will go.  Camping with strangers & living out a rucksack for 7 days while running in the mountains isn't easy and so difficult to contemplate what it's like, even if you have ran an ultra before.  There is constant chattering in your head; did I train enough, have I got the right food, will we meet bears or wild dogs?  This tends to make you retreat into yourself as you don't want to show any signs of weakness to strangers you are competing with.
In previous races I have observed that the group normally breaks into three.  The top third are those who are out to win.  They are hardened competitors and winning a prestigious race like URR will be good for their CV.  The next third are out to get as good a time as is physically possible but they are also there to enjoy the experience and take in the surroundings.  The last third are athletes who are likely to power walk more than run and are there to complete the race rather than compete in the race but enjoy the scenery along the way.  The fast ones push themselves to the limit but get it over and done with quickly.  The rest are out much longer and suffer more in the heat so it's a challenge for all the athletes.
In day 1 Reinhold Hugo from Switzerland completed the stage in a record breaking 3:37.  He came across the line dripping in sweat but hardly out of breath.  The tail ender that day took 8:31 but enjoyed her day out - sadly she DNF'd the next day but continued to be involved in different parts of the race.  There were two other DNF's and they also stayed in camp and worked as volunteers just to remain part of what was becoming, a tight group. Already one of them has signed up for 2024 - that's the spirit Tun and Alessandro hopes to be back in 2025.
Reinhold won every stage and smashed the course record with a winning time of 29:39.  During the race he was humble, polite and encouraged all the athletes no matter what their time was.  
2 & 3rd place went to Noemi Hagg of Switzerland & Michaela Punz-Raml of Austria.  After 2 stages they decided to run together which they enjoyed and obviously was safer with bears in the area.  
You can read the full results on the URR website but what it doesn't tell you is how this group of athletes became like a family during the course of the race. 
The 4, all different nationalities, in the tent that didn't speak on the first night became like "party central".  The laughter that came from the tent showed they were having a good time in the toughest of conditions.  With no showers, everyone smells and usually has only one running top and shorts with them with two pairs of socks.  But in the end you don't notice the smell and everyone is in the same position.  Also the women wore no make up which didn't bother anyone as the race went on.
Everyone had their breakfast & dinner together and offered encouragement and sometimes a word of advice or even a massage for those aching traps from carrying the rucksack.  They tried learning Romanian, they told jokes and occasionally played tricks on each other.  The transformation I witnessed from day 1 was incredible.  They also got to know the volunteers so the family expanded.
The day after the "long day" (68km) the athletes rested in hammocks, slept, washed their clothes, ate their food and socialised.  This was helped by a surprise from the organisers which I won't go into detail about, as I don't want to ruin the surprise for future competitors.  Needless to say, every competitor was delighted with the surprise and it lifted their spirits as they rested before 42 km the next day which they considered to be "just a marathon"!
There spirits were lifted further when one of the volunteers, John, borrowed my kilt and ran up and down the campsite waving a machete like a madman while the sound of AC/DC played Thunderstruck!  John's past shoulder length grey hair made him look like the leading man from Braveheart and now he's known as The Highlander.
On the final day we witnessed 12 athletes become URR Legends.  The finish line had a carnival atmosphere and family and friends were there waiting to greet them.  The volunteers also had family along which made it a very special celebration.  We had beer at the finish line and once the last athlete was home safely we greeted the sweepers with a standing ovation.  We retired to the local restaurant for some wonderful Romanian cuisine and more beer!
All good things come to an end and when the meal was finished, the athletes said goodbye to the volunteers who had looked after them over the last 7 days.  A few tears were shed as we parted and I know the athletes and volunteers will stay lifelong friends.  This is so much more than a race and that message has been repeated by the athletes in their FB posts following the race.  
The athletes then had 2 days of sight seeing and again the bonds became even tighter between them.  After that first shower back at the hotel and a change of clothes, we all enjoyed real food and the tours that had been organised.
The friendships that have come out of this race are amazing.  I know because 2 years ago I was in the race and DNF'd but have stayed in touch with athletes who took part.  There were three athletes from previous years who came to visit the race and stay in the tents - one even brought his lovely family and another volunteered for 2 days.  That I think sums up the ethos of this race.  It doesn't matter if you are 1st, last or DNF'd - you are part of the URR family and on returning will be greeted with open arms as I was.  I watched 15 strangers from 11 different countries and 40 volunteers evolve into a family within a week - in today's fast paced world driven by greed and material things, this is something very special.
Again I'd like to thank the organisers for coming up with this amazing race that even the top athlete's said is harder than MdS and Grand 2 Grand.  But it's the total experience of genuinely feeling part of a family that is the "prize" you take home.  A lifetime of memories and a special group of likeminded friends.

 

Ultra Race Romania 2023 - volunteers rock!

