Due to the amazing success of our first post race BBQ, we have decided to make it an annual event. So if you want to see what happens when Mr Race Co-ordinator drinks malt whisky or see The Hippy Chick crawl upstairs to bed, put Sat 28th June 2008 in your diaries NOW!
Updated to reflect change in Race day (since Cally Challenge have cocked it up again!!!) Just remember it will always be the week after the main event!
Monday, 2 July 2007
Part 4 - The Last Bit
I woke up on Sunday morning feeling well rested, unlike The Runner. We made our way through to breakfast where I had the full works. I hardly ever have a full cooked breakfast but I was starving. Even though I made up a special cool bag of goodies just for me, I actually didn't eat very much myself during the race.
After breakfast we went up to the leisure centre to see if anyone was about. Mr Race Co-ordinator was desperately trying to find someone to pay for its use but the staff had disappeared. We spoke to a few people we knew from Central AC and congratulated The Hayman on his success.
The prizegiving is always good but was especially good this year. Despite having the use of a bigger room we still need more space! It was great to catch up with other backup teams and hear their stories. I loved hearing about The Young Man's snooze in the heather on Rannoch Moor! I loved the huge cheering for Ms Record Holder and the presentation to the Longest Serving Backup Team! And I was thrilled that The German finally made it on his third attempt. I told him at the start I thought it was his year.
After the prizegiving we loaded up our car with Mr Running Shop's boxes. We took him and his backup guy (who Doesn't Usually Drive) and dropped them off at a railway station. It wasn't until later on in the journey we heard the story about how Mr Running Shop's car died at Lundavra. Doesn't Usually Drive admitted that he hadn't driven a car since the early 1990s! He walks to work and everywhere else. Mr RS received a call in the first few minutes of the race to be asked "How do you start your car?" He didn't know about power steering or how the steering wheel locks if you nudge it before trying to start the car!!
Doesn't Usually Drive also didn't know that the little lights on your dashboard tell you if something is wrong. So by the time he found out it was already too late! The car was dead. To cut a very long complicated story short, several phone calls to Mr RS's insurance company (who's call centre is in India) resulted in the car being taken back to Auld Reekie. Apparently they couldn't understand why Doesn't Usually Drive couldn't give the street name or postcode for the Lundavra checkpoint! He did offer them the OS reference but they had no idea what that was!!
So another successful race was over for us. The midgie hoods are packed away ready for the next time. The Travel Inn is already booked for next year. The Bearded One is signed up for another go. The Railwayman will be press ganged next time we see him.
I've been asked if I'm keeping this blog going. I've run out of material for this year but I'll start again next year in the build up to the event. If anyone has any interesting stories to tell please get in touch. All names will be changed to protect the guilty (unless you're in my backup team!) I've already got a few good ones I'm saving for next year (mainly to let the dust settle first before going public!!) But I will be starting a new blog which will include my exciting life being dragged round the world accompanying The Runner in his quest to find interesting events! Watch this space!
After breakfast we went up to the leisure centre to see if anyone was about. Mr Race Co-ordinator was desperately trying to find someone to pay for its use but the staff had disappeared. We spoke to a few people we knew from Central AC and congratulated The Hayman on his success.
The prizegiving is always good but was especially good this year. Despite having the use of a bigger room we still need more space! It was great to catch up with other backup teams and hear their stories. I loved hearing about The Young Man's snooze in the heather on Rannoch Moor! I loved the huge cheering for Ms Record Holder and the presentation to the Longest Serving Backup Team! And I was thrilled that The German finally made it on his third attempt. I told him at the start I thought it was his year.
After the prizegiving we loaded up our car with Mr Running Shop's boxes. We took him and his backup guy (who Doesn't Usually Drive) and dropped them off at a railway station. It wasn't until later on in the journey we heard the story about how Mr Running Shop's car died at Lundavra. Doesn't Usually Drive admitted that he hadn't driven a car since the early 1990s! He walks to work and everywhere else. Mr RS received a call in the first few minutes of the race to be asked "How do you start your car?" He didn't know about power steering or how the steering wheel locks if you nudge it before trying to start the car!!
