Trail Half Marathon Wales

I had originally entered the full Trail Marathon with the aim of it being a key event in my running year. However, an asthma flare up kind of put that out and I settled in to just doing the half. (see my blog on Global Therapies for more on my asthma) I was, to be honest, totally unprepared for even the half. In the previous month I'd only run once - a lung-hurting 10km on my local hills a fortnight earlier. A few weeks prior to that I'd done a run/walk of half marathon distance in about 3 hours, so mentally I knew I could do the distance, just very slowly. Quite frustrating when I really wanted to have a decent go at the marathon.

So it was with weeks of virtually no running that I lined up in the starting pack for a very steady run/walk half marathon in a very wet forest at Coed y Brenin, Wales.  I had been doing a lot more bike riding that normal, and outdoor swimming so my overall fitness wasn't totally gone.

Before we were even ready for the start - as I was taking a photo of me and a couple of other Glossopdale runners - the start gun sounded. Although we knew we were about to start it felt like we were still being walked round to the start area!!

Me, Charm and Jo at the start

The initial first uphill but was chocka with 600+ runners and we were soon into a pinch point so a mix of run-walk ensued. I was chatting with Jo and Charm and soon enough we were at a forest road and on our way past Lucy at the first marshal point. I urged Jo and Charm to push on, I didn't want the pressure of feeling like I needed to keep up, or worry that I'd be slowing them down. I just needed to run (or run-walk) my own race and enjoy the journey.

So the forest tracks and bits of single tracks came and went. A wobbly bridge was crossed over a ravine with water rushing on past. Marshal points were passed, and before long my sense of direction was totally screwed up. The race route took so many turns and switch-backs and ups and downs I felt like I was constantly running away from the event centre at Coed y Brenin.

I was glad for my watch and being able to know how long I'd been out as it was so disorientating. Even when the forest opened up and there was a view it was unknown to me so I could literally have been anywhere. However, being a trail race it was well signed and I was among other runners the whole time.

At 10km the first fuel station appeared. I only took a cup of water as I was carrying my own food. There were bananas and gels on offer but I prefer my own stuff so I know my guts will digest things well.

I think this was somewhere not long after the first fuel station

Not too long after this I started to feel quite tired. Kilometres 10 to 15 seemed to drag. Knowing the route would have helped but at every slight uphill gradient I found I needed to count in 10s to just keep myself moving, even slightly faster than walking. If I reached a count of 50 and couldn't see the top I would have a walk break. On and on the trail went....interspersed with bits of muddy single track full of tree roots set to trip if your concentration lapsed.

The next fuel station was at 16km. A quick drink and I was on my way. The trail seemed more runnable now, perhaps my lungs were working better or the run-walk strategy was helping. As is normal for me I started to try and work out my finish time based on pace run so far and distance to go. It felt like a sub 2:30 might be possible so I used this to spur me on just a few more paces when I really wanted to walk.

At around 18km is the infamous 'Sting in the Tail' - a very steep ascent covering nearly 1km and climbing around 150m. It sounds so tame typing those stats, but it was proper hands on knees and mental strength to just keep moving upwards. I even managed to overtake a couple of people as I really wanted to keep pushing a little. My 2:30 aim, set only minutes prior seemed to be slipping away. It took about 11 minutes to do that climb, leaving me only about 14 minutes to get to the end....and 2km to cover.

I pushed on. Whenever I started feeling like I needed to stop I'd just run a little more then walk 20 paces before trying to pick up the pace again. Even a slow run is a bit quicker than a fast walk I'd tell myself.

Really close to the end the lovely forest track that was easy to run on turned into a steep muddy descent. Argghhh! Time slipping. I did my best to run but I'm such a wuss on muddy steep descents. I overtake a guy as we rejoin the track. Nothing for it....my watch is showing about 2:27 though I know I started it before I crossed the start line (thank goodness for chip timing). That extra minute was needed as I pushed as hard as I could - knowing full well the final 100m or so is up a steep final bit to the finish line. So cruel to put a little kicker at the end of a half marathon!!!

