Glen Ogle!!

It would seem everytime I make a decision and decide I'm doing A and definitely not doing B... I change my mind!

Firstly it was the RAW, I had planned many months ago to run the first 10 miles with Hazel. Then I thought, well might as well just keep going! then I realised that would a stupid idea only a fortnight after a 24hr race. So sticking to my guns here, even bought heels for Saturday night, so confident am I that this year I'll be able to walk almost normally.

Then they advertise the Glen Ogle. This was a no go from the start as I did not have single days holiday, toil or anything else left that I could wangle the time off. So that was settled. You think??

That was before I had so much fun at the G24 and small thoughts of maybe started sneaking back into my head which I dismissed. Taking a look at the route online I also decided I didn't want to run 12K on tarmac. But still it niggles.

Yesterday I went out a plod on the cycle track, totally flat perfect tarmac. I'm not one for training plans, well one's that I actually stick to anyway, but I have added a weekly road run as well as 2x gym sessions into my winter plan. I have tried speedwork and really don't like the pain that comes with it so have decided to drop it. For me road running is as close to running fast as I'll ever get. Anyway my plod on the cycle track was good fun, I was running a bit quicker than usual and had to stop a few times to get my breath back but soon found myself picking the pace up again. I even used my wee ipod. Something I never do when running outside. Suddenly 12K on tarmac is not that scary.

So for the time off... that was easier than I thought! I was supposed to be off last Sunday but worked instead. 1 day added to my toil bank... yess. Now I have the day off! Everything in place. So looks like I'll be entering. I have just decided.
I think my training has been steady enough since the G24, I'll have to add in a couple of LSR's hopefully even manage one on the route.

I thought I was looking forward to the season being over, but it would appear I'm kidding myself on. I have already entered the Devil and keeping a look out for my other target races to open.

With the Ultra season ending the X country season starts, I love it. I moan it's too fast too short etc etc but there is just something fun about running round a park in the mud/snow/rain/ice :-)

And before I forget, I actually won something!! the Ayrshire Hill Running Champs 2011 Lady40. I was probably the only one that done enough races .. did I mention there is just something fun about running up vertical hills and bouncing down through the heather ;-)

Glenmore 24

I wasn't exactly at my best for this run. After the Devil I took a bit of time out, only doing one 10 miler and a few shorter dog plods a couple of road cylces and a few visitis to the gym. I even managed to rid myself of any confidence I had by turning up at the Craigengower hill race... straight of the nightshift. How much can it hurt? it's only 2.5 miles!! Oh yes, that includes a vertical 1 mile. I did manage it but when your chasing down 8 yo kids and grinning like a maddy when you finaly catch one! well what can I say?

Barely managed 50 miles for the month. Somehow I just felt my racing year was over. None the less, I got all my stuff together packed the boot and the back seat thinking I had way too much. Thankfully I overpacked! Off to bed early. Got woke up within 30 mins by little neds and their crap boomy little motors using the road at my backdoor as a racetrack and the carpark for a bloody disco. Long story short, finaly got to sleep sometime after 3 and was back up at 5. One very unhappy grumpy bunny.

Tim arrives 6 on the dot, we get his gear in the car and off we go... road trip yiiippeee.
On arrival we erect huge tent I get registerd chat to folks get in the que for the medical stuff! urine sample, blood taken, electro's stuck on and taken off & I've got my wee arm band thing that is going to take note of all my vitals over the next 24hrs. I'll get a full report in a few weeks so I'm looking forward to reading it. What a really good opportunity for us less able athletes (ahhemm) to be involved in this sort of research.

Onto the race, what a great crowd of people, it's the first year this race has been run and it was a fairly small field between the 12hr and 24hr race. The organisers were brilliant and Andrew Murray was on hand for any medical requirements. I was still feeling pretty low and tired and grumped about it to anybody that would listen!! think Tim was pretty well fed up hearing how tired I was :)
The race started just after 12 noon, through the tents round a bend and immediatley up a hill. The loop was 4 miles long and I had wondered how I cope running like a hampster. It was not a problem at all. The loop was very scenic with a long long hill around the 2 mile mark, This was perfect for walking breaks. A long slope that would turn into a mountain as the hours and miles ticked by.