Doesn't Usually Drive also didn't know that the little lights on your dashboard tell you if something is wrong. So by the time he found out it was already too late! The car was dead. To cut a very long complicated story short, several phone calls to Mr RS's insurance company (who's call centre is in India) resulted in the car being taken back to Auld Reekie. Apparently they couldn't understand why Doesn't Usually Drive couldn't give the street name or postcode for the Lundavra checkpoint! He did offer them the OS reference but they had no idea what that was!!
So another successful race was over for us. The midgie hoods are packed away ready for the next time. The Travel Inn is already booked for next year. The Bearded One is signed up for another go. The Railwayman will be press ganged next time we see him.
I've been asked if I'm keeping this blog going. I've run out of material for this year but I'll start again next year in the build up to the event. If anyone has any interesting stories to tell please get in touch. All names will be changed to protect the guilty (unless you're in my backup team!) I've already got a few good ones I'm saving for next year (mainly to let the dust settle first before going public!!) But I will be starting a new blog which will include my exciting life being dragged round the world accompanying The Runner in his quest to find interesting events! Watch this space!
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Some photos
I downloaded my photographs on to the computer only to discover they were actually rubbish. The Runner was in and out the checkpoints like Speedy Gonzales I didn't have time to record the historic PB. So here are are some of the pics.
The Runner being videoed for The Pastor's blog
The start
The start
The start
A wet Railwayman at Balmaha
Breakfast cooked by The Bearded One
A big hairy dug at Kingshousedecided to nap behind our car
Uncle Dunc gets the fire started
BT falls asleep at the prizegiving
The Runner's back(!)
The Pastor receives his goblet
I'll blog about the prizegiving tomorrow. Today was my last day at work. Now I've got 7 weeks summer holiday. Woo hoo!
PS. If anyone has a decent a photo of The Runner during the race I'd love a copy!
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Part 3 - Bridge of Orchy to Fort William
Bridge of Orchy
It's always tricky getting parked here but we found a space behind the road right up near the gate (this fact will be relevant!)
The Bearded One got the wee stove going and I was having a semi- snooze. The Runner wasn't due in yet. A few runners arrived and were being looked after by their backup. But one particular runner caught my eye. He was standing at the back of his vehicle (obviously thinking it was private) when all of a sudden the woman beside him took off his shorts and underwear! If she wasn't his wife then it was a VERY good friend. Like a child, he stood and she stripped him until he was butt naked. The Bearded One had seen this too and stage whispered "Quick, get the camera out!" Sadly as I fumbled to get the camera ready he had his pants back on. I don't know who he was but he was wearing a Carnethy vest! At least runners have nice bums!
There was also a wee dog running about, getting in the way of the cars. I think it may have been with the campers. It was in serious danger of being run over. Although someone (who shall remain nameless) suggested a swift kick towards the river might be a solution!
While we waited for The Runner I chatted to The Pastor's backup crew. One of them went to school with The Runner! It's a small world indeed.
The Runner had another quick stop here and took soup with him to walk over the hill.
Kingshouse
Parking was a bit crazy here but got a decent space. Again, I tried to snooze but it was hopeless. The Bearded One filled up the flasks as this was the last place we could do it. He runs with The Runner from here.
Again I spent a lot of time chatting to other backup crews. It amazed me how many people recognised me from the DVD and knew about The Runner.
After he left I popped into the hotel with the intention of buying some food. I didn't because of the notice on the door which basically said "Get lost if you're a camper or walker and want to use our toilets!" I always spend some money here and use the toilets with a clear conscience but that notice really annoyed me. Most of their business is generated from the Way being right on their doorstep. Sadly many other businesses on the Way seem to have the same attitude.
Kinlochleven
By this time the car has taken on a peculiar odour. I tried to wrap the wet clothes in a plastic bag and bury it deep in a backpack. It didn't work.
BT arrived on his way up to manning the Lundavra checkpoint. He saw some people eating fish suppers and wondered if it would be a good idea to take some up to The Runner and The Bearded One as they came down into the town. Short answer - NO!