It has been an eventful 2 weeks and on Sunday I returned from Romania where I was a volunteer in the Ultra Race Romania (URR).  Originally I was going to be running but a health issue ruled that out and my partner ran the race in my place - she smashed it.  I have so much to share with you about this unbelievable adventure that I am going to write 3 blogs this week covering different aspects.  This is the first one about being a volunteer which was a real "eye opener".  
URR had 15 runners and 40 volunteers.  No race can operate without volunteers and I have always thanked them when I was racing but never appreciate the amount that takes place behind the scenes.  This is multiplied considerably when the event is spread over 250km in mountains that have bears, wolves and wild dogs present. There are many aspects of the organisation that I didn't see, such as shopping for food for the volunteers, marking the track and checking it the day before the race passes through, setting up the technology at the new camp every day, handling the press / website / social media /  videos / photographs / allocating roles to everyone / medical support.  It was done with military precision and I have to thank the hard working team of Andrei, Daniel, Eddie & Roxana. I shared a tent with Andrei but he was rarely in bed before 12pm and up at 4.30am the next day, so effectively I never saw him.
Sadly I can't mention all the volunteers by name but a few will get a mention.  But you are all my friends on FB and know how much you mean to me.  Thank you for looking after me.
I was part of a team of volunteers that; set up the campsite for the runners and the volunteers every day, then dismantled it the next morning and repeating the exercise before the runners got to the next camp.  Setting up the portable toilets and dismantling them and getting rid of the waste (Mainly done by Ionel Andone who deserves a medal, or at least an air freshener as he wouldn't let me do it!).  I did end up with the specific role of "water bitch" which I created myself as I could see this was a concern of the runners. When they woke up in the morning they needed hot and cold water for their food and bottles and they needed toilets that worked i.e. not blocked.  After those requirements were taken care of they could have their breakfast, relax and prepare their rucksack for the day ahead.  Unfortunately the hot water required a kettle to be boiled, maximum 2 at a time and that doesn't satisfy 15 runners so there was a lot of running back an forth between the "kitchen" and the runners eating area.  Sometime instructions/requests from the runners could be a bit blunt, but this was usually down to their use of the English language and no offence was meant although there were a few times I had to bite my tongue as tired runners can be demanding and selfish - human nature.
I had to be careful not to spend too much time in their "space" as they were beginning to gel as a group and I was an outsider. But at the same time I wanted to hear how Beth was getting on so I helped with shoulder massages so I could hear their stories.  I had to remember I was a volunteer and not a runner.
Language was a problem with the volunteers but those that did speak some English, wanted to have conversations so they could practice and they were very good - puts us Brits to shame. 
After the runners had received a noisy welcome home from the volunteers who formed a "guard of honour" when the runners were approaching the camp, they headed to the "kitchen" where the chefs had been working hard to provide a hearty meal - one for veggies and the other for the meat eaters.  I'd sit and try and work out from the body language and facial expressions what they were talking about and sometimes someone would interpret.  On day 1 of arriving at the camp Laurentiu Fratila took me under his wing and helped show me what to do and find food for me when I needed it.  He also introduced me to "Palinca", a home made plum brandy or "moonshine" would be a more accurate description in my opinion.  A number of the volunteers had made their own and it was like a competition to whose was the best.  It certainly created a party atmosphere in the evening and why not.  They'd worked bloody hard all day.
This group of people could not have been kinder.  One of the volunteers who had not been well was facetimed and they all sang happy birthday to her.  She been ill and they all supported her through her illness.  Very special people.
This amazing group all loved running with some accomplished runners.  I found out that some had run 24 hours on sand before, they did a lot of mountain runners and half marathon runners.  They had taken more than a weeks holiday in order to be a volunteers which is a hard, physical 8-12 hour day.  Not being used to manual work I was in pain the first three days and would estimate all the bending down and standing up when assembling and dissembling the tents was the equivalent of 180 squats a day.  My lower back and knees suffered but I got through it.
After day 3 I was allocated to check points but that still meant disassembling tents before leaving for the CP.  It usually involved waiting around for a few hours and the difference between the first runner and the last could be 4-6 hours.  After the last runner went through we then became sweepers.  We walked to the next checkpoint and collected all the blue ribbons hanging from the trees guiding the runners - 25,000 over the 250km.  Once we go to the next checkpoint we got in a car and onto the next camp.  There was usually 4 of us and always a local who tested the "bear poo" to see if it was recent and also explain the various paw marks.
Part of the security was 3 scrambler riders and a quadbike rider who drove up and down the course to create noise to keep the bears away.  One rider did see a bear but other than getting a fright, he was fine.
There are other aspects of the race that I will write about this week but I wanted to start with the volunteers who I regard as my friends.  No race can be run without them and we should remember they took holidays and left families behind to work 8-12 hours a day to ensure the runners had a wonderful experience.  My eyes were opened to how much is required to run such an event smoothly and safely and I have nothing but respect for every one of them.  They also slept under canvas for 9 days and had no showers, but they still chose to do it and always had a smile on their face.  It just leaves me to say volunteers, you rock. Thank you.

It's about the people

What an adventure this weekend has been.  The Highlander, Backyard, Last One Standing was an incredible experience.  The rules are simple - 6.7km loop with 146m of elevation and you have an hour to do it.  Then repeat until you drop out.  On average I completed my laps in 49 mins and in the remainder of the time you can rest, eat, stretch and then be back at the start line to repeat on the hour.  If not you're a DNF.  It started on Saturday at 12 noon and I came out of the race after completing the 11th hour, in the dark - 73.4km total.  As I type there are two guys slugging it out and they have completed 32 laps!!!  Can you imagine that?  It doesn't matter how fast you are as long as you complete the lap in an hour and are ready to start again.  The Scottish record is 39.  The world record completed in Austria this year is 103 - yes over 4 days!
Stu only managed 6 laps and was timed out on the 7th lap but his stomach wasn't good - last year he completed 10 and timed out on 11 so it just wasn't his day.
We were both supported by Beth, and Poppy her beautiful springer spaniel, who made sure we had all the food, hydration and anything we needed when we came in - it was a quick turnaround and I don't know how some people did it without support - one of the current leaders has no support and is averaging 40 min laps!
We were delighted to be joined by the legend Rosie Bell who hadn't had a good run up to the race having been injured.  Rosie managed 20 laps and when I went to bed in the campervan at midnight, I felt guilty that she would be self supporting during the night.  The night is very tough as not only is it cold but all you can see is what your headlamp captures and it's easy to become disorientated as to where you are especially in the woods where it's difficult under foot.  When I woke in the morning and opened the van door Rosie was coming in.  She managed 1 more lap but was injured and decided to call it a day or it would set her back for future races - wise call.  But 20 laps!  Almost double what I did.
How do you keep going.  My approach was breaking the loop down.  Run for 2 mins to a speed bump, walk the hill for next 5 mins, turn the corner and run 2k trying to complete each km in 6 mins.  Get to the corner that turns uphill at 18 mins - walk the hill for 16 mins, take it easy through the forest 4 mins, then down hill for 2km to the start.  I was very consisted but in the middle my heart rate started climbing to 190.  My cardiologist had said if that happened take 2 pills.  I did and my heart settled into a better rhythm at a lower rate for the rest of the race - good to know that tactic works otherwise I'd have pulled out.
I met loads of runners, particularly on the long walk up the hill.  Two Polish guys were lovely, one managed 32 laps.  I met Stuart Ritchie a PT who trains people for Everest and other expeditions - check out www.trekandclimbfitness.com.  Everyone had an interesting story.  There was a father (about my age who did 13 laps) with his son & daughter running.  The runners were so friendly but that's ultra running for you.  Everyone employed different tactics whether it be walking the hills and running the downhills or the other way round.
I passed Alan (who I only found out at the end I'd been calling Andy) on the steep downhills as he saved his legs and on my last lap he offered to do the next one with me at my pace to get me round (and over 50 miles).  It was a lovely offer but I had made my mind up on lap 9 that I was only going to do 11.
Was I too tired, no.  Was I injured, no.  Then why stop?  I was bored and didn't have a WHY?  This was an experiment to try a different format.  If you want a mind f@ck, then this race is perfect for that.  If you can be so focused on the plan and not deviate then you'll do well but I didn't have a good enough WHY so decided not to hurt myself anymore than you do running almost 74km.  I have the Amsterdam Marathon in October and I will be pouring everything into that as I have a WHY which I'll share nearer the time.
Beth got to know the other supporters and thoroughly enjoyed their stories.  She put in a hell of a shift looking after Stu, Rosie and me.  Beth has her big race in less than two weeks time in Romania and it was great for her hearing from other experienced athletes like Lynsie and share tips.
For me this event was about trying something different.  What it taught me, if I didn't know it already, was the importance of mental strength because in the end that determines whether you succeed of fail and in this race, only one person succeeds.  Everyone else is disqualified.  I've talked about this many times before but you must have a WHY and the critical question is - How bad do you want it?  That's all that matters, just ask the last two competitors who are going round that 6.7km lap praying that the other guy will drop out so they can stop and claim the well earned title of Scottish Last one Standing. 
I'd like to thank the amazing organisers and volunteers who are there throughout and were always cheering and smiling as we past.  They don't finish till the race is over so it's a long event for them - well done guys.  As I said, it's all about the people and that's what makes ultra running so special.

