tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49109895337386059272024-03-05T08:28:45.214+00:00Rob SoutarThe Long RunRob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-9705065323870250032018-11-12T11:53:00.000+00:002018-11-12T19:03:23.385+00:00Time of the seasonSeason 2018<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThVv5EreWemkPACz4dzKNm0-tvv2oxjDyllS3Uq01mGGLRPxyuQxPu0a7FAx7gTBfxPsGIye3Y24Bc-eXUU4CshU_NZPtX4AHlxGiNlYBkWD0fxhUrCjB3cXVDkdQTNmLChfq4sG3_qk/s1600/IMG_0697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThVv5EreWemkPACz4dzKNm0-tvv2oxjDyllS3Uq01mGGLRPxyuQxPu0a7FAx7gTBfxPsGIye3Y24Bc-eXUU4CshU_NZPtX4AHlxGiNlYBkWD0fxhUrCjB3cXVDkdQTNmLChfq4sG3_qk/s200/IMG_0697.jpg" width="111" /></a>It was a new season and hopes of emulating the previous years marathon times were quickly gone as my first race of the year arrived, Loch Katrine, we had just got over the worst weather the country had seen in a few years with a severe artic blast hitting the UK known as the beast of the East this was followed by it's little brother, the mini beast from the East, when it hit on race day morning Facebook Messenger was busy, many folk asking the question is the race being cancelled or are we really going out in those weather conditions.<br />
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I remember people on Facebook saying that it was too dangerous to travel, we decided to go for it, Andy picked up Sam, Me and Gerry, as we drove through Cumbernauld we thought we must be mad looking at the outside conditions however we arrived okay, most races took the option to cancel for safety reasons but Audrey's background of running around the world in many challenging conditions meant she had the event up and Running.<br />
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Soon we were away, some underfoot parts meant you had to be careful on the road out to Stronalachar, as we approached 11 miles near the turn just past Glengyle a strong wind started to pick up which we would have to run into until we reached the finish line, after leaving the halfway point i was still sitting tight to the eventual winner, we continued working away together until he opened up a gap which just seemed to get bigger and bigger towards the end however i managed to hold on to second spot in 3:02:10 but it was a race where you could have been forgiven for pulling out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbt41L_5PAPWM1FT9uL9Fuqym6ea5Nx4P0s3I7zwiTHiN3gfLG4CiVZGAuuo0Xt3G5km4z03BQ7l5Vvh1vN3k9QJ4hl9u_VNs2sZAV7geBWRbMpW2h51ECvb71ICTd9ssVd2X70Uhong/s1600/501891a9-fbd8-41ec-8f59-cb6c1dc09a88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbt41L_5PAPWM1FT9uL9Fuqym6ea5Nx4P0s3I7zwiTHiN3gfLG4CiVZGAuuo0Xt3G5km4z03BQ7l5Vvh1vN3k9QJ4hl9u_VNs2sZAV7geBWRbMpW2h51ECvb71ICTd9ssVd2X70Uhong/s200/501891a9-fbd8-41ec-8f59-cb6c1dc09a88.jpg" width="200" /></a>April had arrived and It was on to my second Marathon, back to London, this time the weather forecasters were predicting the warmest London Marathon ever, they weren't wrong, i had travelled to the race start that morning with Gerry and Michael Craig, two well established VLM runners, we headed off into the GFA pend and settled down to wait to get called to the start, we met Kelvin Dickinson, another seasoned marathon runner who joined us for a chat.<br />
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The time past quickly and we were soon standing on the start line, as the temperature started to rise many people would be seen later struggling in the heat, my race plan was going fine until around 10 miles when i seemed to pick up a strain in my left Quad, by the time i reached 16 miles it was still there but not enough to tell me to stop, i continued on and by 21 it was starting to get worse any hopes of a sub 3 hour were steadily disappearing and it was a case of damage limitation by just getting over that finish line, the last mile was starting to hurt and i eventually hobbled home in 3:03:51, looking back on the BBC iPlayer i could see how much that really hurt, thankfully i finished but for others they would not be so lucky including Gerry who had to pull out at around 14 miles with stomach issues, Michael would finish not too far behind me in 3:07:50.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV-SDcYt4EuEvDSmGg8s-GPTD4kM0AYTaHrF46hL1axM45irK5mAshimxXBVeOBn22Nr5BkWXp4D3cQGmbbwgwLqTX3-VkflSNMhwL-xL94v5ZVh9of4ptWVocfSrQDLq3iK-cGt6pOU/s1600/Monk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qmm6Ld_nl_6zAhouyOhQTRLtaqgT80GNgpqhJ57CkvpfGdRMHiWiaFoE9hEpgmjf44OoLYIH5HfLtQJJWZW3x-ZZTpEFJ40T8lrkdcAvVUjMILNMPnWCplwlpy2PmTe1fup6qE9j_jY/s1600/Monk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="715" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qmm6Ld_nl_6zAhouyOhQTRLtaqgT80GNgpqhJ57CkvpfGdRMHiWiaFoE9hEpgmjf44OoLYIH5HfLtQJJWZW3x-ZZTpEFJ40T8lrkdcAvVUjMILNMPnWCplwlpy2PmTe1fup6qE9j_jY/s200/Monk1.jpg" width="148" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="715" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV-SDcYt4EuEvDSmGg8s-GPTD4kM0AYTaHrF46hL1axM45irK5mAshimxXBVeOBn22Nr5BkWXp4D3cQGmbbwgwLqTX3-VkflSNMhwL-xL94v5ZVh9of4ptWVocfSrQDLq3iK-cGt6pOU/s200/Monk2.jpg" width="148" /></div>
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I decided to enter the Monklands Half Marathon in May to try and get some speedwork back in to the legs, the last time time i ran the route was back in 1984, yes 34 years later i was back, turned out well as i was first vet 50 home in 8th place in 1:21:48.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXP8qR2auOos17UtAUQ3xUP7t2SyMR7EcFkf6WiJO19uxXjyNcjQbfV-m7oivZk3LnD0COrGRBkMaVswPJgr8xfEVfaZ2UHQEjlkgmHX21ffOnT20m3dyIic309DJzRdutLIjLtzUtGg/s1600/IMG_0386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXP8qR2auOos17UtAUQ3xUP7t2SyMR7EcFkf6WiJO19uxXjyNcjQbfV-m7oivZk3LnD0COrGRBkMaVswPJgr8xfEVfaZ2UHQEjlkgmHX21ffOnT20m3dyIic309DJzRdutLIjLtzUtGg/s200/IMG_0386.jpg" width="150" /></a>It was back to Strathearn in June for my third year on the bounce, a route that i have enjoyed despite how hilly it is, the conditions were good and with support throughout the route by Debs who was there cheering on Marco this seemed to make the race miles go by quicker, most of the race i had sat in the top three with both Marco and Roger VK leading, i managed to move into second place briefly for a spell just after 19 miles but soon found my self being overtaken by Marco with less than a mile to go finishing in third place in 2:52:55.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGelo5ples-XvTAVWZOk-8gqBzOXWze2b22MIMYlViup_T8INVFPy4jj8JfXOTuOT6LKtuE50lcy3qFm3eAuA-Ps8O9kOnJW4dB43C5Ez3l1BW3LpCdyllelWQQW2otIVWCKmWjxornA/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1592" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGelo5ples-XvTAVWZOk-8gqBzOXWze2b22MIMYlViup_T8INVFPy4jj8JfXOTuOT6LKtuE50lcy3qFm3eAuA-Ps8O9kOnJW4dB43C5Ez3l1BW3LpCdyllelWQQW2otIVWCKmWjxornA/s200/IMG_0591.jpg" width="198" /></a>The JL50 (John Lucas Memorial), anyone who has run this, and not many have will tell you it can be a tough 50 miles on tar with climbs and plenty of open countryside, it was typical of the ever present Grant Jeans who flew out of the traps from the start, that would be the last we saw him until crossing the Finish line, the first few miles past as me, Gerry and Marco chatted away, this started to break at the first checkpoint when i moved into second <br />
place , the weather throughout the route was a very wet one, i managed to maintain my 7:30 pace to come home second in 6:14:50 which would be a new Course PB for me, today it a reverse of rolls with Marco finishing in third spot.<br />
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I decided to change my plans for September my training buddy Sam had suggested the Lancaster Marathon so instead of going back to Loch Ness i headed south, Sam had got injured a few weeks before so this meant i would be running myself, conditions that morning were a wash out with heavy rain travelling down on the motorway also let up a short time before the start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7OmVDbvEhaOpL0wYwT1ciPYt5Dvy6h0TFdK0wm-CeilEqO1PLx8vNRNrvm2LqTjyKnKK-eAnGPR18EiossHWpxI00yrNhcGkym0rmmJC7SyaJin2lFpV5KCWY7G0kG38h0DN6DbvyN4/s1600/Lancaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7OmVDbvEhaOpL0wYwT1ciPYt5Dvy6h0TFdK0wm-CeilEqO1PLx8vNRNrvm2LqTjyKnKK-eAnGPR18EiossHWpxI00yrNhcGkym0rmmJC7SyaJin2lFpV5KCWY7G0kG38h0DN6DbvyN4/s200/Lancaster.jpg" width="150" /></a>The race takes three different out and backs where the millennium bridge remains the cross point each time and on the third cross you have around 2km left to run, the race is very flat with sections out in the open and some under trees, the race also incorporates a 10km which starts at the same time. soon we were off and i found myself sitting in the top 6 as we approached the bridge for the first time, this is where the 10km runners would leave us and head to the finish.<br />
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I could see the cyclist in the distance getting ready to take the marathon runners out on the second section as i approached everyone headed of leaving me at the front of the marathon, i continued to run how i felt and by halfway i was till leading and feeling fine, at 18 miles Sam gave me shout to say that i had opened up a lead as i started to head back on the last loop as i had returned back to the bridge for the last time it's funny how my legs could feel worse on flat ground but by know i was just wanting to get over the finish line, i approached the only climb on the course which runs all the way up and in through the castle gates, my legs started to buckle on the climb, Sam shouted to me to move as i had not far to go, i stopped and started to walk for a few seconds, just then Sam started shouting, that a runner fast approaching behind me, boy did that give me a wake up call, i got the legs moving and up over the climb managing to just hang on and take first place in 2:56:24, beating the second place runner by just six seconds, he must have worked hard on the last 8 miles to close me as Sam later tells me that i had two minutes at Eighteen miles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jN4Xe0ZM8QoMz6vDZsuY9qy-jhdXK_K1i07VcUHRoBnkuYMPXCOjfWKO495EZ2dqbuW0-FMdlT2sIiT8mbkMKCxhX0u1L9qPPaJrsapyWZeEM7u5sPKifTidNddwLObtVSvP1I69Cp8/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jN4Xe0ZM8QoMz6vDZsuY9qy-jhdXK_K1i07VcUHRoBnkuYMPXCOjfWKO495EZ2dqbuW0-FMdlT2sIiT8mbkMKCxhX0u1L9qPPaJrsapyWZeEM7u5sPKifTidNddwLObtVSvP1I69Cp8/s200/medal.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
It was now time to face my last race of the season, back to the forest for what would be my 4th and final visit to Zeil, anyone who has read my previous blogs will know the course profile, not one for getting a PB on but certainly challenges you, this years conditions were similar to 2014, a dry week in the lead up meant good underfoot and with highs of 12 degrees and sunshine made it perfect to race in. we were soon underway with the guys at the front storming off, i decided to sit in and work away going through halfway in just under 1:29, it is a course that will find you out if you do not train for it, the second lap started to take its toll between 34km and 38km and this would eventually see me home in 3:08:25, 9th position, my lowest placing in the event however the upside was that i remained consistent in taking the 1st V50 spot on the podium.<br />
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as another season draws to a close, it's time to start planning 2019<br />
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2018<br />
Dist<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Time<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Event<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Date Pos Category<br />
Mar<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 03:08:25<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Zeiler Waldermarathon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>10-Nov-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9th<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st Vet 50<br />
Mar<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 02:56:24<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Lancaster Castle Marathon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>16-Sep-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st Vet 50<br />
50M 06:14:50 John Lucas Memorial<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>12-Aug-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2nd<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st Vet 50<br />
Mar<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 02:52:55<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Strathearn Marathon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>10-Jun-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3rd<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st Vet 50<br />
Half<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 01:21:48<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Monklands Half Marathon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>13-May-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8th<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st Vet 50<br />
Mar<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 03:03:51<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Virgin London Marathon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>22-Apr-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mar<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 03:02:10<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Loch Katrine Marathon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>19-Mar-18<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2nd<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1st Vet 50<br />
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<br />Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-38175147489516962992017-11-15T17:43:00.001+00:002017-11-15T18:55:57.530+00:00Back to Zeil<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEWJ8YcFUG8BpjtmGKC8lvIkpmbXQu9bLXPoS8NrPsQesMg7Dwf25RKpK4a2s9Y0JQ35Dy6Mx_GgBurqE7qIcbebj7NGC4PflOzo6gbx_SGpKBDDpYof_SeLUrOHUvr1855PifUUM0JY/s1600/IMG_5864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEWJ8YcFUG8BpjtmGKC8lvIkpmbXQu9bLXPoS8NrPsQesMg7Dwf25RKpK4a2s9Y0JQ35Dy6Mx_GgBurqE7qIcbebj7NGC4PflOzo6gbx_SGpKBDDpYof_SeLUrOHUvr1855PifUUM0JY/s200/IMG_5864.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Wine</td></tr>