As I cross the finish line I have no idea if I managed sub 2:30 and I don't care. Numbers are just numbers - though without that incentive I reckon I would have been a good 10mins slower overall, maybe more.

Throughout the race the rain had come in heavy downpours and slight mist, big droplets falling off trees too so I was soaked through. I'd worn my waterproof for a good few kilometres then had it tied round my waist for the rest. I ate 3 shot blocs and a mini choc bar on the way round - sufficient fuel but at the end I was simply hungry so wolfed down a banana and rehydrated with several cups of water as I waited for Tim to finish the full marathon.

Finish line after a few minutes recovery

My official chip time is 2:29:34. I was 80th/216 female, 30th/80 in my category and 279th overall (507 ran).

So, given my asthma and lack of run specific training I am really pleased with how I ran. I was only about 1min20s behind Jo and Charm so that makes me feel really chuffed!! Now I just need my lung function to improve so I can get back to running the hills properly.

Stride Through the Woods 5km trail race

I hadn't planned to run this. Then a week or so ago I pondered entering. Then I forgot. Then a club mate was forced to drop out so I thought 'Why not!' and grabbed the place. At 5km long and a counter in our Glossopdale Harriers club championships it would be silly not to run.

Jo drove over (thanks for the lift) with myself, Rachel and Charm to somewhere near Hyde where I filled in a form and got given a number. Race ready!  The 4 of us took ourselves out for a warm up around the first bit of the course - which is an odd shape of 2 out-loop and backs, before repeating the whole lap again. Only one bit of climb really, and about 80m ascent overall so shouldn't be a problem for us fell runners!

Jo, me, Charm and Rachel

The junior race was first and blimey did they shoot off from the starting line. I think their race was about a mile so it was a full on blast from the start. Great to see the young runners inspiring us adults.

7.30pm and we are on the starting line. Wishing each other a good race we are counted down and we're off! I was clearly way too far forward in the start crowd and quickly got passed by loads of runners. No problem on the wide track so I just stuck to my pace and ran.

on the start line

The route follows a lovely dirt tract (I imagine it would be a quagmire if wet), mostly under trees and for some part following a river. With the first loop done it was a downhill section and I'm pleased not to be right at the back. I was running on tired legs (20km yesterday and 7km at lunchtime) so really wasn't aiming to push the pace.

Then came the flat section in the middle before turning up a grassy section (mind the ditch and the brambles), a few steps up to a canal then sharp turn back down the grassy bit and over a stream, right turn and back along the flat to the start. All set for the second loop. The course gives you loads of chances to see fellow club mates so I was cheerily shouting support as we passed each other, and thanking the marshals (no small task standing amongst the midges for an hour or so).

The second lap felt a little easier, legs warmed up but lungs really struggling (more on this in a different blog). I manage to overtake a couple of guys on the grassy section just by stretching out my legs. Then, the final stretch and I have someone right on my heels....no way they were getting past me so with a little push I manage to eek out a few metres, then a few more. The heavy footfall and breathing behind me quietens and I'm turning up to the finish line. Wow that hurt!!!

But I did it, and surprised myself with finishing in around 28 minutes. Really pleased with the time given lungs, leg tiredness and not really wanting to 'race' the race. No official results out yet but the finish position doesn't matter. I got out and moved, had a great time with club mates and was treated to mini satsumas on the finish line and a superb sense of accomplishment.

Team Glossopdale Harriers (those we could gather!). Photo thanks to Nick Ham

Glossop MDOC Orienteering event

The MDOC orienteering events always guarantee a good run, a great test of navigation and equal amounts of fun. So when I heard there was one happening in Manor Park, Glossop, it was a done deal that I'd enter. Taking place on Saturday 24th March the organisers timed it to start after parkrun.

So after a very early start to see Tim off for the 4 Inns race (3.45am alarm!) I got myself across to Manor Park and ran parkrun. Some good socialising with fellow parkrunners and Glossopdale Harriers filled in the 45mins or so until we could start the orienteering course.

Myself, Emma and John all opted for the long course, which would take us out of Manor Park but not by much. It'd been a while since I've done an orienteering event, so my first few check points (CPs) were slower than they should have been. The O-maps never show names and while beautifully drawn, the colours and symbols are different to the usual OS maps I use so it took me a while to sync back into reading things at speed. There's also the scale difference at just 1:5,000 whereas I'm used to 1:25k.