Be prepared....for anything

As we get closer to our "A" races (Last One Standing in 9 days, Ultra Race Romania in 27 days) we are focusing on what we will actually need to carry with us and what is mandatory equipment.  My list is very short but Beth needs her 6 days supplies in her rucksack including her food and clothing.  Mandatory equipment will include fire crackers to scare off wild dogs and bear spray for, you've guessed it, bears!  Remember I said, be prepared....for anything!  Meticulous planning is required for these long events as it is for a trip into the mountains locally.
Last weekend we travelled up north and went to Ballater as the weather looked better.  Our trusted friend Michael Martin put together a good route that involved 5 Munro's (mountains higher than 1,000 m) in a long loop known as the Lochnagar circuit. We set out in stunning weather, blue skies without a cloud in sight.  My main concern was the heat.  Could we carry enough water for the 8 hours or was their fresh water on the route?  What a fantastic route and we were enjoying the scenery but realising the weather forecast later on in the day could be challenging.  It seemed foolish packing our full waterproofs and survival bags, but this is Scotland.
The wind started picking up and the clouds were closing in.  At the highest and furthest away point the rain started and then turned into hail stones.  This was 3 hours ahead of the forecast and the wind meant it was painful when they smacked you in the face.  We still had 4 hours to go and we were drenched.  There was no shelter from the wind so the full waterproofs went on, a bit late, and this prevented us from getting cold.  We had to eat to keep our energy levels up as it was a long slog, more so for Beth as she was carrying a weighted rucksack!
The weather improved for the last 12 km and when we finished we were pleased we'd covered a total of 29km and come through some testing conditions.  However it would have been a different story had we not been prepared.  We did fill up our water bottles early on in the walk but had to ration it towards the end.  It would have been a bigger issue had it stayed warm so always check what the water situation is before setting off.
The following day we went up Tinto (local hill 711m) - me twice and Beth three times.  I started to get a knee niggle on the descents and didn't want to risk making it worse.  It was the right decision as I have rested it this week, except for yoga.  I'll be back running tomorrow and do some specific running focused on the last one standing format i.e. run/walk/ rest, stretch and eat every hour.  This race will be a real "mind f@@k" and new territory for me.  I'll have my pals Stu and Rosie running it with me and they have the benefit of doing it last year so have given me some top tips.  The best part will be the finishing pen where you start and finish each lap.  It becomes like a party as the race goes on and last years winner managed 39 laps - yes that's 39 hours!  Beth is supporting me & Stu so the campervan will be stocked with food, drink and medical supplies!  I'm excited for this new format and will be tapering my training with lots of yoga to make sure my body is ready.  In the end it will be my mind that's the deciding factor assuming I remain upright and not injured!
  

New record set

Last week I wrote about "raising the bar" and by this I meant setting it high.  Reach for the stars my granny used to say, and if you hit the sky you have done well.  
On 26th June the bar was certainly raised when Jamie Aarons completed all 282 Munros in Scotland (mountains over 3,000 feet) in 31 days, 10 hours and 27 minutes.  She beat the previous record by 12 hours and 35 minutes set by Donnie Campbell who inspired her when she heard him talk about his record on the radio.  The previous female record was 76 days and 10 hours.  Can you imagine her mindset when she thought about beating Donnie's record?  
What makes it even more incredible is that she travelled between the Munros by bike, kayak or walked!! Unbelievable, and feats like these continue to drive me to raise my bar, but not to this level. 
As I have said before, it's all relative and taking on the couch to 5k is a huge challenge for some people.
Today I "raised the bar" or pushed myself beyond what I was comfortable with and ran the Stonehouse Half Marathon.  Obviously I have ran much longer than a half marathon distance but this one had 308m of ascent and as an ultra runner, I'd normally walk the hills.  But I decided to give it everything and leave nothing out there which definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it was a race after all not a training run.  If I was lucky, I might even win the V60 category so I was motivated.
Accompanying me was my partner Beth and her daughter Holly who was running her first half marathon.  I knew she was strong but was determined not to lose to her.  Imagine my surprise when I thought I was going well and she past me on the first long climb!  But I was pacing myself as I knew the last 4.5 miles were down hill and I aimed to give it everything then.  I overtook her shortly afterwards and pressed on. 
On the out and back section I passed Holly and Beth coming the other way so I continued, even when it was uncomfortable to push it in the heat.  At one stage when tearing the top off my gel is exploded onto my face, hair & hands but I managed to get 75% of it in me.  With 2 km to go I had my last gel as the fast downhill had taken it toll on me and I was wavering.  That got me to the finish line and I was delighted with 1hr 49 mins - same time as my Glasgow half marathon earlier in the year without the elevation!  Sadly 6 minutes shy of the V60 winner but good on him, that was a tough course for that kind of time.
Holly finished 3 mins behind me and Beth a further 5 mins behind but taking the fastest V50!  A fabulous result all round.
But this only happened because we put the tough miles in and we set the bar high, not for the distance but for the time.  Any discomfort or pain melts away when you cross the line and after rehydrating you feel good about yourself.  I waded into the freezing cold sea up to my "rab hawes" while eating a 99.  After 2 minutes I lost sensation in my legs but hopefully this will speed up my recovery.
Not everyone can be in Jamie Aarons league but we can still set the bar high and when the time comes, give it everything.  It will only make us better.
Back home and we stuffed our faces with good food and I chased it down with a few cold beers.  Now for a bath and then start massaging my lets with my massage gun.  Tomorrow starts another week of training and my "A" race Last One Standing is now only 20 days away.  
When did you last raise the bar and is it time for a reset (upwards!)?

