5 Ferry Challenge

All the gear, no idea - racking up the bike on the ferry

The weather couldn't have been better for our 72 mile bike ride yesterday.  A far cry from what it was last year on our 5 ferry challenge of wind and torrential rain. Instead it was beautifully sunny and still. The scenery around Argyll, Ayrshire and Arran was simply stunning.

15 of us set off from Campbeltown bright and early at 6 am, meeting at Kennacraig but not to board for Islay...

Well deserved drink break at Ardrossan

-Cycle to Tarbert (pick up a tea en-route) - 6 miles
-Ferry to Portavadie
-Cycle to Colintraive (hard, hilly - 20 miles in 90 minutes to make 10am ferry, woo!)
-Ferry to Bute
-Cycle to Rothesay - 8 miles
-Ferry to Wemyss Bay (Cereal bar energy food time - peanut nature valley, yum!)
-Cycle to Ardrossan (20 flat, busy miles then mojito time!)
-Ferry to Brodick, Arran
-Cycle to Lochranza via Malt and Music festival - 14 miles, mostly flat but one HUGE hill at the end followed by a crazy fast windy descent into Lochranza (amazing smoked whisky coffee and picked up a bottle of Arran Gold)
-Ferry to Cloanig
-Cycle to Kennacraig (7 miles)

-Drive back to Campbeltown, full of smiles, making it home an hour earlier than last year

Enjoying Arran Malt and Music Festival before ferry

Ferry fun

My summer home

We all celebrated, of course, with a slap-up meal at the Harbourview Grille restaurant - yum!

Fantastic day out with some great people, awesome banter and memories.  Despite it being the last week of term in school this week I've had a busy, disappointing week leaving me in a bit of a low mood but this was the perfect remedy.  Time for summer holidays :-)

I TRIed!

Well, I ticked another thing off 'my list' - a standard distance triathlon!  After a week-long rotten cold and almost zero training (no open water) my new wetsuit got a surprise outing at the Ardgartan Triathlon Festival yesterday. I'd resigned not to go but spontaneously on Saturday morning at 5am I decided to get up, pack the car and just do it! 

Loch Long - our swim part of the tri

This decision was almost instantly regretted when I arrived at Ardgartan and realised I was just 1 of about a dozen competitors with no sign of the organisers, marshals or signs anywhere and the midges swarmed round me making me looking like I was wearing a black onesie.  It became obvious that this wasn't the best organised race and safety concerns at the race briefing when they announced the bhoys hadn't been put in the water yet as the safety boat wasn't working....  Suggestions of it changing to a duathlon (10k run, 40k bike, 10k run) was met by the other competitors up in arms (they were all super friendly and up for a challenge) and starting a discussion into disclaimers, waivers and how they could get a swim anyway - this was not helping my fear of the open water swim at all but I'd made the journey now and I was in my wetsuit, I might as well try a swim.  Just as I was getting my head round this plan, the organisers came back to say they were going to row out to put the markers in the water and the full race was back on!  An hour later than planned, we were off!  

This was no ordinary triathlon - what a magnificent setting in Ardgartan but that was really the only positive I could see.  The water was freezing but it was clear, and as I struggled to swim in a straight line round the triangular course twice, as I looked up I couldn't help admire the fantastic views and Argyll scenery.  As I scrambled, slowly, out the water after an OK swim (just pleased that I had completed it) I climbed upon my bike and set off.  The wrong way.  There wasn't any markers or marshals so I added on an extra mile getting out the hotel grounds but that was a drop in the ocean of a challenge compared to climbing up the Rest and Be Thankful on the bike.  Twice.  Up and Down.  Did I say twice?!!  I got no rest and I was not thankful!  It was a lonely journey in a way, barely seeing any of the other competitors but a few friendly words of encouragement were shouted as we cycled past each other - the rest of the time it was only whizzing cars and lorries for company.  Barely getting any speed as it was hill, hill, hill all the way and even the downhill at other side had the breaks on with the turn at the other side so you had to slow, wait for traffic and turn back.  Then back on to the hill with all momentum broken.

