Where did winter go ...

Well, this year started exactly as the one before did with a 5km parkrun event and a nip north of Glasgow for an ascent of Ben Lomond. Was a little spooked to note that 2013 started with a 5km time of 21:14 and 2014 started with a 5km time of 21:15. The weather on the Ben run was to pretty much define the rest of the winter with high winds being the obvious feature.

Couple of weeks later and I visited my favourite area for steep and varied training with the Arrochar Alps. A late start meant a curtailed route by still managed to go over the summits of Ben Narnain, Ben Ime and the Cobbler. Firm but not icy snow gave a speedy descent from Narnain and whilst the summit of Ime was clagged in, it was the freezing rain on the way back down that gave the issue. Nice view of the world through a frosted glass effect on my snow goggles. A kind fella informed me that the light was fading fast as I started up the Cobbler - I thanked him for his concern and continued up. Bit of chat with some climbers on top prior to another quick drop down to the main path where I passed the previous concerned citizen and returned the concern by noting that light was fading very fast.

 On the way off the final summit of the day - The Cobbler

The next few weeks were dominated with a wee trip to Bavaria to see ma pal Anika and enjoy a trail run from the village of Rhupolding, lots of live music (Del Amitri, Flook, Trampled by Turtles, Frank Turner, Flogging Molly) and good times with good folks (cheers to Lesley, Irene, Jim, Joe, Andy, Pyro and Ross). 

The day after the FTHC gig saw another windy hill run to recee the Carnthey 5 race route in advance of my good friend, excitable Canadian and Mas Loco Sally coming over for a few days. In a manic dash the long weekend consisted of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Carnethy 5 race, beers, Glengoyne Distillery Tour, Campsie Fells "recovery run", beers, curry before depositing the poor lass back at the airport. Braw times !

Also managed to catch up with my "tartan army" pal Derek Stewart for some laps on the trails around Chaterlaut Country park. Was good to run together again ...it had been too long. Coffee and cake topped off an ideal Sunday morning.

A return to the hills with Beinn Chabhair nearly ended bad after a wee slip whilst descending the steep slopes leading over towards An Caisteal. Not entirely sure what happened but suspect a small slab release was to blame for dropping me on my backside and a scary departure onto brick hard neve. With the resulting acceleration and catching a crampon, there was a "base over apex" moment before things were brought under control with my ice axe. Scary monsters stuff but pleased to report the only lasting damage was to my shell jacket.

On the ascent of Beinn Chabhair

With London Marathon again, decided that a little bit of road training might be useful so entered the Balloch to Clydebank half marathon and was over the moon to squeeze over the line in 1 hour 29 minutes and 11 seconds. That afternoon was spent with another ascent of Ben Lomond to get more "time on feet". Leaving the car wasn't easy but after the first ten or fifteen minutes of grumbling to myself the legs loosened off ...as did my head !

Looking south over Loch Lomond

Next up was a long slow run. Decided a new route was in order ...something I hadn't done that was a point to point and didn't involve complicated logistics. A 29 miler along the just about to be opened John Muir Way from Helensburgh back to Mingavie. Nice mix of trail and road so felt it counted as marathon training plus base for what I really enjoy on the trails, fells and mountains.

 

Wee screen dump from Strava

Next up is the Newtonmore 10 miler weekend ....