After yet another brief stop, I packed up the car and BT made me a fresh coffee on his gas stove. It was brilliant! I popped into the health centre for a quick toilet stop and heard someone say "Ask The Runner's wife, she knows the way!" One of the backup crews was looking for directions to Lundavra. I told them to follow me as I was just going there.
Lundavra
The road up to Lundavra is dreadful. Single track, passing places, hills, corners and nutters coming towards you at 50 mph thinking they won't meet anyone cos it's a quiet road! About a mile and a half before you get to the checkpoint, I came over a hill and saw a plume of smoke rising into the sky. Uncle Dunc had lit his beacon to guide us in! BT's photo on the forum sums it up beautifully!
When The Runner arrived at Lundavra he was feeling really good. The end was in sight. He felt so much better than The Bearded One who was feeling so sick he dropped out. I've known The Bearded One for 17 years and I've never seen him look so bad at any race. The Runner did the last 7 miles on his own.
Fort William!
The Bearded One and I quickly checked into the Travel Inn (separate rooms although one year we all shared a family room and pretended that The Hippy Chick was my mum!) We then drove up to car park outside the town to see The Runner coming. I'd never been up there before.
The Bearded One managed to run with The Runner to the leisure centre where a crowd (including The Pastor's Wife) cheered him in. He smashed his PB by a staggering 28 mins! I was so proud. I still didn't give him a kiss tho! That was left to another good friend.
After his shower he had a post race massage by the aptly named Angels. It was painful but made a huge difference to his legs the next day.
We made it back to the hotel room and were about to have a coffee when we realised the bar was open until midnight. We dragged ourselves next door and ordered a pint of lager and a G&T. We were so tired we almost nodded off stitting at the table. We didn't finish our drinks but congratulated ourselves on making last orders!
We got back to the room and I went straight to bed. I was in such a deep sleep I didn't hear The Runner get back up, have a bath, go for a walk or go back up to the leisure centre at 5 o'clock to see more runners come in!
Next installment - full Scottish breakfast, prizegiving, boxes, broken down cars and Indian call centres!
It's always tricky getting parked here but we found a space behind the road right up near the gate (this fact will be relevant!)
The Bearded One got the wee stove going and I was having a semi- snooze. The Runner wasn't due in yet. A few runners arrived and were being looked after by their backup. But one particular runner caught my eye. He was standing at the back of his vehicle (obviously thinking it was private) when all of a sudden the woman beside him took off his shorts and underwear! If she wasn't his wife then it was a VERY good friend. Like a child, he stood and she stripped him until he was butt naked. The Bearded One had seen this too and stage whispered "Quick, get the camera out!" Sadly as I fumbled to get the camera ready he had his pants back on. I don't know who he was but he was wearing a Carnethy vest! At least runners have nice bums!
There was also a wee dog running about, getting in the way of the cars. I think it may have been with the campers. It was in serious danger of being run over. Although someone (who shall remain nameless) suggested a swift kick towards the river might be a solution!
While we waited for The Runner I chatted to The Pastor's backup crew. One of them went to school with The Runner! It's a small world indeed.
The Runner had another quick stop here and took soup with him to walk over the hill.
Kingshouse
Parking was a bit crazy here but got a decent space. Again, I tried to snooze but it was hopeless. The Bearded One filled up the flasks as this was the last place we could do it. He runs with The Runner from here.
Again I spent a lot of time chatting to other backup crews. It amazed me how many people recognised me from the DVD and knew about The Runner.
After he left I popped into the hotel with the intention of buying some food. I didn't because of the notice on the door which basically said "Get lost if you're a camper or walker and want to use our toilets!" I always spend some money here and use the toilets with a clear conscience but that notice really annoyed me. Most of their business is generated from the Way being right on their doorstep. Sadly many other businesses on the Way seem to have the same attitude.
Kinlochleven
By this time the car has taken on a peculiar odour. I tried to wrap the wet clothes in a plastic bag and bury it deep in a backpack. It didn't work.
