On the Wednesday before the race I went
down to the Esplanade for my last run, 30min with a few strides. I came back
home and said to Thomas I think I could run a 10K PB now. His face lit up and I
could see that he was very pleased. I guess he realized then that his training
and tapering plan for me had been spot on. I was ready to face the biggest
endurance test of my life so far.
I had taken a few days off before to make
sure I was well rested. Nerves were kicking in but I still slept very well
right until Friday. The house looked like I was going on an expedition, boxes
of gear everywhere, labelled bags, one of which was called “extreme weather
bag” which came in very handy early on! Thomas was spending hours over my food
and drink strategy, working out when I could be expected at support stops.
Though I was certainly not chasing any time, he felt my support needed to have
some idea of when they should start to get worried if I did not arrive. A
finish and a goblet was all I was looking for, anything more would be a huge
bonus.
MILNGAVIE
When we arrived at Milngavie the place was
buzzing, supporters, runners, marshals. I wished then that I was “on the other
side” supporting as usual, but before I knew it I had been weighed and a number
tag round my wrist. No turning back now!
I had stopped looking at the weather
forecast by Thursday when I realised it was going to be wet. Armed with Thomas’
Montane jacket I lined the start. A few moments to gather myself and I thought,
this is it. Here we go. And we were off and as if on cue, the heavy rain
started!
And would not really stop until I reached
Auchtertyre after 14hours!
I could not make out any individuals lining
the High Street of Milngavie but it was great running past them cheering and
clapping. Turning left into the park I saw headlights coming towards me, ah,
some had already missed a turn and were backtracking! My legs were feeling
fresh, as they should do, and I was easing into the run, being passed by a few
people I know, exchanging a few hellos with Tim and Keith. Going through
Mugdock I walked a couple of times as planned and it was then that I was passed
by most folk. Suddenly I was on my own with only a few headlights in the
distance. Coming out of the park over the small road and round the corner I saw
a group in the middle of the path. It was Victoria O’Reilly and her friend
Fiona with 2 other runners. Fiona had gone over her ankle and it did not look
good. As there were enough people there I carried on and thought how unlucky
this was for her! Then I was on my own again and I stayed on my own until
coming down from Conic Hill.
I have very clear memories of this. Running
on my own in the dark with only my headlight leading the way and a kind of
tunnel vision, the rain lashing into my face. It was so eery. I love the
section between the Carbeth huts and the railway path but really don’t like the
flat railway path. Certainly not in heavy rain when there was no way avoiding
the deep ice cold puddles. It was head down, hood up and follow the head light.
I was meeting Katrina and Nancy at the Beechtree Inn, my first milestone. They
looked rather uncomfortable in the pouring rain themselves but a quick exchange
of Nathan backpacks and I continued. The plan was to have a quick exchange of
Nathans at support stops, they were packed identical with emergency kit in both
so that only my phone had to be changed over. They would prepare the next one
according to the plan Thomas had prepared. I was using Nuun electrolyte drinks
and Thomas had worked out how much I needed for each section so I was not
carrying any excess weight. I was going to eat something every 30min as well as
1 SIS gel at every support stop. I then had to take between 3 or 4 items with
me depending how long it was until the next support stop. I had gels and jelly
babies with me all the time in case I did not feel like eating any solids. My
Garmin (and later on my support runners) reminded me every 30min about eating
and I faithfully stuck with it until the end! The only disappointment was that
my beloved cheese mayo sandwich tasted awful and I had to spit it out as soon
as I tried it.
DRYMEN
I was so glad when I reached the tarmac
road towards Drymen. At one point I let out a scream when suddenly my feet were
immersed in ankle deep cold water as the road was flooded but with the darkness
I had not noticed it. I looked up and saw 2 guys at the roadside peeing and
wondered if they thought I had screamed because of them. I had my first toilet
stop at the campsite before Drymen and it was so good to get out of the rain
for a few minutes. I knew N+K were waiting for me along this road so I was
looking forward to that. They were in the car but jumped out when they saw me
coming and we exchanged Nathans, I ate a gel and onwards I went. I had feared
the muddy field but it was not too bad considering.
