GLEN OGLE ULTRA 2/11/2013

Final ultra of the year and one I was really looking forward too as it is a great low key relaxing end to the season. As is the worry in Scotland in November the weather could be rather awful but the forecast for the day was favourable till about midday with rain predicted to start after that and as I hoped to finish around the 4 hour mark and the race starting at 8am all worries were set aside and only two layers of top clothing required and no need to carry a jacket, ideal!!!!

After a slap to the head at registration from Alice for a totally innocent remark on facebook about her and Ada maybe not being available today as rehearsals had began for the panto season , can't see what she was on about as I was thinking Snow White or Cinderella.

Met up with the usual suspects as we listened to the race briefing and we discussed tactics and clothing for the day and as I was thinking others were going to travel light as well.

The route starts off uphill with a climb for a the first couple of miles and the lead group set off into the distance as I found my own pace and eased myself in gently. As we descended towards the first checkpoint John Duffy breezed past on his way to an excellent time.

On up the cycle path to the next checkpoint and I missed this out as I was carrying my own juice today. Pete Buchanan was slowly catching me for the last few miles and after the descent to Killin came the long forest climb and as hills are not my strong point I knew he would catch me at some point here. Sure enough he did and we had a chat as we passed along the top of the forest but as we descended towards the checkpoint again he pulled away and that was the last I saw of him till the finish. I do really need to get out on trails more often as I am sluggish going uphill but even worse coming down. I met Craig Reid at the checkpoint and he had decided to pull out at this point and I couldn't convince him to come with me so off I went after a quick slug of coke.

Pic by Fiona Rennie.

Back down the cycle route to the next checkpoint it started raining and by the time I passed through the last checkpoint it was horsing it down and coming sideways into the bargain so it was head down and get this over with as soon as possible. The last section is basically a 10k road race with tired legs with a few undulations near the end to finish you off. I could not see anyone in front so had no target to pull in and I just tried to keep an even pace and fight off the cold which was beginning to set in. The 30mph sign and then the new shoogly bridge and over the finish line, job done in 3hr 59min 26 secs. A bit tight but squeezed in under the 4 hours, maybe shouldn't hang about at checkpoints blethering in future.

Straight away I was handed a hot coffee and it certainly sorted me out as I had cooled rapidly in the last mile or so and the sight of Grant waiting for me to give him a lift home was a picture as he was turning blue with the cold. Warm shower at the campsite and all senses had returned.

The race was won in an amazing time of 3 hrs 26 mins and the full results are here : http://racesplitter.com/races/424075A51

My garmin details here : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/398756703

Another excellent BaM production and many thanks to the lads and lasses at the checkpoints for all their help and support on a day when the elements turned rather horrible.

ANTONINE TRAIL RACE

This was a lesson on reccying a route if ever there was one. I mentioned to Sandra McDougall at the start line that as I lived not far from the start line I had ran a few sections of the route before and knew a few bits but was unfamiliar with a few others and she joked I would probably get lost then. Well she was correct.

The race started off at a brisk pace and I settled in to a steady pace with the last few miles in mind as I knew them and they were mostly uphill. I was sitting in 5th place most of the way till we came on to the canal at Twechar and as the leaders rounded a bend about half a mile ahead I was confident I would start pulling them back in calculating they had about 3 minutes lead on me. After the bend though there was an arrow pointing back the direction I had came from and presuming it to be wrong I carried on along the canal. The arrow was at the top of a staircase with ticker tape as well but nowhere in my mind did 'go down staircase' register. So as I plodded on another runner came bounding towards me asking was this correct as he had lost sight of the leaders and I just said I thought it was so we carried on but suddenly it clicked and I realised the next chance to cross the canal would be Kirkintilloch. About turn and headed back the way and now there was a steward standing waiting directing runners down the way. I mentioned to him the arrow was pointing the wrong way when we passed and he admitted it was and he had fixed it when he arrived but I did acknowledge it was my own fault I had gone the wrong way.

View from the high point of the race.

With only 4 miles to go I was now passing runners regularly wondering how many places I had lost. I caught up with Robert Rogerson just as we reached Croy much to his amazement and I am sure he had a little laugh at my rerouting. On up Croy Hill and spied more runners but could only catch another one before the finish.
James Stewart had glanced round and saw me coming in the distance and made sure I was not catching him and asked at the finish where I had got to.

