Ready to MOKRUN?

It's that time of year again - MOKRUN time!!  A hugely different experience for me this year - the 11th year of the event but my first not organising.  It feels incredibly strange not be in the thick of it but I am happy as the committee are hard working and organised, race packs are out and the flags are already flying!  It takes a LOT of work putting on such an event so well done to all of them for getting it ready for this weekend.  It's exciting! 

This is the first year for me to get the opportunity to run the 1/2 marathon route.  And I still am, I hope if my leg can hold up until Sunday. Personally for me I don't think the course suits me so it's definitely not a PB course for me anyway (my PB is 1.41 and atm I'd be lucky to get 2 hours!) but I'm still a bit annoyed I'm injured and can't give it my best shot.  I'm going to settle for just taking it as a good steady long run and try to enjoy every aspect of it.  Lots of my running buddies, locals and friends are taking part so it will be a great occasion.  My husband is back running, not at his best just yet due to injury but he's getting there.  I wish I could be there to see him race it - I think it will be an exciting race!  

Whatever your goals are for this year's MOKRUN - go and enjoy it!  Good luck to everyone taking part, organising, helping or marshalling, it's the community support it that makes it such a great event.  GOOD LUCK!  Enjoy the danish pastries :-)

Turning up the cutting last year in the MOKRUN 10k.  No cutting this year - 10k is going up the hill!

On the Trail

I've been back on the trail again!  The last few weeks I've had good days and bad days with my injury.  I'd love to say I'm pain free but I'm not.  Just yet.  However, I have been running again albeit slowly and have been enjoying some new and familiar routes.

Jen enjoying a well deserved lunch after 70m cycle
 and 10k run.  Fresh as a daisy.

One of the worst things about being injured is not being able to join in with the club and friends as much - I miss my running buddies.  Running can be so social and I look forward to catching up with my friends just as much, if not more, than my runs.  So it's been hard to give up the sessions and miss out on my weekly runs with and outwith the club.  Particularly my catch up sessions with my best friend Jen - for almost 9 years we've ran together practically every Monday and Wednesday at 5pm and of course Saturday morning long runs.  It's our ritual.  And I've really missed it.  

Spectacular views from to Arran on part of Kintyre Loop 70 miler

However, she is continuing to make brilliant progress - getting stronger and faster every day, even getting a 40 minute 10k, very well deserved and impressive PB at Clydebank on Thursday, fantastic!   M husband (who couldn't stand up due to back pain this time last week also managed to get a 36 minute effort and Tommy 38) I managed to take part too, it was nice to be part of the running scene again and good to get back to some running company again.  We also did a 70 mile cycle followed by 10k run on Saturday and it seemed a breeze to her whilst I lagged.  Even after our friend's (Johnny and Eilidh, photo above) wedding reception the night before she bounced up Bengullion hills easily while I trailed behind.... 

The happy couple.  I blogged about these 2 love birds when they got engaged at the finish line at VLM.  They are now married!!!  And what a fantastic wedding it was.  Congratulations Mr and Mrs G.  Sore head on Sunday....

I just loved getting back up Bengullion trails again, it definitely shook away the headache from the wedding.  And being with company, chatting away and catching up like we used to.  I missed that.  The trees on Bengullion are being cut down and the roads widened but it's still a superb run, walk or cycle.  There are newer trail routes to explore and you get the most amazing views over Campbeltown and further afield.  I'm hoping to get out another long run this weekend on the trail....

Ultra Impressed

The Kintyre Way Ultra and Relay races took place last Saturday, my 4th time taking part and I loved it even more despite not being fully fit.  It has grown into becoming a well organised, challenging race which I think will only grow in popularity over the next few years.  The race now starts in Tayinloan (not Tarbert where the official start of the Kintyre Way is) so the course is now shorter - 35 opposed to 65!  Personally, I think this is much better - easier to manage, organise, logistics and safety is better and it opens it out to more people as an achievable goal for an Ultra.  

Kerry keeping me going all the way on section 3, Ifferdale to Campbeltown

The Kintyre Way route is spectacular - off road for most, tough hills and terrain but so rewarding in scenery.  

My teammate Fiona and I had been swithering for weeks whether to even take part due to us both being injured and even up until the last minute we only decided which section we were to do!  I ended up opting for the last leg - 14.5 miles from Ifferdale farm, up farmroads to Lussa Loch before returning down into Campbeltown to the finish.  I thought this was sensible for me as I wouldn't get stuck on the first hill, unable to carry on and let my teammates down.  Also, I knew that Lussa was accessible by a car if I needed to call on anyone.  The man holding the team together was Daniel Sheldrick.  He organised our team for us and ended up doing the smallest section!  But everyone knows that the 6.5m section from Carradale to Ifferdale is probably the toughest, in relation to hills and terrain.  But Daniel smashed it, getting a new race record in 47.28.  I decided to cycle up to Carradale first in the hope to see Fiona come in and cheer on Daniel but they were too fast (and headwind was too strong) so I was just on time to change shoes and grab the 'baton' from Daniel.