Where you set the bar

Last weekend was epic in Scotland with huge events taking place across the country in scorching weather.  An extreme ironman, the Celtman, took place in Wester Ross.  You're lucky to get out the swim (3.4km) without hypothermia or some nasty jellyfish stings.  The bike (200km) is on a hilly, tough and technical course and the warm down is a marathon with 1,600m of ascent.  If ironman wasn't hard enough then this  really is tough and the finishing times are significantly slower due to it being longer and more difficult than your normal ironman event.  But still people take it on.  I salute any finisher, or for that matter, anyone brave enough to make the start line.  Congratulations to my friends that finished.  You certainly have raised the bar from ironman which is a high bar to start with.
At the same time, the West Highland Way race, 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William with 3,155 metres of ascent started at 1am on Saturday.  Entry into the event is by a ballot, as runners from around the world want to take on this challenge - I've tried twice and haven't got in.  It's a brutal course and leaving aside the winners who manage the event in around 14 hours, getting in under 24 hours is amazing and under 30 hours is still a good result.  To be honest, completing it is a massive achievement and our club mate Paul Noble managed it in 28 hours and 21 minutes on his first attempt.  I have ran the first 53 miles of this route in the Highland Fling and finished in 11 hours 6 mins but couldn't manage another step,  so the thought of going past this takes a lot of mental strength.  It depends on where you set the bar I guess!
I mention those two epic races as I was thinking about them this weekend while I was training at shorter distances.  On Saturday I ran with my pal Stuart as we replicated the race we will be doing in 5 weeks time.  The Highlander, Last One Standing involves a 6.7km loop around the Atholl Castle Estate which you have to do in an hour.  Easy I hear you say.  If you do the loop in 40 mins you can have 20 mins rest before starting again.  If  you complete the lap 59 mins you have a minutes rest, however you are disqualified if you exceed the hour.  Stu and I did four laps but the hard bit is sitting waiting for the next lap.  Do I drink, eat, stretch?  It's more of a mental challenge and while I have ran for extensive periods of time, over 24 hours, this is a different challenge.  Last year the winner completed 39 laps - yes 39 hours and 257.4 km to be the last one standing and everyone else disqualified!
The next day I ran 19km in the heat of the day and it made me think about "where you set the bar".  It was only 19km,but in the heat of the day it was a slog.  Only two weeks ago I ran/walked 60km and I also completed 2 marathons (42km) in the last few months.  So why was I struggling at 19km.  I had a good talk to myself.  Only 2 nights before a good friend of mine had visited me and it took him 7 mins to climb 3 flights of stairs.  He refuses to have a stair lift put in at home because it would be admitting defeat.  I had to physically lift him into my campervan as he has lost the power in his quads, and there will be no improvement.  So who was I to be struggling at 19km in the heat.  He's set his bar high and is defying gravity by hauling himself up the stairs.  Keep it going Al, you're doing amazing and an inspiration.
My next race is a trail half marathon and I'm excited about it.  Beth and I are heading up to Stonehaven to join her daughter and this will be her first half marathon.  It may "only be a half" but I know we'll have to work hard to get a decent time because we will set the bar high.
I'm going to finish on a sad note.  A long time friend of mine died in a tragic accident at the age of 69.  He was young for his age.  Always had a glint of mischief in his eye and read my blog every week.  He enjoyed pulling my leg and he will be greatly missed.  It's a reminder how fragile life is and why we should live in the present and make the most of this wonderful life we have been given.  Rest in peace Nick.  You will be missed but never forgotten.

The Full Tilt Ultra 2023

What a week of racing it has been!  On Sunday 28th May I completed the Edinburgh marathon and having pushed for a PB, in the heat, which I just missed I had five days to recover before the Full Tilt Ultra with my partner Beth.  I knew Edinburgh had taken it out of me as I was a mess in the last 4km but I hadn't realised just how bad I looked until I saw the photos - won't be buying them then!  At least I wasn't as unfortunate as three runners who had a cardiac arrest, according to a paramedic at the Full Tilt!  But my legs were "shot to bits" and I struggled to walk properly until Wednesday and even then it was an effort.
We were both excited about the Full Tilt as it was helping us both in the build up to our "A" races, the Highlander Last One Standing for me and Ultra Race Romania for Beth (I'm going as a volunteer to help the organisers).
Having got my pace wrong in the Edinburgh marathon and with it only having been 5 days before, this was never going to be a fast event.  We were joined by our pal Stu which was just as well as he had to bring a spare pare of shorts and socks for me as I'd left them behind.  Stu is also in the Highlander but hadn't got as much training in as he would like and it wasn't long before he left Beth and I trailing behind.  We overtook him on the first Munro but by the summit he wasn't far behind.  Descending is his strength and he passed us on the way down.  I caught up with him and we got talking to another runner, Jordan who was a nice lad.  Just as the pace was quickening I realised I had a blister.  Knowing we were only 30km into the race and still had a Munro to go I stopped and repaired the damage.  Soon after Beth appeared and we decided to run together  It's good to have company in these long races and with the temperature in the low 20's we slowed down along Glen Tilt as the road underfoot was terrible.  
We were getting very hot and were travelling at a snails pace so I suggested we wade into the river to refresh our tired and aching legs.  That was 7 minutes well spent as when we came out feeling refreshed.
We reached the checkpoint before the last Munro and were told the climb started in about 1 mile; it was nearer 2 which plays with your mind.  The organisers had told us how "horrendous" the first 2-3km of the climb was and to have something left when you reached this point.  We'd taken it very easy from the last Munro 19kms ago and flew up the "horrendous" hill.  It was easy.  We like hills but to be honest, I think Tinto is tougher.  However, Stu had pushed too hard too early and was spent.  We caught him half way up the hill and it was obvious his race was over at 40km.  We forced him to drink some coke, under protest, and by luck a photographer was coming down the mountain and agreed to look after him - thanks Liv.  Ultra running is brutal and there are no short cuts in training, you've got to put in the hours.  You have then to pace yourself depending on your current fitness which was what we were doing.  We may have been slow but our mission was to complete it on our tired legs from the week before.
We descended relatively fast, taking the conditions into account and from the bottom is was approximately 10km back along that awful track through Glen Tilt.  We ran most of it and all the way Beth was giving a count down by each km.  However I knew she was 2 km out as the advertised 58km was in fact 60km.  I didn't have the heart to tell her but a passing truck said to us just under 2km to go when she thought we were about finished - she was gutted.
But we ran into the finish straight with big smiles on our face and no feeling of pain.  We crossed the line holding hands as we had planned (always have the finish line picture in your head) and Stu organised the best beer we have ever tasted.  Success but only just.  We hadn't realised the cut off was 10 hours which was not generous and we came in in 9hrs 45mins.  
Today I ran a slow 5km recovery and it was sore.  On Wednesday I have a massage as I rebuild myself for my next challenge, a trail half marathon before Last One Standing.  It's good to have different types of races in the calendar as it means your training is also varied.  Enjoy this wonderful weather but make sure you stay properly hydrated using isotonic drinks and salt tablets.

