March 2008 Day 3

Inverarnan - Tyndrum, 13 miles

I was looking forward to a nice easy day along well made paths with no major ups and downs. And that's exactly what I got. No bad bits today, but a new favourite. Started out with a stupid tune in my head, as the receptionist at the inn had it as her ringtone. Having said all that about not wearing an iPod, I wish I'd taken it today. Apart from a short section, the path was close to the road the whole way. Not always within sight, but mostly within earshot. Not quite the sounds of nature I was looking forward to. Anyway, minor grumble - the day was great. Began by retracing my steps from the inn to the Way, and behind Beinglas Farm. The terrain here was a quite runnable track, but with enough big stones that meant that if, like me, you're a clumsy idiot, you have to concentrate on foot placement. But that's as bad as the ground got, and that wasn't bad at all. Lots of short ups and downs, but nothing major. Then the path crossed under the road and rail track, and I after a climb I was high up on some farmland, with the cattle looking at me with disinterest. This path was more of the same and eventually led down to where the path splits with a spur out to Crianlarich. As it was a short day, I didn't take the opportunity to stop there for lunch, and instead turned left, and after another climb, entered the forest section. I really really loved this bit, even more than the forest section yesterday. There was a light breeze, it was cool but not cold, there were plenty of (longer) steep ups and steep downs, and at times the running was on a soft carpet of old pine needles. And to top it all, every now and then there would be a break in the trees, and the snow-topped peaks of nearby mountains would be visible. I *love* running in forests. My confidence on the terrain has grown over the last couple of days, as I found myself speeding down slopes that I previously would have considered unrunnable due to the steepness and stonyness. Of course this did have it's downsides, and more than once I nearly fell as I tripped on a stone, rock or tree root. And my toes have taken a bashing from my stubbing them so much - the left one is finally starting to bruise. But that was the only foot related damage today - no problems with the shoes (the same trail shoes I wore on Day 1) Eventually my beautiful forest section came to an end, and it was back over the road, past a couple of farms, and after another road crossing onto the Tyndrum Woodland area. This was lovely too, although not quite as outstanding as the forest. Then it was into Tyndrum village. At lunchtime. Woohoo. 13.67 miles in 3.25. Without checking, I think that's nearly 3 minutes a mile quicker than the last two days. Although I had planned to do the whole week in 11-12 minute miles. Tomorrow is the long day, and I believe the weather is looking a bit nasty. I can't complain really, I've had beautiful weather so far, and it seems that whenever anyone else does a training run up here, he weather is awful. I really have been very lucky. I'm going to wear road shoes tomorrow. It may be a risk with the Devil's Staircase and the subsequent descent to deal with, but judging by Sunday and Monday, I'm likely to be out there for up to 10 hours. I need to put comfort over technical features. Anyway, I am knackered now, after the last few days running, and the lack of sleep last night, I'm sure I will sleep very well tonight...