May saw me up my running mileage big time in preparation for the Highland Cross, doing 20-24 mile runs, in the hills, on the Deeside Way and around the local forests. Trail running is definitely the way forward. May also saw me (in a couple of moments of madness) sign up to 2 ultra marathons later in the year. The Jedburgh 3 Peaks (38 miles) and Glen Ogle 33, I can do these, it will hurt of that I have no doubt, but I am determined to do them.
The weather hasn't improved much, so the bike is coming out only intermittently, but I am finding with my run endurance, cycling longer distances is fine.
Into June and Metro (my running club) held a memorial 10k for our friend Neil Jaffrey. Although I hate 10k races because they are too short for me, I was doing it because of what it stood for. There was an incredible turnout...a very moving evening for all, including Dawn (Neil's wife). I know he was up there looking down and smiling. We all miss you Jaffers, very much.
Before I knew it the weekend of the Highland Cross was here, I went up to Inverness with my teamies in the Grammar School mini bus, with the bikes wrapped in cardboard for the transition lorry.
The race was to start at 11am Saturday (20th). It began in Morvich on the West Coast, a cloudy but warm day. The 20 mile run was pretty brutal, but the support from volunteers was incredible. I had set myself 3.5hrs for the run, but it was soon obvious that this was not going to happen, too much uphill, too many rocky sections and a few river crossings thrown in for good measure. I finished the run in 3.47, feeling a bit worse for wear! After 5-10 minutes in transition I got on to the bike, I was worried about this as I didn't feel great. However, within a mile everything seemed to be feeling better and I hammered the 28 mile cycle in 1hr 32 which I was delighted with. I crossed the line in Beauly in 5.26.
Now the HX is over I am starting to properly think about Channel to Med, about how much I am looking forward to seeing old friends, and how much I am looking forward to meeting new friends. Best get out on the bike then...