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For the last three years out of four, i have finished of my season with the Zeiler Waldmarathon, for anyone not sure where or what type of Marathon it is let me give you some idea, Zeil am Main is a small village which dates back to 1018 AD, every November the local Marathon takes place in the "Wald" which means forest above Zeil. Registration takes place on the Friday evening and for a short period of time before the race on the Saturday, morning in the local school, entry costs around 20 euros, the race is chip timed and you get a local bottle of non alcohol beer from the local Goller brewery, A local bus which is free takes you to and from the start/finish which is a five minute drive away, once you complete the race, you take your number back during the prize giving where you are given a litre of white wine (alcoholic) before joining the prize giving. in Europe the awards are very good as the prizes are given in 5 year increments for the first 3 male and female in all events.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0RoqeqIA2eVvYaxvqh-6TrxheTE7NbN_f6gOhYjsDIgWvEllO_d4-xDdpj8Z5mooH6gB-19if5yj-NZyIIxSaltNDQfSe-JajesduW6Ovz86itUu0ozuQIDb-_4ER7U1xR0hsWB8NlQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0RoqeqIA2eVvYaxvqh-6TrxheTE7NbN_f6gOhYjsDIgWvEllO_d4-xDdpj8Z5mooH6gB-19if5yj-NZyIIxSaltNDQfSe-JajesduW6Ovz86itUu0ozuQIDb-_4ER7U1xR0hsWB8NlQ/s200/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course Profile - Strava</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSHznpXBQ2HxHFupaMFDLEYJQPFkPGeH_ciYtPpN3cjYeLpFBpfDYc81xoXp5wvVsoBOmdcenFNCiV2GHzsPrypXDyIaNFXFQV0fNDx_A9AWFhF04zvIRJB0a2V9x22Bh92h2lde1IEs/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSHznpXBQ2HxHFupaMFDLEYJQPFkPGeH_ciYtPpN3cjYeLpFBpfDYc81xoXp5wvVsoBOmdcenFNCiV2GHzsPrypXDyIaNFXFQV0fNDx_A9AWFhF04zvIRJB0a2V9x22Bh92h2lde1IEs/s200/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How it looks in the snow</td></tr>
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Due to the time of year and location the weather in Bavaria is very changeable you can go from sun to minus temperatures and snow (see picture), this year the course was very boggy due to the previous few days of rain combined with the Marathon (two loops), Half Marathon and Nordic walks.<br />
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Travelling to Zeil, you have to take the train from the airport into Munich City Centre then another train out to Bamberg before changing again for the final train (4 travelling back on a Sunday), it may seem like a long journey when your reading this but the rail network is great that the journey is not an issue.<br />
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We arrived on the Friday as usual and checked in to the local hotel which is less that five minutes walk to registration, we caught up with local organisers at the school who have been overseeing the event for many years, then it was off for a meal and a few pre race beers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMp_OYE8A16AW0zENrLL_4CUoadQY5Hhn7sTXFvq3EdHVhWENXT5ugpwf3K6e4amOHyCeecFQvVlAL5CvEvBi_jqblLW440iJNxCzWAKcEcaRKD4c8W4QqDn7ZphyphenhyphenlpkVGV2LAFobrLk/s1600/Q1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMp_OYE8A16AW0zENrLL_4CUoadQY5Hhn7sTXFvq3EdHVhWENXT5ugpwf3K6e4amOHyCeecFQvVlAL5CvEvBi_jqblLW440iJNxCzWAKcEcaRKD4c8W4QqDn7ZphyphenhyphenlpkVGV2LAFobrLk/s320/Q1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Quick Glass of Cola</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu3Ok14mvqR9psdlsbBUOK4eRrBXLIxJ4YXQSAkT9PEi6OISzqKcuvpVu5wUK3L1GO44YtfMEkTT5FCRE12NqO1YOfpKSbBldQeDhs1pM7o2Xxf5Yvr2djp9wZ8NATH9CBSVxHLb8dew/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu3Ok14mvqR9psdlsbBUOK4eRrBXLIxJ4YXQSAkT9PEi6OISzqKcuvpVu5wUK3L1GO44YtfMEkTT5FCRE12NqO1YOfpKSbBldQeDhs1pM7o2Xxf5Yvr2djp9wZ8NATH9CBSVxHLb8dew/s200/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy, Sam and Me (L - R)</td></tr>
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On Race day it was down for some breakfast before heading for the bus to the start, after the usual customary photos and a quick chat with Adam Zahoran (2nd in WHW to James Stewart) it was time to step up to the line, Adam had said that there was some good ultra runners taking part this year, German 50k and 100k champs including Adam who had run and won the 100 miles four weeks earlier. the race which is two loops within the forest has over 2680 ft of climbing, a quick countdown and we were off, Adam sat in the lead with Neils Bubel who runs around 3 hours for 50k and Giovani Gonzales who ran just over 7 hours for the 100k in August, the leaders were away like gazelles floating over the course and the rest of us sat in content to get to the finish, as the kilometres started to tick away over the boggy underfoot conditions the rain came on, i was sitting in 7th place for the first 21km when i came through to start the second lap i saw Adam standing, he has decided that 4 weeks was not enough recovery for the underfoot conditions and profile of the course, i had now moved into 6th then around 25km i moved into 5th spot where i would stay as i crossed the finish line.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKn7DKQm6_0yolGAIEi-JuxXzdWf-RRzTQtY1Ga7kx9Dw9xFqnKXdMfB83dgJc2zrQo-LW9n6ICTIIquBpp8Jn_yapLieJkYIVCzrzS2AJtKguFE7hR3A-YY46_j-QxQZucr8Nqex3yw/s1600/Q7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKn7DKQm6_0yolGAIEi-JuxXzdWf-RRzTQtY1Ga7kx9Dw9xFqnKXdMfB83dgJc2zrQo-LW9n6ICTIIquBpp8Jn_yapLieJkYIVCzrzS2AJtKguFE7hR3A-YY46_j-QxQZucr8Nqex3yw/s200/Q7.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21km</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOZz391R6zVWvGgGJIRkMq6rkajzf2Odpj9BbACAiIQnAubvQfAineRiDEzxWSKc6wbWkTmXRmTpoLa9eW9SyqC44pbyisGIlw3IjG2oQ3rvd-nThJln7vCOZhHhJv6votYXpY26-VMY/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOZz391R6zVWvGgGJIRkMq6rkajzf2Odpj9BbACAiIQnAubvQfAineRiDEzxWSKc6wbWkTmXRmTpoLa9eW9SyqC44pbyisGIlw3IjG2oQ3rvd-nThJln7vCOZhHhJv6votYXpY26-VMY/s200/IMG_5877.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's the Man</td></tr>
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This years medal turned out to very very special, Sam who i train with and speaks great German has been travelling to this race for many years due to the friendship he has struck up with the organisers, which included a piper playing at our awards in 2014 and Sam running in a kilt in 2015 and now this year his photograph from 2016 was the picture for this years medal, not something you normally see but at this event they pick a runner or a group each year for the following years medal, well done Sam.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeil_am_Main" target="_blank">Zeil_am_Main</a>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-9909240248607152912017-11-06T21:21:00.002+00:002017-11-06T21:41:33.213+00:00In My Minds Eye - Funny How Time Flies<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not one for regular posts on my running or training, you only need to look at the last time i posted below yep, April 2016, whats happened since then, here is a fly by to take you quickly through 2016 and catch up with where i am in 2017.</span></span></h2>
<h3>
<u>2016</u></h3>
<ul>
<li>Hoka Highland Fling, 53 Miles, Position 32nd, 1st Vet 50 and a new course PB for me in 08:50:18</li>
<li>Strathearn Marathon, Position 5th, 1st Vet 50 and a Marathon PB in 2:53:43</li>
<li>John Lucas Memorial, 50 Miles, Position 2nd, 1st Vet 50 in 6:38</li>
<li>River Ayr Way Challenge, 40 Miles, Position 5th, 1st vet 50 in 5:23</li>
<li>Zeiler Waldermarathon, Position 7th, 1st Vet 50 in 3:15:53</li>
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All in all i cannot complain 5 Ultras, 2 Marathons (1 in the forest), finishing 1st Vet 50 in all races i entered with 2 podium spots and 2 PBs.</div>
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i decided that 2017 would be different, i wanted to step back from ultras to see if i could improve on my marathon times after all i ain't getting any younger so i thought what better time at 52 to try and see what the year would bring.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Loch Katrine Marathon - 19th March 2017</u>:</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC6aIibqI3u42YqMF9INTaiMTRxCDP9p4ePAfgCW6-p-X_npAFA8s8mA5XEFfWayuYwh3AK8-JcymW7HRkYhV-Kz6MGt71-Jr_mYxEDTVTSiYh34SEFh4-oUWvsI3FCjEdD3WG9AN4Jk/s1600/LK3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC6aIibqI3u42YqMF9INTaiMTRxCDP9p4ePAfgCW6-p-X_npAFA8s8mA5XEFfWayuYwh3AK8-JcymW7HRkYhV-Kz6MGt71-Jr_mYxEDTVTSiYh34SEFh4-oUWvsI3FCjEdD3WG9AN4Jk/s320/LK3.jpeg" width="212" /></a>My training was going reasonably well for December taking me nicely into January, during a chance <br />
meeting out running i bumped in to Andy Callan who i have known for many years during our time at Springburn Harriers, we shared some miles when unfortunately a trip over Andy's foot at a road crossing would cause me to break 2 ribs leading to just over six weeks being side lined. My first race was fast approaching,<br />
Loch Katrine which was to be a stepping stone for the VLM (Virgin London Marathon) which was 6 weeks later, i wasn't sure if i was going to be ready in time, race day arrived and we started off at a steady pace which i settled in with Gerry Craig and the Neil Barton that he beat the year all was going reasonably well for me, Gerry dropped off slightly as i sat in 2nd place for most of the race, similar to the year before i passed the leader Neil Barton roughly at the same spot Gerry did in 2016, the race would finish in that order with me crossing the line in 02:58:29, with Neil taking second in 03:00:34, Stephen Rowntree in third and Gerry in 4th.</div>
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<a href="http://www.audreymcintosh.co.uk/loch-katrine-2014-race-results/" target="_blank">http://www.audreymcintosh.co.uk/loch-katrine-2014-race-results/</a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><u>Virgin London Marathon - 23rd April 2017</u>:</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOM-lWvbj3Gfa4-v-sASQitbJNKz1ZYqcVqm9xif4g7M38DLou7pqxWp8WpvmBp0ijVizYYtceEu1ne6h171Pq6w1mXNRmIsWnDqbrTJBMqJTj_14QVNX0n3wrrh-DkKlpTsw5dECpTA/s1600/IMG_5844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOM-lWvbj3Gfa4-v-sASQitbJNKz1ZYqcVqm9xif4g7M38DLou7pqxWp8WpvmBp0ijVizYYtceEu1ne6h171Pq6w1mXNRmIsWnDqbrTJBMqJTj_14QVNX0n3wrrh-DkKlpTsw5dECpTA/s320/IMG_5844.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackheath </td></tr>
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six weeks later and it was on to my "A" race, the VLM, it was all down to Strathearn Marathon the year before that would get me the qualifying time for a GFA place (Good For Age), i arrived in London and stayed in Paddington over the weekend, on the morning of the race i met up with Mark Ashby and Alex Potter as we travelled out to the start at Blackheath, both are seasoned VLM runners, as we arrived i met some familiar faces, Sandra Beattie and Gavin Harvie. the conditions were perfect and the adrenaline was pumping, we were called to the start line and then we were off, as the coloured groups started to merge it was amazing for a first timer, conditions seemed to get warmer as the miles passed, the crowds were amazing and time was flying by, my planned 5km splits were on target and before i knew it i was approaching Big Ben, it would not belong before the finish line would arrive, i was absolutely delighted when i turned on to the Mall to see that i was on for another Marathon PB time, which i managed to cross the line in 2:49:23.</div>
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<a href="https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/event-info/" target="_blank">https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/event-info/</a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Strathearn Marathon -11th June 2017</u>:</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimouvViG24EfjYn7cHDbXT_7Nq0egtifZctkxIqrg17Hm4OtIpM1m-3u_SalckP392QNkdBl3jnbYnnGDA6nGMgYYwYg6YJZa6KpqOoqOFOLTqe2XXlw6m7tFPsk2u8qC1F37Yb9mBPew/s1600/IMG_5830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimouvViG24EfjYn7cHDbXT_7Nq0egtifZctkxIqrg17Hm4OtIpM1m-3u_SalckP392QNkdBl3jnbYnnGDA6nGMgYYwYg6YJZa6KpqOoqOFOLTqe2XXlw6m7tFPsk2u8qC1F37Yb9mBPew/s320/IMG_5830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right - 2nd, 1st and 3rd</td></tr>
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Again it was six weeks after VLM and i was back at Strathearn again for a second consecutive year on what is a very tough course, i bumped into Gavin Harvie again on the start line who was using it as part of his WHW training. Conditions were ideal compared to the previous year where it poured the whole race and was freezing cold at the end, Ian Beattie got the race started, off we went and it wasn't long before the race came down to 2 runners sharing the miles me and local runner Rich Myres who i met the year before when he finished in 3rd spot and me in 5th and a PB We were neck and neck up to the 25 mile marker but Rich managed to find another gear and open a gap on me finishing in 02:50:48, i held on for 2nd place crossing the line in a course PB of 2:51:2, around 30 seconds behind but nearly 2 minutes and 20 seconds faster than my time from the year before.</div>
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<u><a href="http://www.strathearnharriers.org.uk/racing/club-races/strathearn-marathon/race-results-and-records" target="_blank">http://www.strathearnharriers.org.uk/racing/club-races/strathearn-marathon/race-results-and-records</a></u></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Clyde Stride Ultra Marathon - 15th July 2017</u>:</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjy22R72gr2sOw3ZdEra2Qppquvttg5n65cphbCCvAiHPOrhsFxgnc_0Kv0ubqjCO3YIyMDd1w13k09P4r-10synL92KVaV8NJ9JovdPW9Il8C2jfcltaDC_Vordrg334upWb0eyBWPw/s1600/CS40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjy22R72gr2sOw3ZdEra2Qppquvttg5n65cphbCCvAiHPOrhsFxgnc_0Kv0ubqjCO3YIyMDd1w13k09P4r-10synL92KVaV8NJ9JovdPW9Il8C2jfcltaDC_Vordrg334upWb0eyBWPw/s1600/CS40.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CS40 - CP1</td></tr>
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I decided to enter the CS in December as my only ultra of the year, the plan was to use it to keep me ticking over prior to going on holiday a few days later, the race was again the six week recovery after Strathearn, seemed to be working well, conditions again were also perfect, it was the usual hello to the many people at registration whom i have gotten to know over the many years of ultra running, after the customary pre race speech, the race went off at the usual blistering pace with Grant Jeans leading the way followed by Craig Reid and myself, Grant was later to pull out with David McLure coming through to win in 04:52 with Craig in second in 04:54, Steven Porteous who would catch me with under a mile to go finishing in 3rd with a time of 05:01:03 and then myself in 4th in a time of 5:06 which would give me the 12th fastest time over the course and fastest non podium place finisher ever.</div>
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<a href="http://clydestride.webnode.com/" target="_blank">http://clydestride.webnode.com/</a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Loch Ness Marathon - 24th September 2017</u>:</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9LsP_5lgm1_cxiykOwh3byPByYGhY5nBdwR8OPu5Uop_cSkkElh1Iv4ECSI3E0tJlACagIHD26CR9tu4JGbWMYS65EV172mtQR00TfavhC5pHEKBLnLDTNSfHQ46X_VwuBNJdWl8EGY/s1600/IMG_5720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9LsP_5lgm1_cxiykOwh3byPByYGhY5nBdwR8OPu5Uop_cSkkElh1Iv4ECSI3E0tJlACagIHD26CR9tu4JGbWMYS65EV172mtQR00TfavhC5pHEKBLnLDTNSfHQ46X_VwuBNJdWl8EGY/s320/IMG_5720.jpg" width="240" /></a>I decided at the closing point of entries to go for the Loch Ness Marathon, i was aware that my training partner Gerry Craig had also entered and was heading up with the family for the weekend so i knew that we would share some of the distance together, Gerry kindly invited me to join him, Linda and Andrew for a meal the night before with a couple of pre fuel beers. i met Gerry at his hotel early doors on race day and we travelled to get the bus to the start, whilst on the long journey around the Loch out to the start, the rain came down, we eventually arrived at the start, for anyone who has never ran this event, you are out in the middle of nowhere on a hilly road with no shelter from the wind and rain. </div>