Of course I'm holding that cake for Daniel...............

I'm very glad though I decided to take part as I felt OK most of the way, my leg pain started to kick in more about mile 6 and got a bit worse around 11 miles but it wasn't agony.  I really have to thank fellow runner and friend Kerry who accompanied me around the course, chattering away and generally enjoying our run.  She was freshly back from the London Marathon and took it in her stride.  I on the other hand wanted to keep it slow and steady, I wasn't risking my injury getting worse.  I was elated to cross the finish line after thinking I would never run 14 miles ever again.  So it wasn't pain free but it wasn't torture.  It definitely wasn't fast!  Kerry did try to get me to overtake a few on the final stretch but I didn't want to push it....... however I found out afterwards that if I had we might've got a better placing in the relay teams, I didn't realise how close we were!  We still came 3rd so very happy with that - well done Daniel and Fiona!  I'll be better for next year, I promise :-)

Sarah, striding into the finishing straight after over 35 hilly miles

The only thing disappointing about the finish line was that my husband, Stuart, wasn't there.  He would normally be taking part or there to cheer me home.  Unfortunately his back injury had him reduced to lying on the floor, he could barely move, never mind stand up for a few minutes.  It was horrible to see him in so much pain.  If someone is sticking pins in the McGeachy voodoo doll can they please stop?!  We've had enough!  I got enough pins in me at the Accupuncturist (is that what they are called?)

At least he had our cat for some company

The good news is with a few massages and visits to the Osteopath he is now on the mend.  And he's even started running again.  It's good to see him back in action!  No miracle cure for me but at least I'm running again, albeit slowly and not pain free.

I stayed around at the finish line, not just for the yummy cakes, but to cheer in some of my running friends and others who were competing.  Particularly Sarah, Stephen, Kirsty, James and Ollie - all fantastic local runners.  Amazing.  To see these athletes running in, smiles on their faces after 35 hilly miles was incredibly impressive and motivational.  They have definitely spurred me on to ensure I get back to running again.  Stronger, faster and longer than before.  I would love to do an Ultra one day..........

Getting Over 10 on Gigha

It was the annual trip to Gigha on Saturday for their 'Challenge' and provided typical Scottish weather from hail to glorious sunshine.  There were less people than usual participating but it was still a great day out and also brilliant to see so many friends on the podium again - well done!  Neither of the McGeachy's were near the winner's podium this time apart from a quick seat to tie my laces!  I was more devastated for my husband Stuart who is now out with a back injury and in a lot of pain - get well soon Stuart!   

We never spotted any dolphins this time on the ferry crossing

For the Challenge on Gigha, you can choose to run, walk or cycle 5k or 11 miles and I was glad just to take part.  It's a beautiful wee island that offers spectacular views to Islay and Jura - very peaceful and only 20 minutes away from the mainland by ferry.  It is all about family friendly participation with lots of kids joining in with the informal fun.  A great spread is laid out too - the flapjacks were delicious!  You can make a really nice day of it, for any ability whether you take part or not.  There was some yoga, pilates, face painting and even tai chi on offer.  And if the sun shines there are some lovely beaches, outdoor activity centre and even a beer garden!

CRC girls podium - Emma came 1st but left early to get ready for the hen do!

5k winners - Drew sandwiched between the Campbell bros

I was about 20 minutes slower than my previous efforts on the Island but I was ecstatic to run (jog) over 10 miles without too much pain although it did gradually get worse as the run continued.  The last time I managed to do the 11 miles before 2.30pm cycle start.  This time, I was 10 minutes behind and tried my best to play catch up with the other cyclists but only managed to overtake a few.  

I think cycling eases of my pain a little so I was glad to actually get back on the bike and managed to round it up to about 85 miles on the bike that day.  My furthest yet.  So surely I deserved those cocktails at the Tasting Rooms later?  It certainly was a fun night! Maybe the late night at Whisky Macs wasn't quite such a good idea though....

Spectacular views of Gigha

The South Kintyre Sports Council 5k handicap race series organised by CRC also started this Tuesday.  The first of 5 races that takes place the 1st Tuesday of the month where you compete, for free, to better your 5k time.  Points are awarded for position but don't worry (thankfully) you are given a handicapped time depending on your PB.  It's open to all so if you fancy giving it a go - do!  It's good fun and a good challenge, anyone could win.  I'm miles behind where I was from last year but I still thoroughly enjoyed taking part, the traybake goodies after of course and the craic with everyone.  Some superb times from people, really motivational!  The midges were overly friendly though :-(