Finished in 8th place in 1:42.04. The race distance should be 13.8 miles but I covered 14.4 miles and reckon I lost about 4 minutes and 3 places with my stupidity. I shall need to come back next year and see what I can do now that I know the actual route.

An excellent race organised by Adventure Zone Scotland and highly recommended.

Garmin details here : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/392994611 (the extra bit is rather obvious now)

Results here : http://adventurezonescotland.com/2013/10/20/antonine-trail-race-2013-results/

2 HALFS A SPRINT AND A GALLOP

No ultras to race or report on this last few weeks so I entered a couple of half marathons and put my name down for the cross country relays with my club to ease my legs back in to a faster pace with the shortish Glen Ogle 33 mile race on the 2nd November in mind.

So first up came the Dumfries Half  Marathon on the 22nd September, a race which I have raced several times and always enjoy. This was going to be a wake up call to my fast twitch muscles which have largely been uncalled on since April and the shortest race recently has been a marathon (I did RACE the last leg at the Clyde Stride and that was not pretty only 3 weeks after the West Highland Way Race). Met Ian Beattie and Sandra at the start and had a chat and also Craig Reid and Peter Buchanan who went on to have excellent races. I rattled along comfortably finishing in 1:23.34 which is my slowest  time ever in this race but I enjoyed it all the way and although a disappointing time a really worthwhile run. We tied this race in for the wee man to go and see his latest obsession at Dino Park just outside Dumfries where much fun was had afterwards.

Two weekends later on the 5th and 6th of October was a double header with a 3.25 mile leg in the 74th running of the McAndrew Road Relay at Scotstoun in 19min 24 secs and on the Sunday morning the Neil McCover Memorial Half Marathon in Kirkintilloch and surrounding areas. This half  is a tough route and not fast contrary to the organizers description but I managed to chop a minute off my Dumfries time with a 82:23 finish, a minute and a half slower than last year but a step in the correct direction.

McAndrew link here : http://www.vp-glasgow.co.uk/mcandrew.htm

Dumfries results here : http://www.dumfriesrunningclub.org.uk/

Comfy finish at the Neil McCover Half

I have been asked a few times why I appear in several running vests throughout the year so to clarify :

Blue and white hoops is the original Victoria Park AAC vest which was changed to the blue with one green and one white band a few years back when we merged with City of Glasgow. I am a bit nostalgic and do actually much prefer the hooped vest. I also sometimes wear my yellow Scottish Veteran Harriers Club vest and another is my MacRitchie Runners 25 ( http://mr25.org.sg/ )

I was presented on the Saturday with my prize for winning first vet in the SUMS series ( http://scottishultramarathonseries.org/ ) by Ada who had kindly collected it for me at the awards ceremony.

Last weekend was the first race of the cross country season and a new venue for me for the first relay race at Hamilton Park Racecourse. 4km on a racetrack was a great experience and the surface was ideal and possibly the cleanest cross country I have ever ran. I ran the glory leg although no glory to be had a was pleased with my time of 15:03, hope the rest of the cross country races are as enjoyable but somehow I doubt it.

Another race another vest!!!

Link to the race results here : http://www.scottishathletics.org.uk/calendar/events/16651-15989-scottish-athletics-west-district-cc-relay-champs 

  

GLENMORE 24 HOUR TRAIL RACE

What with having a weak will and and a tired body after two ultras in August I changed to the 12 hour race option a few weeks beforehand and started planning a new strategy which was basically get it done and then have a few beers to assist with the sleeping in the tent overnight. Mrs Wife and the little dude decided on Thursday evening that as the weather forecast was favourable they would come afterall and be my back up crew which would save me from being unsupported and give them their first taste of camping out. So car loaded to the gunnels and ultra runner food aplenty loaded we headed up early Saturday morning for the midday start giving us time to set up the tent at basecamp at the Glenmore Forest Park next to Loch Morlich.

Mysteriously our pop up tent did not want to do what it said on the tin but after quite a few tantrums and shouting it was in general tent shape and secure enough to not blow away during the day. Race crew have been scrutinizing campervan brochures ever since and I am inclined to agree it is the way forward.