The first few laps were ok, my legs ached but I thought they would loosen off. When they didn't I started losing the will. I was convinced all my woes were down to my lack of sleep. The miles were getting slower the rain soaked me through (short & sharp). I had a stop to get changed out my wet clothes and ran with just my rain trousers and jacket on. It was still quite warm but my legs had numbed. Tim ran round a few laps with me. On one around the 30 mile mark I was dizzy and sat down, my legs were just too sore to carry me. Getting back towards the tents Tim ran on ahead to organise a massage for me. Normally I would not even contemplate this but as Debs was standing waiting on me I just got led to the table.

30 mins later dry shorts, socks and shoes and I was off again. I now had a new pair of legs! All the excess fluids had been drained? I was wondering where it was draining to. Tim explained later. My first lap on my new legs felt good as did my next. Tim went for Pizza.. yumm next lap all good then 'bonk' tired. Got back to the tent and Tim had gone to sleep. I was convinced I needed to sleep. It was just after 10pm and I thought I'd catch a couple of hours. An hour later I'm not sleeping. Well I can't be tired then can I? so get out and run! So I did. 20 miles later (now 60miles) I'm just soo tired. I knew if I didn't get some rest I would not be able to make it to 12 noon. I got out the wet clothes (it's around freezing) into dry one's and 2 sleeping bags. I set the alarm for 6. 1hr 45 sleep.

The alarm woke Tim up too who had slept the whole night!!! he had his own tired, run down issues after a busy week and lots of driving, all catching up with him.
After coffee and a breakfast of lentil soup we both set out. First lap I was a bit stiff but it all soon got better. Met Keith on the lap, he was out supporting Carrie (3rd lady) and eating a pot noodle! I had one in the tent, so again Tim scoots off toget it ready for me. We spend thenext lap running/stopping with a pot noodle.

I had set my target at 80 miles and had just over 5 hours to get my 20miles in. It would seem though that my wee nap had rejuvinated the auld legs and I was lapping about 7/10 minutes quicker. This gave me plenty time and I was really enjoying the morning. The sun was up it was lovely and warm and the views were stunning. Onto the last lap, I'd taken a punnit of strawberries and forgotten about them, so these were put into freezer bags and eaten as a treat. I struggled quite a bit on the last 2 miles, turned the corner saw the finish and I was like a wee gazelle.. ok maybe that wasn't visible to others but I felt great running toward the tents for the last time.

Thanks to Tim for looking after me, putting up with my moaning and as always knowing what I needed when I didn't! Oh and for driving home. I could not move a muscle!

What a great weekend. The event was very well organised. The marhals were in a class of there own, always happy cheering motivating, amazing at 3am in the middle of a freezing cold forest!! Thanks to all of you, if it's the people that make the event then this is a winner.



The Devil in photo's

So it started with booking Munro into his 5* establishment

Poor mutt

Then onto a car park in Tyndrum at a stupid early time

This is as good as it gets

 & wer'e off. Heading to Bridge of Orchy









Me & Soph

A small refreshment before the first big hill

Whoopee almost there & trying to keep the feet dry

Onto Victoria Bridge with the Dream Team

Happy smiles at the foot of The Devil

Happy smiles at the top of The Devil

Nearly there

This pain is real

And collapse

All done & the Torts celebrate

What a great weekend, needless to say I was highly delighted with over an hour off last years time.

Having the Glenmore 24 in just a few weeks I had decided to rest for a good few days.

Went out a cycle with Tim on Tuesday, never easy as he always picks the very hilly routes and sneers if I use my granny gears ... humph, I thought thats what they were there for!!

Frank

Revenge, another puncture

But what lovely country side

So a wee holiday was required, just to Peterhead for a few days. Ate too much, drunk too much but did attempt a trail run on Friday. I've never quite felt lumpy n bumpy when running, but it is about all I can think of to describe the wobbly heavy dull legs. Not a comfortable recovery run.

Then it was home and back out on Frank with Tim.

Irvine Valley

 Louden Hill

Only 20 odd miles in & Tim thinks we should climb Louden hill because it's there, and why not? cycling through a field on road bikes is not recommended as neither is scrambling up a steep slope in SPD cycle shoes or running the last bit cos it's kind of flat.