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Brian Burnett who was starting the race soon got it underway, the race has a fast start due to the first mile being downhill followed with plenty of climbs and a killer hill thrown in at mile 19, me and Gerry worked away well with a small gap opening between us just before half way, i was through in 1:21:00 and i think Gerry in around 1:22:44, the second half was certainly tough as i tried to concentrate on running down the miles, as i arrived back in to the town centre, Linda and Andrew gave me a shout as i crossed the river back on to the other side which was around 1km left to run, i could hear the tannoy system calling out the finishers names as i was getting closer to the finish line, i received a shout out from Gavin Harvie (he's stalking me this season), lol, he was working at the expo, this probably gave me the wee kick i needed right at the end to get me in with another Marathon PB, all be it 7 seconds as i could see the clock heading towards my London Time. </div>
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<u><a href="http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/results/1/2017/" target="_blank">http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/results/1/2017/</a></u></div>
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Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-16085285033945822822016-04-04T23:57:00.000+01:002018-05-04T22:26:02.554+01:00Glasgow to Edinburgh Double Marathon (GEDM)It was shortly after my race in January, Country to Capital, 43 miles from Wendover to London finishing at the end of the Grand Union Canal in Paddington that back home people were starting to become interested in the Anglo Celtic Plate being held on Easter Sunday in Perth, Scotland not the one in Australia, decisions to make should i enter or consider going back to do Glasgow to Edinburgh, for me there really only one choice, to go back and do the GEDM.<br />
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I arranged for my crew from last year to provide support, Sam Green and Andy Hegarty, they would supply me with all i need at the less busy points, i arrived at Ruchill Park and got my number, walking back to the car i had a chat with David Alan, David is a really focused runner with a never say die attitude, we had a quick chat before heading on to the start line, a quick hello to Alan Mooney and Mark Ashby, i ran with Mark a few weeks earlier and also got a run with on the canal with Gerry Craig, Barry Johnstone was out on his run and took time to pop down to wish me all the best, a top bloke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6JEjIWXq_aj-DlfbIb4PCeP2F7kHU5h-ZVZFn7ADC0qXOZjdssECNm5eUXLNQd5wLoR_iaZJ5wCyalzwfqc_XKkwNZzFacW7KnF2WWAh3IiWSerirGtE6Tog9jHZNX3aB3ME6slUfBQ/s1600/GEDM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6JEjIWXq_aj-DlfbIb4PCeP2F7kHU5h-ZVZFn7ADC0qXOZjdssECNm5eUXLNQd5wLoR_iaZJ5wCyalzwfqc_XKkwNZzFacW7KnF2WWAh3IiWSerirGtE6Tog9jHZNX3aB3ME6slUfBQ/s320/GEDM1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We were called to the start, conditions were perfect, it was dry and no wind, then we were off, i was first on to the canal followed by unknown to me Lee Muir, he flew past me and opened a big gap, i continued along until around 9 miles when i had a pit stop and turned round to see Latvian Runner; Ruslans Sulga, we had a quick chat, he said he was staying in Forfar and had run Half Marathons, heading along the canal we met Susan and Terry Addison who gave me some kind words of support, shortly after Robert Rogerson appeared running towards us, he was just back from a virus and kept us company for a good half mile or so, Ruslans seemed to have a good turn of speed and started to open up a gap, i knew that i was running faster at this time than last year so i decided to just sit tight as i still had a long way to go and was not sure how good the front runners where.<br />
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I went through Checkpoint 1, 13 miles (21.1km) in around 1:32, time was passing very quickly and before i knew it i was at checkpoint 2 (Falkirk Wheel), 23 Miles (35.8km) when i caught up with Ruslans who had stopped for his drop bags, we both climbed up the hill and through the tunnel, again he put the foot down after leaving the tunnel and opened up another gap at this point i still decided to sit tight, i went through Marathon in around 3:08 and 50km in 3:47 still feeling good i did not want to overdo things as i still had 24 miles left to go, passing through Linlithgow, 34 Miles (54.3 km), i knew that as long as i kept working away i was still on the target time i put in my entry form which was 7 hours, if the front guys are faster than that then there is nothing i could do, the next section to Broxburn, 42 miles (67.6km) seemed long as the underfoot kept changing from the newly laid tarred surface back to sections of natural trail, i knew that once under the motorway the last checkpoint, Ratho, 47 miles (76.1km) would not be far away, at this point i was told that the leaders were around 7 minutes ahead but i was not sure in what order, i decided not to get caught up in it and just started to count down the miles, my support were great they would appear from nowhere throughout the whole route but would always time it perfectly to find me (runners intuition), at Ratho i got lots of support from all the adults and kids out cycling, they kept me going for a couple of miles as we passed each other as they took a stop when a shower was threatening, 7, 6 and then 5, i went through the 50 miles in around 6:22 once crossing beside the Bypass i was counting down whilst remembering passing the points the year before, i was into the last mile and i could then see the finish buildings in site, i crossed the line in 7:03:29, still delighted and probably still one of the fastest 3rd place finishers, so i was still delighted.<br />
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I was greeted over the line by the one and only Sarah Self, 2 years running, a quick hug and a few snaps, i went over and congratulated both 2nd Lee who was sitting down and 1st, Ruslans who was on the massage table, both looked worse than me, lol, unfortunately i had to leave immediately so apologies to everyone behind me as i could not stay a while longer to see most cross the line as my phone was ringing in my pack along the last mile and a half, it was Angela to say that her mum was rushed into hospital but as i write this she is now out and back home.<br />
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<br />Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-76375335298739479792015-12-30T15:11:00.000+00:002016-01-01T11:12:44.009+00:00A Review of 2015 - Life begins at 50 - Me, Myself and GerryIt's that time of year when we say goodbye to one year and welcome in the next, for some its about what did or did not happen and for others its a new start or a new challenge, where resolutions are made and many are broken.<br />
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January arrived, i had come off the back of a successful 2014 campaign and really only wanted to keep the same momentum going, the first thing was to see out the Strava MTS, leading the board towards the end of the month and a 50th Birthday celebration ensued.<br />
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My first race arrived over the Easter weekend in the form of the Glasgow to Edinburgh Double Marathon, 55 Miles; this would be my tester for my race in May, i set off with Gerry Craig at a steady pace and eventually caught the two front runners Grant Jeans and Robert Turner,where i made some ground on Gerry and found myself crossing 1st over the finish Line in 6:51:20 and 6th fastest time recorded over the new distance.<br />
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The training continued without having any issues and May arrived, this was going to be my longest ever race, 145 miles from Birmingham to London, the GUCR or Grand Union Canal Race, as i was travelling down from Scotland most folk in the race come form England or Europe to take part so i <br />
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only knew names from Facebook, with the race under way at 6am, i met some very nice people along the way, Andy Horobin, Edward Batch, Paul Ali, John Knapp and Mimi Anderson to mention a few, i soon found myself on my own from 70 Miles to the 100 mark where i met Warwick Gooch, we ended up running together for the last 45 miles with some company in the form of buddy runners, Susie Chan (top triathlete) and Warwick's sister Shelley, we crossed the line jointly in 11th position in a time of 31 Hours and 39 Minutes.<br />
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After the GUCR i found it hard to get motivated and lost a lot of training days, it just so happened by chance on a local run one night that Gerry Craig drove by heading home, we chatted and before i knew it i was part of the JGS (Jordanhill Garden Supplies) relay team for the Cydestride in July. when race day arrived Alison went out on first followed by Duncan then me on third and Gerry on the anchor leg, the team came home in first position. it was during my wait on the third leg that i got talking to David Meldrum who offered me a place in the JL50 (John Lucas Memorial), i gladly sent away my entry fee.<br />
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The months were flying by and the summer had almost gone and we were now in August and myself and Gerry travelled through to the JL50, with near perfect conditions we were soon off, working together for the first 10 miles i was soon on my own until Gerry caught up with me around mile 41, by now i was struggling and this helped to get me through to the end, one that would bring its share on controversy as we both crossed the line together in joint first.<br />
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We were now into September and again i was in for one of my most attended races since taking up ultras, the RAW (River Ayr Way Challenge, a race that i had won the year before, i had arranged to pick up Jonny Pritchard who was staying in Glasgow after travelling down from Stornoway, i reckoned Jonny was in with a shout if he was making the long journey, the race set off and before i knew it Jonny and Willie <br />
Robertson had opened up a lead, i sat with Mark Caldwell and continued to work away until i saw that the front runners had taken a wrong turn, this is where i decided to pick things up and try and go for a second win on the course, i arrived home in first with a new course record followed by Richard Cooper and then Jonny in third.<br />
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The training continued through October and into November where i was about to run my first Half Marathon in many years, The Kirkintilloch Half, and a very tough course again the usual suspects were on the starting line, once the gun went the leader and winner just seemed to disappear into the distance leaving the myself and Alex Chalmers to see who could take the podium places, Alex came home in second followed by me in 3rd and in a sub 1:20 with Gerry very close behind in 4th.<br />
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November also saw the annual SUMS awards, again Gerry and i travelled through to Edinburgh, it had been quite a successful year for the both of us, me taking overall male winner and vet 50 and Gerry with second male along with the vet 40 and third in the short category and second in the long, James Stewart our other training partner took third overall male and first in the short category, all in all a good night for three good friends.<br />
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As the year draws to a close the only aims i had left were to reach the 4,000 miles in a year, something i narrowly missed out on in 2014 with 3,741, this was achieved with 3 days of the year remaining and currently on 4.033.94, my second was to pass last years Marcothon Miles total of 679.4 miles , i am currently on 660.68 this will be achieved on the final day of the year.<br />
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As i said at the start, its not about making resolutions, its about doing your best to be happy and healthy, best wishes for 2016 when it arrives.<br />
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<br />Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-49522915292845668512015-09-26T17:03:00.000+01:002015-09-27T17:41:56.453+01:00Back to the John Lucas Memorial 50 MilesThis would be my 3rd John Lucas, so far it has been one finish from 2013, which i won and again in 2014 where i pulled out after going wrong a couple of times with 38 miles in the legs, so i knew that i wanted to make amends for the previous year and do better in 2015, so fast forward to the Clyde Stride, i was running leg 3 which starts at Strathclyde Park when i got talking to David Meldrum, David has done a fantastic job with the event and i had mentioned that i planned to run so he advised me to get the entry in fast, so i did.<br />
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Race day arrived and i agreed to pick up Gerry Craig as he had kindly got me for the Clyde Stride Relay a few weeks earlier, we arrived at Strathaven and picked up our numbers, a quick chat to Greg Beattie running the event for the first time and a hello to Lee McLean, Helen and John Munro before. As we headed to the start i could see Grant Jeans in the distance, this year the race started on the main road so after David addressed the runners with the race brief we were off, Grant immediately went to the front but did not go off too fas compared to his tactics in the G2E earlier in the year, myself and Gerry just sat in close behind.<br />
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The event also offers a relay event which requires 5 in a team, good friend and training partner James Stewart had put a team in and at one stage i was in with a chance of possibly being part of the team, however the team picked remained the same which is why i ended up doing the whole thing, their loss as i could have bought them home even quicker, lol, seriously they blew the rest out the park, i am now putting a team together for next year, lol, anyway back to the race.<br />
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Within a half mile of Checkpoint one, we were met with the relay runners warming up, a quick hello to Barry johnstone who was part of Jame's Team Vambo just before we arrived at CP1, Grant still sitting in front of us crossed over to pick up his drink as he did we continued through the junction with a nice downhill section as i turned the bend, it was a quick hello to Janice Millar, i continued along and feeling good at this stage thought i would just work away and wait for Gerry and Grant to pull me back in, still a long way to go, this never seemed to happen possibly down to the fact that at this stage i was feeling good and managed to throw in seven sub seven minute miles before the next check point.<br />
