I was so excited for this event. Although my training had subsided a little I had been out on the hills more and practising running with a bag was completely different for me. I had no idea what to expect.
I had heard of the Lairig Ghru though my family being keen hill walkers but wasn’t aware of the race initially. I had entered on a whim but I truly believe saying “yes” to things opens experiences you wouldn’t get by erring on the side of caution. It was big, bold and brash … out-with my comfort zone… but that’s where the magic happens!!!
Leading into the race, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Mel Edwards ( who told me he ran the first ever LG race ). Mel told me all about the first run where 13 keen runners turned up in Braemar at the police station, to be briefly informed “Run to the police station in Aviemore…..GO”… he told me they all looked at each other and sped off. Finished 2nd that day in around 3:11 I believe was a great result and gaining some last-minute hints and tips from Mel was priceless….1) don’t start fast 2) take it easy on the boulders 3) take a second to look around. It was this advice that rang true the whole race.
I received many well wishes and was overwhelmed by the amount of people wishing me luck. A certain message stick with me. A client sent me a message to look out for a Bus Stop 🚏 on the Lairig Ghru. I had to inquire more about this and it turned out her Dad, with the Stoneywood Scouts had popped a bus stop up in the Lairig Ghru as a prank and had received lots of attention. Unfortunately, the bus stop is no longer there, but what a great prank and fair effort to get the bus stop there.
The week of the race didn’t have the most ideal preparation as a hip niggle initially stopped me walking let alone running but with the help of a spiky Ball, a colleague’s (Megan – although there was a line up to jab their elbows into my hip) expertise and Ali’s Monday yoga I managed to turn it around and run Parkrun Saturday so all good and ready to hit up the LG.
Race day- weather warm!
Kit check passed and although full cover was not going to be needed today, its important that the mountains are respected.
We were counted in at the start to ensure all safely started so the organisers weren’t looking for people who hadn’t even started. A bit more organised and popular than that first day back in 1976 with thirteen turning up to today with circa 245 runners.
The first part of the race to Mar lodge was beautiful and the jovial spirit of the event made it a fun start. The River Dee winding on the right with the mountains ⛰ towering high above.
After Mar lodge the climbing started and the shade was lost. The heat had already started to take its toll and albeit 8-9km in I was going through the Tailwind Juice in super fast time.
I can’t do the scenery justice, it was truly stunning and being in the valley of two great mountains (Ben Macdui and Braeriach) you can’t help but feel insignificant.
Powering on, and slowly climbing until you come to Derry lodge, a water station and bridge crossing. The flies here were crazy, and I didn’t hang around too much filled up a pouch before heading off on the bridge. I had worried about reaching here in good time (cut off was 1:30) so with 20mins to spare this is the point of no return…. off I went following an older gent through the valley floor and some mud but it shortened the run by a few 100m so it was great to learn from his experience.
The next point of interest was the Luibeg Burn. Here I tried to fill up my bottle without getting my feet wet but slipping on a rock I was in… soaked but cool (temperature not streetwise). I remember Robbie Simpson talking about the cooling effect of their hats in Oz so at every opportunity I tried to soak my hat … it made a massive difference and really helped in the heat to cool me further.
The trail continued. Beautiful running. Scenes all around. Gods country right here, right in this valley. Up up up…. then the first signs that the boulder field was looming as walking seemed easier than running…. I remember thinking this isn’t too bad, I had heard all the stories about the boulders. I was finding the going ok…. until we turned the corner and there was the boulder field in all its glory.
The first few steps were humbling, taking a tumble really put the fear into me. Mel had said that in the first year only 12 finished as one runner ( the late and amazing ultra runner – Don Ritchie ) had broken his foot here and had to walk out to Coylumbridge. I slowed down here and ensured sure footing.
Rising up out the boulder field you get to see Aviemore in the very far distance… the final destination. The heat, pace, lack of nutrition and uneven ground was taking its toll. Every step was tough but the down hills were welcome initially but then I started missing the up hills as the hamstrings were getting pounded and the hip (which had been perfect) started mumbling. With selective hearing in place I choose to ignore it and it settled.
Rothiemurchus forest, great running lovely rooty, there were a few casualties from tired legs but it was welcome shade for 4-5miles which helped. I ran a little with a colleague from my time in NHS Nicola Rhind, a stalwart in the ultra world, who was holding a phenomenal pace which dropped me. As we exited the Forrest onto the main road.
The last two miles were a combination of counting to 100, Walking, drinking, shuffling and trying to keep in the moment. Making it to the Main Street of Aviemore and the channel of tourists was a fantastic end to the run. I finally crossed the line in 5:19:33. I crawled to shade and a client ( who had supported on the West Highland Way the couple of days before) came to my rescue.
They treated me to a coke and orange, I felt bad as Fiona had completed 96miles in under 24hrs and here is me buckled after a mere 27 miles…. I was delighted to have finished. My goal was sub 5. That wasn’t happening and knew very early on it was survival.
10 failed to finish and one helicoptered to Raigmore with heat stroke highlighted that the mountains are not to be taken lightly. It was hot, hilly and hard work but the magic happens out with the comfort zone.
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Fantastic run, excellent organisation, great views, special day and dipping the toe into the minimal end of ultra running wasn’t too bad… I might just jump in fully next time !!
Well done to the Rebels running, Hannah, Pete and the Metro guys and girls who smashed it! A few clients there as well who performed magnificently in the heat … great job – I’m back into work on Tuesday 😉
Thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
