Training Log Archive: Big Jon

Placing stakes plus adding SI boxes and waking them up. Forest a bit wetter than yesterday (hollows all full of icy slush... Took some round routes to avoid low lying parts :-)
Great event - everyone who pre-entered turned up (apart from one family from south side of the Cairn). All seems to enjoy it and mostly sensible times :-)

Bonus was having 5 enthusiastic control collectors which meant I didn't have to go back out again :-)))

Placing stakes and kites for O event at Glen O Dee.
Fores very pleasant and only one wet marsh.

With S from Keiloch car park to Ballochbuie, past green bridge and out to Prince's stone (first ever visit) then out to hill to north (DR 2021 challenge point). Back via small path and then main drag west. Mostly pretty good going, old bridge and track near there a bit icy but most of rest was clear of ice and even the heather wasn't too bad with some snow squashing it down.
A bit of wind near the stone but mostly very pleasant running temp.
Wee stop at Highland Bakehouse for a hot choc on ht4e way back down the glen.

rest day - pretty ming out anyway and tired from last night.

To near the start and around about before DNC

Time a guess until results come out.
Bloody hell that was tough! I didn’t feel great but every leg seemed to be tougher than the last . Lots of walking - uphill abs also to make sure I hit controls. Happy technically, I had a few wobbles and hesitations but only one control where I felt I lost a significant amount of time ( 4) . Had a torch fail near end so lost about a minute as I got out reserve and sorted it.
Certainly a candidate for Toughest of the Tough at the end of season party (however this is held in Feb 20121!)

C • Must be getting old....:-) 2

With S along estate road from Corgarff Castle to west. Tarmac road so the 8-10cm of snow was adequate. A bit unpleasant early on with headwind and rain/sleet but cleared and a nice whiz back.
First skiing of the winter - may it not be the last!

A93 lay-by, towards Dinnet the round loch with S, cut short and back via gingerbread cottage, butterfly loop. Quick (very) dip into Loch - had to break the ice so little swimming... about 15 strokes. Very refreshing and invigorating.