Race strategy

In my last post I had two weeks before the Edinburgh Marathon.  I knew I wasn't going to be 100% ready but a cold certainly put paid to that.  I only had a couple of 5 km runs the week before so I arrived at the race on Saturday rested, or was it rusty?  My objective was to get under 3hrs 45 to get a "best for age" for the London Marathon 2024.  Beth was hoping to get 3hrs 55 to qualify for Boston so we had a chance of running it together.
We discussed our strategy and I knew I needed to run 5min 22sec per km to achieve my target time.   That was going to be tough as I had no idea how my heart would react - hopefully the same as Manchester marathon and not the same as my slower training runs.  I new it was going to be a slow start so I pushed on and was bang on for my first km.  Beth had recommended I run steady 5:20 per km and hopefully be able to increase the pace towards the end  (she's ran more marathon's than me) - but I chose differently!  I'd decided to run on feel and not look at my heart rate. The 2nd km on 5:17 and 4:40 in the 3rd km.  I was building up "credit in the bank" knowing at some stage I'd start to slow down.  At 15 km I tripped over a speed bump and managed to cut my knee on the same place I'd stitches a few months earlier.  I immediately got back up and started running, I wasn't stopping for a cut and bruised knee.
By 26km I was starting to tire and my times increase over 5:20 but this was OK until KM 32 - 20 miles or the half way point as I refer to it.  The weather forecast was for 13 degrees but it was 19/20 degrees and people we getting medical treatment at the side of the road as the heat took people out.  My heart rate was good around 150 which is unbelievable but I was suffering.  I had brought salt tablets but couldn't find them and I knew my body was starting to fail.  But I still had the target within my grasp.  
I was hydrating and taking my gels but had to ask a Macmillan volunteer for water between feed stations and she was an angel and gave me her own.  This got me to the next check point but I was in serious trouble.  With 3 km to go I started walking as I realised I wouldn't make my target and I was worried that my body was leaning over to the left as though the left side had collapsed.  I had walked through the last two feed stations so I could get my gel and a full bottle of water in me but I weighed up the pros and cons and decided to quit the race.  That lasted 30 seconds as I thought I should jog in and finish the race or I'd regret it if I didn't.
From 39km on all my km's were over 6 mins.  I was struggling to stay upright and the crowd were amazing screaming encouragement to me.  It took everything within me to stay standing and not crash into the barrier on the left side.  I crossed the line in 3hrs 49 mins - 59 seconds slower than Manchester and 4 mins outside the London target.  I didn't care.  I could hardly walk now and was sat down by a medic and given water.  When I was ready to go back to get my bag I had horrendous cramp and took an age to get to the bag drop.
Beth had a tough day out and couldn't hold the speed she needed but came in with a respectable 4hrs and 4 mins.  Her pacing was much better than mine.
It's been a painful lesson but res assured, when we complete the Amsterdam Marathon in October I am going to stick to a strict pace and see how that goes for me.  What I can't understand is how my heart behaves better in a fast (for me) marathon and not in a slow jog around Strathy Park?  
But we have 5 days to recover before we take on the Full Tilt 58km ultra including 2 Munro's.  Obviously I will be taking it easy and much will depend on how my legs feel when I start running.  It will push us both following our marathon efforts.
Training is good but the real learning is when we are in the race.  I'm not an experienced marathon runner but I am learning fast.  I'm looking forward to Amsterdam and in July the new experience of the Highlander, Last one standing race.  I'll give more details on that one after my next race report.
I'm so glad I didn't give up but I wish I'd stuck to a disciplined pace.  Here's to the next race.  Bring it on. 

Get lost

As you know I can get lost in a car park and there are too many examples to mention.  I try my best and even having prepared and downloaded the map to my watch, that's no guarantee that I will stay on route.  But I've come to accept it and get less stressed out about it as getting lost can be fun - assuming it's not in a race.
Last weekend I had 2 nights away in our campervan, AKA Scooby, with my daughter Eilidh.  We stayed in the caravan park next to the Glencoe Visitors Centre where we were looked after like Royalty by our good friends Graeme & Karen Scott who will be working at the site for the season.  If you are up in Glencoe, the campsite is fantastic and I'd definitely recommend you stay there.  We got up early on Saturday to climb two Munro's.  These were Eilidh's first ever Munro's and she did brilliantly.  I had climbed them a few weeks earlier so I was sure where we were going as I didn't want to risk it being too technical.  By the time she got to the bottom she could hardly walk and her legs were shaking.
Graeme & Karen came to the rescue with wine and ice cream and the next day she was brand new and ready to tackle The Pap of Glencoe.  I was nervous about this one as the last time I was up here with Beth, we'd lost the path and ended up scrambling over rocks.  Same happened again but I didn't freak out, or let on to Eilidh, as I knew roughly where we were headed.  The last time I was "bricking it" on the descent because I had lost the path on the way up.  But when coming down I could see the path and although technical in bits, we descended safely.  Not always knowing the exact path can be exciting and keeps you on your toes as you need to be constantly on the look out for the path - if there is one.  What a brilliant dad/daughter weekend in Scooby.  It's got her talking about our next trip into the mountains and I can't wait.
My next race is the Edinburgh Marathon and I'll put it out there - I'm looking for under 3hrs 45mins to qualify for London.  But a lot can happen on the day and there are no guarantees.  My preparation has been hampered by a cold which meant I didn't run for over a week so we'll see if that means I'm rested or rusty.
On Friday night after a long week at work I headed out for a short run to test my legs and my heart.  Both passed the test.  On Saturday morning I turned up at Chatelherault to run with my ATHelite club mates.  It was all going well till we stopped to wait for the others to catch up.  My HR had been behaving but after the rest it maxed out at 205 bpm!  That is the effect of Atrial Fibrillation.  I was still able to talk although felt slightly out of breath.  I told Alan & Mark to run on as I was going to cut the run short at 7.6km but they waited at the top of the hills to make sure I was ok - thanks guys.  Obviously this effort took it out of me and my Garmin told me to take three days off! Yeh right I have a race in 2 weeks time.
Today, Beth, Stuart and I headed out to do a recce of part of the Full Tilt Ultra (58km with 2 Munro's) which is 5 days after the Edinburgh Marathon.  I had the GPX (map) on my watch so was confident we wouldn't get lost.  The weather forecast wasn't good and the low cloud coverage meant we couldn't see the summits.  I'd looked at the map and could see we could take a short cut through Blair Atholl Castle where we had been last year.  As we approached we notice a hut selling tickets.  We were asked for £24 to park our van and take the short cut so we headed down the 1km driveway to a carpark across the road and ran up the driveway.  They were waiting for us.  No access if we didn't have a ticket - very disappointing but we headed back down the driveway and made our way to the start of the route.
The low cloud cover didn't help us and we took one wrong turn but quickly worked it out.  The terrain allowed us to run which was ideal for the marathon training Beth and I needed.  We reached a critical point in the route and due to the cloud cover, we took the safe option.  That meant we missed out on one summit but it was never our intention to complete the whole 58km today.
We had a fabulous time and made a decision not to tackle the other summit which again was hidden and trying to get the bigger picture off of my watch was impossible.
We ran 25km today with ascent of 650m.  My HR averaged 117 which was excellent and enjoyed 3.5 hours on our feet.  We spent a lot of the run trying to work out exactly where we were but that was part of the fun.  I'm not so worried about being uncertain where I am as long as I have a rough idea and help from technology (another of my strengths - not!).  On race day it will be different.  Getting lost is not an option so the recce was very valuable.  The only time I want to say "get lost" is to the staff at Blair Atholl Castle that wouldn't let us through their land unless we'd pay £24.
I got home and ordered some pakora and a couple of cold beers followed by a hot bath.  My Garmin isn't happy with me but other than yoga and some gym work, I'll take tomorrow off running.  It's a bit of a stretch going from 5km to 25km with climbing in 24 hours but that will count as my long run before the marathon.  Here's to finding myself exploring more adventurous routes and getting lost!

