‘Running and losing’ is not about handling disappointment in some competitive event. At my age I consider participating in any race a win! No, it is about a few of the things lost on the trail over the years.

The Kilpatrick hills*** are just to the north west of Glasgow. I have often visited over the years. One memorable time was of losing my phone. While running downhill I had fallen in shoulder high ferns. It was a gentle, cushioning fall into dense, yet soft, undergrowth. It was quite amusing as it felt like falling on a trampoline as I bounced back to my feet. Nothing seemed hurt or broken so just carried on without further thought, except gratitude. Falls whilst running can be painful! All seemed well. It was only when finished my run and back at the car did I discover my phone was not on me. It must have dropped out when I fell. So wearily back up the hill to search. Didn’t know exactly where I’d fallen, except that it was in ferns. After some fruitless searching I realised the phone was too well hidden in the thick vegetation. There was no sign of it. 

Somewhat resigned to my loss I returned to the car and drove home. However an idea came to me. I borrowed my wife’s phone and motored back to the car park. Then on up the hill again to where the ferns were! This time every 5 or 10 metres I would stop and ring my number and listen expectantly. After 30-40 mins I heard the faint, yet familiar, ring tone I was desperate to hear. After further calls and scrambling around I finally located my phone. What feelings of relief. There is joy in having lost something valuable and finding it again!

On another occasion in these same hills my glasses went missing. It was on top of Cochno hill that I realised they were not on me. I need glasses but often when running I place them on top of my head. They were not there. Discouraged I turned to make my way back. Approximately 5km to the car. All the while carefully scanning the ground for my specs. I passed a fellow who was searching for and picking up litter as he hiked. Asked him to look for my glasses and gave him my number. He assured me that he was focussed on finding litter. If they were on the trail he would find them! I carried on down to the car without finding my glasses. Shortly afterwards I got a call. It was the kind litter picker. He had found them at Greenside reservoir!! I walked up the hill to meet him and he gave me back my specs, wonderful! I offered a finder’s reward which he refused. However he did accept monies to buy bin bags! 

Such stories don’t always have happy endings, of losing something and then finding. On another occasion I was running alone by the side of a loch (the Scottish name for a lake). It was in the north west of Scotland and maybe 8km from the nearest road. Again I fell.. Not such a soft landing this time. On rocky, muddy ground I bumped my head as well as sustaining a gash to my right hand. I was quite dazed and sore. In shock I was pre occupied with cleaning the mud and blood from my face and hand. Then hastily carried on running to get back to the roadside and car ASAP.  After about 1.5km I realised I no longer had my prescription sports glasses. I retraced my steps but alas couldn’t find. An expensive loss to add to the injuries.

I will desist going on about the many times I have lost gloves+++. Or more likely just the one glove. I am not alone in my plight as in recent months have found 3 right hand gloves. Obviously there are more right handed people on the hills. Am now hoping for more left handed folks like myself with a chronic ability to lose gloves.

I have come to realise when an accident or something unexpected happens I may not always be thinking straight. My mantra at such times is now “Phone! Glasses! Gloves!” As back up I now attach my phone with a lanyard to my rucksack. Inevitably there will be mishaps. Even on short trail runs I try to plan for the unexpected. Such things as warm clothing and basic first aid – like bandages, antiseptic cream and pain killers.

Possessions are not the only things lost on the trail. I also lose my way. That may be for another post.

*** If interested in Kilpatrick hills see Grand Tour of the Kilpatricks.

+++ The Bothy Life relates a particularly memorable instance losing gloves.

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