Saying that they were good at gripping on the way down.

So another approx 40 miles yesterday. Legs are good today so I'll take Munro out a wee run. Fancy a recce through the woods at Moscow. Hmmm it has been known for my recce's to end in disaster. Shall take my phone then!

The Devil

I had a couple of must do's for this race. Firstly I must kick the Rannoch Moors Ass & secondly I must finish. Not a lot to ask really.

After the WHW in June, yep, I'm still harking back to that wee chestnut, my mileage & motivation dropped dramatically. The miles I wasn't too bothered about as I've always been one who likes to rest. The motivation though was a bit disheartening. I slogged through July with only short runs, a couple of races and a few cycles. This however is where it all gets better. The short runs were fun, the races were hard & short (8 miles & a 10k) and I tried my damnest. Oh to get 3 sub 8 min miles in the one race.... Ok maybe a joke for some but for me ... Wowwie!
Went out a couple of 30 mile + cycles with Tim... Very hilly and the first I'd been out on Frank in over a year so I was pretty excited about it too! Used to love going out on him but had a couple of bad cleat related falls and without really noticing just stopped. Think I just didn't want to notice!

Anyway this all brings us to The Devil. My third run over this course. 2007 my first ever ultra. Struggled hugely from start to finish but finish I did. Unfortunately it took more out me than I realised on the day and I actually gave up running for over a year at this point! 2 years later and I was back, backing up Anne, her first attempt at the The Devil & I started running again in the January to be fit enough to be able to back her up. Since then I have kept up the running and the Ultra's. 2010 Anne was backing me up and I was confident of beating my 07 time. Best laid plans an all! Tummy bug from the start saw me shuffle in agony for 43 miles.

So to 2011. The Rannoch Moor. This was my first demon. After it taking 6... Yes 6 agonising hours of crawling in the rain during the WHW to get across this sparse open moor I was determined I would get kicks it butt. Thankfully for me it is pretty much at the beginning of the race when my butt kicking ability was still within my grasp. I started of slow... Very slow making sure I didn't go under a 12 min mile from the gun. This of course left me at the rear of the field but with plenty miles to go to catch folks I wasn't fussing.

Had a good yakk with Sophie putting the world to right over the first few miles to B Of Orchy. I nipped in for toilet stop at the hotel & didn't see Soph again till KKL, she had picked up an injury and withdrew. Hope your recovering well. I met my support here and they had my jam mini roll & urn bru waiting for me. I chomped & drunk as I walked up the hill passing a fair few folk as I went. Bounced down the other side onwards to Victoria Bridge for my soup. I new I needed some food before tackling my demons so I took my time ate what I could and Anne walked with me to take my empties back to the car.

Onto the moor. You would think I would have had a plan! But nope, just keep focused, keep moving forward and talk to folks along the way. Met Vicky here, we yakked for a bit till she stopped for a munchie, I kept my head down and focused on beating the moor. Funny how the mind drains it's way through 6 weeks of life just so it can bring back all the memories of my previous encounter with The Moor! Well I was in a butt kicking mood and used all the little prods in my mind to smile remember & even enjoy this run. Every corner I turned, hill, bridge obscure landmark brought something back & today I was feeling good. I came off the moor through the checkpoint (no Lammas today) & ran down the road to meet my crew at Kingshouse.

I had THE BEST crew ever. Wee George, (the bearded one) veteran of many WHW, Anne, great runner & motivator and off course Bryan in his position of driver go getter cleaner upper. Brilliant.

They see me good with my bagel banana & coffee, Anne joins me on the run & we're meeting up again at the bottom of the Devil for more mini rolls & irn bru. We meandered our way to the top! It was hot by this time & my wee bru bottle was empty. Met Fiona at the top, she gave us a jelly baby and took our photo. I'll try get the photo's on but not sure how to with this iPad! We were careful on the decent but I still managed to fall. Being me I bounced straight back up & was more than glad I had my buff over my hand/wrist, took most if the fall! However it did seem o unsettle me somewhat & I soon started feeling sicky. This is where good backup is essential, I would have ran on burping & boaking, Anne knew I had my ginger capsules with me (been taking them daily for 4 weeks now) and encouraged me to take 2. No harm done if it didn't work! Gladly with a toilet stop near the bottom of the slog into KKL & I'm again like a new women. Tummy settled legs feeling good and boy did I kick that Moors butt!