Inspired by the London Marathon

I love watching live sporting events.  As they say, "it's only live once" and who knew a marathon could be as exciting as this years London Marathon.  49,673 had entered and very few dropped out before the race with 49,272 starting and 43,965 finishing - congratulations to you all.  What an achievement.
3 out of the 4 races were nail biting finishes.  The men's wheelchair event was easily won but it raises some questions re the equipment - not taking anything away from the winner. Kelvin Kiptum, the mens winner, put in an amazing display leaving the field behind with 5 miles to go and finishing in 2hrs and 1 minute - what an unbelievable time and about 15 minutes faster than my half marathon time!
The woman's wheel chair race had four athletes come round the last corner together for a sprint finish but the best race was the woman's.  In the very early stages the "rooky" marathon runner Sifan Hassan was in trouble.  She stopped to stretch out her thigh on a number of occasions as the leading pack extended their lead.  The commentators were saying her race was over and if she was sensible she'd pull out to avoid further injury.  But she kept going and made her way back to the leaders.  She patiently waited until the finishing straight and left them for dead - incredible race and such an inspiration.
It brought back memories of the Manchester Marathon a couple of weeks ago.  I had pushed myself and it took me at least four days to walk without pain afterwards, but my time had given me a "good for age" entry for the Boston Marathon - still not guaranteed a place.  But inspired by Sifan Hassan I checked out the London good for age qualifying time - 3 hours 45 mins.   I wasn't that far away so both Beth & I decided to enter the Edinburgh marathon on 28 May.  This has given us both a focus for our training this month and we'll give it our best shot to get under 3 hrs 45 mins which would get me in to London.
I learned a lot in the Manchester Marathon and hope I can use that experience and get sub 3hrs 45 mins but you never know what can happen on the day.  We've also entered the Amsterdam Marathon in October for fun.
But I am still under the guidance of my Cardiologist and as if I needed a reminder, sadly an experienced 45 year old runner died after completing the London Marathon in under 3 hours and was on his way home.  My thoughts are with his family and it's a reminder that you may have an underlying condition and not know about it.  I'm lucky that mine was discovered, although shouldn't be life threatening, and the medication will help.  However I have been advised not to take any unnecessary  risks by putting excessive strain on my heart, but at the moment he was relaxed about marathons.  Thank you London Marathon for inspiring me and giving me a short term focus to my training.

Out of my comfort zone - the Manchester Marathon

Since my last blog I've been thinking very hard about what tactics to employ in the race.  The night before the race I "had a good talk to myself".  What was the point in turning up at a marathon, and jogging round?  What would I learn?  Would the data help me come to terms with my Arterial Fibrillation?  Would it help my cardiologist advise me on what I was able to do safely? NO. So I made a plan which is completely different from the one I outlined in my last blog.
I worked out the pace required to get under 4 hours.  I'd start off at an easy pace as I thought it would be busy at the beginning and then I'd see how it went.  If my heart rate got above 175 bpm then I'd slow down and take it easy.
Beth was going to run her own race but we ran the 1st km together - 5.30, faster than her target.  She told me to head off as she wasn't going to maintain that pace, so I did.  For the next 21 km my pace was between 4.53 and 5.15 min per km - I was flying and my heart rate was around 146 bpm.  I knew I was putting "time in the bank" but I also knew the time would come to pay it back and that was going to hurt.
Manchester was fantastic.  The crowds lined the streets and shouted encouragement to the runners.  Your name was on your number so you'd get the odd shout out.  After 22km they became more frequent as I got slower, especially in the last 6km, the crowd love encouraging an old struggling runner!  
They say in a marathon the half way point is 32km.  What they mean by that is that the pain you endure in the last 10km is more than you did in the previous 32km and it is so true.  But I was ready for the pain.  It's a sign you are getting closer to the end.  So I pushed on and gave it my best.  I only managed 2 km over 6kpm (6.02 & 6.10) thankfully and never stopped.  I picked up my water at the aid stations to wash down my gels that I'd taken as I approached them.
When I crossed the line I started staggering, trying  not to be sick and managed to get to the bag drop area to pick up my clothes before I got too cold.  Two lovely Scottish runners helped me get my shoes off and my tracksuit trousers on as I could not bend down.  I had given everything and there was nothing in the tank, absolutely nothing!  I could have ran easier and been in less pain but what was the point.  I had decided that this was a test and that I should push myself, but I did set a HR limit.
A few days out from the marathon I was talking about a possible 5 hour marathon.  I'd have been happy just to have completed it.  But that's not me.  Nothing would have been gained from that plus I'd have been on my feet longer!  So I finished in 3 hours 48 mins (my original target before my heart problem) was 3hrs 45 mins.  The bonus for this time is that I qualified for the Boston Marathon next year - that's crazy!  I made it by 90 seconds.  In the last 3 km I thought about walking as I was in so much discomfort, my quads are destroyed, but thought in 2 or 3 days they will be fine so pushed on.  Get the best time you can.  The tough running before would have been wasted if I gave up.  I'm so glad I was able to programme my mind that this was what had to be done.
On analysing the data it turns out my average HR was 146 which astonishes me.  Only a week before I couldn't run a slow 5km on flat terrain and keep it below 160bpm.  So more investigation required with the Cardioligist.  But perhaps the marathon distance suits me!   Time will tell.
But there is one thing I am certain of.  I've come out of a "dark place" in relation to my health and how I cope with it mentally.  I had a good "talk to myself" the night before the marathon and came up with a plan that would push me but had a cut off point for safety reasons.  Numerous people told me not to risk it but I needed to know what I could do.  I'm certainly not giving up at 61 years young.
Beth wasn't that far behind me and had enjoyed the atmosphere of the race whereas I had blocked a lot of the outside distractions, especially in the last 10 km and focused on the mission.  So Boston 2024, the qualification doesn't guarantee a place but if it's offered, we'll be there flying the flag.
My last road marathon outside of Ironman was 1982 and I have to say I enjoyed the first 32km and endured the rest.  You've just got to live with the pain.  I'm now walking like John Wayne but have a massive smile on my face.  Very chuffed with that achievement.  I'm back and now looking forward to a 58km Ultra in Glen Tilt!  Before I get carried away however, I still have the problem of AF and a faulty heart valve to sort which is likely to result in an operation or two but it's better that I am fit for that so I'll keep my training up.