I was the first of us three to set off, and with 3 other courses in the park all following different routes I made sure not to get drawn into following anyone. Do your own nav, trust only yourself.

CPs 1 and 2 in the park were quickly followed by our first CPs out of the park. Down High Street East and I'm onto CP3 quickly, then a long leg (though still only about 400m) to CP4. I could soon see that Emma was not too far behind me. My promise to just have a relaxed run around the course soon turned into 'you're being chased, don't slow down' mode!!  I contemplated just letting her catch me but each time I thought she had me, she disappeared as I pushed on to the next CP.  I was thinking my local knowledge might be helping a little too - o-events are so much smoother if you recognise where you need to get to and just head off without needing to do the micro-nav, especially urban ones.

CP5 and 6 ticked off then round to CP7 - then a long drag uphill to CP8. Surely Emma would catch me on that leg? Nope. I'm dibbing and away as she rounds the corner. By now I'm in O-mode - seeing where the CP after the next one is and route planning as I move. As I left CP8 I knew my route to CP9 so could just run run run. A small uphill road allowed me to plan CP9 to 10, then back into Manor Park.

Quite muddy in places

The great thing about o-events is that there are numerous people all running around clutching maps - lots of hello's and smiles as you pass each other. On this event there were several times where you nipped to get a CP then doubled back....all to the bemusement of non-runners who clearly were wondering what the heck all these people were doing!

Back in Manor Park and CPs 11 through 16 are ticked off. Turn the map over for the remainder of the course all within the confines of the park, but taking you to each far corner. Lots of doubling back, lots of double checking I'd got to the correct CP. I found the numbering of them really confusing. On the map I was going for say, CP17, which on the ground was #103. So I was having to remember two numbers in my head....and then be thinking of the next CP and related two numbers....

By the 20th CP I was quite number fatigued...and still had Emma chasing me down. She was quicker than me from CP21 to 22...and down the steep muddy bank to CP23. I was still in her wake at CP24 and up (past the start/finish area) to CP25 where we took slightly different route, popping out at the CP only just behind her. Emma made a slight nav error setting off in the wrong direction and allowing me to catch her up....and then she paused to recheck her map for CP26 but I know where it was....I overtake....down to the far side of the kids playground and it's just the run in to the finish.

Emma and I at the finish
(despite the banner in the background!)

So much for my easy run round the course. Emma literally dibs right behind me on the final CP and I'm sprinting to the finish....no way is she getting me now. A moot point given she set off after me so is most likely going to get a quicker finish time anyway. But, it's good to push after 6km of running around dibbing CPs (and after parkrun) and it made Emma work hard for the last bit too!!

Great fun. Had Emma not been right behind me my time would have been a good chunk longer. As it was, I was pushed and managed to come 2nd Glossopdale Harrier and 5th overall in the event. Quite probably my highest ever placing!!

Apologies for the lack of photos. If you haven't gathered, I was hot-footing it around with Emma chasing!!

Provisional results here.

Skiing - Filzmoos, Austria

Going to let the photos speak for themselves here...we had an amazing holiday with downhill skiing, a bit of cross-country skiing, walking and even a run (with katoohla microspikes on or I'd have been like bambi on ice!).

Massive thanks to Stu and Em for the invite and allowing us to share Filzmoos, and thanks also to Jo and Karl for the wonderful company and everyone for the exquisite entertainment (I'm saving those videos for later!!)

London Marathon

At 26.2 miles, any marathon is going to be a decent challenge for me. Add tarmac, plus 40,000 other runners and who knows how many thousand spectators into the mix, it's going to be busy and even more demanding. An epic run in many ways.

I chose to run in aid of Glossop Mountain Rescue Team. Knowing my completion of the marathon was what compelled people to part with hard earned cash for the MR team absolutely spurred me on. Thank you to each and everyone who has donated, it is very much appreciated and for a very worthy cause.

