Saturday 26 January 2008

WHW training run - numero trois

The first training in November brought torrential rain and gale force winds. December's run was on an ice-rink in sub-zero temperatures. And today's wasn't so pleasant either.
I spent most of last night listening to the wind and rain battering off the bedroom's velux windows. I kept nudging Marco at various points during the night to share my panic, but he was none-the-wiser. Even my chat of "You're in the Lomond Mountain Rescue. What do you think of scantily-clad runners trying to take in the broken banks of the Loch". He managed a mumble and something about a "challenge" before trying to block me out.
Anyway by the time dawn had broken it wasn't quite a dramatic. Although it might have scared off the masses, as there was only 13 of us that turned up in Drymen. The plan was to run point-to-point from Drymen to Inverarnan. Much more inviting than a soul-destroying out and back.
Manage to convince Sharon (my bessie mate and team Debs' support) to join us for the occasion. I bought her first trail shoes as a Christmas present, so today was the perfect day to break them in.
The run from Drymen to Balmaha was great. Conic Hill was a bit scary, but it was lovely all the way to Rowardennan. Along the dreaded loch-side was OK. I actually quite like this section. The time flies by as you really have to focus on every step. The rain started as we passed Inversnaid...and didn't stop. I ran through more rivers than I care to mention. Sharon, on the other, was only worried in case her mascara had run. That's my girl. Modesty over victory. It's a long slog from there on in. I was very excited to see the wig-wams (AKA garden huts) at Beinglas. I remember walking the WHW last year and wasn't so excited to see our accommodation for the evening. My buddy Dominic put the nail on the head when he said: "I wouldn't subject my fly-mo to this".
It was just a short trot to the Drover's Inn to meet up with the rest of the (equally drenched troops) and a welcoming beer.
(scores on the door...29.6 miles in 6:52)
Thanks to John Kynaston for organising a fabulous day out. Looking forward to February's run. Might need to go trail shoe shopping next Saturday. Although Marco tells me that a bit of mud is not a valid excuse for buying new shoes.

2 comments:

ianbeattie1 said...

Debbie, well done on today's performance. Just remember it is character building - it won't be that wet on 21 June (hopefully). By the way I meant to ask you earlier - fancy doing a feature on me in myRace? :)

ianbeattie1 said...

Debbie, well done on today's performance. Just remember it is character building - it won't be that wet on 21 June (hopefully). By the way I meant to ask you earlier - fancy doing a feature on me in myRace? :)