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As i arrived in Stonehouse still feeling reasonably good, it was a quick hello to Lee McLean and David Waterman who filled my drinks bottle back up, i was away again, just around the corner i got a shout from another training partner, Stephen Schofield, i was now approaching Marathon distance, which i went through in around 3:10, this is where the race can find you out as the next section has some nice climbs, i continued to work away and was keen after leaving Larkhall to make sure that i do not go wrong again this year.<br />
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The next point took me through Glassford which is around 31 miles, i went in to the hall and refilled my bottle, i was now starting to feel the going tough, i was struggling bad in this section with cramps and feeling dehydrated i decided to try and tuff it out until i could reach, David Gow, part of the relay team came flying past me, Auldhouse which is 40 miles, so it was a bit of running and walking, Auldhouse just felt like it was never arriving, suddenly i could see the checkpoint in the distance and stopped for a five minutes to refill my bottle, a quick hello to Karen Robertson on Marshalling duties and a chat with David Mooney, David was my wing man back in 2013 when i ran the race and have a lot of respect for, anyway we got chatting and his super hero Partner Julie Docherty nipped in to the Auldhouse Arms (Local Pub) and came out with a can of coke for me, this would later see me through to the end.<br />
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I was now into the last ten miles, Davy was cycling the last section and was giving me encouragement to continue but i was still cramping and had not recovered from the dehydration, he advised me that Gerry was closing in and was now only around two minutes behind me, this section continues to climb until you reach the summit where the wind turbines are, i happened to look round at 42 Miles and saw Gerry working towards me, as he closed in i decided to have another go at trying to stay as close as possible so i tucked in and kept working away, as we started to head downhill i found myself with a wee gap opening to Gerry, with Davy continuing to give us both support at this stage.<br />
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We arrived neck and neck at the junction and knew there was around 5 miles left to go so i continued to sit just behind Gerry, at one point i said on you go Gerry but within a minute or so i thought to myself you cannot stop now some how i found another wind and managed to get back up beside Gerry, all this time Davy was still willing us both on, the times started to pick up as the miles started to disappear, by now it was nip and tuck with both of us taking up pole position, we were now into the last mile and still neck and neck, this was how it would end as we both crossed the line together, both of us were greeted by David, Sarah Self (SUMS best Helper) and Team Vambo, we later found out that Grant had dropped out again and both Gerry an i would record PBs.<br />
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A huge thanks goes to Gerry for making me work right to the end, to Davy for the encouragement to continue, Julie for the can of coke, this certainly worked it magic in the last miles and to David Meldrum for putting on another superb event.<br />
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<br />Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-90326129305870380702015-09-21T22:20:00.003+01:002015-09-21T22:32:37.682+01:00River Ayr Way ChallengeI had decide to enter the River Ayr Way Challenge only 2 days before entries closed, looking down the list of entries there was some decent names that i recognised immediately, Robert Turner, Grant Jeans, Jonny Pritchard, Mark Caldwell James Murray and Andrew Crichton,Glen Gemmell and Willie Robertson.<br />
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I had received a Facebook message from my friend James Stewart asking if i could give Jonny Pritchard a lift as he was travelling down from Stornoway and staying over in Glasgow. I picked up Jonny at 6am outside his hotel and we headed for Ayr, we arrived first in the car park i could see Anneke at the back of the van so we went over and i introduced Jonny as we got our numbers, shortly after Glen arrived and then Willie Robertson.</div>
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We got on the bus and started taking to a group of runners from Dumbarton AC, the jokes make the journey seem quick despite the ram shackle of a bus we were travelling in, as we arrived at Glenbuck, the first person i met was Greg Beattie who joked about offering me a 200 mtr lift to the meeting point, aye right, Mark, Andrew and James appeared and we had a few quick hellos before we got called to the start, after a quick photo shoot we were off.</div>
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As in previous years i set off at a steady pace, average 6:30, i happened to look on my shoulder and could see Willie Robertson, followed by Jonny, after the first checkpoint (<b>Kames Carpark</b>) at 5 miles we settled down and it did not feel like a race as we all started to chat, i happened to look back and saw Mark Caldwell closing in, Mark i know well from previous races and our 2011 West Highland Way Race anyway he came through and went to the front of the group until Checkpoint 2 <b>Limmerhaugh</b> (10 miles). on leaving the checkpoint both Willie and Jonny set off and opened up a gap of a few minutes on us, i continued to work away with Mark close by, i remember saying to Mark just to do our own race as i felt they could still take a wrong turn with not knowing the route, this turned out to be the case as i came through 19 miles after putting in a sub 7, i saw Jonny and Willie running along a road, i shouted at them to say they were off course at this point i was back in front and decided to try and open a gap, knowing that if i could the possibility of them not knowing the course would be to my advantage, this turned out to be correct as i later found out it was one wrong turn was one too many for Willie and he pulled out leaving Jonny in second place for a long time, as i arrived at <b>Failford </b>(25 Miles) i picked up my juice and was greeted by Greg Beattie on Marshalling duties sporting his camera, a quick wave and i was back into the trail, <br />
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I passed through Marathon distance in 3:21:46 and still feeling fresh i continued along through the detour down to <b>Tarholm Bridge </b>(i went wrong here last year) and i was not doing the same this time around, i continued to work away through <b>Annbank</b>, and along a road that Andrew Crichton calls Tomato Lane, again another tough spot as it twists climbs and turns until you reach the main A77 road, once here and over the bridge,i knew that my time was looking close for the record but just not sure how close, the last stretch is a small undulation before dropping down and then crossing over the bridge knowing that Dam Park Stadium is under 3/4 mile away, on approach to the track the place was empty, one person was sitting in the stand and Anneke working away under the finish line tent, i crossed the line to be told that i had now recorded the fastest time, Richard Cooper who had finished 3rd at the Clyde Stride was 2nd to cross the line in 5:18:48 followed by Jonny in 5:22:32.</div>
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Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-68989862248877099412015-05-27T15:47:00.000+01:002015-05-29T16:19:39.329+01:0021st GUCR, Birmingham to London -145 MilesI'm not one for blogging too much as you will see from my last post in November, since then i received the news that i had been accepted in the ballot for the 21st GUCR, for those not familiar with the acronym, it stands for "Grand Union Canal Race", A race distance of 145 Miles, where you cannot stop for more than 40 minutes at each checkpoint or you are disqualified this meant that if i wanted to attempt to do well or even finish i would need to make sure that my training was the best it could be, December is a cold, dark and horrible month for training but because it's Marcothon Month <br />
it was the ideal opportunity to get the ground work underway, i recorded 700+ miles running over the first 28 days and this continued into January with a further 700+ miles, the base work was now completed, all that remained was to get some runs on the local canal to prepare me mentally for the race.<br />
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I started training on the canal and entered the Glasgow to Edinburgh Double Marathon in early April to get me race fit, the race is exactly 55 Miles and went far better than i could have possibly imagined i was running with <a href="http://gerrythepacemaker.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gerry Craig </a>and Duncan Oats most of the way whilst the two front runners stormed off, Bob Turner and Grant Jeans, it was only at 38 Miles where i passed the injured Bob and then caught Grant who was also struggling at 42 Miles did i then go on to win the event in a time of 6:51 all be it 7th in the hall of fame and the 6th best time over the new distance, not that i am complaining as i am the oldest winner in the history of the event, LOL.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Number</td></tr>
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During the next 6 weeks prior to the race my form took a dip, my motivation wasn't the same and work was not helping, it was only the week before the race that i started to really sit down and go through all my itinerary that the race organiser, Dick Kearn had taken the time to compile, the whole race pack is well put together, waterproof maps 2 race numbers, and all the info detailed that you need to know,.<br />
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I travelled down to Birmingham on the Friday lunchtime and headed to O'Neill's pub where the regular runners meet up each year before registration which is in the Travelodge just next door, <a href="http://ultraavon.com/">Paul Ali</a>, Paul Stout, Pat "Paddy" Robbins, Mimi, Natasha Farid, Gerry Smallwood and Andy Nuttall who was also a first timer like myself<br />
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After some food and registration it was back to the hotel for an early night, 100 individuals all in bed by 10pm whilst the rest of Birmingham parties in to the small hours. my alarm went off at 4:15 and i was up fed and headed to the start line for 5:30, the place was jumping before i knew it we were being called on to the canal to get started, the organiser, Dick Kearn announced that this would be his last GUCR, he has taken an event and grown it over 21 years, well done to him for the creation of a classic event in the British race calendar.<br />
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The race started at 1 minute past six but it was soon evident that when two top runners, Dan Lawson and <a href="http://ultraperk.com/">Mark Perkins</a> immediately shot to the front that could mean only one thing, they were there to win it and to attempt to beat the current record held by Pat "Paddy"Robbins as we headed out of Birmingham i ran with Andy Horrobin and John Knapp, two strong hill runners, Andy ran 8.03 at the Fling this year, and John just over 9, we were just sitting behind the famous <a href="http://marvellousmimi.com/v2/category/blog/">Mimi Anderson</a> who has run just over 28 hours in the past and did a double run one year and was the woman's record holder until <a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/">Debbie Martin Consani</a> beat it in 2012,<br />
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Checkpoint 1 - 10.7 Miles - Catherine De Barnes<br />
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Andy kept a close eye in the watch making sure that the running was restrained, we came through in around 1:35, the pace was just fine we were joined at times with other runners, Edward Batch and Warwick Gooch who i would eventually cross the finish line with.<br />
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Checkpoint 2 -22.4 Miles - Hatton Lock<br />
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Again the chatting seemed to pass away the time and we came through this in 3 Hours 24 Minutes, we were all moving at a comfortable pace each taking turn to go to the front , we did not stop for food, just Andy applying some sun screen.<br />
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Checkpoint 3 - 36 Miles - Stockton<br />
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Similar to the previous checkpoint we were all steadily working away with no pressure to do anything silly at this stage we had completed 5 Hours and 24 Minutes and just wanted to keep running within ourselves, i stopped had a coffee and Apple pie and Custard.<br />
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Checkpoint 4 - 53 Miles - Weedon<br />
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We came through here in 8 Hours, 28 Minutes, i stopped to refill my bottles and get some food in me, i decided to change my watch but was unable to locate a satellite signal on the 310 so i stayed with the 920 a bit longer,all the faffing about cost me time at this point i lost Andy and John, further along this section as i came up the ramp at Blisworth Tunnel i took two wrong turnings the first was that i went right as per map but it should have read "turn left then right" along road and the second was i took a bridal path to the right instead of left, lucky for me Russell Tullet who was part of the support for Russ Bestley was on had to direct me on the the correct path<br />
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Checkpoint 5 - 70.5 Miles - Navigation Bridge<br />
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They say that is the halfway point, well just short, i had now reached 12 Hours of running, i had a few glasses of Coke and hot apple pie and Custard again before re-filling my bottle and packing my head torches, gloves and buff along with changing into a long sleeve for the night time to keep warm.<br />
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Checkpoint 6 - 84.5 Miles - Willows Bridge<br />
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I arrived here in 14 Hours and 43 Minutes, this was a real lonely section as it was dark from 9:30 which i ran and walked on my own, a couple of runners passed me with their buddies which is certainly a big help at this stage of the event, due to the underfoot conditions you are close to the edge and one mistake and your in for a swim, you just have keep your concentration about you.<br />
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Checkpoint 7 - 100 Miles - Marswood<br />
