Had a quiet night in Braemar on Saturday night, stayed at the Moorfield hotel where these two fellas welcomed us to our room!
Was up early to be at the registration desk around 8:20...brilliant, it's set up in the street...
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| Registration |
So to the race itself. Lining up at the start I was thinking about those I know personally who have been here, and also those I've read about. Now I'm one of them...a runner!
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| The start |
Had quite a slow start (mind games about my calf) but gradually started to feel good and relaxed. Made Derry Lodge at about 1hr 20 mins. Got a bit blowy here for the next few miles to the Luibeg Burn where I filled up with some of the finest natural water on the planet (wonderful!). Few folks were struggling here as the climb began, and some good hearted banter was exchanged as we all made our way up. Very hard terrain, not easy to get a decent pace going as the path throws up many different shapes and sizes of stones.
Corrour Bothy is the halfway mark between Braemar and Aviemore. It's also one of the most isolated places I've ever been, and I made sure I took the time to stop and take in my surroundings. We really are privileged to have access to such beautiful scenery.
Onwards and upwards to the boulder fields. I'd spoken about these with Tom Sutherland, and his information was 100% correct. They don't go on too far, but they sure slow you down, however it does give you a chance to catch your breath!
What's that in the distance...Aviemore! Or as I now call it in my head 'AvieThankF*ckmore' 10 miles to go and it's very rugged terrain for a couple of miles but I'm feeling good.
Round a corner and there's Joan and Colin Wilson who had ran in from Aviemore to run 6/7 miles with me. Wonderful people, awesome gesture at just the right time. After about a mile we get into some better path and can up the pace a bit. Then into Rothiemurchus Forest and I felt brilliant, running smooth and fast until, I planted my face in the dirt just before this!
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| Mon the Lairig |
On throught the forest, and I'm wanting to walk a wee bit, but 'encouraged' by Joan I picked up a jog and only walked the ups. Mon the ups!
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| Not far now... |
Colin and Joan left me at the main road into Aviemore, three miles to go. Roasting hot by this time but I know I'm gonna make it. Every runner on this stretch of road was magnificent, encouraging each other on for one more push.
Once onto the main street in Aviemore you can see the finish, it's not far, but it feels like miles! A very welcome sight of Susan and Megan, Colin and Joan, and Karen and Mike Todd, even Eleanor and Gavin (Susans auntie and uncle) are there to welcome me in at the finish. Awesome!
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| Made it! |
My watch time was 5:37, I was hoping to be under 5:30...so guess what...I'll be back!
You can wear that Lairig Ghru t-shirt with pride.
ReplyDeleteGreat race report John - we had a grand time during the race & it was good to be a part of your day. We're really glad that you seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it & have joined the list of Monday Nighter Lairigers. Eddie Campbell would approve!
ReplyDeleteLoved the blog John! Sounds like you had a good day and the Wilsons joined you at the point where you would have welcomed the moral support. Well Done!
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