March 2008 Day 4

Tyndrum - Kinlochleven, 28 miles

The best day by far. The best run of my life. I loved today. It was also the fastest day by far - about 30 seconds a miles quicker than yesterday, even though it was more than twice the distance. And over 3 minutes a mile quicker than the first 2 days. In part because I am getting used to the terrain, and more confident about running on the rocky bits, partly because my body is getting used to running again, but admittedly because most of the going was much easier underfoot. Started off in Tyndrum on a stony track. Apart from a few rocky sections and a bit of tarmac, the rest of the day was on this type of terrain. The unrelenting climbs of the last few days were mostly replaced by much smoother gradients, although there were still a few downs where my new-found confidence at down-hill running baulked, and instead I gingerly picked my way down. The first 7 or so miles were to Bridge of Orchy, with nothing more challenging than a drop and climb to and from the tunnel under the railway. Highlight for me was passing a small group of Highlands settled next to the path, and there were a dozen or so small calves. I'm a sucker for a cute little face. From Bridge of Orchy it was a climb up to another wooded section. Then it was on to the big event. Rannoch Moor. I had been looking forward to this section all week. To be so far from civilisation, and such views - this is what running should be about. I would have been quite happy if the whole 95 miles had been on Rannoch Moor. I could run forever on Rannoch Moor. I had been warned by many people that it would be tough. Head-wise rather than physically. Bleak and desolate were the words I kept hearing. I saw no bleak desolation though. All I saw was stunning and peaceful beauty. I loved it. (It was slightly marred by the fact that I passed more people on here than I've seen since Conic Hill on Sunday, and I saw a lorry in the distance - not quite that remote then) The weather had been lovely all morning, but as I neared the end of the moor, it started to rain. This didn't detract at all from the beauty of the place, it just seemed appropriate. Then I had my only slight disappointment of the day. Blackrock Cottage. From the photos I had expected this to be an isolated outpost, the shining white exterior in sharp contrast to the surrounding moor. The reality was that not only was it within sight and earshot of the A82, it was halfway up the access road to the Glencoe centre. For the 100 metres or so that I was on the access road, 6 cars passed me. Hardly the epitome of isolation. Oh well, it's not as though I travelled all the way up here just to see it. A minor negative, that's all. Then it was over the road and past the Kingshouse Hotel, and onto another tarmac access road for a short stretch. Back onto the stony path, there were gentle undulations and streams to be skipped across until I arrived at where the path veered away from the road and headed towards the Devil's Staircase. I must admit I was a little underwhelmed by this. Having heard the name, I was expecting much steeper climbs and harder going. I'm sure I'll be saying something different in June though, when I've just covered 75 miles... I passed by some patches of snow for the first time at the top of the staircase. Although there was some across the path, I was able to skirt around it, so luckily the road shoes were ok. The last 4 miles were mostly descending down to Kinlochleven, although there were a few more small ascents to catch me out. The stony path eventually turned on to a works access track, and this was the unglamourous route into and through the village. 28.04 miles in 6.43 The day was lovely. The running seems to have sorted itself out, and it now feels quite natural, rather than constantly being an effort to keep moving. It's not quite back to the effortless feeling of a couple of months ago, but it's getting there. This week has proved invaluable. If I'd turned up to the Highland Fling having not seen the route first, I would have been in trouble. Even if I'd been able to force myself to keep going, I still would not have made the cut offs, and I probably would have had my entry for June immediately revoked. That still may happen, but at least I now know what I'm facing, and what I need to do to prepare as best I can. Most of all, I've enjoyed it. (And I still have a day to go). I would recommend this to anyone. The only downside is the cost - I could have had a bargain deal fortnight in the Carribean for the same price...