Eyes on the prize

By this time next week, I will hopefully have completed the Manchester Marathon.  I've no idea what the time will be as this will depend on my HR.  I intend to take the first half easy and if I'm feeling good, and my HR is behaving, then I will try and pick up the pace up.  But I'm not going to take too big a risk and my HR will be the decisive factor in my time.  I intend to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event.
It's been a good weeks training and my focus has been on tapering to allow my body to recover before race day.  On Friday the weather forecast was amazing so Beth and I set off at 6.20am to head to Glencoe to climb two Munro's.  We couldn't have asked for better conditions and it was a steep climb which worked our legs.  On the summits it was peaceful and we enjoyed the vista of snow covered summits in the distance - we are so lucky to have this within 2 hours of our homes.  We even had our lunch on the second summit sheltering from the wind behind some rocks.  The descent was tough on our quads and calves.  When we got back to the car we went to a local cafe and enjoyed fresh coffee and home made scones with jam and cream - they always taste better after a workout.
On Saturday we ran 16km at a slow pace.  We were running against the flow of runners completing their 5km Park Run.  Watching the expressions on their faces whether they were in front, middle or straggling at the end made no difference.  There was a focused look on some obviously trying for a PB.  Some had a painful expression and others were jogging along chatting to their companion.  Each had their own goal and had their eyes on the prize and next weekend won't be any different.
I have total respect for anyone who pulls on a pair of running shoes and no matter what shape, size or speed they are running at, they are lapping everyone on the couch.  I also noticed they had a couple of "walking marshals" which shows how inclusive the Park Run is.  Walking 5km is a major achievement to some people and if more people did it then we'd be a healthier nation and it would reduce the strain on the NHS.
My training intensity reduces this week so that when I reach the start line I'll be ready to give it my best.  Beth and I will be running separately as we have different goals but know what we are aiming for and look forward to enjoying the total experience of running with over 28,000 runners each of who has their own story behind getting to the start line.  I just love the anticipation of a start line.  Eyes on the prize.  See you on the other side.

Getting my head back in the game

It's been a good week's training with 72km bagged.  I'm sticking with my slow runs to try and regulate my heart rate and not cause too much strain.  There's still no pattern to explain my HR at the moment with some strange results, like going from 146 bpm when I stopped to chat to a friend for five minutes straight up to 180 bpm when I started running again.  At the end of that run (15 km) the reduction in my HR after 2 minutes was zero!  That's a first.  It would normally be between 20-35 bpm.
The decision I have been  mulling over is whether or not to run the Manchester Marathon in 13 days time.  If I do I won't be going for a time, just an enjoyable time enjoying running through a different city with some encouragement from they crowd - they love an "old geezer" shuffling along!
I've been doing research on Atrial Fibrillation and continuing training and running is recommended.  I just have to be careful not to push too hard.  I can't wrap myself in cotton wool - that would not be good for me physically or mentally.
As a result this week was about getting in some decent longer runs and today was my longest run so I was nervous about attempting 33km.  Beth assured me that the pace was going to be slow as her friend Marie was training for the Boston Marathon and was looking for a long slow run.  The route was mainly along the canal path at Kirkintilloch which was ideal as Manchester is relatively flat and it would keep my HR down.  My concern was not being able to keep up with them if my HR rocketed and I didn't want to hold them back which would be unfair as they both have targets to reach.  I shouldn't have been concerned, Beth marshalled the pace and we all chatted along the way sharing running stories which is always fun.  We even managed to persuade Marie to join us in an ultra marathon this summer.
My HR averaged 153, maxed at 174 and in recovery fell 35 bpm - I'm pleased with that.  At no stage was I out of breath and as expected there were a few leg niggles due to the time on feet.  A marathon will be painful but when you start to feel the pain you know you're getting closer to the finish line.
Running in the opposite direction at one stage was Laura Muir - fast and lovely running style as she ran in the opposite direction.  She passed us later on and I'm sure it was an easy pace for her, but she left us in her dust.  Go Laura.  You are such an inspiration to the nation.
So this was a bit of a break through.  If it hadn't gone well then Manchester would have been off.  But it went well so, game on.  Albeit a slow one!  I won't hold Beth back.  She can run her own race and be her best on the day.  But I'm just delighted my head is back in the game.  The next 13 days will be tapering to make sure I'm in my best condition when I stand at the start line.  But I will be sensible.  My ego will be left back in Glasgow.  This is a test.  With the Full Tilt 58km Ultra in June, I need to see how my body and my mind will stand up to a slow marathon. And to all runners out there, be the best you can be whether it's a 5km or an ultra marathon.  Always frame every thought as you run in a positive manner.  We're all different in our ability but we do it for the love of running whether you are aiming at a 5 hour marathon or in Laura Muir's case where she is aiming to break the 1,000m indoor world record to add to her impressive list of achievements. Believing in yourself will make a big difference.

Establishing a new "baseline"

Life is never dull and as I get older I certainly take it less for granted!  As a result of my prostate operation, which has been a complete success, they found I have a faulty heart value but are not too bothered about it.  However I have Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib) which is an irregular and sometime very fast (200 bpm) heart rate - fortunately not life threatening.  I started on medication a week ago and it's meant to sort the rhythm out.  
As a result I'm paying very close attention to my heart rate when exercising and trying to keep it down by running slowly and on flat terrain until I can establish a new baseline for my heart rate.  But it does play on your mind?  It sure does; am I out of breath? am I tired?  Should I be running this far?  Not good when the Manchester Marathon is 3 weeks away and I am hoping that things will have settled down by then.  But any chance of a fast time is highly unlikely and probably not worth taking the risk.
But I am beginning to enjoy being back out running again with the lighter mornings and nights.  This is when I feel alive, in spring heading into summer although I've had a couple of colder than expected runs this week.
I'm also back in the gym to build back my strength and try my best to ignore not only the "confinement" of a gym (indoors with lots of people), but the twats who think they own it, hog the machines and free weights while they swan around talking to likeminded twats while not using the equipment!  I appreciate that "gym life" is a big part in their life and better they are doing something positive with their time.  But come on lads, a bit of consideration to the other gym users please.
Consideration is also in short supply as you try and dodge the long dog leads or the dogs who are not on leads at Strathclyde Park as they get in your way when you are running.  It's not the dogs fault and I love dogs but come on owners, runners really can hurt themselves either trying to change direction quickly or even worse falling over your beloved dog which would be a disaster, especially for the dog.
I think I've got all my moans out of my system.  I put it down to discovering that getting older brings with it some challenges.  But I love a challenge and nothing's going to stop me.  Not even a long lead with a handbag dog on the end of it.  Bring on Manchester.  After all it's meant to be a warm up race!

