Stepping it up

With 146 days to go before I "toe the start line" for the West Highland Way, I need to pick up my running training as the longest I have run in January is 8km, and that has been on flat terrain - as ordered by my physio.  I have been building my strength in the gym but in the end, I need to run.  Yesterday the organisers of the West Highland Way race arranged a run from Balmaha for as long as you wanted.  An out and back.  100 people turned up which created a great atmosphere at the start.  
Beth and I planned to do 10km out and 10km back which is a huge step up and in normal circumstance, not to be advised.  Normally 10% increments is how you should build up but Beth has the Highland Fling in 89 days!
We both turned up feeling a bit "off" - not ready for what lay ahead.  But we kept it at a sensible pace and took the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and the weather was kind.  We turned back at 10km although I felt I would like to have gone further.  I'm so glad I didn't because on the way back I could feel the extra effort required because of the terrain and the distance.  My heart rate was starting to increase as I was tiring, and once it got over 187 I was struggling.  It was great practice and a reminder of the importance of hydration, fueling and walking to get my HR back down - maxed at 196!  This reflects my lack of running fitness on trails with hills (my previous runs have all been on flat terrain) and having increased my distance from 8km to 20km.  But I'm comfortable with that as it's the start of the hard work.
Yoga later today followed by another gym session, upper body and core.  No running today.  I need to give my knee a rest but it passed the test on the downhills, granted only 20 km.  The WHW is 154 km and 4,312m so building my strength is vital. It's going to be fun stepping it up.  You can achieve a lot in a few months.  Keep tuned for updates.