BT arrived on his way up to manning the Lundavra checkpoint. He saw some people eating fish suppers and wondered if it would be a good idea to take some up to The Runner and The Bearded One as they came down into the town. Short answer - NO!
After yet another brief stop, I packed up the car and BT made me a fresh coffee on his gas stove. It was brilliant! I popped into the health centre for a quick toilet stop and heard someone say "Ask The Runner's wife, she knows the way!" One of the backup crews was looking for directions to Lundavra. I told them to follow me as I was just going there.
Lundavra
The road up to Lundavra is dreadful. Single track, passing places, hills, corners and nutters coming towards you at 50 mph thinking they won't meet anyone cos it's a quiet road! About a mile and a half before you get to the checkpoint, I came over a hill and saw a plume of smoke rising into the sky. Uncle Dunc had lit his beacon to guide us in! BT's photo on the forum sums it up beautifully!
When The Runner arrived at Lundavra he was feeling really good. The end was in sight. He felt so much better than The Bearded One who was feeling so sick he dropped out. I've known The Bearded One for 17 years and I've never seen him look so bad at any race. The Runner did the last 7 miles on his own.
Fort William!
The Bearded One and I quickly checked into the Travel Inn (separate rooms although one year we all shared a family room and pretended that The Hippy Chick was my mum!) We then drove up to car park outside the town to see The Runner coming. I'd never been up there before.
The Bearded One managed to run with The Runner to the leisure centre where a crowd (including The Pastor's Wife) cheered him in. He smashed his PB by a staggering 28 mins! I was so proud. I still didn't give him a kiss tho! That was left to another good friend.
After his shower he had a post race massage by the aptly named Angels. It was painful but made a huge difference to his legs the next day.
We made it back to the hotel room and were about to have a coffee when we realised the bar was open until midnight. We dragged ourselves next door and ordered a pint of lager and a G&T. We were so tired we almost nodded off stitting at the table. We didn't finish our drinks but congratulated ourselves on making last orders!
We got back to the room and I went straight to bed. I was in such a deep sleep I didn't hear The Runner get back up, have a bath, go for a walk or go back up to the leisure centre at 5 o'clock to see more runners come in!
Next installment - full Scottish breakfast, prizegiving, boxes, broken down cars and Indian call centres!
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Part 2 - Beinglas to Tyndrum
It's official. I'm a sad, sad person. I returned to work today after being off for 9 weeks and what's the first thing I do when I get home? I check the WHW forum, all the WHW blogs I read and my own to see if I've got any comments. How sad is that? I'm being sucked in!
Ok, down to business.
Beinglas Farm
As usual, we parked in the Inverarnan Hotel car park and walk up to the farm. As usual, there were many WHW backup crews parked there. You are not supposed to be there! And it was people who've been doing this for years! Ok, I'm getting down from my high horse now.
The midgies were awful as usual but there were a few souls who had decided to brave it without their midgie nets. I kindly shared my nuke-em spray since clearly the Skin So Soft was not working this year.
I did a lot of listening here. It was clear that there were a few newbies who still didn't really know what to expect. Lots of people were on their mobiles obviously relaying info back to relatives. I overheard one English guy saying "I'm at Ben-gallus farm now." If you're not familiar with Weegie patter you won't understand why that's funny!
Beinglas is the end of The Runner's worst part of the race. Every year he looks dreadful and I feel really emotional when I see him in such pain. But we had to stick to the schedule and get him out as quick as possible.
Derrydarroch
I didn't go there, but the Bearded One ran down to check The Runner was ok. Maybe if I had gone, I'd have seen the Mad Aussie go for his skinny dip!
Auchtertyre
We have used this checkpoint a few times now so I know where the entrance is. It was a bit of a shocker to see roadworks and traffic lights covering the entrance. It didn't help that a plonker going the other way had stopped right in front of it. (I thought the Highway Code said you shouldn't stop in front of entrances!) So I held up the traffic behind me trying to turn right. The lights changed to green but the cars couldn't go cos there was a queue behind me. But I remained calm and resisted the temptation to yell $%&£! at him.
