With summer fast rolling forward and Alastair Humphreys trying to get a microadventure in every county of Britain during the month of June I was shocked to see my new home county of Angus bereft of any #MicroAdventures. So with Angus pride (not sure if that's a thing) at steak Stuart and I decided to explore our home county, not the home counties of course. Angus is a county full of options. It has stunning beaches and beautiful glens but with ease of access a key, this was a midweek adventure after all we settled upon a costal walk from Ferryden near Montrose. The walkhighland route can be found here. Starting at Ferryden it gently rolls around the coast taking in a light houses and some cool coastal rock formations.
The lighthouse is actually the traditional finish point of the TGO coast to coast challenge which makes you want to set out on an even bigger adventure than we had time for. Another idea for another time.
I find a walk like this interesting because of the variety of landscape you find. Beaches to farmland in a matter of meters. If you ever decide to do this walk just bear in mind past Usan the path deteriorates slightly getting a bit overgrown and you'll find yourself wishing you wore trousers instead of shorts.
Just before you get to Elephant rock there is a great area for camping but with us having to get back to work tomorrow and my dislike for early mornings we decided to head on past it a little further to make our walk home a little shorter (it's a circular route)
We finally settled on a small patch of beach land next to some salmon bothies. Next comes the bit on every microadventure I love. The cooking and eating. It seems odd to say it but there is something magical about cooking and eating outdoors, it calms you down and makes you look around. A watched pot never boils and all that.
Given that next month we are heading into the cairngorms for two nights we had decided to use this as a tasting test for our future trip and used the ration pack foods, which I'm happy to report have really improved. I can wholeheartedly recommend the chickpea curry. As the evening light began to settle behind us we reviewed the route that Stuart had prepped for next month we turned in for the night. I am getting better at this bivvy lark and with my now practiced routine I slept really well, only waking up a couple of times through the night because of the wind (real wind not chickpea wind). I woke with the sun, I always set an alarm but this far north in summer it really isn't needed. We packed up in record time for us even with Stuart making a coffee and me enjoying an extra doze in the morning light.
We headed back along the road completing the circular route quicker than we thought, getting us back in Dundee easily before work, though for me that meant painting the house. I might have snuck in a wee nap at lunch but that's what holidays are for...
If you want to do your own #Microadventure you'll find lots of inspiration on twitter using the hashtag or on the website here.
If somehow this has inspired you to try your own let me know how you get on, or if you have done others near Dundee let me know where and how it went.
8:30 at night with the sun fading I clutched hands with two people who thirteen hours previously were strangers, we raised our hands and crossed the finish line of the Cateran Trail Ultra marathon. Covering 55 (+3) miles with over 2000m of elevation. Long before this time it had stopped being a race and become, for me at least a little more.
I haven't posted a blog in a while, because I've had a few things to juggle. As well as a new job and moving house the weekend before the Cateran I've actually had to train for the event, and that takes up a takes up a lot of time. If I take the last 12 months as a whole my training as a whole my preparation was pretty good but recently I've had a sore knee that required more rest than I would have liked.
So what was it like?
The day before the race my wife found out that she would have to work the morning of the race so my lift to the event was scuppered. Step in Neil Smith who replied to a Facebook plea for a lift from either Perth or Blairgowrie. This show of generosity was a sign of things to come. On race day Neil picked me up promptly and was great company distracting me as I was probably very obviously a bit nervous. Once Neil and I arrived at the Spittle of Glen Shee I got a bit carried away and must have packed and unpacked my bags at least 3 times. Soon enough we had the race briefing which was a short but prompt and then we all headed across the road to the start line. Then we were off. It all caught me a little by surprise. I hadn't recced the first or last 13 miles. The first section is stunning but I made sure to stay near the back and keep to a pace that meant I could still talk mainly to Andy who was doing this for the second time. The first checkpoint was 6 miles in and although I had a drop bag I left it there as I still felt good and had enough food and drink to get to the next checkpoint, though I did eat the first of many bakewell slices.
There was lots of chatting between runners and everyone was really encouraging and friendly. I settled into a pace with a runner called Lois who both seemed far more seasoned at these sort of events. There was lots of styles on this section but at the start you don't mind them do you? Gordon George (Please let that be right?) was smart enough to know which gates to open rather than climb, Surely the sign of a pro. He had done the double before and clearly knew the course really well and it was really interesting chatting to him about running through the night when he did the double. As we got into the Glen Isla checkpoint it was obvious I was really far back with only a few drop bags left. It seemed a bit odd since we were there at a decent time (for me, I'm no record breaker) but there wasn't much I could do about it. It was also at this point that I started to yoyo a couple of runners that I would later run the second half with.
