Training Log Archive: SarahD

Quads sore. Very.

Ring of Steall Skyrace. Epic!
This was always going to be a toughie, but was hoping that my "double climb" days from the TMB would stand me in good stead. Limited w-u meant that the start felt awful, and as always it was hard not to get dragged off up the hill too quickly. Settled into it once we got onto the single track heading up towards the col below Sgorr an lubhair and started to enjoy it once I reached the ridge. Bits of cloud swirling round, but clearing out to give good views at times. Ridge was fun running and didn't have me too worried, although there was someone freaking out behind me. Nice to meet J+A H heading in the opposite direction. KH was just behind me at the top of Sgurr a Mhaim and soon disappeared ahead on the super steep and technical descent into Glen Nevis. Diversion up the Nevis gorge to avoid the rock fall was along the south side of the river on a manky boggy path, but at least it was a change from the rock underfoot. Managed to keep well fuelled and hydrated so that by the time the second climb started I still had plenty of energy and was catching people all the way up the hill. Pulled back 6' on KH who looked to be struggling, and then shortly after passed a somewhat broken looking AB. Once we were up on the ridge I could feel cramp lurking so was being really careful as it wasn't the place to start having uncontrollable body actions. Met J+A H once again, then soon after SC, also heading the opposite way. First bout of cramp struck on the inner right thigh, forcing me to stop and massage it out. Plenty of others in the same boat up there and there was some of the best camaraderie I've ever known on a race - each knowing that everyone else was going through some bad times too. Final climb to Am Bodach was a brute, but at last it was downhill all the way home. Had another bout of cramp on the way down, in the same place but left leg this time, then just as I approached the finish I could feel everything going. Was determined not to stop, but ended up shuffling up the run in looking in a right state. Got pipped to the finish by AB, but managed to hold off KH despite another great descent from her. Really pleased to break 6h and finish 3rd FV45. Ended up 82nd overall after passing 44 folk in the second half. Winning time of 3:25 was gob-smacking.
A brilliant event, really well organised and great to be part of. 4 new Munros bagged too. Memorable.

P'murchie, Tor gc, top road to Glassel, Craiglash and home. Stunning day again.

Hanging and collecting for after-school club.

Steady along the river bank, towards WHW and back on the DW. Late afternoon = never feeling great. Hamstrings tights.

Down to the railway and back

10 x 1'+1' on the railway. Legs were feeling quite good for this. Hamstrings are tight though.