Into the forest above Drymen now, I briefly
met a runner whose name I have now forgotten and we exchanged a few words and
on I went. As the rain was relentless I remembered what a club mate had written
on facebook, God sends rain so that Glenpark Harriers can perform well. As we
live and train in rain we also race best in rain. I had to smile and continued
on my journey.
I reached what used to be the Garabandhan
forest. Loch Lomond was in front of me. Suddenly it was light enough to switch
the head torch off and like a miracle the rain stopped and birds started to
sing. And my spirits were immediately lifted and I felt so good. The rain came
on again 5 minutes later but it had given me a great boost. On to Conic Hill
now which was treacherous and the uphill resembled a river walk as the water
came running down the path. Coming down the other side I saw Fiona Rennie, Sue
Walker and Robin Wombill negotiating the steep steps. I was so glad to see
familiar faces that I shouted towards them, hello, so good to see you! They
probably thought I was mad but after being on my own for the last 4.5 hours I
was so relieved to meet them. It was Sue and Robin’s 1st attempt too
but Fiona had already 8 finishes under her belt! I asked them what they were
going to do in Balmaha regarding shoe and sock change as I was not too sure
myself if I should do it here or in Rowardennan. They were planning on a change
in Rowardennan, but when I met up with N+K in the car park they had already
prepared the chair and mat and Nancy said, you need to look after your feet,
lets dry them and have a look. And I was quite glad as it felt so much better
afterwards. The only problem was I was already on my 2nd pair of
trail shoes in Balmaha (and I only brought 2 and 2 pairs of road running shoes)
and on my 2nd pair of Drymax socks. Thomas had sourced them for me in
the US and I do think they are great but I guess with the weather as it was
there was no way avoiding blisters really. Although I found out afterwards that
you should use NO lubricant with them at all!
BALMAHA
It was here in Balmaha where I started with
hot drinks. Hot (herbal) tea had never felt so good. I left the car park and
knew that it would not be too far to Anchorage Cottage where I would see N+K
again. Met a few guys along that stretch, 2 going the whole way together, Steve
and Angus and we chatted while I was falling in with their pace matching mine
nicely. At Anchorage I got my 1st protein drink, vanilla flavour,
very nice. On my way to Rowardennan I met up with Robin again who was having a
difficult time and I felt helpless not being able to cheer him up. But he
battled through and it was great seeing him collect his goblet in his kilt on
Sunday! I remembered the Fling and thought of those who had passed me on this
section including Richie and hoped he was doing well today.
ROWARDENNAN
I knew that at Rowardennan I would see N+K
for the last time as my support team was changing over at Auchtertyre. So I prepared
myself for our last meeting, they had done a fantastic job so far and I wanted
to make sure they knew it. I had asked for soup and luckily the toilets had
just been opened so I went in there to eat it. I was given my 1st
caffeine gel of the day and took another one a bit further along. I also
changed into a new top, thought of putting my rain trousers into my backpack
but Nancy told me to put them on – which turned out to be a great idea. I was
now using a bigger pack for the long stretch to Auchtertyre, another Marathon
away! I had in it an extra layer, socks
and I took gloves. I had got sticks from Thomas for thinking about taking
gloves but I knew myself that on a day like this they would be needed. N+K were
impressed with how positive I was. I was just so glad to see them. I said
good-bye to them and took on the loch side!
While running along I imagined I was
running in Thomas footsteps. He had been there with Marco and Lucy on Friday
morning running from Balmaha to Inversnaid. Sounds cheesy I know but it helped
me along. I also remembered what Lesley had told me, be focussed and strong! So
I kept focussing on the next bit ahead, just the next milestone to reach. When
my mind wanted to wander too far ahead I tried to pull it back. Focus! The next
stop is Inversnaid, not long now. Watch the path, don’t fall. Usually I like to
take in the scenery but that was really not an option today as the rain kept
falling and it was hood up and get on with it. I passed the ledge that
frightened one of my club mates so much when we were out training for the Fling
before a little further she actually fell into the waterfall! Today she would
have been washed right down into Loch Lomond – even though I told her then that
no-one has ever fallen into the loch. Why were there boats patrolling the loch
side today though?! I smiled to myself
and waved to the guy in the boat who waved back.