Quick food stop & we're heading out of KKL and up that rather large hill. We walked the whole way but still managing to go by folks. Ontowards Lundavra. I think the heat here started to really effect me & others. People were slowing and my ankles were starting to really ache. I'm sure on fresh legs it would have been fine! We did get lovely cold water from the mountain guys, wonderful. Lots of cheers and good wishes from walkers. Now those are the good points, the bad was I was getting crabbit! The constant struggle to find ground that didn't twist your ankle was very frustrating. I stumbled, toe stubbed constantly, Anne was having the same problems. Not much fun. The sun did go behind the clouds about half way and that gave a bit of respite! Only later do you realise what a numpty you are for allowing yourself to get annoyed! At the time it's not only the whole world that's against you, but the rocks too!

Into Lundavra & guess who's there? Running bud Tim, bandaged up after an earlier fall but still has his sense of humour in tact cos he thinks he can stay in front of me if he leaves quickly... Hehe
My mumping/moaning & lack of pace over the last few miles at least left me with enough energy to pick it up in the final section. I passed Tim not long into this section.. Obviously the fact that he has not been able to run for the last few months is no excuse!

George and Anne both ran the last section with me, we ran all the runnable parts and power walked the hills (Bobby Murray school of walking). Reaching the fire path George (veteran of many WHW races) gives me the advice of don't go to fast here, if you let go here you'll struggle further down. Whhoopppee says me and starts belting down the hill! Some folks just need to learn the hard way! Needless to say the first slight even part & I'm almost going backwards. I did manage to run all the way to the finish line but boy did I pay for that first mile!

Finished in 9hrs 2:57 whoopee

Thanks to all the organisers, marshals, sponsors. Brilliant Moor butt kicking day out.
And of course the dream team support crew. Next time I promise to listen x

Seeking motivation

I know it's out there somewhere, probably under a wee rock hiding from me. I have barely managed a training run since my last posting.

It was so bad the other day, I'm all stood there in my shorts & T telling myself I should just get out there, oh wheres my watch? oh look it's started to rain, oh I can't be arsed. Back of with the fit clothes & into the hang around house comfy's.

I did follow the Connemara trail race, also William Sichel then the Clyde Stride. What great armchair supporting I did. Some people just do amazing things. Lucy in 3rd place, then winning the Stride, Debs in 2nd place only weeks after the WHW. William Sichel is obviously just a machine.

I read Stu Mills blog. I find it hard to believe anyone can be so confident, but also think it's probably easier to be confident when your at the sharp end. At the same time I find it interesting and have even thought about trying some of his wee techniques myself although I'll definitely not be running as fast as I can for as long as I can, with my usual position of holding up the sweepers I'd be lucky to make the first checkpoint!

So my build up to the Devil will be more about believing in myself than actual training unless the old mojo gets back out from the rock it's hiding under. I'll be aiming to kick the Rannoch Moor's backside after it took me almost 6 hours to get across it during the WHW! I have also been off the coffee and taking my ginger capsules every day to try ensure a perfect tummy on the day. Maybe it all is in the mind?

I did go to the club last week, it was great to see folks, even though they were doing hill runs I just plodded round the course chatting. This coming Saturday also sees the Arran relay's, this is a great day out and one of the few road races I do. Just my luck to be nightshift, but have taken the Friday off, just means I'll need to try to catch the earlier ferry home but it's no big deal as even the later one will still have me home in time to get to work.

I did manage to go to the gym this morning, fully completing my 20 run 5 walk 20 run 5 walk programme so was a little happier. I'll go back over with Bryan this evening and do my core exercises. Tomorrow I have planned a 12 mile run. I really hope I manage to get my butt out the door!!

Training resumes

So off we (Tim & me) set for our 15 miles with the dogs, Catrine to Auchincruive.