As I lined up on the start line (well about 800m back in the starting pen) I knew I had around £430 raised, so I was running each kilometre for just over £10. Believe me when I say that at about 22 miles I was breaking that down into 100m chunks and however hard my brain worked I just couldn't calculate what each 100m was worth...the tiredness had well and truly set in, but the distraction meant another mile or so passed before I was alongside the Tower of London and into the final stretch.

My training had gone really well during January. I decided to focus on road running pretty much exclusively because as a fell runner I avoid tarmac as much as possible. I needed to shift the balance and inoculate my legs against the repetitiveness of the hard surface. In February training took a back seat - not entirely what I had planned, but a trip of a lifetime to Tasmania meant that my attention was elsewhere. Come mid March, and with around 5 weeks to go a long run was cut short - knee pain. Ouch! The remainder of training was focused on healing well, and negating further discomfort while still getting in volume. So for example I did 10km runs on 3 consecutive days and no aggravation of the knee issue. Super. All set to run.

A selfie on Tower Bridge!

On the day, the weather was far warmer than recent running had been. My watch recorded 23 degrees as we made our way around London. The forecast of 13 degrees was certainly way lower than it actually was. Nutrition and hydration went well for me and it wasn't until around the 3 hour point that it started to get really quite tough. I'd already been taking walk breaks from around 25km. Then around 35km my knee started to really not be happy. I was certainly OK to carry on, and that's what I did, just with plenty of walk breaks and keeping the pace steady.

Along with seeing some club mates out supporting in Greenwich I'd been lucky enough to see a fellow Glossopdale Harrier around Docklands somewhere. Bumping into people you know is incredibly uplifting. If you're going to run a long race then I do recommend having someone out on the course to keep you motivated. Obviously the crowds are out in force and cheering you on, but there really isn't anything to match seeing a friendly face.

As my legs got heavier and I made my way down the Embankment on the final few kilometres who should I see again, but Jayne in her Welsh Dragon costume running along (she broke the world record in that hot costume!). Amazing to see her once, but twice!! We chatted and stayed together as Big Ben drew closer and closer. Both of us determined to keep moving. I totally have Jayne to thank for keeping me running in the final stretch. Sadly we lost each other with around 1km to go but as I turned onto the red tarmac of The Mall I knew I could run to the end....over the line and phew!!! I'd finished.

You then have the very well organised system of collecting a medal, a goodie bag with your finishers t-shirt and then your drop-bag from the lorry. It was here I bumped into another harrier, Cheryl, and we literally held each other up as we stumbled down through the tired and elated runners.

I am so happy and proud to have finished the London Marathon. Lasting memories will be of running with so many people around me, the noise from the crowds and loud speakers blasting out music, but mostly of the generosity and support from people back home. Donations to Glossop Mountain Rescue Team so far total £540 - a very big thank you from me and the team.

Also a big thank you to Tim - his support during my training has been amazing. From kicking me out of the door when I didn't want to, sports massages along the way, physio on my knee, picking me up in Stockport on the way home, post-marathon sports massage and super motivation - couldn't have done it without him.

A few stats....an official marathon is 26.2miles, or 42.16km. I recorded (and I started my watch about 2mtrs from the starting mats) 43.4km (26.96miles). It took me an official time of 4:27:04 and I ran at an average pace of 6:09 per kilometre. I recorded 135m of ascent. In training I struggled to find flat routes and in one of my 10km runs I did over 200m!!

Back on it

It's been a while blog readers.
I offer no apologies.
Life got busy. Running got a bit 'meh'.
So I took it easy, did way less kilometres than I normally run.
I've done plenty of work in the gym, and over the last few months of 2016 pondered what 2017 would bring for me in the world of running.

What would be my goals?

Knowing that I needed something to focus on and get back onto consistent running I did the #AdventRunning challenge - run every day from 1st to 25th of December. Along with a couple of mates for encouragement, I got to the 25th and felt invigorated about running for the first time in a long time (maybe since the Bryce Canyon ultra in June 2016). I aimed for approx. 5km per day and succeeded in doing over 35km each week. The running gave me time to think about 2017.

