Carnethy 5 and Stoneymollan

3 of us set off to join 500 other runners for the season starting C5 Hill Race. Five Hills, 2500' of ascent, this years flavour, mud n snow. A cool half hours contemplation once we were bussed to the start. Finally the junior race set off and then us. Run, boghop, run, boghop and onto the first climb up Scald Law, the odd elbow to contend with towards the back of the pack as we slipped and slithered our way up.

Scald Law back right, South Black Hill, back left, from the bus queue.

Undulating mud and snow trail across South Black Hill, East and West Kip, running down to the Howe, tip toe, slip slide, run past the snowman. Took the middle route along the muddy trail to the Howe, one fall as I tried to steal a few yards and overtake by running along a ditch. I think we all sat down and slid the last 50 feet or so to the bottom. Faffed about with my bag to dig out some Jelly Babies on the way up towards Carnethy's gully hoping they would somehow make it easier, not as fearsome as it used to be and I'm soon running again towards the last climb to Carnethy's summit, round the cairn and push for the finish, we hit the scree early, no marshalls about to chase us off, it's easier to run down than the gritty heathery trail. One last effort as we boghop, run, boghop, run to the finish in just over 85 minutes.

Carnethy

Links to results and pictures here.

Short run on Sunday, up behind the reservoir and along the trails up past the quarry and along to the trig point, a couple of pictures then about turn and back via the club Stoneymollan race route, 7 miles and 1300' in 80 minutes.

Sunday afternoon and an easy cycle along the cycle path to Balloch and on to Duck Bay. Stop for a few pictures. 

The Ben with its head in the clouds.

About turn and ride through Cameron House grounds, Lomond Shores and back along the cycle path to the Vale.