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It took me 18.5 hours to arrive here, after some coke and a yogurt i left the checkpoint with Warwick and his buddy, <a href="http://www.i-run.co.uk/elitebloggers/susie-chan-profile/" target="_blank">Susie Chan</a> who had ran the MDS would keep us going for the next 20+ Miles, there were points were i started to feel tired and dizzy, probably not enough food intake, the legs were feeling heavy and at one point i stubbed my foot on some rock sticking out of the ground.<br />
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Checkpoint 8 - 120.3 Miles - Springwell Lock<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Bridge 13.5 Miles to Paddington</td></tr>
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By now it was now a lovely sunny morning and we stopped for juice and bacon sarnies, Warwick change buddy runners to his sister Shelley, this was a tough stretch mentally as the legs were heavy the knees sore and body finding new aches and pains, it was also very warm, we tried to break it up the distance with 3 minutes running and 3 walking, probably too much walking but as long as we were moving, thats all that mattered until we reached Bulls Bridge which has the sign saying that you are just over 13.5 miles to Paddington.<br />
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Checkpoint 9 - 135 Miles - Hamborough Tavern<br />
We continued with the 3 min on / off just beyond this until we were passed by 2 other runners, Jens Wittrowski and his buddy runner followed by Stephen McAllister who was on his own followed by tons of speed merchants on bikes with no bells to warn you of their approach, this gave us the jolt just to keep moving to the end, an end that just never seemed to arrive.<br />
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Checkpoint 10 - 145 Miles - Little Venice<br />
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By now we started to see the major land marks of London, the Chard, was in the distance and it wasn't long until we could see the finish line, a small detour diverted off the path then back on due to the path being repaired but we started to pick it up knowing we had reached our goal. me and Warwick crossed the line together in joint 11th place in a time of 31 hours and 39 Minutes, Dick immediately came up with the Medals that are the best you could ever receive<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left Side - London Right Side - Birmingham</td></tr>
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The race is said to be one of the toughest with a high number of DNF's each year, this year we started with 100 and finished with 67 crossing the line, this is testament to how tough mentally and physically this race is.Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-58098213943057826692014-11-10T16:35:00.002+00:002015-05-27T16:27:22.435+01:00Zeiler Waldmarathon<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The year was 1987 and i was running the "Scottish City Link" Glasgow Marathon at the age of 21, i had just finished in sub 4 hours, in those days i did not train properly, i was not in a club so it was basically an attitude of you will be fine, i remember saying to myself as i waited at the bus stop (did not drive either) that i did not enjoy that and would never go back until i was a vet, at that time age 40 Cat, 40 came and went and before i knew it i would be 6 months from turning 50, how time flys, anyway i had been lured by the prospect of running a forest Marathon in Bavaria by my friend Sam Green, this was appealing as i have enjoyed the last 4 years running up and down some of the many trail runs in Scotland</div>
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It was thursday 6th November and i was sitting at my desk when i got the text message from Sam to say that the airline where advising to seek alternative routes on to your final destination on arrival at Munich due to the Deutsche Bhan (railway) who had just organised a 4 day strike, i can tell you it didn't half deflate me, i was so up for spending time running a forrest marathon, upon getting home it seemed as the day went on there was still signs of limited rail travel within the country so we made the decision still to be there, but we were unsure what to expect upon arrival.<br />
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The flight took off of time and we arrived just over a few hours later in Munich, the airport train arrived within minutes all was looking good and before we knew it we were in the main station, still needing a further 3 trains though, next we boarded the Nuremberg train, a longer journey but we were getting closer and could get some sleep, before we knew it we were on train three for Bamberg, we were in the station for 10 minutes before the announcement came that the train was cancelled due to industrial action, we made our way out and eventually got a taxi to Ziel Am Main, 50 euros lighter but at least we had arrived at our hotel.<br />
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After 12 hours on the go we went straight over to register, the organisers were amazing we even had a beer with them, we tried to get an early kip but it is hard when your on the go all day and you mind does not want to shut down, thinking about the race, i think it was about 02:30am before i nodded off then suddenly it was 7:30 time to prepare for the race, with breakfast out the way we headed to the start, the organisers lay on shuttle busses to take you back and forth from all the events taking place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Course Profile</u></b></td></tr>
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I immediately went for a jog up the first climb for around 800 mtrs and it was still climbing, so i about turned and headed back to the start line, we were all called forward just then Sam tells me the guy behind me won the event last year and one to my right is also a regular on the podium just then the countdown began and we were off, as we started to climb towards the first km, Adam Zahoran who is unknown to us running in the Red vest from local club Bamberg went to the front, i sat in behind as we continued to climb up for just over 2 kms, still no idea how close the other two runners are behind me, the forest path then opens out on to a dust path before descending slightly to 3 kms, where there is a section of grassy field section, this lasts for about 200 mtrs before turning left back on to the forest trail again which continues to climb up and down until 13.5 kms where you run on the road for 1 km, at this point i could not see Adam as i believed he had opened up a considerable gap on me and as i looked back up the hill, i could not see the third person either, i continued along knowing that i was 4 kms from the half way point, the course continued to twist and turn, i could now see half marathon runners, and nordic walkers from the 7.5 and 21 km events.<br />
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As i approached the 21 kms point i saw my time, it was 1:22:20, i knew that it was unlikely i could sustain this for a second time around the course, as i hit the 2nd km again i was starting to struggle and i still has 19 kms of course to go, i just kept working away on my own until i started to pull in the back markers for the half marathon, this in some way gave me a short boost but my legs were worse for wear on the hills so this meant a short walk up the climbs at around 32 kms, just then i was passed on the hill and had moved in to 3rd place, i just starting to wonder where and when i may get caught <br />
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with the next runner, i kept working away, trying to use the half marathoners as my focus to get me to the last feed station which is at 38kms from here there is a slight undulation but also the great downhill stretch back the the finish, as i came around the bend i could see the split in the path, i knew i had done enough to secure the third spot in 2:57:17, i waited for my Sam to cross the line but as it had passed the 3:30 mark i knew something had happened eventually i saw him come down to cross the finish line in 3:48:03 to tell me that he ran injured, the whole of the second half.<br />
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We headed back for the bus so we could get changed for the prize giving that takes place in the local school, i got talking to Adam Zahoran, the winner who had told us that he took a wrong turning somewhere in the forest but managed to get back on tack, not sure where he re emerged as apparently a local photographer who took the photograph above said that at 25 kms, i was in the lead. The organiser had advised Sam in advance that something was planned for the day (hence the reason he had to finish) this left Sam wondering, the mystery was soon revealed during the Marathon awards when Hubert changed in to a kilt and had a piper booked who played on stage for around 10 minutes a very fitting end to what can only be described as my best marathon experience ever, maybe i wont wait another 27 years.<br />
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<br />Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-37089016416464212302014-09-29T20:26:00.002+01:002015-05-27T16:40:10.766+01:00Clyde Stride <h2>
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Clyde Stride Ultra Marathon</u>:</h2>
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The Clyde Stride has always been my first love of the Ultra Marathon scene, this was where in 2010, i first moved up to the distance and have enjoyed the course ever since, this year the event would take place on the 27th September instead of mid July due to the path closures in place for the Commonwealth Games, this also meant that the Race would not form part of the Sums Series.</div>
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I had arranged a lift from my friend Gerry Craig that morning for around 7:45, Gerry had previously offered me the first leg in his relay team but i wanted to have a go at the full event as i had pulled out the previous year at 32 miles with bad leg cramps and i had spent the month of September putting in the training for this, we headed over to Bishopbriggs to pick up Mark Ashby who would run the 2nd leg and Gerry's brother Michael who would go out on leg 3, leaving Gerry the glory leg and Alison Kerr who we met at Partick was going to do the 1st leg.</div>
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Once at Partick railway station i got my number said hello to a few People, James Stewart and Lorna McMillan who were giving out the numbers along with John McLaughlin and Gavin Harvie, Craig MacKay and Ally Robb to mention a few, we nipped in for a quick coffee before heading over to the start line. </div>
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As we stood waiting for the gun to go we had a brief talk by our race starter, Rose Harvie, who spoke about how she runs and anyone can do it, she was living proof, it was then time to head off in the direction of the River Clyde to the New Lanark World Heritage Village, the race always starts quite quick due to the small downhill section next to the Clyde Expressway, off we went with Grant Jeans, a past winner leading the field followed closely my myself, within a few moments the relay runners came tearing past us, i recognised Alan Tait along with Stuart MacDougall and another runner who i did not know opened up a considerable gap on us, Grant continued to set the pace and i sat in just behind him, as we approached checkpoint 1 (Cambuslang Bridge) i had managed to open up a few seconds at this point, this would allow me to get my drinks which Gerry Craig would pass to me, i gave myself some time to drink walking over the bridge as Grant ran past, i then got started again and sat in until we reached where the path splits and becomes trail, just passed the fire station at which point i moved in to the lead only to be passed by another relay runner gliding like a gazelle through the trail, eventually we were back on the path following the River Clyde as it circled around Bothwell Castle, on arriving at Bothwell Bridge we had to take a detour due to ongoing works at the BothwellHaugh Nature Reserve, we were guided by the excellent marking again put in place by David Mooney circling around what must be one of the busiest road junctions.</div>
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I arrived at Checkpoint 2 (Strathclyde Park) and was still siting in first position unaware of how close the next runner was to me , again i got a few cheers again as i got my drink from Gerry, this time i ran through without stopping, the weather conditions were perfect as i passed the loch side heading towards the Water Centre, my watch bleeped on the 20 mile mark, there was not a runner in sight as i travelled down through Barons Haugh, it was a case of just getting to the next checkpoint at Mauldslie Bridge and evaluating it from there. as i came up the small incline at checkpoint 3 i looked back and could see a runner close behind me, as Gerry and Mark passed me my drink, Gerry said that his brother Michael was the runner, Just then Lee said that i was on for a course record, no pressure then i said, i took my juice and got a few words of praise from Alan and Gayle Tait, Gayle was waiting to go out on the last leg for her relay team.<br />
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I was now on the last leg and Gerry came past me telling me just to hang in there, a mile or so later another relay runner came past who i had to shout at on two occasions to about turn as he went off the course, i just kept counting down the miles, i had now ran out of juice and whilst i walked up a set of steep steps another relay runner passed me, i was now around the 35 mile mark after walking for a couple of minutes, then got a second wind and continued through kirkfieldbank, as i came down on to the bridge i passed John McLaughlin my empty drinks bottle as i knew i could now get to the end, it was a short run down and over the gate before the small climb back up on to the road, once on to the road i knew it was a case of down the zig zag path and a final walk up the last set of stairs where i could see the Heritage Village, what a welcome sight, once on to the road i had a quick look back from the bottom and could not see anyone, it was just a matter of hanging in there to the end, i could not believe how delighted i was to see what i call the "hole in the wall", which is where you can see the finish line.<br />
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After crossing the finish line Lee immediately asked what time i had, my watch was showing, 4:42:14, as my watch was on auto pause this of course had a couple of pit stops, which would add on some time overall, Lee gave me a hug saying well done but that it looked like i just missed out on a course record, at the end of the day i was still delighted as i had now beaten my previous times with a huge margin.<br />
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I would just like to express my thanks to the Race Director (Lee), Gerry Craig who had his own race to run, all the people who helped to make the race what it has become, the sponsors and of course all the entrants, see you all next year.<br />
