Lochaber Marathon 27/04/08
As with Loch Ness this was another first, Lochaber. When I told Barrie Davie (Baza) way back in November that I was doing Lochaber he told me you better get your entry in quick as it is usually fills up before the closing date so when Dugie MacDonald sent me confirmation of entry it had a list of hotels so I booked up straight away no point in waiting until the last minute as usual. I have always said to Rhona that is one of the most scenic parts of Scotland so on Saturday morning Rhona, myself, Ryan and Cameron headed up to
Fort William arriving just before 2pm. Rhona took Ryan and Cameron on the 4th floor and I got the bags out of the car and by the time I got to the room there was Ryan jumping up and down on the top bunk while Cameron was halfway up the ladders I thought no in fact better not to think about it. So we went for a walk and got to the Nevis centre where registration was and Ryan spies the soft play. I went and got my number and went back to meet Rhona Ryan and Cameron were having a great time. Guess where they will be going sunday morning. Through out the week I kept checking the forecast which changed every day from heavy showers to light showers to sunshine by Friday I just gave up and I said to Rhona I will wait till Sunday. Sunday morning looks out the window dry, cloudy and not much wind, perfect but that was about to change more on that later. So off to the Nevis centre there is Ryan waiting patiently waiting for the soft play to open. I said to Rhona I'll watch the boys and you ru........ I dont think so she replied oh well no harm in trying. So with Ryan, Cameron and Rhona having a great time in the soft play I go to the car to get changed where meet Johnny and then Katie so time for a chat then a photo then more chat then back to see how Rhona and the boys are doing, fine with a good luck from Rhona its off to the start. When I was talking to Johnny and Katie I had mentioned that this was the first marathon in a long time that I was really up for but like I said before that was about to change. With a few minutes to the start the sun came out and thought here we go again not another edinburgh (2006). With the first few miles out of the way I settled into a steady pace but it seemed to be getting warmer so by mile seven I decided to just enjoy this one and get through it. It was good that the water stations every couple of miles that really helped. Another boost was reaching halfway, alright you have still got another 13 miles to run and being an out and back can be a bit boring but at least you know you are heading for home. Getting through the miles but slowing all the time when at 19 miles loo stop just a number 1 though thank goodness got going again which is sometimes hard to do and still okay until between 20 and 21 seemed to go on for ever and the inevitable happened, walk time. I could see the 21 marker and said right get to there and start running again and from then on it was the strategy that has got me through the last 3 marathons. anyone who has done Lochaber will know about the last hill about half a mile to go if not you do now and when we got there there was a collective groan from about half a dozen runners so another walk break. we get to the top and a little bit further on when when we hear a shout "only 200metres to go" right time for a sprint to the finish in 3.34.15 not what I was hoping for but never mind there is always Edinburgh but I wouldn't be surprised if it was hot again. Who would have thought getting sunburn in April oh yes the great Scottish weather unpredictable as usual.
ps well done to katie who ran 3.49.47 in what was not easy conditions.
pps spoke to Irene from Strathaven Striders and asked if i was doing the 50 and also Graham. When I told her that I had printed the form off she told me there was only a few places left so Graham we better get our entries in quick LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!katie blake 3.49.47 john pickard 3.34.15. viva la porty roll on edinburgh
Report John Pickard
results here
Although there are nearly 200 photos here I couldn't see any Porty vests amongst them.These from MarathonPhotos.com