Race Start

1st lap and all smiles.

I had been confident I could grind a decent result out for the 12 hour race and started off feeling fine and enjoyed the first 4 laps but at the start of the 5th lap just after the wee climb out of camp you go down a rocky path section for about 30 feet and half way along it I slipped on a rock and twisted the whole right hand side of my body and knew I had damaged something. Initially this did not stop me but as the miles and laps went on my right leg and and shoulder just did not want to work and I felt as if I was dragging myself along reluctantly. This feeling did not detract from the event which was unfolding though as on every lap the banter with fellow competitors was great and my support crew were doing a sterling job even putting off disappearing to Aviemore for dinner for several hours.

Pic by Julie Clark

After about 6 hours I had lost count of my laps and the crew had headed off for dinner so I sat down and munched a pork pie and washed it down with a can of red bull, I know it is not the best diet in the world but it certainly worked and found a little more energy. As darkness neared the Mrs returned to tell me of the delightful Italian buffet that her and the wee man had demolished and asked if I wanted any more soup heated up, me replying that as no pizza had been brought back obviously it would have to do.

Andrew watching me leave on another lap.

The race in general is a gathering of all the mad runners you meet over the year at various events all out to see how far they can run on this occasion and it was great to catch up/be overtaken/ get lapped and witness a world record attempt all in the one race.

I was really struggling to move late on and about 10pm had decided enough was enough but after a pause for a coffee and a chat with Doc Andrew Murray and Terry Addison was told to man the f**k up and get out there and finish the job off. There is nothing like running through a forest on a dark twilight night, it was wonderful being out there without a care in the world just me and another 80 odd mad ultra runners although you would not have known it as I seemed all alone most of the time.

About 11.20 I completed my last full lap and continued on to the small laps of the camp to squeeze a little more distance out but really I would have been as well hopping along on my left leg as I was burst on the right side. At 12 midnight the hooter went and the 12 hour race runners stopped and planted their pegs in the ground for their distance to be measured and off I hobbled to my tent. Linda was still awake but the wee man was snoozing away. Those beers I had carefully left out remained untouched as I squeezed into my sleeping bag and tried to catch a bit of sleep but it proved impossible with the discomfort so I just lay and listened as 24 hour runners trundled by through the night.

My distance came in at 67.32 miles in 6th place , I have queried this as I was convinced I had done 1 more lap, but I am not big enough or brave enough to argue with Ada and her cattle prod so 67.32 it is.

I will hopefully be back on the start line next year if I can secure a place and remain fit, support crew hopefully as well although maybe with more improved sleeping arrangements.

Many thanks to Mike, Bill, Ada, Alice, Julie etc.............. . A wonderful event from start to finish and a great family atmosphere.

Race results here : http://www.glenmore24.com/results/2013-12-hour-race

JOHN LUCAS MEMORIAL ROUND STRATHAVEN 50 MILER 18/8/2013

The photo above should give an indication to what conditions to expect during this race, although I must admit I had given this issue very little thought pre race. Those big things in the photo only turn if its windy and unfortunately on race morning they were turning at a rapid rate of naughts with a little rain thrown in for good measure. Mustn't grumble though as it was warm and it did clear up and only 45 miles were blowy as the last 5 miles were back in the outward route.

A small field of 21 runners started this year but I am certain that under the leadership of David Meldrum and a cast of many stewards this race will grow in stature in the SUMS series.

Photos courtesy Billy Quigley

So the race begins and Grant sprints off into the distance and I settle in to my stride, second position for 50 miles in the hope I might pull him back in at some point but knowing realistically it will not happen. Tired legs from the Devils two weeks ago and not knowing this route I was a bit hesitant to set off too fast. It was a bit blowy for the first 5-6 miles but it calmed down and as the direction was constantly changing not too much of an issue. I have to admit I did not have a clue where I was out on the country roads but it was all lovely scenery and I noticed that all the way there was next to no litter and the roads were pot hole free which was perfect for the cyclists taking part in the event which was starting 2 hours after our start and following the same route. Checkpoints every 5 miles with water and a drop bag if required meant it was not necessary to carry any supplies which is ideal when racing is the order of the day. Around about the 25 mile mark the cyclists started passing and there words of encouragement all helped, although the "you are looking good" cry was a bit worrying as they had a view of my backside. I reached the 40 mile checkpoint and was greeted by Helen and John Munro and Helen offered to get me a pint from the pub they were stationed outside, very tempting but if I had had one I would have ended my race there and then and stayed in the boozer.