INVERSNAID
Inversnaid hotel came into view! Yes! The
waterfall looked spectacular and I stopped briefly next to another runner to admire
it. Then I saw a friendly and familiar face, Karin, it was so unexpected but
great to get a hug. I got my drop bag and sheltered in the tent that the
Trossachs Mountain Rescue had put up. I opened my bag and followed the
instructions Thomas had left: eat one gel, take protein drink, fill up your
bladder to 1L and pick 3 items to eat out of selection. Well the cheese
sandwich went straight into the bin but I had enough choices. I also noticed
then that he had left a little message on the refill bottle and I nearly cried!
I went into the hotel to use the toilet and it was so nice and warm in there!
But I had other plans for today so I left.
On the next section along the loch I caught
up with Caroline who was struggling with her breathing. I was slightly concerned
and did not really want to leave her though I also know she prefers to be on
her own at these times. So I stayed with her for a bit, tried my best to
encourage her. And I remember breaking the next sections up for both of us
really. It would be Dario’s post next, then Beinglas, then we both could be
looking forward to meeting “our men” at Bogle Glen. I hoped she would tuck in
behind me but she kept falling back a bit. So I decided to make sure she would
get up to Dario’s post ok and then it would be an easier 2M to Beinglas where I
was planning to use the toilet anyway. So I turned around at Dario’s post and
as ever it was a magic view across the loch. I then run on on my own, caught a
couple of guys before Beinglas, one was injured, the other one was really cold.
I advised him to go into the café right next to the path he did not know
existed. I am not sure if he got going again.
BEINGLAS
I saw Rob at the checkpoint shivering
badly. The marshal was going to refill my bladder up to 1L while I used the
toilet but when I came back she said I still had 1.2L in it! Oops! I was
obviously not drinking as much as planned but I knew I was not dehydrated as I
kept using the toilet all the time. I had taken on protein shakes as well and
lots of tea and soup which hadn’t been planned. So I was not too concerned. I
had my first flat coke in Beinglas and it tasted great! Again Thomas had left a
message on my bottle and I smiled.
I left Beinglas and was looking forward to
meeting Thomas at Bogle Glen. What a milestone this would be. I was quite
excited. But first to Derrydaroch Farm and Carmyle Cottage. I passed Rob who
was having a hard time with the cold and wet weather draining him of all his
energy. On my way to Carmyle Cottage I
saw some animal coming towards me on the path and I think it was a small otter dragging
a baby otter next to it. Don’t think my hallucinations started that early!
On the steep steps up from the under path I
caught up with Ivan who was impressed by my fast walking pace that left him
behind! (He did finish 30min in front of me in the end though as he was still
able to run when we caught up with him on Lairig Moor again so much later in
the night.) And I do believe this is what got me to the finish – my very fast
walking pace that I was able to keep up until later on when unfortunately
putting down my sore feet onto the uneven rocks became the problem and slowed
me down.
So I was looking forward to seeing Thomas.
In my mind the next sections were broken into much smaller pieces as I would
soon reach Auchtertyre, see my new crew of Heather and Yvonne and if required
would be able to have a support runner. I knew I wanted to put in a good
performance for them too, as they were giving up their time to support me. And
they were excited about it too! After all N+K shouldn’t have done all the hard
work only for me to falter now. And there was all the effort Thomas had put in
to prepare me for this. In my mind it was now or never! I did not want to have
to go through all the build up again, but wanted my goblet, so it was now!
BOGLE GLEN
Thomas came into view and he seemed excited
to see me. Caroline’s family and support crew was also there and cheered me on.
Neal said I should give Thomas a hard time which I jokingly tried. But I was
far too happy to see him and too happy to have got there in one piece. And I
know I have slagged him off myself in my reports but he has been incredible in
getting me ready for this that I seriously think I would not have been able to
do it without him. Mind you the idea would have never crossed my mind!
