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..........