Training Log Archive: SarahD

Glencoe Marathon. Smashed it. So chuffed :-)
Didn't have any great expectations today after struggling to fit in consistent marathon distance training with everything else going on over the summer. Plan was to go out and enjoy a great course on a great day.
Got the bus to the start, arriving over an hour ahead of my last wave start. I had taken an extra top but no over trousers. It was freezing. After shivering uncontrollably for a while, spotted that some unsuspecting campers on the Red Squirrel site had got a fire going to cook their breakfast. Decided it was time to make some friends - life saver, and a whole new meaning to the concept of a warm-up!
The wave start meant plenty of space to begin with, but the down side of the last start became apparent as I was soon reeling in the slower runners from earlier starts and having to try and pass on single track, taking more effort than I would have wished. Tried to stay comfortable whilst moving through the field. First 10km in an hour, happy with that and feeling relaxed. Soon onto a few km of bog before the main Devils staircase climb, wet feet but all good, and the DS was soon over.
Relaxed into the descent towards Kinlochleven trying to run smoothly and avoid too much hammering at this early stage. Still passing plenty of folk. Somewhat surprised to reach the "half way" point at KLL in 2:12, hoping I hadn't gone off too fast. Remembered the climb out of KLL from walking the WHW 30 years ago. Tough going, but still feeling quite strong. Went through a bit of a dip at 25-28km, but with hydration fluid and a chocolate rice krispie in me I perked up big time and flew the next section through to 32km.
Knew there was a bit of a sting in the tale, but with only 10km to go, it couldn't be too bad... What I had failed to notice on the map, was the roller-coaster section of steep up and down, once you got into the plantation. This was really tough, but still I was picking off people bit by bit. Finally at 38.5km or so we reached the start of the descent and very soon could see the finish - go for it! All great until a bit of a flatter section at 40km and suddenly everything cramped. Aagh! Had to stop to ease it out, but within a minute or so, managed to relax the muscles and was able to get going again. Home straight now, and managed to get to the finish without further issues.
Way ahead of any schedule I might have dreamt of, and finished 4th F in the end.
Totally stunning day for the race. I've been so lucky with my two races over here. Organisation all very efficient. One to do, provided you're prepared to take the sting of the sponsorship commitment.
And now it's really time for some R+R.

C • great stuff! 1

Running round Knockburn hanging kites. Trying to watch E in his duathlon in between, so not very efficient. Busy day, feeling pretty frazzled by the time I dumped E and headed west. Had to leave the kites out to collect another day. Not exactly ideal pre race prep, but c la v.

Meikle Tap. Trying to wake the hill legs up a bit. Perfect day again.

Jog round Bellwood hanging kites for ASC and collecting a few after. Lost too much of the day sitting in the "Ryanair" departure lounge of Aberdeen Sheriff Court - fun, not.

Stunning day. Getting Knockburn poc sorted out am. Ran out of time to do anything more energetic, but not too worried about that.

With J on the DW flattish stretch along towards Kinker. 5x2'+1'. 1 and 3 downhill, others up. 2,3 and 4 were good. Died on 5

Long way round to the start through the woods, then straight back after.

A93 to B'demend then over to Lumphanan bowl and big loop round the high road. Think this was a first and loved it. Great views down to the misty river valley, reminiscent of autumn in Tuscany.
Good start to the week.

AR club. Managed to get the kids a decent distance - out to the fields and loop back to the woods.