This was my first run after the WHW and surprisingly I was feeling pretty good. Legs weren't heavy and I was having no issues with achy feet or back. Tim on the other hand wasn't doing well at all with lots of problems with his back and breathing.

Weather had stayed good for us and not too many flies. I wasn't exactly looking forward to getting back out but I was.. so that is yes I was but no I wasn't. Kind of  I want to go but will find any kind of distraction so that I don't need to!

This run did remind of that saying.. train the same you'll stay the same. So I was hatching a wee plan to try and change my training. The Devil is in a few weeks so I'm not wanting to do any more LSR's.

Gym to the rescue. Well that was after I did a hill session... 10x 130 meters uphill.. jelly legs. Then 4 mile run (lots of other hills).

Into the gym on Wednesday and I a few ideas.. 20mins 10k pace 5 minute walk 20mins 10k pace but that felt a bit enthusiastic and I wasn't quite up for it.. 1k fast 300m slow 5x now this seemed like a better idea (or should I say easier). So 1k cardio work it was.. some folk would call it speed work, but you have to go fast to use that title!! It must have been hard because my run on Thursday got binned due to tired legs.

Today I put my wee car into the coachwork's (Bryan scuffed it of a wall at Tyndrum) everything goes back to the WHW :-) so I was up early, drove him into work so I could have the use of his car, and me and Munro headed out to Failford for a few miles on the RAW.

Shoulder high nettles

Munro posing

I wouldn't say I was feeling fresh. Struggled on the way out. The path at the moment is so overgrown with nettles, thistles and bramble bushes it is very hard to keep up any kind of pace. My legs are still dirlling with nettle stings. It will hopefully be clearer by September. I'm contemplating doing this again this year. Depends on the Glenmore 24. I did enjoy it last year and this year I am guide running Hazel (blind runner) for the first 10 miles. Trouble is she runs way much quicker than me!! Could happen I manage the first 10 miles then die in a sorry wee heap at the side of the road!

Anyway, manged to enjoy my plod on the return leg even if my legs did start hurting more than expected at around the 10 mile mark!! But that probably had something to do with having to grab hold of a bloody big aggressive Sharpie that thought Munro was easy meat!! I had put him on the lead (as you do when a couple of dogs come bounding along) did their owner try catch them? oh no, so I had to grab it by the scruff as it launched itself  at Munro for the 2nd time. Little Jack Russell yelping away (think this was a bark) was just looking for my foot to go right up it's arse!! Anyway a hard kick to the rump and Sharpie got the message, owner wasn't too pleased. Tough. I'm still holding the bloody thing at this point as she stands and looks at it. I had to actually say here take your dog!! 'I' really does stand for idiot!!

Rant over:

Today I tried jaffa cakes and tablet for energy but I really don't think 11 miles is a long enough run to work on the food issues. Saying that I did start running 30 mins after my flakes and snacked right from 15 mins in. No issues today.

Starting to look forward to the Devil :-)

Recovery

It's hard to blog about running when ... I'm not running. 10 days gone and I have not run a step. 
I decided as I was going onto night shift week the Wed after the WHW I would use this as recovery time and take it easy. Funnily enough it has not been too difficult.

After only 2 days after my DNF my legs felt fine. No limping or aching. I took this as another indicator I hadn't tried hard enough! Nothing quite like glass half empty. I'm having to fight my demons, analyse and move on. I'm sure I'll come back stronger. Thanks everyone for you're advice and comments.

So tomorrow I move on. Tim has a wee run planned from Catrine to Auchincruive 15 miles. Hopefully the weather holds. I really enjoy this bit of trail as do the dogs! I'll maybe even go to the gym in the evening for a wee bit of X training. The gym part mainly because the PCB thingy has gone in the boiler (waiting not very patiently on postie) and cold showers, as much as they are a challenge are not much bloody fun!

Next race is the Devil. I've decided just to take it as it come. Keep the plan simple. It involves taking my camera and lifting my head to enjoy the views.
I also have the Glenmore 24 September 3rd. My back up has had to pull out so if anyone out there fancies standing at a tent for 24 hours (seat provided if you prefer) boiling kettles and heating soup I would be more than pleased to hear form you :-) probably more surprised!!