AUCHTERTYRE
He had hot tea ready for me and I decided
to have a complete change in Auchtertyre. He went ahead to the checkpoint to
get everything ready. To my surprise N+K were there cheering me in, delighted to
see I was still going well. They had decided to see me after this long stretch
on my own to see if everything was still going well. Only then did they go to
the B&B in Fort William for some rest! You are stars! I got weighed, John K
was also there and pleased to see me. And I disappeared into the toilet for a
complete change which took about 30min! More soup/pasta mug was on order and
tea. Believe it or not but I arrived at 14:00 hours into the race which was
bang on my predicted arrival time. I also saw Tommy, Victoria’s husband there
and got a hug. I left Auchtertyre and had put on old road shoes which
immediately caused some discomfort so at Brodies Shop I switched back to my wet
trail shoes. On my way out of the farm Debbie and Sharon arrived in a car and I
got cheered on and hugged. Thank you guys! I was told that we should take a
detour towards the road and not wade through the river after the hostel and I
was rather pleased by that.
Then at last I saw my new support crew,
H+Y. They were waiting at Brodies and thrilled to see me. They had to spring
into action straight away as I changed back into my trail shoes. From then on I
stayed in those, kept the same Drymax socks but kept emptying my shoes of
gravel and to put more Vaseline onto my feet. I left Tyndrum knowing this was
the furthest distance I had ever done. Yvonne was going to join me at Bridge of
Orchy and stay with me until Glencoe, so that was something to look forward to.
They waved at me from the road as I made my way along. I caught up with Neil
MacRitchie who had done the race 8 times before. I asked him if this was the
worst weather he had experienced and he said yes! In a strange way it comforted
me and made me proud that I was still going!
BRIDGE OF ORCHY
(Photo by Shelley Marsh)
I went straight through BoO after using the
toilet (of course!) and Y filled me in with all the details of her friend’s
wedding she had been to on Friday! Food, dress, flowers, everything. I love
hearing about weddings so the time passed quickly. Then we reached Murdo’s
Mount, the 100K mark, a well-earned jelly baby, a hug and lots of
encouragement! Thank you!
Near Inverornan hotel I put more Vaseline
on and also saw Chris, Caroline’s support who told us she was going well now
that Neal was with her and not too far behind us. Great news!
Onto the Rannoch Moor after more
soup/pasta/hot tea. We later (in Lundavra) ran out of soup as we certainly did
not expect me to constantly ask for this, but by then it did not matter.
In true selfless supporter style Y gave me
her midge net as they were really fierce there but I could not really breathe
through it so she got it back! To be honest the midges did not really bother me
at all apart from that short moment. I kept thinking about the 2 times Thomas
had to pull out coming off Rannoch Moor and just now my focus was to get to the
next checkpoint in good shape. I did not allow myself to think too far ahead.
Anything could still happen to grind me to a halt.
GLENCOE
Over the Rannoch Y kept me up to date with
everyone’s text messages and wishes which was great. We made good progress, it
was dry and Rannoch as spectacular as ever. We arrived at Glencoe just after
8pm. Heather was ready and geared up to go with me to the bottom of the Devil’s
staircase. She had been injured herself so we did not really schedule her in
but she felt fine.
As the road down from the ski lift is flat and downhill I managed to run, the legs were just doing their own thing. It was the uneven surface that caused the problems with the soles of my feet and a few blisters coupled with wet feet that caused the problem. We overtook Ada here for the 1st time. The views were in fact spectacular with Buchaille Etive Mor and Heather took a few photos.
They got sent immediately to other club mates who would update facebook and so messages of encouragement kept coming in via Heather’s phone. Fantastic! I was overtaken here by a guy and H kept encouraging me not to let him get away. But by then I really did not care. Sorry!
As the road down from the ski lift is flat and downhill I managed to run, the legs were just doing their own thing. It was the uneven surface that caused the problems with the soles of my feet and a few blisters coupled with wet feet that caused the problem. We overtook Ada here for the 1st time. The views were in fact spectacular with Buchaille Etive Mor and Heather took a few photos.
They got sent immediately to other club mates who would update facebook and so messages of encouragement kept coming in via Heather’s phone. Fantastic! I was overtaken here by a guy and H kept encouraging me not to let him get away. But by then I really did not care. Sorry!
(Photo by Melanie Sinclair)
I caught up with Fiona Rennie here which
was a great boost. We chatted until we got to my support stop. Thomas and
Yvonne were waiting, more Vaseline and Heather even massaged my terrible feet!
I felt for her but it was soo good!
