Riveting runs

Glen Loin was the chosen punishment on Saturday, forecasts varied from breezy and sunny to gales and blizzards, we got a bit of both. Left the car park at the usual 8:40 for an anticlockwise run round the Glen, the first few miles pleasant enough in the sheltered lower Glen with blue skies and bright sunshine, the numerous toads and associated spawn suggesting Spring isn't far away.

All change once we left the forest for the short section of road at Coiregrogain the wind picked up and shrouded the surrounding tops, heads bowed to avoid the driving snow in our faces as we struggled forwards. A slight respite once we crossed the bridge, Ben Vanes lower slopes affording some shelter. Into the upper glen and the skies cleared but we were back into the teeth of a cutting wind.

 The run back down the other side of the glen pleasantly sheltered through the trees. We cut off the last corner running down through the trees looking for signs of the Glen Loin caves. 11 miles and 2200' in 2 hours 15. A few more pictures here including an underwater action shot.

Sunday was a fine morning and I had a chance for a run over Stoneymollan, we found a "new" trig point overlooking Dumbarton.

Ran past the quarry on to the hill running the reverse of the club race route back down to the Vale. Stunning views over loch and snow capped mountains.

It was such a nice day we continued to Balloch Park and a run up Whinney Hill, the trail newly cleared of fallen trees. Plenty of walkers out including a few who were lost and not really dressed for the frozen mud.

By the time we started back towards the park I was struggling from the weekends efforts and gave up on the idea of a jog up to Pappert Well. Finished the 14 miles and 2100' in 3 hours 10.

Cool Carnethy

Usual preamble to the C5 race, arrive at Beeslack School, don't get changed too quick or before you know it you are in a field for a cool air quench. So I register, pick up my SHR Mug and 2012 SHR membership, vouchers, leaflets, race entry forms and then browse round the shops, Pete Bland, TISO and Run For It, buy a Carnethy Buff, then its time to change. We arrived at the field in good time, about half one, for an easy warm up before sheltering beside the tea tent until the last minute.

Away we went across the bogs just after two, near frozen ground made for good going with the odd icy patch to keep you on your toes. Steady run to the top of Scald Law in 23 1/2 minutes, the next three hills, South Black and the Kips relatively short, running steady no heroics today. Still managed to overtake a few on the run down to the Howe as a lot of runner s took it easy on the frozen turf, new shoes supplying the necessary confidence. On the way along to Carnethy I had a look around to see who I was running with and picked a few targets. Put in a decent effort on the upper slopes to the top of Carnethy and kept it going all the way down the steep heathery slopes then eased back for a nice steady run across the bogs to finish just inside 84 minutes.

Post race cuppa before catching the bus back to Beeslack for a hot shower and a school dinner. Plenty of photographers out on the course, photos here, here.

Sunday recovery and an easy afternoon run round the club Stoneymollan race route, nice to get out on the hills again, good views to the Luss hills and a cloud topped Ben Lomond.

Fairy Glen

Double cancellation, Whinney Hill Cross Country cancelled due to trees on the course, road 10k cancelled due to ice so we ran the 3 lap 5k Fairy Glen. Ran maybe an overstatement, run and walk. 15 runners completed the course, rain stayed away until after we had finished the post race hot food. Us runners are spoiled.