Feeling positive (Week 22 - 9 to go)

Arran Mountain Rescue team vehicle - thank goodness it's not for me.

This week its’ all about being positive and staying upbeat about the training, not to mention enjoying running in the sunshine for a change (well one day anyway). With so little time left I really need to work harder on the hill which is not helped by the snow that persists on the tops.

Coastguard Helicopter on same call out

But Monday I decided to take a stunning run part way up Goatfell – only part way to keep to my plan of just doing 8k but with some good height gain.  The day was glorious blue skies and white capped mountains, the conditions couldn’t be better for those prepared.  Unfortunately someone had had a mishap further up near the summit and the Arran Mountain Rescue Team along with the Coastguard Helicopter were in full attendance successfully making sure the casualty and other walkers were brought to safety.  A timely reminder of how dangerous the mountains can be especially when they look so beautiful.  And why I carry my back pack even when running (see blog 3 – what’s in the bag).

Beautiful but still winter conditions on the tops.

But I had one of those rare joyous moments (usually followed by a fall) when I ran past a couple of women walking up the fell and they commented on how impressed they were that I was running! I even managed to gasp a ‘hello’ as I went past – thank goodness it wasn’t on too steep a bit – and I continued on my way.  Needless to say I passed them again on the way down and asked them to take a photo of me and Watson and while we were chatting Watson managed to blot his copy book by raiding one of their rucksacks and stealing some hobnobs.  My legs were like jelly when I’d finished but I had really enjoyed the run.

The more familiar cold wind and rain

Tuesdays recovery run was back to the usual rain and cold wind along the lovely Loch Iorsa track – a rugged path, exposed to the elements and with two very cold fords to cross, just to make sure the feet get really cold.

Thursday was cross training on the mountain bike with a quick blast around my favourite short trail.  And I have to say the hill felt easier this week (must have had a tail wind).  And then another short run on Friday but with some height gain, again raining and cold and the plan was nailed this week.

Weeks activity 6^th – 12^th March :

Sunday – Rest day

Monday –  Trail run 8.07k / 329m height gain.

Tuesday – Trail run 5k / 59m height gain

Wednesday –  Rest day

Thursday – Mountain bike 8.16k / 173m height gain

Friday – Trail run 4.09k / 101m height gain

Saturday – Rest day

(Goatfell Race 15.5km / 870m)