I have chosen a few races to aim for in 2017, here's what's in the calendar so far:

London Marathon, 23 April, 26.2 miles having a great tourist day sightseeing around London (and a bit of running!). If you know me you will have heard me say 'I'll never run a road marathon' - what I would omit to saying is 'unless it's London'. I don't have a time in mind as such, so don't ask. I want to enjoy the experience and soak it all up. There's a few other Glossopdale Harriers who are running it too but whether in the crowd we ever see each other is doubtful. It will be comforting to know I have friends amongst the 30,000+ runners (the thought of running amongst so many others is quite terrifying). If you want to encourage me further then I'm raising funds for Glossop Mountain Rescue Team via JustGiving.

Old Crown Round, 22 July, 24 miles around the Lake District, starting and finishing at a brewery and including a snifter of beer on the top of 4 hills it isn't exactly going to be a 'race' - rather more like a lovely day in the hills. There's already a few other Glossopdale Harriers signed up so we should be in for a grand social weekend away.

St Bega's Ultra, 26 August, 35 miles (or possibly 36 if you read the route description) - which states: "Runners follow the route of the legendary Irish princess, St Bega, travelling between two chapels, that both bear her name. The Start is in the heart of the Lake District, overlooking Bass Lake near Keswick, and the Finish and race HQ is in the west coast village of St Bees, the start of Wainwright's coast to coast walk. Between these two points, lay 36 ‘country’ miles, of some of the most varied and beautiful country the Lake District has to offer. "

I'll look out for a few other races in between London and the OCR, and get to as many of the Glossopdale champs races as I can.

Training for London - no specific detail on this one just yet, I will post about it along the way. My basic plan is a speed rep session Tuesdays, tempo run Thursdays and a long run at the weekend - no magic, just a common sense marathon plan. It's now just under 15 weeks to go. That's a long time for a mixture of emotions to bubble up in my head, but equally such a short time in terms of training and getting myself prepared for the 26.2miles of tarmac.

As I said above, I'm raising funds for my local mountain rescue team, they do amazing work in the hills where I live and are all volunteers - that's right, no payment and they don't even get all the kit they take out with them paid for.  Head over to the JustGiving page if you want to chuck a couple of quid in their pot, I know first hand they will appreciate it. 

Cross-Country

So, this weekend was my first ever cross-country race. I always get butterfly nerves before any race, but this was different. My last experience of cross-country (XC) was at school. It's fair to say that my school day experience was horrendous. I hated running. I hated the whole thing from feeling cold (we only ever seemed to do the runs in winter), the pain in my legs and lungs as I run, having to cross the stream, to being at the back when everyone else had finished. But over the last four years or so I've learned to enjoy running; it's become an activity I've wanted to do for enjoyment and exploration in the Peak District and hills beyond our immediate 'back garden'.

The race on Saturday was held at Woodbank Park and was the first in the Manchester Area league. Junior races are held first and were pretty much over by the time we arrived. The women's race sets off at 1.40pm and men's at 2.30pm. At around 8.5km I was hopeful to be able to finish my race and see the men off...read on to see if this plan worked out...

Glossopdale Harriers ladies before the start
Kirsty, Caity, Jane, Jo, me

Start line jitters weren't calmed by the sight of most other women wearing spikes. I'd turned up in fell shoes (Inov8 x-talon 212s) which were more than adequate for the conditions at Woodbank Park. Before long myself and Jo were off running together, somewhere towards the back of the pack and quite happy to be looking to finish without mishap. We completed the two shorter laps together but Jo was steadily pulling away from me so I cut the strings and let her loose. The pace was too fast for me to sustain for another 5.5-6km; I needed to slow it down a bit before crashing and stopping.

After the two flat short laps it was down through the woods for the first of the long laps. I felt like I could stretch out my legs (though my lungs didn't forgive me for not letting the pace ease) enough to overtake four or five other runners on the descent (something I never do!). I was however soon overtaken by them as we hit the flat, my legs just wouldn't keep the pace and desperately wanted to stop. I only allowed myself to walk as we hit the climb back up through the trees.

