Ben Lomond Sat 12th May

The 3 race week ends with this medium blast up and down Scotlands most Southerly Munro. Cloudy with a bit of drizzle but no wind. Care would be required on the rocky parts of the descent.

Set off in the usual calvary charge from outside Rowardennan Hotel and up the tourist path, feeling a bit sluggish after the weeks exertions. Lower slopes look a bit different this year as the forrestry comission are chopping their way through the trees. A bit stop / start up the steeper sections and rocky parts but soon get a steady plod going once on the open hill. Only a couple passed me on the long steep pull off the track up into the cloud, jogging again once on the shoulder going past halfway and manage to pull a couple of places back without too much effort.

Now for the last big climb up to the summit ridge, I can hear someone getting closer but don't look back and try and maintain a steady rhythm picking the easiest route through the rocks. Hit the ridge without being passed and kick start the running dodging the descending runners. A couple of minutes later round the trig point in just 68:40.

Gloves on for the descent, pass the first guy as he fell coming off the summit and back along the summit ridge with nobody in sight to chase. Down the 1st steep drop on the tourist path, still nobody, push on and hear runners ahead, reeling them in on the long run back to halfway. Down the steep grassy slope and cruise past another few, going really well, usually struggle down here.

Through the gate and soon directed off path again more bog and rock here but still manage to pass another couple. Back on to the narrow path for the last section through the rocks and woods, tricky in the greasy conditions.

Pushing hard to catch & pass a couple of runners on the steep bits where I gain but difficult on the narrow twisty path and get caught in the traffic, minor tumble. Managed to pass all but 1 and only end up a few seconds behind him at the finish, PB descent in 31:17 and pleased to finish under 1:40 for the second time.

All in not a bad week, PB at the Stuc and going under 3:30, PB descents in both Dumyat and Ben Lomond.