When we eventually got in, it was a bit of a squeeze to get parked. It was only when one runner came in that I realised that 4 (FOUR!) cars were the backup for this runner. Who needs 4 backup vehicles?! *gets back up on to high horse again*
Tyndrum
Since this is no longer a checkpoint it was blissfully quiet and easy to park. We met a backup crew who had completely missed the Auchtertyre entrance and had to go back. I think a few crews had to do the same. The Runner didn't stop here but took soup and coffee with him to walk up the hill. Tiredness was setting in for me and I completely misjudged pouring water into the bottle The Bearded One was holding. Let's just say he got a bit wet! At least it wasn't hot coffee.
Next stop, Bridge of Orchy.
Ok, down to business.
Beinglas Farm
As usual, we parked in the Inverarnan Hotel car park and walk up to the farm. As usual, there were many WHW backup crews parked there. You are not supposed to be there! And it was people who've been doing this for years! Ok, I'm getting down from my high horse now.
The midgies were awful as usual but there were a few souls who had decided to brave it without their midgie nets. I kindly shared my nuke-em spray since clearly the Skin So Soft was not working this year.
I did a lot of listening here. It was clear that there were a few newbies who still didn't really know what to expect. Lots of people were on their mobiles obviously relaying info back to relatives. I overheard one English guy saying "I'm at Ben-gallus farm now." If you're not familiar with Weegie patter you won't understand why that's funny!
Beinglas is the end of The Runner's worst part of the race. Every year he looks dreadful and I feel really emotional when I see him in such pain. But we had to stick to the schedule and get him out as quick as possible.
Derrydarroch
I didn't go there, but the Bearded One ran down to check The Runner was ok. Maybe if I had gone, I'd have seen the Mad Aussie go for his skinny dip!
Auchtertyre
We have used this checkpoint a few times now so I know where the entrance is. It was a bit of a shocker to see roadworks and traffic lights covering the entrance. It didn't help that a plonker going the other way had stopped right in front of it. (I thought the Highway Code said you shouldn't stop in front of entrances!) So I held up the traffic behind me trying to turn right. The lights changed to green but the cars couldn't go cos there was a queue behind me. But I remained calm and resisted the temptation to yell $%&£! at him.
When we eventually got in, it was a bit of a squeeze to get parked. It was only when one runner came in that I realised that 4 (FOUR!) cars were the backup for this runner. Who needs 4 backup vehicles?! *gets back up on to high horse again*
Tyndrum
Since this is no longer a checkpoint it was blissfully quiet and easy to park. We met a backup crew who had completely missed the Auchtertyre entrance and had to go back. I think a few crews had to do the same. The Runner didn't stop here but took soup and coffee with him to walk up the hill. Tiredness was setting in for me and I completely misjudged pouring water into the bottle The Bearded One was holding. Let's just say he got a bit wet! At least it wasn't hot coffee.
Next stop, Bridge of Orchy.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Part 1 - Milngavie to Rowardennan
This may take a while, so I'll do my race report in sections. The following is how the race looked to me from a backup perspective. I'm sure The Runner will report on the running nitty gritty on his own blog.
Milngavie Station
It was news to me that registration would be taking place in the church hall. The Runner forgot to mention this! We arrived at the car park around 11.30pm. It was an amazing sight. I love the bewilderment on the faces of the locals as they stagger home from the pub and wonder what they've stumbled into! I loved seeing old friends again and meeting new ones. The atmosphere is just electric.
After registering we chatted to friends, took photos and double checked the equipment. We were chatting to our friend The Pastor who gets my award for being the most excited runner at the start. He was like a little boy waiting for a trip to Disney World! I must confess I thought it would wear off by the time he reached Rowardennan. The Bearded One arrived and came to join us but The Railwayman disappeared. He decided he wanted some chips and went off to search for a takeaway! He returned empty handed and hungry.
As the time drew closer to the start, the noise level began to drop. The serious business was about to begin. The runners gathered at the entrance to the underpass and waited. I wished The Runner good luck and asked how he was feeling. His answer was "I'd feel a lot better if I could do a good poo!" What's the difference between a good poo and a bad one? Sounds like a bad joke!