BOTTOM OF THE STAIRCASE
Thomas was geared up and ready to go over
the staircase with me. Before we reached the bottom I heard someone shouting
behind us and suddenly Caroline came storming
past encouraged not to stop running by her support runner. Incredible! I
was so pleased for her.
Up the staircase now and we passed Ada who
was hunched over due to severe back pain. The tough girl she is she got her
goblet!
(Photo by Rhona Mitchell)
As we walked up briskly (and I was rather
pleased I could do that), Thomas reminded me of our honeymoon, our WHW Walk 7
years ago. By now it was time to put the headlamps on again and he thought it
was all rather romantic! We caught up with Victoria Shanks, her husband and
her support runner Rhona, she was still going at a good pace and we chatted for a while. T and I
stopped at the top and looked around us, it was magical in a way. On our decent
into KLL we met a few others and it was great seeing lights in front of you
knowing that there were others out there too, on the same quest. It is here we
passed Lesley Halstead I think. I continued to eat something every 30min but by
now certain things caused a bit of nausea for a few minutes afterwards and I
had more gels and jelly babies when I felt I could not take anything else.
Thomas had brought a Snickers though and that went down well. Then his phone
rang and it was Maya Lukas from Germany who had been following my progress
throughout the day. As we walked down first Thomas and then I chatted to her
and before I knew it we had reached the bridge. Thanks Maya! I reached the KLL
checkpoint after 24 hours.
(Photo by Heather Kangley)
(Photo by Heather Kangley)
KINLOCHLEVEN
(Photos by Shelley Marsh)
What a buzz there was in the hall! Suddenly
there were so many people, marshals, runners, support crews, it was incredible.
Peter Duggan was there wishing me well for my last section. It was great to see
him. John K was also there and excited to see me again. Caroline’s parents and support.
And of course my whole support team had gathered. After resting a bit in FW
Katrina was now going to “run” the whole last section with me, and Yvonne had
decided to join her! Then for Lundavra they had decided everyone was going to
come, even Nancy as I wasn’t going to be running but just trying to keep a fast
walk going.
I got weighed by Julie, put another pair of
longer trousers on, another upper layer too and kept my proper Goretex walking
jacket on (which I had not taken off since Auchtertyre). Of course there was
more soup, in fact I finished it off here. Nancy had been informed my feet were
“a mess” but when she looked at them here she was not that impressed! Yes,
there were some blisters, yes there was some trench foot, but the skin wasn’t coming
off so off you go! We left KLL and made our way up to the Lairig Mor. It is
this section that I found the hardest. It was dark, the path was so uneven that
it really hurt and I was finally getting tired. At times I felt a bit dizzy and
was not sure if it was a lack of energy, too much caffeine or just the lack of
sleep. K+Y had more coke for me, reminded me to take something every 30min and
tried to take my mind of my aching feet. We bumped into Colin Knox at the
Wilderness Rescue point and were all gathered for a photo. It was lovely as the
flares were giving off light and warmth. We continued and it felt a long way
until we passed the ruins. My toes had kicked a few stones by then and I had
felt new blisters forming. Y told me that some people stamp their feet to burst
them! I thought the rocks would probably take care of that and did not want to
do it myself. I could not wait until it became lighter but not yet! We passed
the next rescue point. Then I could make out what is left from the forest. Katrina
decided to run ahead to inform them of our arrival. Then at last it got light
enough for me to take the head torch off. What a relief! And I could even still
see a small fire burning, the famous Lundavra fire. A great sight.
LUNDAVRA
Thomas had parked the car near the path and
for the last time I sat in the chair, shoes emptied of gravel, Vaseline on, hot
tea and everyone was ready to take on the last section. I was going to get my
goblet!
In very good spirits we all left Lundavra
apart from Thomas who had to drive the car back. We joked that he was probably
glad not having to spend the next 6-7M with 5 girls. In fact not soon after we
set off we caught 2 guys who turned round and said they had heard us from a far
distance. They let us pass very easily glad to be out of our ear shot. By then
some hallucinations had set in, I saw sheep where there were rocks, male
statues (from behind!) where there were trees, a football, but I could not
comply with Nancy’s demand to bring about a Brad Pitt hallucination. Maybe
because I don’t like him! There was some singing, lots of laughing and we
reached the forest section. I had taken a craving to Fruit Pastilles and ate
all of Heather’s. Luckily Nancy also had some and I kept eating those. The
steep steps by then were something else as I had to lean on 2 to get down as
the pressure was so sore on my feet. I was still ok walking uphill at a good
pace. Time passed quickly and I could see the final climb ahead onto the forest
road. This was it!