My poor bike took a beating on the Rest

I was so pleased to finally get off the bike and start the run.  I found that my legs could barely move - they felt like lead weights and I could feel blisters on my bum!  As I started on the out and back 5k route (or so I was told but it actually ended up being 6.5k) I was met by another competitor "take it easy, it's VERY hilly".  Oh joy!  And so it was - resembling a combination of the Gobagrennan Road and Carradale Road - some wonderful scenery but tough tough hills.  And virtually not a soul in sight.  As I turned to do it all again I grabbed an energy gel - it was 3 hours by this point and I was getting low on energy and I just wanted it over!!!  It was a total plod finish but was just ecstatic to have it finished.  Albeit in LAST PLACE!  Out of 12 people, all triathletes, only 1 female, I wasn't disappointed in anyway.  Well actually I was 2nd lady too!!  Weirdly I got a buzz from it - I did it!!  Quick change and a sandwich later and was back on the road, bum blisters and all!

At the end and still smiling.  My shorts are white with sweat/salt and my face is COVERED in midges.  Nice.

Lessons to learn:

-Don't wear your trisuit the day before if there is a slightest chance you will compete

-Banana soreen slice isn't good enough breakfast for a 3 hour + endurance event

-Vaseline isn't just for getting your wetsuit off quicker

-Do not spit in a headwind!!

Will I do it again?  Probably. A standard distance yes, not that one again and definitely not one that's organised by NRG Events!

Tout arrive en France!

What a fantastic week in France!  6 staff accompanied 46 pupils to Argeles Sur Mer in the South of France for a watersports trip.  The kids and the staff got stuck into it and enjoyed every minute.  I may have come back a few pounds heavier from a week of croissants, baguettes, cheese and chocolate but I don't really care - it was all part of the fun!  I kept a short diary of what we got up to each day - and of course managed to squeeze in some training too :-)

Breakfast al fresco at Bodega (and my oatcake delivery!)

Saturday 31st May - Beautiful sunny day in Campbeltown so fitted in a 12 mile run at Ballochgair and a 15 mile cycle on the Southend Road as wanted to exhaust myself in the hope that I would fall asleep on the impending midnight bus journey to Prestwick Airport.  Kicked off in the holiday spirit by eating breakfast al fresco on the decking.  We also picked up the generous sponsor cheque from the Kintyre Club towards MOKRUN to help us plan for 2015 races.  Stuart and I ended up having lunch at the Old Clubhouse whilst there - delicious!

 Kintyre Club presentation to MOKRUN

 

Sunday 1st June - We arrived at Taxo Les Pins, our home for the next week - a lovely campsite in Argeles with 3 swimming pools and comfortable caravans, we were happy.  We spent the afternoon at the poolside, the kids and staff enjoying the sunshine (and the flumes!)  

After dinner whilst the kids were at their planned activities, a few of us went a 6 mile run around the area to get our bearings and map out a 5k route for our 'race' on Tuesday.

We are definitely just big kids at heart!!

Watersports anyone?

Monday 2nd June - Got up early to run 5 miles before wakening the kids at 7.45am for breakfast.  We had hoped to find a park with outdoor fitness equipment but our bad French only lead us to an industrial estate!  Between the staff we challenged ourselves to a 'challenge' of 25 reps of press-ups, tricep dips, crunches etc every day too, anything to work off our breakfast of pan au chocolat or croissants.  We spent the day at a lovely sandy beach where we played volleyball, snorkeled and did some open water swimming. 

5k done.

Tuesday 3rd June - A day of white water rafting in the Pyrenees - super fun and tiring.  No time for naps as 4 of us ran a 5k time trial since CRC were doing this at home.  At 6pm it was still very hot so this was not easy despite being a flat course.  I unfortunately took a detour and lead poor Catriona the wrong way but we still turned at the 1.55 mile mark to take us back to the start for 3.1 miles in a relatively decent time.  We rewarded ourselves to about 2kg of milka chocolate!!!

Wednesday 4th June - 5 mile run in am before heading to the beach again.  This time we went to the main Argeles beach where the kids, and ourselves, took part in various watersport activities such as sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing.  Swimming time before dinner, followed by a cheese and wine evening (for the staff!) from our tour reps. My only glass of wine on the trip was very much enjoyed but I loved all the cheese more, I just love food.  I could get used to this lifestyle!  The kids returned from their favourite activity  - capturing the flag, they loved this.  Will need to try to play this game during activities week at school.