From Glen Isla to Alyth I was feeling really good and now on a part of the route I had recced I felt confident. This section is also my favourite part of the route with a few wee 'bobbles' but great views. n hindsight I probably got a bit carried away on this section and ran too much of it. As I came into Alyth I found myself alone for the first time and I headed down and then out towards the Den of Alyth. As I got to the Car park I didn't see the checkpoint so assumed it was at the other end and headed on through, only to get to the otherside and it not be there. I speed up to catch a pair of runners and ask them where it was. The fist chap said 'about a mile back at the play park'. My heart sank and my face must have showed it as the other chap said it probably wasn't as far back as that (My Strava says I ended up doing 5km extra). I decided I didn't want to risk a DQ so headed back through the Den and towards the checkpoint. Every runner I passed was great and checked I was okay but my head was mince. I know I was being massively over dramatic but I suddenly had loads of variables running through my head, I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid I'd recced this section multiple times.. I got to the checkpoint, signed in and asked what time the cut off was for Blairgowrie. I had planned on slowing and eating something a little more substantial but now the only thing I could think about was how stupid I had been. I've recced this part of the route and knew exactly where the park was I had just thought the checkpoint was at the car park. I had ran parallel to it on the road (as an add in This was my fault not the organisers, they actually put the OS co-ordinates of every check point up, I just didn't confirm them before the race). From then on the next 6 miles to blairgowrie were all spent in my head thinking what a silly mistake I'd made. I started to get loads of niggles and pains. My head spiralled downwards to the point that I was thinking about dropping out. It was a massive pity party. Fortunately I met Lois at the checkpoint and had previously chatted to her. She was great and I just tried to stick with her and the other runners around me. Lois and another runner were chatting about the CCC and UTMB and although I wasn't really talking it was a great distraction from the head mess I was dragging myself into I don't know if Lois realised how much of a help she was, so thank you.
On the long down into Blairgowrie my right leg started to cramp and get sore. Once we arrived I refilled my drinks and phoned Anna. I needed someone to tell me to Shut up, get a grip and crack on. Anna duly obliged and was really encouraging. I set off from Blairgowrie with Tom who I had spoke to a bit on Facebook. He was starting to feel it a bit too and we resolved to keep going. Once up the climb out of Blairgowrie Tom pointed out Mount Bair where we had came from and it looked miles away, which I guess it was. We tried to run the flat section and Tom managed well but my Right quad and calf cramped up. With more than 20 miles I couldn't run. I thought I was fcuked. After some flapping I figured that I needed to eat and get some salt into me to I eat and drank everything I had on me. I gorged on my bakewells and crisps, put some music on and tried to run again. Fcuk, Siht, crap. More cramp. At this point my mum sent me a text to say she was inspired to to run today having recently only fairly recently taken up running got a Parkrun PB, with a double whammy of emotion my sister sent me a motivational text just as Florence and the Machines came on. That was it, I started to ball my eyes out while walking through a field.
Thankfully the calories and a sence of decency took hold, and the calories kicked in. I tried to run again with a little success. I caught up to Patricia and we developed a routine of her running consistently and me run walking as and when my cramp allowed. As we came into Bridge of Cally we caught up with Tom. The marshalls here were brilliant and like everyone helping couldn't have been more helpful.
I asked the marshalls the time and when the next checkpoint was. I decided to carry on and see what happens. I managed to stay with Patricia and Tom for a while but soon enough they Pulled away as I cramped up again. At Bridge of Cally I had a Banana and I think that this helped a lot as later I was able to run walk with more consistency. It didn't stop my head from trying to talk me out of finishing. I didn't think I was making enough progress and the finish seemed so far off. I spent so much time thinking how I was letting everyone down that had sponsored me or donated their own miles to the MillionMilesForEllie campaign I didn't want to be the only one to fail. But how on earth would I get to the next checkpoint with my legs like they were. Then another runner passed me and said he had got lost and added a whole load of miles, much more than I had added. God I was pathetic. I made it to the next checkpoint and it wasn't anywhere near a road I couldn't even drop out here. On to Kirkmichael and as I arrived it was unmanned. There wasn't even any water left. A runner came behind me and asked if anything was left. I asked him how far to the finish? ( miles he replied. I said I don't think I can manage 9 miles. He replied in the most Scottish way possible
"Either way, it's a 9 mile walk big man"
With that he offered me a Banana and off we went. He was right, time to shut up and get on, Thanks whoever you were. Man those Bananas really help too. He started to run and I followed and continued the run walk shuffle I had been doing since Blairgowrie.
