Swim - Friday 13th October 2017

Up and out early for a swim, the rest of the day just disappears.

Beinn Iutharn Mhor - Thursday 12th October 2017

Heading home today but feel the need to bag a Munro, sadly a poor total this year, just 11:-(

I drive back to Inverey and again bike into Altanour Lodge; after speaking with the Ghillie, I change my route to avoid a stalk. Either way it's a long hard climb to the summit at 1045m. It's seriously windy on the summit plateau, cold too.  I don't stop long, just a quick chat with another walker, one of the few I've seen all week and then straight back down, fast ride out and long drive home.  A good trip.

Glenlivet Mountain bike trials - Wednesday 11th October 2017

Walking and running muscles need a rest, so head to Glenlivet for some mountain biking; this must be one of the most spectacular drives in the UK. 

It's a low key centre but I'm soon fixed up with a mountain bike and head off on the Red Trail,22k in total with a contours 6k singe track downhill section. Again the weather is glorious, but breezy up high; I make it to the summit of Carn Daimh, 570m, a have glorious views to Ben Rinnes where I raced earlier in the year. 

It's a great couple of hours biking and I manage to pack in 464m of climb,that's hardly resting my legs though. 

Mount Keen - Tuesday 10th October 2017

Another bright and dry day but windy and my legs are tired from Pentland. I decide on Mount Keen, so drive past Balmoral, Ballater and turn just before Aboyne, into Glen Tanar; a beautiful glen with fantastic pine forest. 

I park at the visitor centre and then, again, mountain bike in to the base of the hill; from there is a steep pull up a well worn path to the summit at 939m; breezy but fantastic views; it's a quick walk back down and an even quicker ride back out. 

I celebrate a good day by eating out,venison and game pie,followed by crumble....washed down with a local dark beer and full bodied glass of red.....perfect :-)

Carn Bhac - Monday 9th October 2017

After staying overnight in Perth and then dealing with some life admin, I head to Braemar and, more specifically, Inverey. It's a last minute plan, thrown together, but should work. 

I mountain bike 8k up Glen Ely to Altanour Lodge and then take a steady walk up Carn Bhac, 946m. It doesn't take too long and the weather is kind; back down the same way and then a very fast bike back out to Inverey; quick cuppa (it's so good to have my camper back) and then back down the road to the campsite in Braemar, one of my favourite places. 

Pentland Skyline - Sunday 8th October 2017

A race I've been wanting to do for a while; 26k / 1890m and the fourth and final Scottish Long Race this year, which means I've completed the series. 

Conditions are good, dry, clear and a bit breezy. I arrive in plenty of time, it's only a short drive out from my city hotel. The start is half way up a hill, that's good :-) As usual now, I set off steady and get stronger. Some of the route is familiar as it covers the Carnethy 5; I make the cut-off with 20 minutes to spare and then, as Craig would say, the big old Diesel engine was warmed up and just keep on chugging away....lots of torque too !

This race is not without climb, they come little and often and then every third or fourth one comes a toughie; I keep climbing well, running some of them and overtake tiring racers. I finish in 3:36,  a long way down the field but I felt good and was pleased with my time. It's a cracking race, hopefully I'll be back next year with KA as originally planned. 

Edinburgh - Saturday 7th October 2017

Nothing quite goes to plan today, leave late afternoon for Edinburgh.

Road run (!) - Friday 6th October 2017

Another road run, 10.5k loop at lunchtime from the office....Levens, Strickland, Force Bridge, Hincaster, Heversham and back to Levens; Achilles is agony but calves ok, thank you Hoka's. 

Circuits - Thursday 5th October 2017

Another tough session, but pain for pound the score is high !! :-)

Arthur's Seat & Training - Wednesday 4th October 2017

I'm up early, the weather is not great, but as is tradition I head out for a pre-breakfast run up Arthur's Seat; it's a bit wet, a bit windy, a bit dark and a bit cloudy but could be worse and I am defo glad I made the effort. 

Then back to Oxenholme at 6:15, just enough time to get changed and head onto a very wet, muddy and dark Helm for training......two runs in one day, that gets me in trouble !!!

Edinburgh - Tuesday 3rd October 2017

A long day in Edinburgh, all work and no play, but a good day.

River / Canal Run - Monday 2nd October 2017

I head out at lunchtime, during a dry spell. From Prizet, along the river to Force Bridge and then back on the canal path.....muddy !

Ian Hodgson Relay - Sunday 1st October 2017

I head over to Patterdale with KA to support her and the other Helm Teams. It's short coursed due to the weather; I watch the start from Side Farm and then head down the valley to Hartsop and watch her finish and the changeovers; then a steady run back.