Coke break.

Last ten miles took us past the Whitelees Wind Farm and headed back into Strathaven with a couple of climbs I had not noticed on the way out but with a gentle breeze now pushing us home. I finished 2nd place in 7hr 11 mins 30 secs , some 30 minutes behind Grant. I had not seen him or any other runner for most of the 50 miles, just as well I get on with myself then. My legs were well tired but I had no cramp issues and all the small niggles kept at bay.

A superb race and the interaction with the cyclists and the wonderful marshalls make this an unmissable race and I would highly recommend it for next year.

Podium photo by Noanie Sam Heffron

DEVIL O THE HIGHLANDS 3/8/2013

Scorching weather for weeks beforehand and lots of nervous ultra runners stocking up on factor 50 and skin so soft, well we did not have to worry after all as normal service had resumed and Devil morning was a tad wet. Last minute reworking of the backup crew meant it was my brother and  tried and trusted aid Chris driving with emergency runner Alex Potter accompanying  him to provide support for both me and fellow VP-Glasgow runner Mark Ashby. We had checked with the race director beforehand and they were happy with this as we were both due within 15-30 minutes of each other at checkpoints. A cunning plan I may add if all goes to plan but smart thinking required if it all goes belly up, more of which to come and also very handy Alex is a doctor!!!!

Me actually leading the race at Bridge of Orchy.

The usual pleasantries and meeting and greeting at the Green Welly and we were off, and much to my surprise I was leading the race. I thought it would only last a few minutes but I was still there at Bridge of Orchy. I had set off with a time in mind of 6 hours 30 minutes but wary of the tiredness in my legs I was still feeling from the West Highland Way Race 6 weeks previous so on reaching the first point on schedule I carried on up the first climb where I was passed by Paul and Kevin who both raced on ahead as I walked the steep incline. They were still in sight as we started over Rannoch Moor but I started to feel a bit sluggish here and realised it was going to be damage limitation and not racing on the menu today. I arrived at the Glencoe checkpoint in 2hr 15 minutes which was 5 minutes behind last years time but fine by how I was feeling. I grabbed a banana here for later as the crew did not think they would have time to sort Mark out and get to the bottom of the Staircase before me. 20 miles in and feeling low on energy I was not looking forward to the climb but got to the top with eventual race winner John McLauchlin breathing down my neck. As we waded through the streams John motored on looking strong as I cursed every rock and stream. On the descent into Kinlochleven I perked up and jogged along to the checkpoint where Chris and Alex informed me Mark had fallen at Glencoe and had suffered some cuts and bruises but was still running but about 25 minutes behind then.

Man down.

They were more concerned that they would not be able to meet me at Lundavra but Chris had already planned for this and given my juice to John's support crew and asked them to give it to me. This was a cunning plan but the speed he was moving at I suspected I would be hunting around on the ground for my bottle of coke and can of red bull as they would be long gone. Just as we started the climb up to the Lairig Moor I was passed by Rich Williams who told me he enjoyed reading my blog and was surprised to have caught me. He pushed on up the hill and I struggled to keep him in sight finishing 10 minutes ahead of me. I perked up on this stretch and ran the whole section to Lundavra greeting Jeff Smith of the mountain rescue team along the way. On the approach to Lundavra two runners were catching me and one went past putting me in 6th place, at this point my racing head finally kicked in and I refused to be overtaken again. John Kynaston was taking photos here and as I stopped to talk to him a kind supporter handed me my coke and red bull, thank you kind sir you got me to the end.

Legal drugs.