As we came into the final checkpoint I met Tom, Patricia and importantly my wife Anna. She had come to make sure I was okay. I wasn't sure if I could do the final section. I know it was uphill for 5 miles then down for 1. The marshalls were again brilliant and really encouraging. I had another Banana and packed a mars bar. Tom asked if I wanted to go over with him. So Tom Patricia and myself set off on a March towards the finish. This section was absolutely stunning. We tired a small run on a flat section but by this time I think all of our legs were in pieces. as we reached the big climb a few people had passed us again and we encouraged where we could. At the top the view behind was amazing. so we stopped for a few photos and then turned to see our end point for the first time in over 13 hours. the view was great but if I thought the down would be easier I was wrong. Stiff, sore and wrong. Thankfully though we did move forward and we soon crossed the bridge. It was great to hear Anna shout my name from about half way down. we then took the last few turns together and joined hands to cross the finish. It was a great feeling and a huge relief.
It was brilliant to finish with Tom and Patricia and also goes to show the strength community that running creates because finishing with Tom and Patricia absolutely made my experience better.
Karen the race organiser was at the finish to congratulate us. As I had to leave straight away she gave us our amazing finishing prize of a Quache, a beautiful and fitting memento..
On the way back to bonny Dundee I spoke to a very nervous Mum and told Anna the story of my race. As the week has passed I've become happier and more content with the day. My legs have started to work and I think I'm about to lose my first toe nail.
I learned a huge amount about myself and the race itself through this experience. Though I found it really hard I'll echo what everyone else has said. This is a brilliant race, in a brilliant setting and very, very well organised.
My splits show that I got carried away on the Glen Isla to Alyth section and pushed a too much, then let my mistake dictate the rest of my run. I'm still fairly new to the ultra business so lots to learn.
I'd like to thank the Race Director, Marshalls, Neil, and all the runners I spoke to throughout the race, especially Lois (if your reading), whoever '9 miles left big man' was, Tom and Patricia.
A big Thanks to everyone that has helped support me in my preparation, or sponsored me in raising miles and money for the #MillionMilesForEllie. If you don't know what it's about please have a click and a read. I can be a bit cold hearted but have found this is a really inspiring campaign.
So far I've raised an amazing £425 and added 55 miles to the cause. If you'd like to help out and add miles or pounds please go through the website.
I don't know if I can muster up the strength or time to train to do this sort of distance again any time soon. So I think I will drop down and try and get myself a Marathon time I'm happy with. I'll take some time to think about it though, because I think I can give a better showing of myself on this course. Having just moved I'll be cycling to work more often than not so I'll have to figure out my running schedule and the effect cycling has on it.
If you are looking for a friendly race to get your teeth into give this one a go. :)
This time last year I had aims of entering the OCC, a 50km run along a small part of the UTMB route. I have spoken before about why I wanted to do it here. Like most people who visit Chamonix I fell in love with the trails and scenery of Chamonix. Once I decided I would do it I set about trying to make it a possibility. Along the way that target has been (temporarily) shifted. I was delighted to be invited to a close friend's wedding and it is too good an opportunity to turn down. So My 'A race' for the year was changed to be the race that should have prepared me to be able run in Chamonix (and provide me with the qualification points for Chamonix next year).
So somehow I ended up with the aim of running the 55miles that makes up the Cateran Trail. For anyone that doesn't know. The Cateran trail is a 55 mile Long distance circular walk around Perthshire made famous by the cattle thief's that used the roots and ultimately gave the name to the trail.
It sounds like an absurd thing to say but I have no idea how I ended up entering a 55 mile race. It wasn't a singular plan that I have built up towards. It is something that has evolved and grown, and I was not fully aware it was happening. When I think about it I'm equal parts anxious and ignorant. Anxious that this is a target that is potentially beyond me, much longer than my now postponed aim of running in Chamonix. Ignorant about what it takes to run 55 miles over that type of terrain in the
time frame required.
Ultimately, this is a challenge and it should be challenging. The challenge is what makes this enjoyable. The not knowing and the need for development. If I had tried to take this on last year I would certainly have faltered. The progress I've made is what makes this possible.
If you hit the target every time it's too near or too big
- Tom Hirshfield
This isn't about success or failure, it's about the process, the growth. Bluntly it's about having the balls to step up and take the shot.