Thursday 5th June - 6 mile run at 6am this morning, we were heading away early to Barcelona for the day!  After a 3 hour bus journey we visited Nou Camp Stadium, Sagrada Famillia and Las Ramblas.  The kids loved it and behaved so responsibly waiting in groups and being careful in such a built-up tourist area.  Most of them did end up going to McDonalds for dinner but some of them tried some tapas and paella too, as did we, along with more chocolate - I can't resist!

Canyoning was a scary highlight

Friday 6th June - 5 mile run at 7am, out a different route yet again, all flat.  Beautiful sunny start to the day followed by my new routine of yoghurt, fruit, croissant and green tea.  We all made our way to the man made canyoning park which was the highlight of the week for most of us.  We had to jump down waterfalls, ravines and abseil down rock faces.  A lot of people conquered their fears that day!  After our usual French lunch of baguette or salad and fruit (as well as a wee cappucino for us staff) we then went 'tree-topping' - climbing and zip-wiring our way through various 20 feet high obstacles - this certainly wasn't a trip for someone with vertigo!  As a treat for the pupils' excellent behaviour and their attitudes towards all the activities, we gave them extra swimming pool time when we returned 'home'.  It stayed sunny all evening so we spent the rest of the night splashing about in the pool with the kids before a prizegiving back at our caravans.  This is the life.

Saturday 7th June - one last 8 mile run at 6.30am, down to the beachfront and back, one last glimpse at the Mediterranean before our return home.  I think everyone was pretty sad to leave the resort to be honest but it always feels great to get back home, nothing beats it!

The weather improved back at home for our arrival

MOKRUN FEVER

The 9th MOKRUN took place last Sunday and the atmosphere in Campbeltown was amazing!  Along with the rest of the hard working committee it has been hectic organising but really satisfying! It was great to see  the streets lined with people cheering on runners and visiting local attractions and shops - even Clyde the commonwealth mascot made an appearance!

I am incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by all the locals who never fail to come forward to volunteer, marshal, sponsor, run, support and help make the event such a success for Kintyre. Thank you all - we couldn't do it without you. Well done everyone who took part too - some great racing and lots of charity running too. It's just amazing to see so many getting involved and having fun too.

The Songwriters festival entertained the crowds and everything from the expo, pasta party, junior races and main races were a success. Time to start planning 2015.....

Countdown to MOKRUN!

Never mind the Great Scottish Run.  Never mind the London Marathon.  Never mind the Commonwealth Games... it's the MOKRUN - the Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon and 10k that everyone is excited about this week!  We've been training hard for MONTHS through the Scottish wintry weather and now MOKRUN is finally here!

Some MOKRUN fun from 2013

WTS shop's display including the MOKRUN countdown!

This Sunday, 25th May, 900 runners will take to the streets of beautiful Campbeltown and the beaches of Kintyre to compete in this sold out race - voted as the UK's number 1.  It holds a special place in my heart as not only am I (hopefully) taking part but I have been helping organise it since it began in 2006.  With the help of over 100 marshals, volunteers and cheering local supporters it has become a huge event for Kintyre, attracting runners from all over the UK and beyond.  

It's encouraged hundreds to get active and get running - including me!  Running is so fun and addictive ;-)  There is so much to look forward to this weekend with an expo filled with treats and stalls, junior races, free talks, pasta party to carb load and mingle but the best part of course is running through the finish line with lots of locals cheering you on.  Especially as when you get there not only do you get an excellent goody bag filled with Tunnocks biscuits and MacB water, technical tshirt and pottery medal - you get world famous Danish Pastries with coffee/tea.  Now that is worth running the 10k or half marathon for!

Now the hard work is done for MOKRUNNERs it's time to taper and think of race strategies.  Any advice?  Hmmm we all know what to do but do we stick to it that's another matte....

1. Don't do anything different (no new shoes, no different foods - just what you've been doing!)
2. Don't go off too fast at the start or you will burn out
3. Eat breakfast about 3 hours before
4. Keep hydrated
5. Enjoy the race!