Oh my, another full lap to go. I checked how far I'd gone and realised I had another 3km to go. I really really wanted to stop. But I kept going, and could still see Jo not too far ahead, but far enough to be out of reach. There really is no place to hide on an XC race - many spectators scattered around the whole course, and superb support from the Glossopdale men who seemed to have a knack of popping up just as I wanted to stop and let my lungs recover. No chance. You can't stop when team mates are looking on!

So onto the final lap and the field of runners were well spread out. I was sure the first women were finishing as noise from the stadium seemed to pick up as I dropped down the hill for the last time. I was sure I was fairly near the back too. My word the flat sections were tough. I think I'd rather have more ascent and afford myself a walk to recover! Final climb approaching and I managed to push further than on the first lap (maybe because John S popped up cheering me on!). I walked the hill and my legs did not want to start running as the gradient leveled out. I tell the legs to shut up; even a slow shuffle would be better for the team result than a walk. I turn the final corner towards the stadium and as expected the Glossopdale men are shouting encouragement - thanks guys, I really needed it and it helped me up the final few metres onto the grass bank around the stadium.

Main note to self for future XC races - recce the end! I had no idea entering the track how far round I needed to run. It turned out to be almost all the way round and that's a long blinking way after 8km! From somewhere I managed to grab another place right on the line - sorry to the woman I pipped to the line, but it is a race!

My official time was 45:58....my watched showed a little over 46mins so I had only about 4 mins to catch a breath and go see the men leave on their race. Phew....got there in time. And they're off and I can grab a jumper and drink then head onto supporting the guys on their laps. The fast runners look so effortless, and the men's field seemed to be massive (turns out they had about 200 or so more runners than the women).

I knew the XC races were well attended but with maybe around a thousand runners over all the races that's amazing. The best bit, from the front elite runners (first woman was back in about 31mins) to the last (finishing in 1hr21) there were loads of people out cheering and encouraging everyone. Nothing at all like my school runs! (no river either). I was especially pleased to see the results out quickly where I discovered I was 156th out of 257 runners, and 22nd out of 43 in my age category. I was also only 30secs behind Jo...my target in the next race perhaps!

Our club is very social and it's on these occasions that it does show. We might only be a small club (120 or so members) but we had 14 runners at this race from seniors through to vet65s. Me running ensured we had a vet ladies team finish too, so I feel chuffed to have contributed. Also at the event was Duncan with his camera, thanks to him for the photos here. Thank you also to the cake maker....a delicious treat after the hard work.

Full results can be found here http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2015/maccl151.htm

New Trail Running Shoes

In my search for new trail shoes (because I've started to destroy my Adidas Kanadias) I discovered the New Balance WT110s at a bargain price, and with a further new year discount. Sold.

At just 175g they are really light!! Just the sort of thing I want, as my usual INOV8 xtalon 212s are a super feel and I don't want to move away from that too much. According to the info-blurb online "The lateral forefoot area has been adjusted to make the platform more neutral, keeping you lower to the ground and enhancing responsiveness.". They've got a 4mm differential which is just what I'm after for keeping me running in the forefoot style.

They also have an "Aggressive Outsole - Outsole tread which offers superb traction." and having used them twice on some really muddy terrain, I did feel really safe and non-slippy in them.

The technical information online about these shoes, and New Balance generally is all a bit baffling to me. I go for what fits my foot, feels comfortable and will give me a decent amount of wear for the running I do. So far (I'm three runs and 20km into this pair) I'm happy with my choice. The uppers feel fairly lightweight so I suspect they won't last as long as the Kanadias have (over 500km logged on those). I'll report in when I destroy them.

Oh, and they are a really cool colour, with amazingly dazzlingly bright laces!

Isle of Skye, Scotland

I have quite a few photographs of our trip to Scotland, here's a selection from our time up there. No apologies for the length of this blog, it's mostly photos.

On the first morning with the Glossopdale Harriers a group of us left the bunkhouse aiming to bag three trig points but the trough terrain challenged us (well me anyway) and two were ticked off.

View back down towards Fiskavaig and Portnalong

Proper Scottish wilderness.....with hidden marshy bogness!

One of the larger pools with delicate plant life in it

Super views....not sure what direction this is!