My first Marathon, horribly underprepared
A more recent shot. I'm not slimmer, just further away ;)
I can become a bit obsessed with the notion of trying, I think it's because I'm a natural dreamer, I still partly believe I'm destined to be an olympian, though my sporting options are narrowing by the year.
There is no point in trying this without going 'all in'. Therefore, as part of the preperation I have signed up to run two other races, trying to bridge the gap in ability that a 55 mile run requires and I currently possess.
I'll be running the D33 in a week, a 33 mile Ultra Marathon along the Deeside way, and the John Muir Way 50km Ultra Marathon at the end of April.
I've decided to run the Cateran Way for the 1 million Miles for Ellie campaign. This campaign aims to raise 1 million pounds and cover 1 million miles within 1 million minutes in memory of a young woman called Ellie who sadly passed away due to cancer. I had the pleasure of meeting Ellie and her parents. While I can't begin to understand what they have gone through, I can promote this amazing cause, set-up and galvanised by an amazing woman in memory of her daughter. The target of 1 million pounds will be split between Maggie's, McMillian and Cancer research UK, with the aim of helping all aspects of cancer.
I am trying to raise £119. 1 pound for every mile raced. I'd also like to ask you all to add your own miles to this wonderful cause. It doesn't have organised, a walk with the buggy, a run to the shops, a cycle to work. All I ask is that you pause for a moment. Think about a person you know that stood tall, and strong in front of a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Then walk a mile in their memory, in Ellies memory.
I'm not an overly outgoing person and don't know if I could raise a huge amount of money but I know we can all walk a mile.
My fundraising page:
When you've dontated or walked the mile (or more if you want) please click the link below and add in the miles you've completed.
The magic and mystery of the unknown. Walking along the track, my boots crunching down against the frost, the sound of water lapping the shore with the black empty hills next to them. A group of eyes flickering in the distance against my head torch. Trying to rationalise what I see in my head, not wanting to admit that the fear of a dark night was creeping slowly forward.
By this time it's 8pm (20:00 to my dad) and I have embarked on the first #Microadventure of the year. Having played about with the concept last year and done a little camping before, I decided that I wanted to do one #microadventure for each month for a year. If you want to know more about the concept of a #microadventure click the link and dive deep into a growing world of taking time out from the 9-5 and stealing an escape from the norm in the 5-9.
some #microadventure ideas from Alistair Humphreys
Since it's January in Scotland We didn't think a bivvy and the stars would leave us eager for more, so we decided a night in a bothy with a little night navigation would be a good start. One of the benefits of living in Scotland is that there were a few options open to us. The thing that settled it was that S had already created a PDF and a plan for us to stay at Loch Lee Bothy (Grid ref NO 392817). You have to love the organisers of the world. If I'm honest I'd never heard of the area, the bothy or the route. It turns out its at Glen Esk just past Edzell.
We left work in Fundee at 5pm (17:00 if you're still reading dad) and got some fish and chips from the Tuck inn at Edzill, I'd recommend it to anyone. Then we drove onwards to the car Park. Layering up for what was now a very chilly night. I'd got a new torch that kicked ass (1600 lumen for less the £20) but the night sky looked great and it was really strange to hear a river but nor see it. You actually saw more water by turning the torch off and letting the moon light reflect the light. The torch just threw it into blackness.
The walk itself was really interesting. We know that the path was landrover track the whole way. The river would meet the loch and then we would curve round toward the trees that would house our bothy for the night, but the darkness adds another dimension to the walk. The unknowing seems to heighten the walk. All I could think of was how much I wanted to walk back in the morning and make sense of what I'd heard and thought I'd seen. The darkness creates a potential that can't be fulfilled until morning.
After a 7km walk we ended up where we thought he bothy should be and thanks to some sharp eyes by S we found it. From the outside it was great, although we did see a window was broken. Inside it was cold and dark. We had a quick look round, it was only one room after all. Importantly, it had a fire place and we had brought a shit ton of wood. Our last attempt at a fire was less than a success, hence bringing some dry fire wood with us.
After we got a fire started and I had basked in the glory that is making a fire. -As an aside I don't think there is a single thing that makes you feel more of a man than making a fire. It's just Manly. I'm not often Manly. But that night Schwarzenegger would have given me 'the nod'. Nothing crazy, just a small, manly mark of respect between men.
Not to detract too much from the whole I'm a manly man but once you have a fire surely the next thing to do is grab some pitta, put it on the fire and have some Hummus.
Say what you want but Pitta is the perfect camping food. Think about it. It stays fresh forever, it doesn't matter it gets squashed and it doesn't take up too much room. Plus it tastes great hot from a fire you made yourself.