Good luck everyone taking part in MOKRUN!  See you at the famous post-race Ceilidh ;-)

Running Away With the Circus

Cara, hen Lorna, me and Cat

 After a month of races I was super excited last weekend to meet up with all my girlies in Glasgow for one of my best friends, Lorna's Hen Night!  With it only being 1 night it give me some time to keep on top with work and MOKRUN plans before driving up the long and winding A83.  Greeted by smiled and cocktails it was such a laugh!  

All 20 of us descended on the circus.  No ordinary circus - Cirque de Soleil's Drallion.  Some of the acts were simply just amazing and a total wonder.  Now they are fit!  I vow now to increase my flexibility!!!  The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking and catching up with old friends and I loved every minute.  I must be getting sensible in my old age and by 1am I was snuggled up in bed (more so because I knew I had to drive home in the morning to be honest!  

All the hens at dinner in Metropolitan

Amy and Lynsey in Moskito

Me and Ibs

With getting home for lunchtime Sunday and reasonably fresh (what a great feeling!) it was a beautiful day so we hopped on the bikes for a long cycle round the countryside followed by a hike up Bengullion after dinner.  What a fantastic weekend.  Now time to get MOKRUN planning!!!

Mia taking us a hike up Bengullion after dinner Sunday

Obviously a hen weekend isn't good for nutrition.....

10/05/2014	Breakfast	Snack	Lunch	Snack	Dinner
Sat	Toast with pbutter & jam.  Blueberry smoothie.	Green tea.  Tangerine x 2.	LF houmous & oatcakes. Banana.	Cider!  Mojitos! :-)	Chicken pate, duck then choc fudge cake.  Cocktails.  Vodka.  Whoops.
Exercise	13 miles slow.		Checked mokrun half route this morning - all OK.  Beach access good thanks to Mach Dunes :-)  Drive to Glasgow took much longer than hoped but had an AMAZING time at best friend Lorna's hen do - lots of good fun and cocktails.
Sun	Toast.  Fruit with nat yoghurt.  Small slice of black pudding & haggis.  Spoon of scrambled egg.	Skinny cap	Toast & beans.	Oreo cookies and green tea	Veg lasagne, beetroot, spinach & baked potato.  Ben & Jerry's caramel chew chew ice cream.  Dairy milk.
Exercise	3.5 mile run.  22 mile cycle.  Walk		Had such a fab night last night but was reasonably sensible to stop drinking by midnight as was driving in am.  Lovely leisurely breakfast in hotel with Cat but just wanted to eat eat eat ALL day.  And I did.  Good to get home and out in fresh air to blow cobwebs away.  MOKRUN organisation coming along!
Mon	Breakfast biscuits	Green tea & alpen bar	Tuna sandwich.  Tangerine.  Apple.	Breakfast biscuits.  Banana.	Chicken fajitas.  Small baked potato.  Kit kat.
Exercise	20 lengths swim.  6 mile easy run.  Spin.		Despite the heavy rain I really enjoyed run, felt ok just a little tired.  MOKRUN planning in evening - exciting!
Tue	Slice toast and LF greek yoghurt with chia seeds & blueberries	Breakfast biscuits & green tea	Tuna sandwich.  Tangerine.  Apple.	Rice cakes with pbutter & 1/2 banana.  Green tea.	King prawn stir fry with noodles.  Special k bar.
Exercise	7 mile run inc 5 mile tempo . 5 mins core.		Tempo run to sheep fanks with club was hard but enjoyed it.  Still slower than what I want to be but I'll get there one day!  Club and SKSC banner arrived - looks ace.  Graham from Courier took our Club photo tonight and to issue me with my Commonwealth tickets.  Embarrassed to even be nominated for this as it's the work of the committees and community that makes events happen but I'm delighted to get tickets to commonwealth.  Although think we're going to need to get club photo done again!
Wed	Spoon of muesli, yoghurt, blueberries & slice toast	Breakfast biscuits & green tea	LF houmous & ryvita. 1/2 banana.  Tangerine	Alpen bar.  Green tea.	Chilli con carne & rice.  Special k bar.
Exercise	1 mile swim.  6.5 mile run inc 10k route.  Combat.  8 mile cycle inc 10k route		Loved my exercise today, had lots of energy despite lack of sleep due to mokrun 'stress'!  28 at combat which was great to see. It's that time of year!  New start line for races so tried to run route to mark course.  Then cycled it later to paint with Jen - good fun but tricky to find nails in road!!  Home finally by 10.30 for tea, emails and bed.
Thu	Spoon of muesli, yoghurt, blueberries & slice toast	Breakfast biscuits & green tea	LF houmous & ryvita.  Tangerine.  Apple.	Rice cakes with pbutter & 1/2 banana.  Green tea.	Baked 1/2 chicken breast with rosemary & thyme, couscous & roast veg.  Chai tea.
Exercise	1 mile on track with xcountry.  7 miles steady inc 6 miles bengullion.  Core		Loved run up Bengullion!  Lovely sunny day.  Busy busy with mokrun but getting there!  Visit my best pal Ibby at her new pad in Stewarton :-)
Fri	Porridge, 1/2 banana & blueberries	Alpen bar & green tea	Leftover chilli & rice.  2 oatcakes.  Alpen bar.	Cereal bar & green tea.	LF smoked sausage rigatoni with pesto & lightest philli.  Slice hmade garlic bread.  Kit kat.  Curly Wurly
Exercise	Spin. 50 lengths swim.		Gorgeous sunny day.  Busy with work and mokrun meetings.  Am I getting the cold?!
Mileage	37

