West Highland Way Challenge- Race Report 2021

Wearily descending Craigie Fort, Balmaha (122km) They say getting to the start line is half the battle. In these pandemic times especially so as nothing could be taken for granted. Added to that about 10 days before I experienced back pain. I could walk but not run so it really played on me whether I …

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Ready to Go

Getting my gear ready, and food (!) for checkpoints Getting ready for the big day (and night) tomorrow! It was 10 years ago I first ran the West Highland Way. I told myself that main thing is to finish. However my competitive spirit (mostly against myself) planned to do it in 28 hours. Then and …

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West Highland Way Challenge Race 2021

Luss hills, west of Loch Lomond, during a recent training run. Excited at the prospect that at 11am on Saturday 29th May I can hopefully once again run the West Highland Way. Organised by another group than I normally run with there are a number of differences to what I have been used to. This …

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The Trail Runner’s Psalm – 121

Buachaille Etive Mòr* (from trail between Kingshouse and Altnafeidh) 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—   where does my help come from?2 My help comes from the Lord,    the Maker of heaven and earth.3 He will not let your foot slip—    he who watches over you will not slumber;4 indeed, he who watches over Israel    will neither slumber nor sleep.5 The Lord …

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A Harvest of Memories

In my summer break as a student in 1975 I took a job in Canada. Looking back it was doing something I am not now proud of. Picking tobacco. How doing this squared with my convictions at the time I don’t remember. I do know that smoking and tobacco was not seen as negatively back …

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