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Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-76849072097976708702014-09-29T13:19:00.002+01:002015-05-27T16:41:05.643+01:00River Ayr Way Challenge<h2>
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River Ayr Way Challenge</u>:</h2>
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The 13th saw me head down for the River Ayr Way Challenge , this year the field was back down to around 50 entrants, i don't know why this is but its a great race, the route has in previous years moved the finish line from the Citadel to Dam Park Running track, this year the finish would be the latter.<br />
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We headed off on the coach to Glenbuck Loch which is where the race starts, on the way i got chatting to Craig MacKay, Carol Martin and Mark Caldwell, i think i was the only one not chasing points in the SUMS series, due to my lack of running throughout the year, before we got underway i said a few hellos James McPhate and Alan Tait and his wife Gayle, who would be first Female home, after a short spell of hanging around the race got underway. Myself, Craig and Mark set of at a steady pace, around mile 7 the gap opened slightly and before i knew it i had missed a turning, as i tried to get back on course i could see in the distance the Orange top of Craig as i shouted he gave me a wave and now i had to make up ground, chasing the guys back in, i eventually caught Roger Greenaway and then Craig and eventually Mark. Mark and i decided to run together for a while before the gap opened up again just before Sorn.<br />
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After passing through Sorn i would remain on my own for the remainder of the race, passing through the villages of Catrine, Barskimming, Failford, Stair, Annbank and Auchencruive before arriving back in Ayr, the route was not without a few mishaps where i took a further 3 wrong turns, the worst one was at Tarholm Bridge one where i was guided by the marshall straight across road and ended up in the River Ayr on a dry sea bed, don't ask me why, i should know better, i have run the course a few times before, perhaps i could blame what can only be described the hottest day for racing, something i have not experienced since the Highland Fling a few years ago, it was only by chance that as i climbed out of the River and ran back to the road a cyclist following the race, George McLaughlin showed me how to get back on course which i was grateful for, George advised me that the nearest runner was around 17 minutes behind me, from that point in there was about 8 miles of running still to do, so as i was on my own i just kept the head down and knew that all i had to do was not lose control of the race and try to remain focussed, once over the second last bridge i saw Tim Downie on his bike which gave me another boost, finally it was back on the the path and over the last bridge before arriving into Dam Park Stadium to finish with a win which would only be my second ever over the ultra distance.<br />
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<br />Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-49644203454022284142012-12-31T23:53:00.001+00:002012-12-31T23:53:09.952+00:002012 in ReviewWell as 2012 closes and and New Year arrives, looking back it was a tale of two halves, January arrived and i was carrying an injury that i picked up after the River Ayr Way Race (RAW), i made the mistake of running the Glen Ogle (GO33) in the November which made it it worse.<br />
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Six months in and i was just getting back to where i was in September 2011, my races went as follows:<br />
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<u>Clyde Stride</u><br />
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I entered the Stride as my first race of the year thinking that i was ready to race, how wrong i was there i am in the top six places and get to the 32 mile mark and have to pull out through pains in my calf's, i could not believe what was happening.<br />
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<u>Devil O'the Highlands</u><br />
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It was seven weeks later and i was determined to complete the event, the only one of the triple crown that had eluded me, the race set off and i found myself sitting in third place behind Thomas and Casey until i was caught at, yes 32 miles by Craig Cunningham, i was now in forth place but found myself slowly pulling the gap back the closer we approached Fort ,we agreed to run in together but after crossing the finish line the race director gave third spot to Craig awarding me fourth and first Veteran, i was not pleased and believed they could have awarded the time jointly however i was over ruled and place a second behind him.<br />
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<u>John Lucas Memorial</u><br />
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Two weeks later i was on the start line of the John Lucas, also known as the RS 50, sounds like my initials but the RS actually stands for Round Strathaven, anyway Grant Jeans had sent out a tweet trying to bolster the numbers due to them spiralling downwards in previous years, although the field was small i knew that Grant would be the guy to beat as he holds the record for the course and that he was not turning up for fun, we set off and before we knew it Grant and me where on our own, i slowly edged past Grant at the 15 mile mark and it stayed that way until the end, only after closing the line did i find out that he pulled out at 30 miles. i could not believe that i had won my first ultra, a big factor on finishing was through my support, David Mooney kept me going the whole way especially when i was struggling with hip pain and still had 20 miles to go.<br />
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<u>River Ayr Way Race</u><br />
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Another one of my favourites after finishing third the previous year i though if i can run a reasonable race i could be in the top part of the field, i was leading until 24 miles when i was caught by Craig Reid, we both worked away until Andy Johns past both of us, we were both struggling but me worse than Craig my hip was in severe pain from the 50 miles pounding on the road a few weeks earlier. i decided again at the 32 mile mark that i could not go on, the number was really starting to haunt me, any way i returned my second DNF for the year.<br />
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Glen Ogle (GO33)<br />
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after some serious rest, i was offered a late entry by Mike and Bill, so i though i would take up their offer, it was a cold crisp morning and Craig Reid had picked me up on the road to the event we arrived and i said to Craig that he should fancy his chances of a top spot finish after looking at all the faces on the start line after all he was second at the stride and he had years on a few of us, the race set off from its new start and soon Craig was away i settled in with a group before moving in to the 3rd place until mile 26 where i was passed, i couldn't complain as there was not much left in the tank, but hung on for fourth spot which was pleasing as i really wasn't 100% fit.<br />
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<u>West Highland Way Opens</u><br />
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I wanted to have another r go at this event after finishing inside the 20 hour window (16th posn) in 2011, it was going to be a waiting game until the entries had closed at the end on November.<br />
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<u>Marcothon</u> <br />
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I had committed myself to doing the Marcothon, for those not familiar, you have to run every day in December for a minimum of 5k or 25 min,this includes the 25th, i had decided that whilst i wait for the WHW ballot process, i would set a second challenge, which was to run the equivalent distance of the WHW times Four (380 miles), this was going to be a bold challenge as you just don't know what to expect from December.<br />
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The first week passed and along with it came the news of acceptance to the 2013 WHW event and before long i had a spring in my step churning out the miles, by Christmas day i had met my first challenge all that remained was to finish the Marcothon, as the last week came in and the friends i had made on Facebook were posting i believed that i could go a step further than planned so i pushed for the 500 mile mark which i duly got on the last day.<br />
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As 2013 approaches i will look back on a a six moth period where i won a race and finished fourth twice, completed the Marcothon and ran 500 Miles, all in all not a bad half season. as i write this i have just entered the D33 and plan to do the GEDM followed by the WHW, all that remains is to try and remain injury free like all of us hope for.<br />
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Best wishes to all for the year ahead :-)<br />
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Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-82389266536819220772012-08-20T19:09:00.002+01:002012-08-20T19:10:50.015+01:00John Lucas Memorial 50For those not familiar with the John Lucas Memorial Ultra, it also goes by the name of the Round Strathaven 50, the race has been running since 2006 however due to low numbers in 2011 it was cancelled, this year Grant Jeans who holds the course record from 2010 in a time of 5:53:24 sent out a FB message in an attempt to recruit some of the SUMS stalwarts along, i don't know whether its too close to other events with the Devil O' the Highlands 2 weeks earlier and the Speyside Way a week later. the RS 50 also shares the calendar with the charity cycle event which attracts over 150+ with the option of either a 15 or the full 50 miles which starts a couple of hours after the ultra.<br />
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The weather forecast was looking good in the lead up to the event and proved no different on the day, it felt strange doing an ultra on a Sunday as most opt for the day before, anyway the race started at 8am from Strathaven Park and we immediately headed uphill and out of the village at this point Grant Jeans was leading, the usual for Grant closely followed by myself, i had no idea the positioning behind me as i wanted to keep Grant in my sights for as long as possible,we continued along the undulating country roads passing through the checkpoints of whitelaw, Drunclog,Exotic Birds where at 15 miles i took up the lead as Grant stopped for water, i knew Grant wouldn't be far behind but i continued to hold the lead,as we came through Sandford and then at the halfway point (Stonehouse) my support crew of Mr David Mooney who kindly gave up his day was following closely behind me (in his car) supplying the necessary food and replenishing the bottles for my waist belt commented that i had opened up a gap.<br />
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On leaving Stonehouse you come down a hill just at Mile 26 followed by a steep uphill climb at which point it was a run/walk situation, once at the top it was back to normal service, the weather just seemed to get warmer as the miles came in. prior to checkpoint 6 (Glassford ) again you have another brutal climb, which they tell me is where a lot of the runners pull out. David was doing well with the encouragement but by 32 it was starting to take its toll on me, my Glut was sore and my calf's were starting to cramp up, i tried to strap an ice pack to my thigh but i could not move with it so it was a case of just keep moving, it seemed like an eternity that this was going on, as i came through checkpoints 7 and 8, Chapleton and then Auldhouse (mile 40) the cramp started to ease off, Possible due to taking some electrolyte tablets in my water, i managed to get a decent spell of running, it was a case of just trying to break down the miles in segments, Mr Mooney at this point was willing me on before i knew it the miles where starting to pass by in my head.<br />
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I was eventually back at checkpoint 1(Whitelaw) knowing that i only had the first 5 miles in reverse to the finish, the conditions were still very warm and the driver of the race car said to me its all down hill from here, i continued along still feeling slight niggles in my calf's but my only though was to get to the finish line, the miles seemed to pass by very quickly and then the driver held his hand out to indicate a mile to go at this point David came up beside me and said you've led for the last 34 miles don't throw it away, after my previous race a fortnight earlier i could not believe the position i was so i raced downhill for the last mile, throwing in a 6:55 mile to cross the line in 6:43:19 only to find Grant standing at the finish having pulled out at 31 miles.<br />
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I would like to say a big thank you to Strathaven Strider's for their post race hospitality, and race organisation and to the following people,<br />
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David Mooney - Phenomenal Support throughout the day<br />
Lee and all the Marshall's for giving up their time<br />
The Cyclists who all gave encouragement throughout the route<br />
The Sponsors with some unbelievable prize giving<br />
and the people who all took part without which there would be no event<br />
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Post Race Thoughts - a very tough undulating 50 miles all on road with some nice climbs thrown in running through some lovely villages definitely something to pencil in to your diary for 2013 if you want to think outside the SUMS series.<br />
<br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/212883602" width="465"></iframe>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-42138478824793775112012-08-11T09:39:00.000+01:002012-08-11T18:28:33.742+01:00Back to Blogging (Devil o'the Highlands 2012)As you will see from my last blog, its been a long time, in fact nearly a year, how the time has flown. anyway fast forward to July 2012 and here we are, i raced the Stride nearly 3 weeks ago and got to 32 before pulling out with a calf injury and that point i felt deflated, i had done the recces and was up for it but on the day it all went wrong so i decided to contact the organiser of the Devils which was my next race, a fortnight later and tell them that i was not coming because i thought i would be out for some time. a few days later i was recovering quite well and sent away another email saying if the space was still available can they keep my name in, back came the reply to say that they had just returned from a weekend away and that they had done nothing so my place was safe. <br />
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My Back up crew of Sam Green and Paul Brown arrived at 3:30am to pick me up and we headed of for Tyndrum. on arrival i met some Colin Knox, Ada and John Kynaston to mention a few, John was supporting Katrina and we had a brief chat about his Lakeland 100. i then head round for the brief prior to the start..<br />
