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Three Days in June 2003 |
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A Midsummer Adventure - The West Highland Way
Photos of Bob during various stages of the race - click here FRIDAY
20th June 2003 I
had nervously passed the week collecting together my race
"wardrobe" equipped for all the four season eventualities and
deciding on the weekend gourmet calorie intake. My thoughts periodically
drifted back to the distance, 95 miles and 11,624 feet of ascent on
rough terrain. Break it down, I said to myself. Just a day on the hills
then some more hills. Different sections, different terrain, section by
section, one bit then another bit, checkpoint to checkpoint. However I
thought about it, 95 miles was a long way non-stop, on foot. Now the
waiting was almost over. Tonight I would embark upon this extraordinary
challenge. I
took the day off work to put all my clothes changes, food and assorted
bits and pieces into 2 large cardboard boxes and a cool box, then had a
rest before the activity ahead. Just ate my usual quantity of cereal,
sandwiches and fruit today with an early evening Pasta and chicken meal
at about 4:30pm. I made sure I took on plenty fluid all day. Water,
spring water, Pepsi Max and decaffeinated coffee. I tried to get some
sleep but unsurprisingly with no success. At least I managed a few hours
of rest trying not to think of what might lie ahead in the hours to
come. I ate a small rice pudding and looked at the clock, about 9:30pm.
Shortly afterwards, my friend, Lomond hill runner Derek Jablonski
arrived at 10:45pm. Did I have everything I could possibly ever need? I
hoped so or else we would need a truck. I bundled my boxes into Derek's
car and we headed off for the start at Milngavie. Our adventure had
begun. Nearly
there but we were unsure exactly where Milngavie was so out with the
road map to check the last few miles. It was dark after all! SATURDAY
21st June 2003 Milngavie station, the new Harry Potter book is released midnight tonight and there's three teenagers reading excerpts to each other on the platform at 1:00 am. "What's on tonight?" We were asked. “A race” “Where to?” “Fort William” “Really” Yes”. A bemused expression then back into their book. Not unusual behaviour compared to running up the West Highland Way at night. I
registered with the race organisers, then chatted to some friends who
were also running. Looking around, there were many very organised people
here. I began to feel I might have entered a "run too far". I now ate a jam sandwich, which is also known in Scotland as
"the jammy piece" and drank more water. The jammy piece was to
play a heroic role as the race developed. I was now getting anxious and
feeling cold which accounted for my shaking appearance. Derek at this
point thought I might suggest we just go back home! For the technically interested: I
started the race wearing Nike dri-fit leggings, long-sleeved Helly
Hansen top, Fife Athletic Club vest, tammy, goretex paclite jacket and
thin gloves. I wore a head torch, a watch and Asics trainers. I carried
my Salomon rucksack containing 2 fluid bladders, one had 500ml water,
the other 500ml SIS P22 orange energy drink. It also contained spare
protective toe pads, other blister stuff, micropore tape, vaseline,
sunglasses, sun hat, a map for first 20 unfamiliar miles to Balmaha,
spare Helly Hansen gloves, a sports bar, a jam piece, 2 energy gels,
toilet paper, my phone, whistle, compass and a checkpoint times chart. I
had all of these items with me throughout the entire race and carried my
own rucksack from start to finish. MILNGAVIE
(THE START) 2:00am
Dario
the race director had given the pre-race brief. Then there was a general
shaking of hands and good luck wishes all round. The front-runners began
to move through the tunnel and the race had started. I moved off into
the darkness near the back of the 69 starters with my fellow runners
Dave Muir and Jeremy Tomlinson who had kindly invited me to tag along
with them. “Keep a slow pace and walk all the uphill bits. Fear not of
moving forward but that of standing still”. I reminded myself of the
advice I had been given. DRYMEN
- 12 miles 4:22am
By
the time I arrived here I had went over on my ankle twice and also
tumbled full length after colliding with a gatepost. I put all this down
to a lack of "night
vision" training and hoped for less acrobatics now that it was
daylight. As Dave and Jez were both physiotherapists I was reliably
informed that sprained ankles were not fixable!
Met
for the first time by Derek and ditched my head torch. The jacket had
already been packed in my rucksack but the gloves and tammy were to
remain on all day. I began the routine of pouring 500ml into each of my
bladders and ate a jam piece. The midges were already awake for what was
to be a world class performance from them today. BALMAHA
- 20 miles 6:02am Position 50th
A single shaft of sunlight illuminated the small boats in Balmaha harbour. What a superb view over Loch lomond from Conic Hill as I descend steeply to the checkpoint. Filled
the drink bladders, ate a rice pudding and a tuna sandwich. Sat down on
the car park tarmac and changed my socks. Reluctantly munched some more
midges! I felt fairly comfortable and importantly, my asthma was not
bothering me. ROWARDENNAN
- 27 miles 7:59am
The
large parking area in the trees was crowded with race supporters and
hill walkers making an early start up Ben Lomond. Derek met and guided
me to his car. I filled my drink bladders, ate a jam piece and took a
sports bar to eat on the way. Went for a visit to the gentlemen's rest
room and now felt better. I headed out of the Rowardennan support point
informing the marshals I was on my way. INVERSNAID
- 34 miles 9:42am Position 44th
Dario
and I introduced ourselves here as he checked the runners through.
Picked up my labelled Lucozade sport drink and another jam piece. Ate a
supplied banana. Water was provided here by the T.S.A.R T. I drank some
then poured 500ml into my water bladder. Off I went for more ducking,
diving and hurdling over, around and under the branches, boulders and
tree roots. This was the highly entertaining Loch Lomondside obstacle
course. Some manoeuvres more planned than others and an easy place to
suffer a terminal injury. I was now carrying my Lucozade drink and then
responsibly gave the empty pouch to someone at Inverarnan as I passed
by. Thanks. I was glad to make it through this section unscathed.