Looking up to the ridge....that didn't turn out to be a ridge....just a long series of ups and downs

The final descent, looking towards Portnalong and our bunkhouse

The next day most of the group headed over to Glenbrittle. A group of six were up on the Cuillin Ridge (and had been since setting off at 3am) and several others were hoping to gain the summit of Sgurr Alasdair from Coire Lagan in time to see the ridge party. They were successful on all counts but I'll leave it up to them to recount their own stories. Myself and three others reached the tarn below the Great Stone Chute then headed down to the beach and up onto the north-west headland for an explore:

The 'whale rock' as it got named, jutting out into the tarn below the Great Stone Chute.
It would soon get to know one member of our party's camera from an unplanned underwater viewpoint...oops!

Tim setting off to catch up with the party heading up Sgurr Alasdair.
The mist level was annoyingly just above the tarn, so what I'm told is a beautiful amphitheatre
of really impressive rock will have to await my return.

See....misty claggy cloud hinting at the hidden beauty

Stream runs into tarn, 'whale rock' on the right

The mist seemed to follow us down, though stayed above us for the rest of our run

Looking over Loch Brittle to the campsite, with Sgurr Alasdair and the Cuillin Ridge teasing us

Loch Brittle from the northwest shoreline

Loch Brittle from the northwest headland, tufty grass and marsh was the terrain here

We saw plenty of these beautiful and dainty Marsh Orchids

and we also located a Mountain Rescue repeater station and somewhere nearby we believe
we saw an eagle - it was certainly a rather large bird and was bigger than a buzzard

Our way across River Brittle 

I was pretty tired from all the runs I had done in the previous few weeks so opted for an easy day around the bunkhouse on Tuesday. Various groups were off out doing various things, but it was nice to have some solitude. I took myself out to hunt down some raspberries for after dinner. Not wanting to stick to roads I decided to go find the lighthouse on Ardtreck Point, just a few kilometres from the bunkhouse.

Tiny cove on Ardreck Point, looking over to Fiskavaig Bay

sealife....looking very out of place out of the water 

The pebble beach in the cove was totally engulfed in jellyfish...from the size of this one down to clear ones just a few centimeters across - see the cluster of five in bottom right of the photo.

This one was about 30cm in diameter

Amazing views

The lighthouse, Ardtreck Point

On my way back to the road from the lighthouse I disturbed a short-eared owl.
It is in this photograph, but it was too quick to capture close up

Wednesday and the majority of the group were off on a massive bike ride of the island - way too long for me. Tim and a couple of other guys decided to head up Sgurr nan Gillean so I went to the Sligachan Hotel with them and headed off for a solo exploration. My target was somewhere towards Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach. At only 651m it's one of the smaller peaks in the area (remember that you do start from just about sea level), but I was a little unsure of the upper flanks of it - the map indicated scree, and that's not something I am very confident on.

The approach to Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach from the Sligachan - another marshy grass 2km to get through which nearly broke me as I kept losing the faint trod and sinking plenty. 

Looking back to the Sligachan Hotel as I start the climb in earnest....that's the marsh land I had to cross

and my way up to Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach

Looking towards Harta Corrie and I could make out the Bloody Stone

View from the summit of Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach
Yes, I made it to the top. I had a serious conversation with myself about the scree and decided it
wasn't exposed and I wouldn't fall to my doom if I did slip. The views were certainly worth the effort.

More spectacular views from the top, towards Loch Ainort, I think

Back at the road I loitered a little, taking in the old bridge and the views towards the Cuillins

Our final day was a mixture of sunshine and blustery showers and we opted for a bike ride on the back road from Bracadale to Portree. I reckon we got two-thirds the way over before a massive cloud loomed....our choice to turn back then was a good one as we stayed dry and were off the bikes ahead of the rain. A delightful lunch stop at the Struan cafe-cum-book-shop-cum-vintage-clothes-shop where we met up with Tim C and Alice out on a longer bike ride.  Later in the day I went for another short bike ride on the single track road from the bunkhouse while Tim did a longer ride. Good choice on my part, the 12 days of Scottish running and riding had certainly tired me out.

The splendid Cuillin Ridge basking in the sunshine, photo taken just north of Carbost