The runners set off to a huge cheer from all the backup teams. There was then a mad rush back to their vehicles. Like a scene from Wacky Races they set off in convoy. However, we waited a few minutes while I showed The Railwayman how to operate the handbrake, lights etc in our car. Maybe Mr Running Shop should have done the same for his backup guy (more on his car trouble later!)
Drymen
First stop for us was Drymen. We were there quite early as we hadn't stopped at Carbeth or The Beech Tree and found a good place to park. The Bearded One and The Railwayman disappeared up the track and left me to try and get 40 winks. I didn't get any. The Runner made a very brief stop here as his plan was to keep stopping time to a bare minimum.
Balmaha
At Balmaha we got the stove going and heated up some soup. A lady approached us and asked us to show her how to work her wee stove. Fortunately her midgie net hid her embarassed face.
This was where we got our first heavy rain. The Bearded One had the great idea of setting up our stuff in the bus shelter so The Runner wouldn't get cold from sitting in the rain. By the time he arrived it had stopped. He had another very quick stop but still had enough time to moan about the diversion and how The Pastor had overtaken him on Conic Hill. I wasn't very happy about the quick stops. He runs very conservatively in the early stages because he feels better later on in the race. I felt we didn't have enough time to boost him up and tell him he was going well. But it was his race so we had to go along with it.
At least the toilets were open this year but they had no lights. Peeing in the dark is quite an adventure. Let's just say I'm glad I had my wellies on!
Rowardennan
By the time we got to Rowardennan the steam was pouring out our ears as we passed several runners who were running along the road. We (and other backup teams) reported it to the marshals who then reported it to Mr Race Co-ordinator. Appropriate action was taken so everyone was appeased. However, when it was discovered that the toilets were locked the steam reappeared!
This is where we have our rolls and bacon. The Railwayman was starving (since he was deprived of his chips) so he had a couple of rolls and sausage as well. The midgies were especially fierce this year. By the time we fed The Runner and got the car packed up again, I had 12 bites on my hands and wrists and 2 on my face! I honestly never get bitten so was a bit annoyed.
Between Rowardennan and Beinglas I managed to get 30 minutes sleep. We dropped The Railwayman off at Ardlui where he was getting picked up by Mad Jim's backup guy. Mad Jim had hurt his ankle and dropped out so The Railwayman was able to get a lift all the way home instead of waiting for a bus. I promised to text him with regular updates on The Runner but sadly my phone failed to get a signal at many of the stopping points.
Next post will be from Beinglas to Kingshouse.
Milngavie Station
It was news to me that registration would be taking place in the church hall. The Runner forgot to mention this! We arrived at the car park around 11.30pm. It was an amazing sight. I love the bewilderment on the faces of the locals as they stagger home from the pub and wonder what they've stumbled into! I loved seeing old friends again and meeting new ones. The atmosphere is just electric.
After registering we chatted to friends, took photos and double checked the equipment. We were chatting to our friend The Pastor who gets my award for being the most excited runner at the start. He was like a little boy waiting for a trip to Disney World! I must confess I thought it would wear off by the time he reached Rowardennan. The Bearded One arrived and came to join us but The Railwayman disappeared. He decided he wanted some chips and went off to search for a takeaway! He returned empty handed and hungry.
As the time drew closer to the start, the noise level began to drop. The serious business was about to begin. The runners gathered at the entrance to the underpass and waited. I wished The Runner good luck and asked how he was feeling. His answer was "I'd feel a lot better if I could do a good poo!" What's the difference between a good poo and a bad one? Sounds like a bad joke!
The runners set off to a huge cheer from all the backup teams. There was then a mad rush back to their vehicles. Like a scene from Wacky Races they set off in convoy. However, we waited a few minutes while I showed The Railwayman how to operate the handbrake, lights etc in our car. Maybe Mr Running Shop should have done the same for his backup guy (more on his car trouble later!)