John told me it should be 1hour 10 minutes from here and a glance at my garmin just before it croaked and it read 5:24 so last years 6:33 could still be beaten. Off I went just as Chris and Alex came screeching to a halt in my new car, shit that's the warranty goosed now with them taking it off road. I just waved to them and ran off I had a time to chase now. Through the woods and got that final awful climb done and started running down the fire road as fast as I could, reminiscing of 6 weeks prior when every bit of my body hurt but it does feel good knowing the finish is within touching distance. If anyone was to pass me now they would need to run sub 7 minute miles so good on them if they could. Through the car park and along the road to the finish in 6th place in 6:33.18 , 15 seconds slower than last year but I sure had to work for it and the weather was worse this year.  I had a chat with Gary the race director and Norrie who had popped up at several points enroute as I waited for the crew. Finally Chris turned up and told me Mark had taken a tumble at Lundavra and had split his head, dunted his nose and teeth and generally was in a bad way but doctor Alex had persuaded the stewards he was ok to finish and he would accompany him to the end. He was a bit cut and bruised by the time he finished but it does show you do need a good crew with you.

Zebedee aka Mark.

A smashing day out in testing conditions but great to see so many smiling happy stewards supporters and Ultra Dafties.

Results here : http://www.devilothehighlandsfootrace.co.uk/

I have now completed the triple crown this year, that is The Highland fling, West Highland Way Race and Devil O the Highlands. Here is the table of results for all who have done it this year :

Courtesy of John Kynaston.

Next up if I recover quickly is the John Lucas Memorial 50 mile race, slightly flatter and more my territory.

CLYDE STRIDE RELAY 2013

Realising I would most definitely not be up for a full race 3 weeks after the WHW race I opted for the next best thing and with a bit of forward planning entered a relay team for this years Stride, not just any relay team though as this was a team which only had the choice of 4 runners,myself and brothers Michael and Chris with little sister Catherine. Team Craig had no reserves so any thought of withdrawal from either of my two brothers or younger sister were going to be a disaster but they had been briefed and were all up for the task. We have only ever all been at the same race on two occasions, Paisley 10k a few years ago and London Marathon 2011. Four runners from the same family and all with different clubs.

A brief description of the route with those unfamiliar with the course : Start - Partick , Finish - New Lanark .
40 miles following the River Clyde upstream along cycle paths and various degrees of trail and a little bit of road.

In the run up to the race temperature in Glasgow had been hitting mid 70's and far from ideal for us locals but surely more enjoyable than the longest cold winter which I can remember and we were next to a river after all. Kate and Chris had not ran any of the route before so a couple of recce runs did take place on their individual legs, although maybe leaving Chris's till the Thursday evening before the race was a tad last minute but most enjoyable as we relaxed outside the Toby Carvery with a few beers contemplating the race 36 hours in the future.

Leg 2 start.

Race morning and Kate was a little nervous about pacing and the temperature was rising but she ran the first leg well and we were within 25 minutes of the Sweatshop ringers at the first checkpoint. Chris was off like a bullet ( alright a bit of an exaggeration after his all inclusive 10 days in Portugal). He did make me a little nervous when he asked for his inhaler just before he set off. Not sure if it legal but lots of medal winners from the last Olympics seem to be using them so not a problem as long as we don't win.

Legal drugs!!!

Job done.

Chris made good time and and pulled back one of the Sweatshop teams who had went the wrong way somewhere although I do not think he was the only one going by reports. It is always a benefit if you are certain about a route. Michael set off from Strathclyde Park and we drove along to the next checkpoint where I was going to be taking over on the glory leg, well if you are leading it is. Mauldslie Bridge is a lovely setting and you can see the runners coming round the bend in the river and a few knackered looking faces passed by. We were in 5th place when I set off a full 24 minutes behind the leader and as I was chasing Gavin knew I would not make that up but hoped I could maybe reel in second third or fourth. Alas it was not to be and as I was on the loop round New Lanark on the way to the finish I could hear cheers and shouting, which turned out to be the race for 2nd place. I was pulling them back in but ran out of distance. I was shouted over the line by Michael who was eyeing the time and urged me on to go under 5 hours which I just managed. Our final time was 4hr 59min 44 secs , 5 minutes off of 2nd and 19 from the winning Sweatshop team.

So possibly the fastest all sibling relay team in the west and a great event to be part of.

Clan Craig Relay team.

Relay Results here : https://www.facebook.com/groups/126076014092424/610792285620792/

Another excellent race organised by Lee and one of the friendliest you will find anywhere.