Long lie this Sunday but the hoped for Luss Horseshoe didn't happen, the chance of getting lost in the snow & cloud and being late to pick up the WHW Team from Beinglas would have further trashed my reputation?
Got up about 1/2 10 and after a leisurely breakfast drove to Beinglas, stopped at Luss to check out the conditions but couldn't risk the inevitable snow & cloud delay, the price would have been too high. Snow clad Conic Hill looking splendid across the Loch.
Weather at Beinglas horrible, rain/wind/cloud and carried full pack for a run down towards Inversnaid to meet the WHWT coming from Balmaha & Drymen which they should have left about 1/2 8.
Soon after leaving Beinglas met Helen looking warm and dry, suitably clad for the conditions. Pushed on down the WHW, nice to lose yourself and run free at whatever pace the terrain and stunning views of Loch and mountain allow. The route a mixture of undulating track with several root & boulder strewn sections a test of your concentration.
Met the first group of Millies before Inversnaid and they seemed in good spirits, brief chat and off again. Weather gradually clearing as the day went on. Ran for about another 25 mins until the second group appeared, again in good spirits but a bit quieter as they had an extra few miles in their legs including a snowy Conic Hill.
Pleased with 2 hrs 6 out & 2 hrs 16 back, the way back included a couple of run backs to the group and a rest at the top of the loch. About 15 miles & 2500' of ascent, an easy week! A couple of pics in the Galleria. Action pics in the WHW 2009 MTB along with some more contributions on the day out.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Local run, Sat 17th Jan
Forecast really poor with no prospect of any high level runs this weekend combined with a limited slot available so 5 of us set out on a local run, an extention of the Pappert/Stoneymollen route I tried a couple of weeks ago to include Whinney Hill. Three of the Club race routes in one go.
The route started at the Vale Leisure Centre going towards Renton & then up onto the moor behind the Carman Reservoir, thru the Quarry, descent to Balloch via Stoneymollen, round Balloch Park to the top of Whinney Hill, back to the Park then thru Jamestown to Bonhill, up to Pappert Well & back down to the to the Vale Leisure Centre.
About 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, a bit shorter & with less ascent than last week but the rougher terrain would compensate.
Surprise was how good the weather was, no rain, even a bit of sunshine & windchill only evident on the tops.
Jog walked to the Trig point, a favourite panorama on the way to the Stoneymollen. We could now see the Luss tops were clear & I thought maybe should have gone there instead. Road shoes meant the run to the top of the Stoney was taken easy. Feet now freezing in the soaking, mushy ground.
Jogged down to Balloch and into B Park running along the lochside to the far end. Good run up the Fairy Glen to cross Botourich road where the fun started, paths to Whinney Hill a trifle too gooey for road shoes.
Picked up the pace coming off Whinney Hill, good fun as always, then back through the gooey woods to Balloch Park.
Run thru Jamestown to Bonhill an unpleasant contrast with cars & general public bustle.
Took a farm track at Northfield onto the hill which went through a herd of cows and delightful bit of muck, about a foot deep. At the style we joined the Pappert race route to the Trig Point. From here we ran straight down the track thru the woods to Pappert Housing Estate, path in poor condition in the mud. Cross Bonhill Bridge & short cut over the magic roundabout to finish.
Enjoyed what turned out to be a good run, soft ground making you work hard, finished in just under 4hrs 50.
The route started at the Vale Leisure Centre going towards Renton & then up onto the moor behind the Carman Reservoir, thru the Quarry, descent to Balloch via Stoneymollen, round Balloch Park to the top of Whinney Hill, back to the Park then thru Jamestown to Bonhill, up to Pappert Well & back down to the to the Vale Leisure Centre.
About 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, a bit shorter & with less ascent than last week but the rougher terrain would compensate.
Surprise was how good the weather was, no rain, even a bit of sunshine & windchill only evident on the tops.
Jog walked to the Trig point, a favourite panorama on the way to the Stoneymollen. We could now see the Luss tops were clear & I thought maybe should have gone there instead. Road shoes meant the run to the top of the Stoney was taken easy. Feet now freezing in the soaking, mushy ground.
Jogged down to Balloch and into B Park running along the lochside to the far end. Good run up the Fairy Glen to cross Botourich road where the fun started, paths to Whinney Hill a trifle too gooey for road shoes.
Picked up the pace coming off Whinney Hill, good fun as always, then back through the gooey woods to Balloch Park.
Run thru Jamestown to Bonhill an unpleasant contrast with cars & general public bustle.
Took a farm track at Northfield onto the hill which went through a herd of cows and delightful bit of muck, about a foot deep. At the style we joined the Pappert race route to the Trig Point. From here we ran straight down the track thru the woods to Pappert Housing Estate, path in poor condition in the mud. Cross Bonhill Bridge & short cut over the magic roundabout to finish.