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<u>Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy</u><br />
The start all seemed to happen pretty quickly and before i knew we were off, Thomas and Casey quickly set off at a pace, so i tucked in behind them, my plan was simple, hang on for as long as i possibly could and see what i had at the end, i had agreed with my support crew to get me at Victoria Bridge for a refuel, the first checkpoint, Bridge of Orchy seemed to arrive very quickly we were well under the Hour mark. <br />
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<u>Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe</u><br />
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Casey continued up the hill followed by Thomas heading through the gate, i started to think at this point that this may be too fast, i knew my support was only a further 2 miles away at Victoria bridge as i came down the hill i got some welcome words from Marco and Lucy, i refuelled and head up on to the Rannoch Moor, i could see in the distance that Casey had opened a Gap on Thomas and i seemed further afield, hoeever feeling in reasonable shape i continued on, i was about a mile from the next checkpoint when David Mooney, gave me a cheer, he was out doing support for two other runners. i came of the moor and through the checkpoint still in third and feeling good.<br />
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<u>Glencoe to Kinlochleven</u><br />
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I had agreed again to meet my support at the foot of the devils, where i would refuel, for me it was a walk up and eat while i was moving, something i learnt from Sharon Law in last years WHW race. as i got to the top before descending into Kinloclochleven i could feel my calf starting to pop, this was all i needed, i continued down to the next checkpoint where my crew were waiting, again all the cheers from everyone was amazing, <br />
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<u>Kinlochleven to Fort William</u><br />
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I started to walk up the Larig Mhor eating a rice pot whilst my crew filled my bottles, Paul caught up with me and gave me the bottles we agreed to meet next at Lundavra, as i started running one of my bottles was not tightened properly and i lost the contents, it was so warm by this time that my other bottle was done. i approached the wilderness team at around 32 miles where i was offered water, as i stopped my calf cramped up and i was on the ground in pain, the wilderness team member,Jeff Smith kindly massaged my leg at this point the fourth runner came by, Craig Cunningham, Craig said why don't we work together, so we did for a few miles but again i had to stop as my leg cramped and gave it a massage.approaching Lundavra i got another refuel and could see Craig not too far in the distance, i thought at this point that i would try and hang on in there for fourth spot but before i knew it as we came through the clearance heading towards the road Craig was not that far in front, he must have went through a bad patch also i was thinking. as i came down the road its hard to gather pace but somehow i caught up with Craig and we agreed to work together towards the finish. my support team where waiting at the bottom of the road saying not far to go , before i knew it we could see the finish line so myself and Craig agreed to cross together as we had helped each other over the last 11 miles.<br />
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<u>Fort William</u><br />
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After crossing the line and collecting our goody bags,i got changed and had a quick chat with Thomas and Marco where i found out that Thomas took first spot ahead of Casey,i passed my congratulations to both, unfortunately i could not stay for the prize giving as my driver Paul's wife was in hospital and although he had agreed to support me had to get straight back home. i had went to advise the timekeeper that i could not stay, i was advised at this point that i would not be sharing the thirs spot time as it was ruled that Craig's toe crossed the line first, this was disappointing, we had worked together, finished together but separated in time by a toe, i was not happy at this point as it was not a third trophy or even a vets trophy it was the recognition of a joint third time. anyway i have now calmed down in the cold day of light and accepted the decision by the race director, as Thomas said a lesson learnt :-)<br />
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I would just like to say congratulations to everyone who took part, the people who cheered everyone on and special thank you to my support team and especially to Paul for giving up his time whilst his wife was in hospital.Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-5998782713373167922011-10-05T19:10:00.001+01:002011-10-06T06:55:10.447+01:00River Ayr WayIt has been nearly 16 weeks since i last blogged the reason is simple, my motivation had completely gone after the whw race. i cannot start to explain what caused it but everything i had done pre whw was not there, with the stride only two weeks later i sent Lee my apologies, which was great for someone else on the reserve list, there was still no sign of any improvement in my running through the whole of July which led me to withdraw from the Devils the night before the race, by now i wondered if i could get back to anything decent, i managed to get in a couple of longish runs the first few weeks in Septrember and decided to send in my form for the Raw just 2 weeks prior to the race. i turned up that morning at the car park not knowing what to expect. i met Gavin Harvie at the start line and we both settled in to a steady pace working together sitting in 5th spot, i was not sure how long i would last or if i would finish as the conditions where not the greatest and i did not know how my mind would react to not doing much over the time period.<br />
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Around the 14 mile mark things started to stretch out and i never saw Gavin after that, i had settled into 4th place and this continued for some time when eventually i had moved to 3rd spot after leaving Sorn village. At around 20 miles when at a water station i was told that i was now in 2nd place, i had wondered what had happened to Paul Giblin, the marshalls said that he had pulled out and i was now 2nd,but i didn't see him at any point to indicate otherwise, this gave me a bit of motivaton as i felt if i could continue to the end i might be able to secure enough points to move me from 35th spot in the SUMS Series in to a vets placing.<br />
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It was around the 28 mile mark i took a wrong turn at a fork in the road and by the time i got back on track Paul appeared again, i think he had done the same, going off course, he quickly moved past me putting me back into 3rd place, before i knew it i was starting to struggle badly as the most i had done in recent weeks was 28 miles, i was not sure if i could hold on but before i knew it i got a 2nd wind after a brief stop for water i was over the bridge and heading towards the track as i came round the track i got a cheer from Gavin, only to find out that he pulled out at 25 with an injury so i knew i had secured 3rd place.<br />
<br />
I later found out from Ada Stewart who was staying for the prize giving that that i had moved 29 places in to 6th overall and taking the 3rd vets spot, this was just the motivation to get my entry off for the GO33.Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-13849813929480529352011-06-21T20:16:00.008+01:002011-06-22T19:49:58.446+01:00My First West Highland Way Race<u><span style="color: orange;">Pre Race</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I had arranged with my support crew to pick me up at 11pm, so when the text came in at 10:50 say that they were on time.the nerves were starting to kick in, i had all my kit in one box and supplies in another so when the guys arrived we fitted everything in to the car and headed for Milngavie. as we entered the railway station car park the place was jumping, i was surprised when we even managed to get a parking space, myself and Sam then went over to the registration, picked up my number and i got weighed in before heading back to the car park i met Thomas and Silke for the first time. After saying hello to JK, it was time for the race brief, then before i knew it we were counting down to the start of the race.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Milngavie to Drymen</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">As we left Milngavie, the fast group had dissapeared and i was sitting in a group consisting of Sharon Law,Ross Moreland,John Kynaston And Richard Galbraith, as we continued along Jamie Aarons joined and immediately went to the front with Sharon, John joked that the girls were holding the gates open for the men. as we moved along the group started to thin out on the road section approaching drymen. i managed to see my crew in amongst the many people standing there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Drymen to Balmaha </u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">After leaving Drymen the group remained spread out again until i was with Mark Caldwell as we came over Conic Hill into the carpark at Balmaha. As i came down the hill i started to slide causing me to fall over lucky for me it was only my arm that took the knock. i decided that once i had stopped for a quick bite i would dry my feet and get a fresh pair of socks on. my five minues flew in and i was soon on my way.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Balmaha to Rowardennan</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">As i started to climb out of Balmaha i could see Sharon climbing up the path ahead little did i know then that we would be running together until Glencoe.this section went passed very quickly as we came into Rowardennan the first faces i saw there where John McLaughlin and John Bell (part of Marcos support) who gave us a welcome cheer, i saw my crew and headed over to change my footwear for the lochside, when i asked for my other shoes the guys said they could not find them, it then came back to me that they were lying outside the house at the door, so it was a case of drying the feet and more fresh socks.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Rowerdennan to Inversnaid</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I spent most of this section just behind Sharon running with Craig Stewart, one of my friends, Paul was going to drive up in the morning and run down with my drop bag, as i arrived at Inversnaid, Paul was waiting with my refuel for the next section, i felt this was an important section to get a bit of moral support, then me and Craig were off as paul went to Tyndrum.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Inversnaid to Bienglass</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Craig started to drop back on this section as we went over the goat path and again i wasn't far behind Sharon as we came into Beinglas the crew were sitting in the seated area as you cross the footbridge again taking another five minutes to get a rice and to refuel my race belt.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Bienglass to Auchentyre</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This section seemed much easier than it did at the Fling,as i came through the big gate at Boggle Glen i got the news that Marco had withdrawn from the race. i stopped and borrowed a change of shoes as i remebered the last time i ran this section i felt every bloody stone under my feet just then Sharon came through the gate with another runner Adam Versteeg, we all ran together to the checkpoint as we arrived we saw Marco walking towards us, he was changed, he gave Sharon a quick hug as we continued in to the checkpoint. This was the first weigh in point, i had a lost some weight, then took the usual five minutes to grab a bite.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Auchertyre to Bridge of Orchy</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Myself and Adam left around the same time as we came through lower Tyndrum Neil Gibson gave us cheer, then appraoching high Tyndrum Paul was waiting for me, at this point i walked up the small climb with another runner called Mark Leggett then got myself started again. I could see Sharon in the distance, it wasn't long before Mark caught me, at this point Adam had fallen back. Mark and i both eventually caught up with Sharon as we all came through the checkpoint. i took a few minutes as Shaun wanted to see my mandatory kit.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe Ski Centre</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Leaving BoO i had a kit change, myself Mark and Sharon all came through Victoria Bridge, again i stopped for a quick refuel, just then Adam caught up, heading over Rannoch Moor, the rain was coming down and by now i could feel myself starting to struggle, Another Runner whom i ran with over Conic earlier, Mark Caldwell had caught up with us and passed looking quite strong. Adam dropped back as the three of us tried to see this section out, with a mile to go to the Ski Centre Sharon was away on her own followed by Mark Then Me.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><u>Glencoe Ski Centre to Devils Staicase</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I got out of the wet clothes, had another snack and headed down to the Kingshouse with Adam at this point Mark was behind us. my crew had agreed to meet at the bottom ot the Devils Staircase. again i did not enjoy this small section, as i arrived i changed in to my Skins but by now Adam was well on his way to the top, part of the way up i met Mark again but he looked like he was in a worse place than me at this point, just then i was caught up by another runner who seemed to appear from nowhere called Graham Strachan who was being supported by George Cairns, he had been running with Debs who he said was just behind us, once at the top i seemed to get a second wind and ran with Graham into the Kinlochleven checkpoint.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Kinlochleven to Lundavra</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I went inside the centre to weigh in when saw John Mclauglin, John Bell and Marco in the seated area, i weighed in and told Marco that Debs was close behind. i had went to get another change of top from Sam before heading over the Larig Moor,as i did so Debs was off like a shot heading up the Larig climb. i could see her and Adam drifting further and further away from me. As i headed towards Lundavra another runner came pat, Marc Casey , after that the only people were the wilderness response team offering Juice and by now it was getting harder to keep the momentum up, eventually as i approached Lundavra just before the checkpoint Tam came down try and lift my spirits by saying that the last group were not far in front.