Drymen
First stop for us was Drymen. We were there quite early as we hadn't stopped at Carbeth or The Beech Tree and found a good place to park. The Bearded One and The Railwayman disappeared up the track and left me to try and get 40 winks. I didn't get any. The Runner made a very brief stop here as his plan was to keep stopping time to a bare minimum.
Balmaha
At Balmaha we got the stove going and heated up some soup. A lady approached us and asked us to show her how to work her wee stove. Fortunately her midgie net hid her embarassed face.
This was where we got our first heavy rain. The Bearded One had the great idea of setting up our stuff in the bus shelter so The Runner wouldn't get cold from sitting in the rain. By the time he arrived it had stopped. He had another very quick stop but still had enough time to moan about the diversion and how The Pastor had overtaken him on Conic Hill. I wasn't very happy about the quick stops. He runs very conservatively in the early stages because he feels better later on in the race. I felt we didn't have enough time to boost him up and tell him he was going well. But it was his race so we had to go along with it.
At least the toilets were open this year but they had no lights. Peeing in the dark is quite an adventure. Let's just say I'm glad I had my wellies on!
Rowardennan
By the time we got to Rowardennan the steam was pouring out our ears as we passed several runners who were running along the road. We (and other backup teams) reported it to the marshals who then reported it to Mr Race Co-ordinator. Appropriate action was taken so everyone was appeased. However, when it was discovered that the toilets were locked the steam reappeared!
This is where we have our rolls and bacon. The Railwayman was starving (since he was deprived of his chips) so he had a couple of rolls and sausage as well. The midgies were especially fierce this year. By the time we fed The Runner and got the car packed up again, I had 12 bites on my hands and wrists and 2 on my face! I honestly never get bitten so was a bit annoyed.
Between Rowardennan and Beinglas I managed to get 30 minutes sleep. We dropped The Railwayman off at Ardlui where he was getting picked up by Mad Jim's backup guy. Mad Jim had hurt his ankle and dropped out so The Railwayman was able to get a lift all the way home instead of waiting for a bus. I promised to text him with regular updates on The Runner but sadly my phone failed to get a signal at many of the stopping points.
Next post will be from Beinglas to Kingshouse.
Some numbers
For those people who like to analyse race statistics here are some numbers from the weekend's events.
Amount of food consumed by The Runner during the race
6 Mullerice, 2 hot cross buns with butter and jam, 3 slices fruit loaf, 1 packet of Jelly Babies, 1 smoothie, 4 cups of Magic soup, a couple of spoonfuls of tuna pasta salad, 5 gels, 4 Lucozade sport drinks, 2 litres of flat Coke and many cups of coffee
Calories consumed
Just under 7000 cals
Calories burned (according to gizmo thingy)
Over 15,000 calories
Number of times The Runner said yesterday:
"My legs are really sore/stiff" - 23
"My whole body aches/hurts" - 17
"I'm so tired" - 9
"That was a long way to run" - 4
"Why do I do this?" - 4
"Look at my toenails" - 2
Number of alcoholic drinks he consumed last night:
Dunno, but how many units are in a bottle of wine and 2 very large G&Ts?
Number of minutes it took for him to fall asleep once he got into bed:
1, then he snored like a pig all night!
Amount of food consumed by The Runner during the race
6 Mullerice, 2 hot cross buns with butter and jam, 3 slices fruit loaf, 1 packet of Jelly Babies, 1 smoothie, 4 cups of Magic soup, a couple of spoonfuls of tuna pasta salad, 5 gels, 4 Lucozade sport drinks, 2 litres of flat Coke and many cups of coffee
Calories consumed
Just under 7000 cals
Calories burned (according to gizmo thingy)
Over 15,000 calories
Number of times The Runner said yesterday:
"My legs are really sore/stiff" - 23
"My whole body aches/hurts" - 17
"I'm so tired" - 9
"That was a long way to run" - 4
"Why do I do this?" - 4
"Look at my toenails" - 2
Number of alcoholic drinks he consumed last night:
Dunno, but how many units are in a bottle of wine and 2 very large G&Ts?
Number of minutes it took for him to fall asleep once he got into bed:
1, then he snored like a pig all night!
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