Shower to wake up, get the kit on, porridge and banana down the hatch, grab the bags and head on out to Milngavie for the start of the best race ever. Last year the club achieved a podium finish in the relays after a great performance, so no pressure on what was my debut at the ultra-marathon distance.
I slotted myself into the sub 10 hours wave hoping for a sub 9 finish. Johnny Fling gave us our instructions, the weather gods seemed to be playing ball for now and we were off hurtling through Milngavie to the start of the West Highland Way. No race to Drymen for this Harrier. I got a nice wee boost from Craig P, sporting his Harriers Hoodie, just as we were heading out into the countryside. Up the first wee steep hill and folk were already walking, I took to the side of the path and started making my way past some runners.
I was slotted in with a pack of runners and after a glance at the watch I decided to up my pace and move up the pack. We were welcomed by the sounds of a family playing the fiddle and drums to send us on our way as we left Carbeth. From about Glengoyne Distillery along to Drymen I was in behind a group containing GB ultra-runner Sophie Mullins and felt a bit guilty that those at the front were doing all the gate opening.
Making my way towards Conic, I caught and passed a few more, this time taking a few walking breaks before walking most of Conic Hill and stuffing my face. At this point Sophie came flying past up the hill with ease and I broke into a wee jog for the camera as Greame Hewiston was perched taking photos of everyone to pass. Further on a wee bit and my pals Kenny and Martin had ran up Conic to give their encouragement and watch the race unfold.
Brilliant to see them. The view from Conic Hill was caught beautifully by Kay Roxby as I started my descent and, as with most of the following downhill and technical sections, it was a bit treacherous wearing my road shoes. It had been lashing down for ages by this point and I was very grateful to reach Balmaha where, like all other checkpoints, the volunteers were amazing and would do anything for you.