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: orange;">Lundavra to Fort William</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">As i left the checkpoint i was really starting to struggle i found it difficult to pick myself up, i could still see Debs and Adam at stages then they dissapeared. just then my watch went dead, this was the final straw, i had no idea what distance i was covering and i had no sense of time and the forrest trail just seemed to go on and on for ever. As i came up the final part of the trail, i had felt a sense of being lost, the footpath had a large tree covering it and there was a road to the left, i stood for a few minutes as my directoin was gone and i did not want to take a wrong turn, just then three cyclists came up towards me, i shouted to them for directions, wich they pointed to the path with the tree over it so i climbed through it only to find the other end coming out onto the road. i headed down the road where the cyclists came tearing past me, as i came around a bend someone was taking photos and shouted well done, was i glad to see someone. as i continued down the road for a bit Sam appeared and said it was only three miles to go, i was struggling badly and found even going dowhill difficult. i happened to look back and i could see two runners behind me, one passed me and that made me try and find something to get to the main road, as i looked back i could not see anyone else, on the main road my support shouted out of the car that it was about 500 yards to go to the roundabout, this felt like an eternity as the road just seemed to go on and on ,still struggling i walked and ran until i could see the roundabout then i could see my crew at the entrance of the Centre. I had just crossed the line when i found out the runner behind me was mark who i had spent most of the race with.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Position 16th - Time 19 Hours 47 Minutes 17 seconds</span>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-10900400077123679722011-06-12T18:48:00.000+01:002011-06-12T18:48:57.761+01:00Early BirdAs I was working today and don't finish to 3pm and knowing that Angela and Abby were due home from the Brownie camp around 4ish, there was no way that i was going to get a reasonable run in so it was up early this morning and out the door bang on 4:30 as this would get me a 2 hour run before starting work, because i had taken Saturday off i decided to do a similar distance to what i ran on Friday evening. It was a fantastic morning, the sun was out in full and it was just perfect for a run, as i was running i was thinking about the conditions for next week, checkpoints, food and so on. now i know from reading Silke's blog what Thomas means about PRT.so now it is all by, all that remains in a small run on Tuesday and Thursday to keep the legs ticking over.<br />
<br />
Total Distance 15:17 Time 1h 57 min 18 sec<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/91893323" width="465"></iframe>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-28758280722927034192011-06-10T21:31:00.001+01:002011-06-12T18:38:13.472+01:00can't get you out of my HeadIt's friday, i have one week to go and like the rest of the runners taking part in the WHW it should be time to wind down. now i don't usually run on a Friday as this is one of my rest days but this is no normal weekend , my wife Angela and Abby are away to a Brownie camp all weekend so i couldn't sit on my arse and not do something so i decided to head out for a run, takes your mind of things or so i had hoped but as Kylie says, cant get you out of my head and thats exactly what is happening in relation to next week.for someone attempting to run their first 95 Miles in a weeks time its hard to think of anything else. so back to the run, the night turned out well the sun was out and it was pretty warm so i decided to run a loop at the house which took in 13 miles, i was trying out a new pair of shoes for their second run, what a spring in your step they give any way after checking the garmin at the end i found that i had run 2 sub 7.30, 8 sub 7.15 and 2 sub 7 and 1 sub 6.50, i hope next Friday is as Good.<br />
<br />
Total distance 13.08 time 1h 33m<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/91435303" width="465"></iframe>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-15535858513758672132011-06-05T18:27:00.000+01:002011-06-05T18:27:36.444+01:00Tomtain and Garrel HillsToday was going to be my last long run before the WHW, I set of this morning at 05:10 am and headed out 10 miles along the Forth & Clyde Canal until i reached Kilsyth, once there i decided to head up what i believe to be one of the steepest road sections in central Scotland, Tak Ma Doon Road, once at the car park at the top where you can take in fantastic views which include Grangemouth, I then cut off through the green barrier to the left and head up to Tomtain Hill (trig Point 6518) and on to Garrel Hill. At one point i thought the cloud cover was going to spoil my view but it quickly moved making my final long run all worth while. after a few minutes i started to head back down from my climb back in to Kilsyth and back on to the canal heading for home. <br />
<br />
Distance 30 Miles - Total Time 4:05 - Elavation Gain 2118 ft<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/90331411" width="465"></iframe>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-58781369727122000692011-06-02T21:09:00.001+01:002011-06-02T21:10:59.018+01:00Looking back at April And MayTime certainly flies when you have a a few races planned, April came and went before i got a chance to look back and blog it , now May has gone and we are into June, so i thought i should record what i have done. we are now 16 days from the biggest event in the race calendar and the longest distance in my 30 years of running. so looking back firstly at April, the stats are as follows:<br />
<br />
<u>April</u><br />
329.17 miles logged in 17 days of running which included 8 runs with a minimum of 20 miles inc the Fling<br />
<br />
<u>May</u><br />
218.63 miles 15 days of runnig which included 5 runs over 20 miles.<br />
<br />
547.80 miles combinedRob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-35386592043043308992011-05-25T16:33:00.000+01:002011-05-25T16:33:50.567+01:001kThis week saw my mileage reach the First thousand miles of the year,last year i had recorded a total mileage of just under two thousand miles so with only five months in everything is going well. Now that the Cateran has passed and with just over 3 weeks to go the focus for everyone has now moved on to the WHW ,I can never imagine what it is going to be like until race day is upon us , it is always good to practice over the course but until the race starts my mind will have all sorts of things going through it. As this is the holiday weekend my plans are to get in some long back to back runs. i enjoy doing these as i feel that they help convince the mind that you have simulated the time on legs,the feeling of running tired and of course covering the distance +. On Friday evening the plan is to meet up at Sams house with my support crew and go through the finer details. Sam will be away on holiday the following week, then i will be working the weekend before the race so this is the ideal oportunity to discuss everything.Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-14670679981780547452011-05-17T21:15:00.001+01:002011-05-17T21:17:49.373+01:00Back to normalIt's been a few weeks now since the fling. i managed to get some light training in from the Wednesday after the race but had to work that weekend so my first long run took place yesterday morning, i was up and out for 5:30 as i had to attend a party in the afternoon, i decided to head out towards Kirkintilloch and follow the cycle path out to the Kirkhouse at Strathblane. the forecast was for rain all day but when i set off it was cool and overcast lucky enough it stayed like that for the whole run.<br />
I reached the halfway point i was feeling fine but by the time i went thriugh marathon distance (3:17) i could not believe how stiff my legs were . i though that after running 53 miles on the WHW a 30 miler on the flat would be fine, how wrong i was but at least i now have the first one under the belt in preparartion for the biggest event ever in my running career which is just now just over 4 weeks away. i know that JK's group have the double run this weekend but unfortunately i cannot make it as my daughter makes her first communion on Sunday and i have too much to do over the weekend, so it will just be a long run on Saturday with a couple of hours on Sunday. good luck to everyone taking part over the WHW.<br />
<br />
Distance 30.51 Miles Time 3h 53mRob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-88851018437932120422011-05-01T21:40:00.006+01:002011-05-04T16:46:59.899+01:00The Highland Fling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Last night i prepared my kit and drop bags for the early start today, i went to bed at 10pm but found it difficult to sleep, my head was full of the things you get when you have never raced at this distance, what pace to run, what to eat, could i complete the distance, whats the conditions like,( very warm).<br />
<br />
I woke up at 4:30 and packed everything into the car that i was taking, I arrived at Milngave at 5:20 and walked down to the start,there was plenty of people mulling about waiting for the start, i chatted to Ross and JK briefly before putting my drop bags in to the cars.<br />
My pre race plan was to try and run as close to 9 hours as i believed this was achievable, after Murdo had done the pre race brief we moved to the start for the off i found my self in a small group, as we got chatting i found out that Simon Ellis came from Chester and Billy Foreman from North Yorkshire quickly followed by the ever reliable George Cairns. George and Simon were up Conic before us, but as we reached check point 1 (Balmaha), both were having a quick bite, i decided to allow myself a few minutes at each checkpoint to restock my pack and have a bite to eat.<br />
As we moved on to check point 2 , both George and Simon had moved a couple of minutes ahead but again we caught up with them as they were refuelling in Rowardennan.George had kindly offered me some sun tan lotion, we all left together as we headed towards Checkpoint 3 (inversnaid), by the time we arrived the sun was very warm, whilst refuelling, George managed to get a few chips of the plate of a guy up from London.<br />
<br />
George left before us and i never saw him again until i arrived at the finish,Simon drifted back as me and Billy continued on, at 36 miles suddenly Jezz came past us came past us so effortlessly, a few minutes later as my foot struck the ground i took cramp in my left calf and told billy to continue on and i would try to catch up before Beinglass Farm, at 38 miles, a short time later i was back with Billy, we continued on but by this stage we were wondering how far the checkpoint was as the trail seemed to go on for ever. a couple of my friends, Sam Green and Margaret Deas turned up to watch at Beinglass Farm. we refilled our water bottles and got on our way as we were still on for a 9 hour time,both of us were starting to struggle a few miles down the trail John McLaughlin gave me a shout, this seemed to help slightly as i caught up with John Kennedy, John passed on some words of encouragement and this seemed to work and before i knew it i had caught up with JK who was chatting to a girl called Claire who was a fellow Everton fan, i think by this time we were all struggling with the heat. i decided to continue doing a run/walk for as long as i could as i could not find any rhythm to run continually.<br />
<br />
My feet were starting to feel everything rock, with 4 miles to go i saw Sam and Margaret again by this time i had ran out of water and asked if they could get me some, with a further mile gone Ritchie Cunningham passed me looking good as he motored up the hills.<br />
<br />
I arrived at the wigwams where Sam and Margaret filled my bottles with water, what a welcome relief, they gave me a morale boosting chat as i continued along the final stretch, again i met John McLaughlin who shouted out only 800m to go, as i came around the bend, Sam and Margaret gave a final cheer, suddenly the pipers started playing, i knew it was nearly over, i crossed the finish line in 9hrs 3 Min finishing 21st.<br />
<br />
Well done to everyone who took part today and to Murdo,Ellen,Tim and the Marshalls for making it a splendid day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/highlandflingrace/results.htm">Results</a>Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-59800675980218061242011-04-25T23:15:00.000+01:002011-04-25T23:15:05.030+01:00Easter WeekendI knew that in my plans i wanted to use the Easter weekend as my last training schedule in preparation for my first Fling, its not easy when you have never raced more than 41 miles before, the unknown teritory of running another half marathon on top is going to bring a new experience both physically and menatally, since Wednesday i have run consecutive up to the Holiday Monday, i knew that it was going to be my final back to back runs that would be the test. My plan was to run the 7 days consecutive with the emphasis on my longer weekend runs. I managed to complete them with 3 x 20 miles at a steady pace along with getting in the distance and time. all i can do now is relax the rest of the week and wait and see what i learn from Saturday, Best wishes to all who are running on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Wednesday - Total Mileage 9.11 - Total Time 1:08:25 - Ave Moving Pace 7:27<br />
Thursday - Total Mileage 8.04 - Total Time 1:01:59 - Ave Moving Pace 7:40<br />
Friday - Total Mileage 9.03 - Total Time 1:08:30 - Ave Moving Pace 7:31<br />
Saturday - Total Mileage 20.17 - Total Time 2:32:10 - Ave Moving Pace 7:29<br />
Sunday - Total Mileage 20.03 - Total Time 2:38:47 - Ave Moving Pace 7:47<br />
Monday - Total Mileage 20.01 - Total Time 2:30:08 - Ave Moving Pace 7:27<br />
<br />
Total Mileage 86.39 - Total Time 11:00:02Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910989533738605927.post-15332417763857415452011-04-18T16:07:00.000+01:002011-04-18T16:07:19.299+01:00Pre Fling Training Weekend 1Today i completed my 1st back to back training weekend in preparation for the Fling . I decided to run from Kirkintilloch towards Glasgow on the canal, my aim was to get in a second 4 hour run in two days, the day started well as i left the house at 6:15, it was a fantastic morning with the sun out in full, as i got on to the canal it was great as it was so peaceful, i continued along at a steady pace into Glasgow until i got to Anniesland before i about turned, on the way back it was steadily getting warmer and the tow path was starting to fill up with cyclists, when i arrived back in Kirkintilloch i headed for Lenzie and followed the old railway line back to Chryston where i met the guys heading out for their usual run at 9:30, we had a quick chat before i headed home over the last 2 miles to try and catch some of the London Marathon.<br />
<br />
Sun Totals -Total Mileage 28.28 Total Time 3:43:33 Ave Moving Pace 7:54<br />
Sat Totals - Total Mileage 30:16 Total Time 4:04:33 Ave Moving Pace 8:02Rob Soutarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13031619316499378889noreply@blogger.com2