Enjoyed what turned out to be a good run, soft ground making you work hard, finished in just under 4hrs 50.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ardgarten Sun 12th Jan
First time round the Ardgarten 20 mile 4000' of ascent loop since our 35 miler in April of last year where we ran it as an add-on to Glen Loin. Weather better than forecast, which was for torrential rain and gales to 100 mph, but not much.
About 10 of us set off at 8:45 for an ACW loop. Most of the group are ultra training which means jog walking, stayed with this for about 8 or 9 miles 'til we arrived at Lochgoilhead then ran on. Ran the first half of the Dukes Pass climb then as yesterdays race kicked in jog walked to the top to save some energy so that I could run across the moor where the trees are still too small to offer any protection from the elements.
Reached the Lochan in something over 3 hours for the undulating run back up Loch Long to Ardgarten. Its about 5 miles on the forest tracks then a tough last couple of miles on the road.
Track was quiet with only some deer for company. Reached the end of the track in 4 hrs plus then 4 hrs 25mins overall. A quick change into warm/dry clothes, disappointed the Forestry shop is closed, so no coffee or food, & curled up in the back of the car to wait for the rest.
Just about sleeping when the rest arrive in small groups, only problem one missing...what to do?? Still some light left so waited a while then split up and while one car drove towards Lochhgoilhead, one car waited, and after a lift to the end of the forest track went for a run back for any sign of our lost runner.
Devoured an energy gel and set off, reckoned about an hour and a bit of daylight left and ran back towards the Lochan. Stopped a few times but then went to the top of the next hill, next corner, next hill etc until just about level with the jetty, the boat lights begginning to twinkle in the gloom, no sign or sound & turned for a trudge back.
About 5 or 10 mins later call on the mobile, the lost sheep had been returned to Ardgarten in style (the back of a Beemer). Meant I could eat the "emergency" food I had kept in case our missing runner was found wanting, a mini mars bar and a cream egg!
Still a couple of undualting miles to go so head down and plod it out. Met near the end of the track by Robbo & gave him a row as he had tried to use his people carrier as a 4x4 & shorten my run.
Positives, no one hurt, an extra 6 miles & 1000' of ascent, negatives???, banned from going out with that lot ever again!
About 10 of us set off at 8:45 for an ACW loop. Most of the group are ultra training which means jog walking, stayed with this for about 8 or 9 miles 'til we arrived at Lochgoilhead then ran on. Ran the first half of the Dukes Pass climb then as yesterdays race kicked in jog walked to the top to save some energy so that I could run across the moor where the trees are still too small to offer any protection from the elements.
Reached the Lochan in something over 3 hours for the undulating run back up Loch Long to Ardgarten. Its about 5 miles on the forest tracks then a tough last couple of miles on the road.
Track was quiet with only some deer for company. Reached the end of the track in 4 hrs plus then 4 hrs 25mins overall. A quick change into warm/dry clothes, disappointed the Forestry shop is closed, so no coffee or food, & curled up in the back of the car to wait for the rest.
Just about sleeping when the rest arrive in small groups, only problem one missing...what to do?? Still some light left so waited a while then split up and while one car drove towards Lochhgoilhead, one car waited, and after a lift to the end of the forest track went for a run back for any sign of our lost runner.
Devoured an energy gel and set off, reckoned about an hour and a bit of daylight left and ran back towards the Lochan. Stopped a few times but then went to the top of the next hill, next corner, next hill etc until just about level with the jetty, the boat lights begginning to twinkle in the gloom, no sign or sound & turned for a trudge back.
About 5 or 10 mins later call on the mobile, the lost sheep had been returned to Ardgarten in style (the back of a Beemer). Meant I could eat the "emergency" food I had kept in case our missing runner was found wanting, a mini mars bar and a cream egg!
Still a couple of undualting miles to go so head down and plod it out. Met near the end of the track by Robbo & gave him a row as he had tried to use his people carrier as a 4x4 & shorten my run.
Positives, no one hurt, an extra 6 miles & 1000' of ascent, negatives???, banned from going out with that lot ever again!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Polaroid XC Sat 10th Jan
Perfect conditions for the second of our three Club Cross Country races, this one round the outside of the Polaroid Industrial Estate. Setting out the course disturbed some of the local wildlife, a Heron, Rabbits and a Fox.
For an industrial estate the route is relatively scenic, starts in a field where you pick up a narrow trail through some trees to a path alongside the river Leven, the path follows the Leven round a large curve right round the back of the Polaroid factory and then cuts through an open field in front of the adjacent housing estate followed by a short hill and a run through some rougher ground with a short section of grass verge back to the start.
Race started at 10:00 am, 1 lap for the girls, 2 for the boys, each lap about 2.2 or so miles and a great turnout of 22 runners. Tried for a steady run this year with a 17:11 first lap, nobody pushing from behind and drifted to a slower second lap of 17:33. Lack of mud and sludge underfoot meant my time was close to my PB maybe a wee bit more would have beaten it, pleased with what was a more controlled effort than usual and felt fine after.
