Set off before 8 for the Ring of Steall, plus Stob Ban and Mullach Nan Coirean, 15 miles & 8000 feet, couldn't see the snow on the tops for the clouds.
Parked the car at tbe lower falls car park in Glen Nevis and set off in a minor monsoon, thankfully this stopped by the time I had jogged the 1 1/2 miles to the end of the road. Took off the rain gear and ran on up the gorge path to Steall Meadows.
Crossed the wire bridge to avoid wet feet but too much water about and ended up wading through a bog and then a river before starting on the major climb up to An Gearanach and the ridge via the zig zag path up Allt Coire Chadha Chaoruinn. As much of a slog as a mouthful with 2500' climb in 2 miles. Paused about 1/2 way up to put the 2nd thermal and rain jacket on as the wind started to bite and the monsoon had restarted.
The path steepens up in the 2nd half and ends in a scramble up loose boulders to gain the top of An Gearanach. Didn't stop at the top pretty horrible by now, scrambled down the other side towards the 2nd top of the ring, An Garbhanach, and picked my way about half way along the ridge with the rain/sleet drops now about the size of a half pint and falling?? almost vertically upwards from the glen below.
Getting cold and miserable, visibility poor and didn't look like it would get any better. Had a choice, either put on spare thermal, jacket & hat or go back. This would leave nothing spare in case of more problems and decided to be sensible & go back down the way I came.
All in 10 miles and nearly 4000' feet of climb, not as planned but that will be there for the good day it deserves. Made up for it with a Sunday morning run up the last few miles of the WHW, 9 miles and 2000'. A couple of pics in the galleria.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Goat Fell Sat 20th May
Never could understand why the record was slower than Ben Lomond, shorter & less climb, I do now. Decided to do this race to try to suss out the route for Glen Rosa in a few weeks. Set off in low cloud and light rain (pipe band championships in Dumbarton today), good running conditions.
The race starts in Brodick to the sound of the local pipe band and a lap round the playing fields then it's 1 1/2 miles of road heading up towards Brodick Castle before finally leaving the tar and off up the GF tourist path. This starts as a forest track then changes into a man made hill path which progresses to a very stoney then rocky path as it undulates its way into the Coire Nam Meann climbing all the way. The rocks turn to slabs on the last section towards the summit as it curves round the edge of Coire Lan ending in a scramble to the trig point at the top. Lost a couple of places on the way up this steep section.
Not a lot to see at the top apart from clouds and rock.
Gloves on for the descent avoiding the slippy slabs as far as possible. Passed a few on the steep drop from the top. Once off this steepest part let gravity take over and pick up the pace and managed to pass another 5 or 6 people, a bit sore on the feet. Gets easier once back on the man made section and pass another couple. Back onto the tar and can see 2 guys a couple of hundred yards ahead. The last 1 1/2 miles are all down hill so relax and keep a steady pace, gradually close up and pick them off. Nearly caught by the race organiser on the closing lap round the field but out kick him to finish 56th out of 98.
Good race put on by Arran runners with a testing descent demanding full attention especially in the wet. Race followed by afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee.
The race starts in Brodick to the sound of the local pipe band and a lap round the playing fields then it's 1 1/2 miles of road heading up towards Brodick Castle before finally leaving the tar and off up the GF tourist path. This starts as a forest track then changes into a man made hill path which progresses to a very stoney then rocky path as it undulates its way into the Coire Nam Meann climbing all the way. The rocks turn to slabs on the last section towards the summit as it curves round the edge of Coire Lan ending in a scramble to the trig point at the top. Lost a couple of places on the way up this steep section.
Not a lot to see at the top apart from clouds and rock.
Gloves on for the descent avoiding the slippy slabs as far as possible. Passed a few on the steep drop from the top. Once off this steepest part let gravity take over and pick up the pace and managed to pass another 5 or 6 people, a bit sore on the feet. Gets easier once back on the man made section and pass another couple. Back onto the tar and can see 2 guys a couple of hundred yards ahead. The last 1 1/2 miles are all down hill so relax and keep a steady pace, gradually close up and pick them off. Nearly caught by the race organiser on the closing lap round the field but out kick him to finish 56th out of 98.
Good race put on by Arran runners with a testing descent demanding full attention especially in the wet. Race followed by afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Conic Hill Sun 14th May
With a 3 race week behind looked for a change of pace and location. Decided at the last minute to try Conic Hill, picking up the WHW at Drymen and following the route through fields and coniferous woodland. The WHW runs almost to the top of Conic Hill and it is only a small climb to get there. Climb was well worth it, good views of Loch Lomond from the Vale to Ben Lomond and on up to the Arrochar Alps. Started just after 8 and it was fairly quiet on the way out only passing about 3 small groups. Sun shone until just before Conic Hill when it clouded over. Returned by same route but v busy by now passing many groups up to 20 odd people in size. Just under 3 hours including a 25 minute detour through forest on the way out.