Glorious Gigha

The annual Gigha Challenge took place on Saturday where you can run, walk or cycle 5k or 11.3 miles - the full length of the lovely Scottish island.  I love Gigha - it's a beautiful part of Argyll, so remote and simply stunning.  The Gigha Challenge is always a fantastic day out and I always enjoy the run even if it's roasting hot or pouring with rain.  This year it was WINDY.  But it didn't stop the CRC runners and others from all over Argyll coming over the sea to take part.... it had nothing to do with the lure of a few pints in the Gigha Hotel afterwards! 

My husband gets glory on Gigha with a fab time of 1.07, soon followed by James and Tommy - well done boys!

I wouldn't have normally got a place and be on same podium as Jen and Emma aka the fasties as there was a noticable lack of some of the normal 'faster' women runners inc some of my CRC team mates but I was delighted all the same to get a wee trophy ;-)

The Gigha Challenge a small community run event and it always has a lovely friendly atmosphere, encouraging the whole family to take part in an activity and putting on a spread of delicious homemade sandwiches and cakes.  Not one to turn down a challenge, and knowing I probably wouldn't get a chance to cycle on Sunday as I was taking spin in the morning, I thought I would try the run AND the cycle!  It would be good tri training if nothing else!  I felt the run went well, I had a good breakfast of porridge and banana (and beetroot juice!) and went out just to enjoy it.  I was treating it like a long easy run but once I got started I couldn't help pick up the pace.  Nothing too painful, I just enjoyed it but enough to get me out of my comfort zone - especially in that wind!  I was happy with my time of 1.27 (and 3rd lady!) for the 11 miles and I immediately hopped on my strategically placed bike at the finish line in time to start the cycle.  

Me on the podium for the 2nd time - ha ha!!  Hey, I'm taking any silverware I can get, it'll not happen again!!

Thanks to all the cheerleaders at the side for their motivating screams of "you are bloody crazy" and "we won't keep you any cakes" but it was all a bit of fun!  When I got on the bike I realised how thirsty I was but I just pushed on, sat behind 5 or 6 people that went out in front until about mile 3 until I managed to overtake on the slow hill climbs by getting out the saddle.  I thoroughly loved the cycle, it felt good to go fast (for me!) and once in 3rd position I tried to maintain my speed until the finish line in a time of 42 minutes.  My 'cheerleaders' had retired to the pub so I joined them for a pint of water before the prizegiving where CRC swept the board with prizes in all the events. It was then time for the post-race celebrations on the lovely Isle and to continue when back on the 'mainland'!

Relaxing in the Gigha Hotel pub after the race(s)  Smile!

Dining out at the Ugadale post-race - delicious food (and wine!)

OK so I've just realised that this week my mileage has almost HALVED since marathon training but my food intake remains the same, if not more?!  My challenge next week is to up the miles and lower the calories.  Hmmm... a hen weekend in Glasgow?  Might start that on Monday then.

