Preparation for the Causeway Coast Ultra

After the Highland Fling I did a few wee runs but nothing structured, spent a lot of hours on the bike making the most of the good weather. I gave brief consideration to entering the Mourne Way Ultra, but decided it would be better to get some cycling done and focus on the 39 mile Causeway Coast at the end of September. Towards the end of June and into July I began to pick up the frequency of runs, but generally nothing more than 8 or 9 miles. Rare access to a car for the final weeks of July meant I could travel down to the Mournes on free days and get plenty of hours done. While the mileage may not be as high as when preparing for the Fling, the hours and the elevation have been far greater. This culminated in Sunday's running of the Mourne Wall. Craig put the idea into my head so obviously it had to be done! With a rough goal of 7 hours, Craig, Christian, Matt and myself did the 20.4 mile loop with over 8,100 feet of climbing in 6 hours and 56 minutes. Turned out to be an incredible day, all sorts of weather, super steep climbs and treacherous descents which my knees certainly don't agree with! 

Descent off Binnian

Last few climbs - Bearnagh, Corragh, Commedagh and finally Donard

Craig, Christian, Matt, Me - Summit of Donard

Taking it easy this week - then off to Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands next week for a few days running with Craig. It will be good to get a bit of a break from work, do some camping and get some good back to back days of running in the Cairngorms.

Up and running!

Welcome,

I recently began a journey into the world of ultra-running, inspired mainly by friend and work-colleague Craig (http://www.twentyclicks.co.uk/), beginning with my first official run in April 2013, the Highland Fling. Reading the various blogs and stories from the runners who took part in that race made me think, why not create one of my own, surely I can be that interesting!

After 10 years of international-level basketball my knees decided it was time to take a break and seek another challenge. For the second half of university in Edinburgh I took up rowing which introduced me to an endurance sport for the first time, and the sensation and reward of pushing the limits.

Being so active always involved a fair bit of running, but nothing organised or structured in that sense. I can be quite stubborn when it comes to doing things, so when I get an idea in my head I have to do it. As I was heading to Kenya for most of the summer upon graduating I decided a good fundraising idea would be to run the West Highland Way. With very little training I headed off to Fort William to (unconventionally) head south for Milngavie.

Starting my run at the official end - May 2011

Three and a half days of rain later, my love for the West Highland Way began and it was always an intention to do one of the races there.

Leaving Inveroran for Bridge of Orchy (Photo: Dr Ali al-Azzawi)

A build-up hampered by injury in 2012 meant a deferral of entry to the 2013 Highland Fling. Preparation began in October for the run in April and training went extremely well with a good mix of on and off road runs. Once April rolled around I felt very prepared for the 53 miles that lay ahead. With a conservative goal of 12 hours, and a hopeful goal of under 10, I was incredibly happy with a final time of 10 hours and 44 minutes. Leading up to the race I was of a frame of mind it could go two ways when I crossed the line, either I would think 'hell no, never again!' or 'hell yeah, when's the next one?' Straight away the planning began, hopefully this blog can give an insight into the planning, training, and journey leading to future adventures!

Off Conic Hill into Balmaha - Highland Fling 2013 (Photo: David Devoy)

Near Rowardennan - Highland Fling 2013 (Photo: Ronnie Cairns)