Trossachs 10k Trail Race Sat 13th May
Cold 10:30 am start to this race run in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust. Drawn in by the chance of an early 10k to sharpen the speed with the added benefit of being off road. The course started and finished in the carp park behind the shops in Aberfoyle and in between looped round a small loch. Soon realised the route was full of twists and turns and undulations - a bit like a mini roller coaster, especially the first 5k. None of the hills were too long and it was an enjoyable and testing course. Maintaining effort rather than pace was the key and managed ok apart from about 4k where I tried to race other runners rather than the course. Dropped about 10 secs per k from half way and hung on till the end to finish just inside 44 mins. Good fun and would try it again if it is re-run in the future.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Dumyat Hill Race, Wed 10th May
Beautiful night for this undulating out and back 5 mile race, sunshine & a breeze, perfect conditions underfoot with only one boggy bit set up for a good time but Ben Lomond effort still in the legs.
Race starts in Stirling Uni Campus onto a track and road behind and then onto the hill via the not so bluebell woods - spring is a bit later this year. Good path all the way to the top with only the usual bog before the last climb. Just over a minute down on the climb, too easy.
Descent is normally a blast but took it steady as the legs were complaining and did not want to end up in casualty. Still managed to take a few on the way down, with none passing me, one guy put in a big effort and almost got away especially uphill back along the track but hung on and took him with 200m to go. Descent probably too easy as well but didn't feel secure enough to really push it.
Race starts in Stirling Uni Campus onto a track and road behind and then onto the hill via the not so bluebell woods - spring is a bit later this year. Good path all the way to the top with only the usual bog before the last climb. Just over a minute down on the climb, too easy.
Descent is normally a blast but took it steady as the legs were complaining and did not want to end up in casualty. Still managed to take a few on the way down, with none passing me, one guy put in a big effort and almost got away especially uphill back along the track but hung on and took him with 200m to go. Descent probably too easy as well but didn't feel secure enough to really push it.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Ben Lomond, Sat 6th May
Perfect conditions, warm sunny day with a cooling breeze greeted the big field of around 200 for this years race. Increased numbers as it is both the one off ScottishAthletics Hill race championship and one of the (4 from 6) counters for the Scottish Hill Runners championship series.
Usual carefree rush along the road from the start beside the Hotel towards the car park where the climb starts. Once on the path took it easy until warmed up about where the forest road crosses the track.
The path climbs in a series of steep sections followed by not so steep like a supersized rocky staircase. The trick, for me, is to keep the effort as even as possible and avoid too much oxygen debt but keep the edge on until near the top when a bit if extra effort is in order!
Sweat stops once the clear of the trees as the breeze takes away the heat.
Next section is up the narrow tourist path with a few angry spells when caught behind someone who sticks their elbows out as they don't want you to pass - anger usually a good sign and if you tuck in behind them they usually go a bit quicker than they should and eventually give way without too much bother.
Next is the 1st steep grassy climb off the path, steady plod, lost a few places here as usual. Back onto the path at about 1/2 way and running again up the plateau, gain a couple of lost places back before the 2nd grassy climb. Maintain effort up this section but getting closed down by a few others, reach the summit ridge without losing too many more places. Jog along to the top gasping for air and putting the gloves on for the descent. Best summit time yet of 67 mins.
Descent starts with a steady run back along the ridge not too fast as still recovering from the climb.
Concentration!
Let gravity take over as the path steepens. Gain places on each steep section, but some keen runners keep passing on the flatter parts, eventually dropped them down the steep grassy section from midway apart from one who tries to get away down the new ecologically sound path saving section. Hang on too his coat tails and once back on the path push past & kick again to keep clear.
Legs dead as usual back through the forrest but keep the brakes off and let gravity do its work at each downhill section.
Steady jog along the road for a PB descent as well to finish in 98:31.
Usual carefree rush along the road from the start beside the Hotel towards the car park where the climb starts. Once on the path took it easy until warmed up about where the forest road crosses the track.
The path climbs in a series of steep sections followed by not so steep like a supersized rocky staircase. The trick, for me, is to keep the effort as even as possible and avoid too much oxygen debt but keep the edge on until near the top when a bit if extra effort is in order!
Sweat stops once the clear of the trees as the breeze takes away the heat.
Next section is up the narrow tourist path with a few angry spells when caught behind someone who sticks their elbows out as they don't want you to pass - anger usually a good sign and if you tuck in behind them they usually go a bit quicker than they should and eventually give way without too much bother.
Next is the 1st steep grassy climb off the path, steady plod, lost a few places here as usual. Back onto the path at about 1/2 way and running again up the plateau, gain a couple of lost places back before the 2nd grassy climb. Maintain effort up this section but getting closed down by a few others, reach the summit ridge without losing too many more places. Jog along to the top gasping for air and putting the gloves on for the descent. Best summit time yet of 67 mins.
Descent starts with a steady run back along the ridge not too fast as still recovering from the climb.
Concentration!
Let gravity take over as the path steepens. Gain places on each steep section, but some keen runners keep passing on the flatter parts, eventually dropped them down the steep grassy section from midway apart from one who tries to get away down the new ecologically sound path saving section. Hang on too his coat tails and once back on the path push past & kick again to keep clear.
Legs dead as usual back through the forrest but keep the brakes off and let gravity do its work at each downhill section.
Steady jog along the road for a PB descent as well to finish in 98:31.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)