Up that hill and suddenly we are at the top of the forest road. I can’t believe it. I had paused here only a few weeks ago on our training run and imagined me standing there during the race. Here I was. I had in fact (nearly) done it. It was then that I asked what the time was for the 1st time, 5:30 am. I asked Katrina if I could get to the finish in under 30min and she said No. Don’t spoil it now by chasing a time. Just enjoy. Great advice and I continued happily along. I really could not run downhill as the pounding was too sore but I could still walk ok. We turned a corner and saw 2 others in front of us. Heather was encouraging me to keep walking fast to reel them in. We turned another corner and saw 2 more. Come on, do it for us! What choice did I have? So on we went and caught up with John Duncan who had got injured but was still in good spirits so close to the end. At 6am we were above the caravan park in Glen Nevis where I knew a friend was staying and celebrating his last Munro and birthday. I had the idea to phone him and everyone was in agreement that it was a good idea! So I woke him up and we all sang Happy Birthday to him. He decided to come out of his bed and meet us at Braveheart. We turned another corner and I saw more runners ahead and feared I was told to catch them up too. Turned out there was no-one there, just another hallucination. I had 3 pee stops on this section alone and it was difficult to ensure we weren’t suddenly caught up again in a rather embarrassing situation.
Up that hill and suddenly we are at the top of the forest road. I can’t believe it. I had paused here only a few weeks ago on our training run and imagined me standing there during the race. Here I was. I had in fact (nearly) done it. It was then that I asked what the time was for the 1st time, 5:30 am. I asked Katrina if I could get to the finish in under 30min and she said No. Don’t spoil it now by chasing a time. Just enjoy. Great advice and I continued happily along. I really could not run downhill as the pounding was too sore but I could still walk ok. We turned a corner and saw 2 others in front of us. Heather was encouraging me to keep walking fast to reel them in. We turned another corner and saw 2 more. Come on, do it for us! What choice did I have? So on we went and caught up with John Duncan who had got injured but was still in good spirits so close to the end. At 6am we were above the caravan park in Glen Nevis where I knew a friend was staying and celebrating his last Munro and birthday. I had the idea to phone him and everyone was in agreement that it was a good idea! So I woke him up and we all sang Happy Birthday to him. He decided to come out of his bed and meet us at Braveheart. We turned another corner and I saw more runners ahead and feared I was told to catch them up too. Turned out there was no-one there, just another hallucination. I had 3 pee stops on this section alone and it was difficult to ensure we weren’t suddenly caught up again in a rather embarrassing situation.
THE END
Finally there were 2 real figures ahead,
turned out it was Andreas who we had just woken up and Thomas. We were close to
the car park.
We passed George Reid and Karen waiting for John and were on the road. I could not and would not run but said I would run in from the roundabout. We passed the 30MPH sign. At the roundabout they all went ahead to leave me alone and I was falling into a slow jog.
This is it. I suddenly see Marco, Debbie and Sharon running towards me and start to cry. They cheer me on, I try to keep it together a bit longer, into the car park, towards the steps, high 5 to John K, up the steps, touch the door!
We passed George Reid and Karen waiting for John and were on the road. I could not and would not run but said I would run in from the roundabout. We passed the 30MPH sign. At the roundabout they all went ahead to leave me alone and I was falling into a slow jog.
This is it. I suddenly see Marco, Debbie and Sharon running towards me and start to cry. They cheer me on, I try to keep it together a bit longer, into the car park, towards the steps, high 5 to John K, up the steps, touch the door!
FINISHED! Tears of course, lots of hugs,
congratulations, last weigh-in and I sit down. I have done it! As incredible as
it seems, I am here, at the finish. 29 hours and 34 minutes after setting off
from Milngavie I have reached Fort William on foot.
Small video clip of my finish and
prizegiving to come. So far we have raised over £500 for Ardgowan Hospice and
more is coming in now that I have done it!
Thank you to everyone involved!