With the lack of mud it was only 2 or 3 trees and ditches to jump and the wooden stairs to provide some disruption to your pace.
Tea & biscuits after and then home just before the heavens opened for the rest of the weekend.
For an industrial estate the route is relatively scenic, starts in a field where you pick up a narrow trail through some trees to a path alongside the river Leven, the path follows the Leven round a large curve right round the back of the Polaroid factory and then cuts through an open field in front of the adjacent housing estate followed by a short hill and a run through some rougher ground with a short section of grass verge back to the start.
Race started at 10:00 am, 1 lap for the girls, 2 for the boys, each lap about 2.2 or so miles and a great turnout of 22 runners. Tried for a steady run this year with a 17:11 first lap, nobody pushing from behind and drifted to a slower second lap of 17:33. Lack of mud and sludge underfoot meant my time was close to my PB maybe a wee bit more would have beaten it, pleased with what was a more controlled effort than usual and felt fine after.
With the lack of mud it was only 2 or 3 trees and ditches to jump and the wooden stairs to provide some disruption to your pace.
Tea & biscuits after and then home just before the heavens opened for the rest of the weekend.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Vale Hills Sun 4th Jan
Tighter than usual for time this weekend and decided to run the Pappert Well hills and the Stoneymollen Hills, about 13 miles & 2200' of ascent. Overcast & freezing but not too much wind chill.
Set off just after 8 at an easy pace and picked up the track to the right of the gully following it round the back of the Pappert Estate. Turned uphill until through the fence and then "next" right onto the pink path to the Trig Point. Straight down from the Trig Point, taking another right turn along the pink path then a left, cross stream & style then right into the field, run towards the copse of trees/ruined house then down the farm track back to civilisation.
Ran along towards Renton, going up Carman under the bypass then left along the road to the steps/path for access to Carman Muir coming out behind the reservoir. Ran parallel to the road until level with the quarry where its straight through and up onto Overton and Bromley Muirs running along to the top of the Stoneymollen. Easy jog down & along the bypass cutting through Christie Park to get home in about 2 hrs 40.
Next time? Option could be to add in Whinney Hill to complete a circuit roon the Vale, about 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, and with a bit of imagination, most of it could be off road. Not as challenging as the Ardgarten 20 miler but ok for a wee change.
Set off just after 8 at an easy pace and picked up the track to the right of the gully following it round the back of the Pappert Estate. Turned uphill until through the fence and then "next" right onto the pink path to the Trig Point. Straight down from the Trig Point, taking another right turn along the pink path then a left, cross stream & style then right into the field, run towards the copse of trees/ruined house then down the farm track back to civilisation.
Ran along towards Renton, going up Carman under the bypass then left along the road to the steps/path for access to Carman Muir coming out behind the reservoir. Ran parallel to the road until level with the quarry where its straight through and up onto Overton and Bromley Muirs running along to the top of the Stoneymollen. Easy jog down & along the bypass cutting through Christie Park to get home in about 2 hrs 40.
Next time? Option could be to add in Whinney Hill to complete a circuit roon the Vale, about 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, and with a bit of imagination, most of it could be off road. Not as challenging as the Ardgarten 20 miler but ok for a wee change.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Calendar Crags Sat 3rd Jan
1st run & also race of the year in the 3 mile 800 FOA Calendar Crags, a low key hill race run for the best part on good forest tracks & road. Weather good, no wind, clear & with a bit of heat in the sun.
The race starts from a road behind Calendar Main Street accessing the steep trail up the Crags, reached the top gasping in 16 mins. The descent starts gently on a good path then drops down through woods to pick up a single track road. First couple of hundred yards on the road are flat/slightly uphill before dropping down quite steeply. As you pass a forest access car park cut back onto the forest track, slight uphill before a last mostly downhill push to finish in 31:35.
An excellent Hill race to get you some experience of the sport without any worries, well marshalled, no navigational issues, short, no difficult climbs or terrain, plenty of runners of all standards from Scottish Internationalists to fun runners. Race is run twice a year, 1st Sat in Jan & June.
The race starts from a road behind Calendar Main Street accessing the steep trail up the Crags, reached the top gasping in 16 mins. The descent starts gently on a good path then drops down through woods to pick up a single track road. First couple of hundred yards on the road are flat/slightly uphill before dropping down quite steeply. As you pass a forest access car park cut back onto the forest track, slight uphill before a last mostly downhill push to finish in 31:35.
An excellent Hill race to get you some experience of the sport without any worries, well marshalled, no navigational issues, short, no difficult climbs or terrain, plenty of runners of all standards from Scottish Internationalists to fun runners. Race is run twice a year, 1st Sat in Jan & June.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)