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!
3 comments:
I'm not going with them either!
now,now steph where is your team spirit, or will i get you a bottle,DAVE WHAT YOU SAYING, YOUR NO GETTIN.
Aaaawwwwww
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