After tending the fire for a while it was time for a kip. Having packed enough clothes to dress London fashion week I was easily warm enough and slept pretty well through until about 6am. It was still dark and really cold so I went straight back into the sleeping bag, waking up at a rather late 9am. After having a quick Naked Bar and a coffee to warm us up we were back off to see where we had walked last night.
The bothy was just below the snow line so the views were stunning and the Glen just kept unravelling before us until we got to the Falls of Unich which looked great with all the ice. The path was a little harder to walk on as there seemed to be more ice. That or maybe we were just more tentative because we saw what we were walking on.
As we got to the loch everything he had heard and glimpsed by torch was upon us. to our left has a huge herd of Deer. I'm always amazed at how well they camouflage into the hill side. We first noticed one, then the more you focused the more you saw. Up to 100 deer all grazing, walking up the hill. It was a truly wonderful sight.
As the glen met the stream we were met by and old church and then an old garrison, or as I called it a bloody great castle.
Getting back to the car was great but also a little disappointing because it meant it was back to reality, and the 9-5. That and we would have to wash our gear that now stank of smoke from the fire.
If you haven't done the walk or been up to the area I'd encourage everyone to explore the area. The bothy was also great to and I think a bit quieter than those on the west coast. If you want to try a #microadventure check out the links, ask a question on here and importantly be brave and give it a go. You won't regret it.
What can be better than a mid week run on a beach and through a forest? How about you throw in a cheeky wee crepe? Oh, go on then.
This is to be my last random mid week run as I move job to more regular working hours. I also just passed my driving test and so decided this would be my first solo drive. Tentsmuir forest, A place so brilliant It should be known the world over. It also meant I didn't had to travel too far as I've never filled the car up with petrol and some traditions should remain so.
Also, why didn't anyone tell me having a car is just so much easier. I didn't need to look at bus time tables, pack loads of spare kit to change into after so I don't get cold and a two hour run doesn't take up the whole day getting there and back on the bus.
Once setting off apart from nervously trying not to crash I also wasn't sure what run my legs were up for. I had to do either: 10 x 1km repeats, 15 km easy or 21km easy. My legs were still a little sore so I ditched the 1km's. They belong to a day that wont be made any worse by wanting to vomit at 5 minute intervals.
So we would wait and see how I felt and play it by ear on the 15/21km issue. Having arrived safely at the car park by Tayport and only checking 7 or 8 times I'd locked the car I was off. Considering it's winter and fife has been hit by some truly horrible weather recently it was a perfect day for running. I decided to head to the beach and try to see some seals. Once passed the entrance I didn't see another soul until I got back to Tayport.
I started off skirting round the forest toward the nature reserve and beach. Once there the views were great. There's something about the beach that makes you smile. It's infectious, I found myself running along with a huge cheeser on my face for no other reason than I was happy in that moment.
The smile didn't last too long though as sand is bloody hard work on the legs. 15km it was. once round the corner of the nature reserve I went closer to the beach to try and see some seals and get to firmer footing. Sadly I got neither, though I did run through the water. Yes I'm a child.
All this happy care free running though wasn't helping the state of my legs so I decided to head inland towards the forest looking for some of the fun single track stuff that the mountain bikers use. This is my favourite part of the forest as you never know which way it'll turn next.
After a while I got to some diversions where the forestry commission are taking some trees down by the main car park due to high winds. This meant either I turn back and go the way I came or I run round the diversions and do the 21km. A wee swither to myself and off I went in search of a new path. That mean running though the dunes. Finally I made it onto gentle well maintained forest path. Hallelujah. The last few miles flew by with the hope that I could get a crepe if I got a move on.
What's that I hear you ask. A crepe? Did I run to France? Oh no, Tentsmuir just got even better. Due to the forestry works the 'crepe shake has moved from the Main Car Park to the Tayport entrance of the forest and now sits perfectly for me to get a post run snack. It's like running god's blessed me.
On a serious note, the Crepe shack seems to have been established for a wee while now. It was my first time and I loved the product and the idea. Fife, Dundee and Scotland in general needs more of these great entrepreneurial businesses. If you fancy a wee walk or a cycle/run treat give it a go. Brilliant stuff.
My view to eat my crepe
Lastly this was my route and pace etc. The drops tent to be me either looking for a place to turn or taking a photo. The run ended up with 89m of gain which although not a lot seems crazy for such a flat route.
I know I say it a lot but don't you just Love this place.