Food for the soul

In the last couple of weeks I've had to dial down the training rather than increase it which is what you'd expect with a marathon lined up next month.  My HR has been high and I haven't had the energy required for the miles especially if it's been hilly.  I'll be starting on medication shortly which will help, but don't worry, it's not life threatening.  I'm just going to have to take it easy for a couple of months which isn't ideal, but health first.
I'm continuing with my yoga and have just started back on weights and resistance work.  This has been neglected for the last 6 weeks for various reasons and I'm enjoying working out again.
Last week I had a few "pan flat" runs down south with Beth and despite a slower than normal pace, my HR was too high.  In contrast we then headed up to Glencoe, our happy place.  There was snow on the mountains and our first adventure was a low level walk / jog 22km  with 554m of ascent which took just over 4 hours.  At one stage I was up to my knees in a bog and the snow made the scenery even more spectacular.  The following day we headed a summit. We climbed 685m, 8km in just over 4 hours - what a contrast.  The "path" disappeared in the snow and as we got close to the summit the conditions got a bit too risky so we turned back.  Walking through a felled forest was hellish and had we not had poles it would have been treacherous.  But my heart rate in both days was low and this type of training is good for your core strength.  Being in these conditions brings you so close to nature, actually again up to our knees in snow with every step as we approached the summit.  Turning back was sensible as we didn't have crampons but it's really "food for the soul" to be out in the wilds of Glencoe. 
The following day we ran 28k on a flat route as part of the preparation for the Manchester Marathon.  The pace was meant to be slow but with me trying to keep my HR at 150, is was at a snails pace.  Perhaps the sign that for me, Manchester won't be on but the medication might change that although any thought of a fast time is unrealistic.
The next day I was shattered then got food poisoning so Fri/Sat was a wipe out.  Today I did some yoga, weights and a short 6.5k run but I'm not fully over the food poisoning yet. 
Not the best of times but health first.  This adventure of mine has been going on for 15 years now and there is much more to come.  Thanks for your encouragement and support.

"Don't panic Mr Mannering!"

 "Don't panic Mr Mannering".  That quote takes me back to my childhood and Dad's Army on the one of 3 available channels at the time.  So for my younger readers, google the quote for more background information.
But why would I be panicking?  I'm not but I am drawing on all my experience of training over the years to stay calm!  Managed properly, this will come good.
In short the Manchester Marathon is 6 weeks away and my training is behind for the reasons previously reported on.  You don't get to my age without some wear and tear and whilst I might think I'm tough, sometimes you have to listen to your body.  Most people turn up at races and complain about being behind but I'm not feeling in shape for a fast marathon.  But a lot can happen in 6 weeks so I will keep the focus on my training and staying healthy and try not to fall over - again.
As you know I've never considered myself an athlete, just an ordinary guy pushing myself to the limit while enjoying amazing adventures.  But the winter months aren't the best conditions to train in and snow is forecast next week.  I think I've spent too much time on tarmac and am bored but on Saturday Beth & I had a wonderful trail run that made us both smile.  It was a blue sky and running through the trees energised us.  That, and time up the mountains is what we enjoy the best.  It gives you head space, fresh air and an amazing perspective on life.  It's such a privlege to be to run in those surroundings.
Ultra running is also about the people you meet.  There is no typical ultra runner but a few characteristics they have is they are friendly, helpful, don't have a big ego and always have fascinating stories about their adventures around the world.  Good people to be around.  I come alive in that environment and can't wait till June when I have my first ultra - the 58km Full Tilt Ultra.
But until then there are more miles to be run on tarmac.  Today I went back to Strathaven to run with my coach Craig and some old friends Rosie & Stewart and some new friends.  I'd forgotten how tough the hills around Strathaven were but it was a good 16km to build on the trail run the day before of 16km.  My fitness is lacking but I'll get back there so "Don't panic Mr Mannering".  Manchester here we come.

Stop start & stop again

Following my blog is like reading a doctors report!  Every blog seems to have something new to report on the medical front!
Having got over prostate op as you know, I headed for the hills a week ago and ran down Ben Vorlich. The following day ran 24km.  It took me 4 days to properly recover and I needed two massages that week and had to roll my legs.  It's always the same with the first hill run of the year and I should be fine now they have been reminded that this is what we do almost every week - muscle memory!
I was a bit nervous that wrecking my legs a week before my 1st race was not a good idea so turned up with Beth at a dreich (Scottish word for gloomy, low cloud, light rain) Glentress Mountain Bike Centre not knowing how my body would respond.  Until I properly surveyed the course a few nights before, I thought it was a road race - couldn't have been further from the truth but I came prepared.  With 750m of ascent it wasn't going to be a fast one but a good test of my fitness.  Beth & I agreed we'd run separately and I pushed on near to the front to try and avoid the bottle neck on the hill.  We'd met our club mate Emma and the thought crossed my mind that although I was giving her 30 years I still wanted to finish ahead of her.  My coach did say to me this is a training run and don't do anything heroic!  I wish I'd listened.
The first 3km is up hill and after 1km Emma passed me.  I tried as hard as I could to keep her in sight but after 2km I started walking the steep parts.  Glentress is beautiful, when you're not blowing out your arse, and I knew my best chance of making up time for my walking was on the downhills where I was over taking most people.  The technical sections were treacherous with the wet conditions and I was kicking myself for not having taken my poles.  Having said that, I didn't see anyone with poles although they were allowed.  At 11 km just as I reached the top I saw Emma slowing down.  I went to pass someone in the soft mud and then found myself face down in it.  I picked myself up, laughed and  said hi to Emma as I passed her.  Now I was in my comfort zone and flew down the hills, last weeks run had my legs in great shape.  The forest we ran through was stunning and because of the weather, we didn't have great views but you really had to concentrate on the trail.
With 3km to go I came out a clearing and was passing a runner and a marshal when my foot caught a rock - BANG.  Down like a "sack of tatties".  Banged my knee, elbow and head.  Fortunately I was wearing running tights so didn't see the damage.  If I'd have had my poles I might have avoided the fall. The marshal and the runner helped me up and I was offered medical attention - no chance, I knew Emma would be behind me and also that getting treatment might end my race.  The adrenalin had kicked in so I ran on fast as it was a nice forest trail heading down to the finish line.  With 1 km my hammy started to tighten up and I had to shorten my steps as it was close to going.  I crossed the line in 2hrs 21 mins which sound dreadful for a half marathon having done 1:47 in October but this wasn't a road half marathon.  It was tough as hell.
I headed off to the medical tent and when I took my tights off the damage was worse than I thought.  They cleaned me up but then sent me to A&E for stitches.  Emma finished 5 mins behind and Beth 5 mins behind Emma.  We all really enjoyed the course but my knee injury was really starting to hurt so we headed to Hairmyres A&E.
After all the bad press about waits at A&E I was so impressed with Hairmyres.  I had hardly sat down before I was triaged and in 90 minutes out with my knee stitched - thanks to the wonderful staff for the amazing service.
This week, walking has not been easy as I haven't been able to bend my leg.  That wasn't helped by a day in London sitting on a plane and walking up and down stairs on the underground.  My body has felt like it's been in a car crash but I can now bend my knee.  There has been no puss and on Tuesday the stitches come out.  There's a lot of bruising and swelling so I'll need to break myself in easy as the Manchester Marathon (road race!) is in 7 weeks time! 
Today I managed a short yoga session using a cushion under my knee and it was good to get my body moving.  Definitely more yoga and gym work so I can start to prepare my body for Manchester.  I'll be doing a lot of legs and glute work to stop me from dragging my feet when I'm tired.
Anyway, normal service will be resumed shortly and the mountains are calling.  Glentress was a good test of "how bad do you want it" as it would have been much easier to get the medical attention and pull out the race.  I'm glad I persevered otherwise I would have regretted that decision.