03/05/2014	Breakfast	Snack	Lunch	Snack	Dinner
Sat	Porridge, 1/2 banana	Beetroot juice.  Soreen.  Coffee.	Small egg mayo roll.  Some wee cakes	Banana, yoghurt, 2 crackers	Meatballs, chicken capellini pasta, tiramasu.  Few alcoholic beverages….
Exercise	12 mile run (1 m warmup 11 mile race 1.27 Gigha Challenge) 11 mile cycle 42 mins		Great day at Gigha Challenge!  5k, 11 mile run and cycle on offer for everyone and lots of CRC competitors and prizewinners.  Stuart was 1st!!  I was pleased to get on the podium too - 3rd lady in the run and 3rd overall in the cycle.  Not a huge amount of competition like the MOKRUN or other races but it's a trophy nonetheless :-)  Great banter with the crew as always and lovely meal at Ugadale.
Sun		Vit water	Scrambled eggs on toast.  Scone and jam.	Biscuits and 'real' tea.	Red thai chicken curry & rice. LF bread & butter pudding with ice cream.  Chocolate & tea!!!
Exercise	Spin		Feeling a little tender today, not sure if was alcohol or not but spin sweated it out me!  Felt tired rest of day and  just wanted to eat eat eat!  Organising MOKRUN race packs etc!
Mon	Slice toast, yoghurt with berries		1/2 roast veg & mozzarella toasty with cup of cauliflour soup. Slice soda bread.	Banana loaf slice.  Green tea with jasmine.	Beef teyaki stir fry with noodles.  Bread butter pudding with ice cream.  Tea & special k biscuit.
Exercise	5 mile easy trail run and spin.  Walk up Bengullion.		Very windy and dreich May day. Enjoyed run and spin.  Sun came out so Mairi and I walked up Bengullion before dinner.  Mokrun planning going well and race packs sent out to entrants.
Tue	Slice toast, yoghurt with berries	Alpen bar & green tea	Falafel wraps, apple & tangerine.	Breakfast biscuits.  Oatybake.	Grilled salmon with basil.  Roast veg.  Couscous.  LF yoghurt.  Go ahead bar & tea.
Exercise	7 miles inc 5k race		Just felt hungry ALL day!  Met wee baby Robbie Ramsay - cute as a button.  Miserable wet and windy day but enjoyed race despite it being hard and getting a slow time.  Need to get faster!!
Wed	Breakfast biscuits, green tea.	Alpen bar & green tea	LF houmous & oatcakes.  Apple & tangerine.	Rice cakes, pbutter & banana	Haggis pie with sauce & carrots.  LF yoghurt.  Go ahead bar & chai tea.
Exercise	1 mile swim.  3 miles easy.  Combat.  Circuits.		Hip still a little sore.  Horrible day - got COMPLETELY drenched 3 times on way to/from work on bike.  I had my cervical screening today - something I feel strongly that we should talk about more often and encourage women to attend as it can prevent cervical cancer.  The thought of it is worse than it actually is.
Thu	Slice toast, yoghurt with berries	Alpen bar & green tea	Homemade chicken pate (chicken liver, teaspoon marg, splash of port, red onion, garlic & mustard) with ryvita.	Tangerine, apple & 2 rice cakes with LS jam.	1/2 chicken breast red thai curry with sliced potatoes, garlic, coriander & ginger (only used 1/3 of LF coconut milk) with jasmine rice.  LF yoghurt.  Go ahead bar. Chai tea.
Exercise	7 miles inc 10 x 1 min intervals.  5 mins core.		Felt a bit sore after circuits!  Enjoyed training, decided to do intervals to try and help increase my pace for MOKRUN.
Fri	Porridge, banana & berries.	Alpen bar & green tea	LF houmous & ryvita.  Apple & tangerine.	Green tea	Chicken & pesto rigatoni.  Garlic & basil pittas.  Chocolate! Chai tea.
Exercise	Spin.  50 lengths swim.		Loved spin and swim this morning although a ittle tired.  Higher Admin exam today so more worried than the kids - argh!!
Mileage	34

My new New Balance 1080x3 beasts were delivered this week - first run, so far so good!