March and April 2015 - 3 months to go!

So...March pretty much came and went.  I am running BIG mileage but not cycling too much at the moment as it is still really cold in Aberdeen.  Work has been a continuation of February, crazy busy and fairly stressful, and then I decided to enter my first race in about 3 years, a 15 mile trail race  around the Balmoral Estate and the foothills of Lochnagar, one of Scotland's highest and most impressive mountains which is right on my doorstep.

So, April began with the school holidays and a snowboarding trip to Tignes.  Snowboarding is another passion of mine so a mega week was had and no major injuries covering over 250 miles over the 6 days (including uplifts) and recording my top ever boarding speed of 38mph :-).  Oh I love Strava!

The second week of my holiday was straight back into training for my trail run which included an 18 mile off road run taking in an ascent of Mount Keen, Aberdeen's nearest Munro.  This was a great run/yomp/hike...but my legs paid for it in the few days afterwards. I also put in a couple of 40 ish mile cycles which felt great.

My trail race came round on Sunday (26th April), as I mentioned earlier, my first race in 3 years due to a fairly big medical problem followed by major surgery in October '13.  For me this was quite emotional as I used to race frequently, clocking up decent times for a vet and every now and again picking up a prize, however this is not where I am now and I probably will never get back to that level, which is why I picked an off road, non standard distance, difficult race as my return.  The drive up to Balmoral reminded me of what a beautiful country I live in, despite (or because of) the snow falling from the sky!!  I arrived at the Royal residence and found a few running club mates huddling in the changing tent out of the snow.

The race started and I took it fairly easy to start, the scenery was beautiful, undulating  tracks through the ancient Caledonia forests beside the River Dee.  At around 8 miles the climbs started to crank up as we came out of the tree line and climbed towards the mighty Lochnagar which was well capped in snow.  After more hills and then some downs I was on the home stretch and feeling strong, passing lots of people on the downhills (low centre of gravity = fast downhill!).  I finished strongly in 2 hrs 19, averaging 9.30s which, for this first run back and given the ascents and terrain, I was delighted with.

Also on Sunday my LEJoG friend Rachel completed the London Marathon in just over 4 hours, I am so proud of her too because of everything she is going through at the moment and keeping so freaking positive about stuff.

I know it isn't cycling but my fitness through distance running helps me massively on my bike.  I have some more races planned and the bike training is beginning to increase now with the warmer (hopefully) weather and the lighter nights.

It will be May soon...always a lovely month in Scotland and great for upping the miles on the bike.

After the trail race.