Serious midge problem continuously now which contributes to the general
wearing down process. Every facial orifice was full of midges looking
for a lift further up the Way. INVERARNAN
- 40 miles
I
hadn't arranged support here due to the awkward road access. I spoke to
my friend Russell who was waiting on Fiona then I continued onwards and
upwards. Dave, Jez and I maintained our steady jog somehow even managing
synchronised bush watering breaks! I enjoyed their company and we
laughed through much of these early miles. Thanks to you both. DERRY
DARROCH Checkpoint 12:24pm Position 37th
Water
and bananas were supplied here. I stopped, had two cups of water, ate a
banana, thanked the marshals then moved on to meet Derek just up the
road. TUNNEL
UNDER the A82 1 mile up the road from Derry Darroch Farm - 45 miles
Derek
had been having a snooze but soon woke up and into support mode helping
fill the drink bladders. I ate another small rice pudding and a tuna
sandwich for a change. 2Get some protein in” I thought. Changed socks
and into another identical pair of trainers and long sleeved thermal
top. Dave and Jez were having more carrot and coriander soup here and a
general feet overhaul. Keen to move on, I started up the hill on my own
towards the halfway point at Bogle Glen. I was encouraged by how I was
feeling and left with another jam piece for company. I looked forward to
turning left above Crianlarich and psychologically heading towards Fort
William. "This is a race against the clock" I said to myself,
time to try and speed up a bit. TYNDRUM
- 53 miles 2:36pm Position 32nd
Derek
met up with more support friends here, Gus, Henry, Jane, Jean, Charlie
and Molly the dog. All members of Beacon leisure centre running club or
the Kingdom RT cycle club. The boxes with my gear were changing cars
here and I was glad to see Gus meet me in the approach woods. I
continued my routine, 500ml in both drink bladders while eating a jam
piece then a banana to go. My only low point strangely as I arrived
here. I felt cold and the outlook appeared to be heavy rain. However
with all the fine company I soon got the smile back on my face and I was
keen to get going again. I left the checkpoint running with Jane and
Jean who were bursting with enthusiasm and had to be curtailed to my
slower pace. Mega midge problem now, but the girls had sacrificed
themselves and bravely wore shorts! BRIDGE
OF ORCHY - 60 miles 4:09pm Position 29th
Filled
the bladders, ate another jam piece. “Stick to the same robotic food
and drink routine” I thought. I did have with me all sorts of other
delicious hot and cold food prepared by my wife Gail but never ate it.
Derek though was very partial to the dozen slices of my Mum's fruitcake.
I felt nauseous much of the time so the trusty jam piece was tried and
tested. Changed my socks again and put a Compeed blister patch on my
painful right foot side instep and carried on. Shortly afterwards Jean
took a tumble on the rocks heading down towards Inveroran Hotel and
bashed her leg but she's tough and was soon up and off again. Never even
damaged my rice pudding in her hand. What a star! I now ate this going
up General Wades' cobbles after Victoria Bridge along with a delicious
thick midge topping. What a support team, we managed to have a good
laugh going over Rannoch moor towards Kingshouse. There were now many
Caledonian Challenge charity walkers coming from Fort William who had to
be negotiated around. I brought with me today a large sense of humour to
help get me through the race and I kept smiling no matter what. KINGSHOUSE
- 72 miles 6:48pm Position 20th
Safely
across the busy A82 road for the 5th time then down to the checkpoint.
Filled my drink bladders for the ninth time. Now drinking Derek's
watermelon flavoured SIS Go electrolyte - quite tasty. Ate another
banana and put a jam piece in my bag for the section ahead. I probably
didn't need it as going over the Moor my open mouth had "hoovered"
up enough midge fuel to last for ages! Sat at a picnic table and changed
my socks and back into the trainers I started with. Put another blister
pad on my foot, doubled up with the other one. My legs were beginning to
seize up so I didn't want to hang around unnecessarily. Gus and Henry
left the checkpoint with me. There was still plenty of daylight so I
pushed on to get as far as possible before darkness fell. Gus was up
front trying to clear a route through the last of the charity walkers.
The pain in my knee was getting more noticeable now. I
arrived at the top of the Devils staircase about 8:00pm. I looked back at
the fantastic view over Buachaille
Etive Mor then over to the Mamores and Ben Nevis. A stunning natural
landscape. I was continuously conscious about getting an ankle injury or
becoming ill and grinding
to a halt but I now cautiously began to think not just finish but finish
time. I felt very good and was covering the miles at a fair pace. The
plan was working and all those jammy pieces had finally kicked in! KINLOCHLEVEN
- 81 miles 9:07pm Position 16th
I plunged down the steep track, over the river and on into Kinlochleven. How I felt now was something special. I didn't even stop here just shouted my number to the checkpoint car as I went past. Jane joined me to the turn up into the woods to ensure everyone knew the route. Gus and Henry went to our support car for water and sports drink. They picked up my head torch, some doughnuts, a last jam piece, then caught me up on the climb. Gus was gasping a bit due to a doughnut restricting his airway! Unknown to me Derek was also at the checkpoint getting changed to join us having just arrived after running to Kingshouse with Dave and Jez. He had to put on a spurt to catch us up on the Lairigmor track. On
this last section I continued to drink what I left Kingshouse with. Five
litres of sports drink was now enough for the digestive system. It had
begun to get dark as we headed over Lairigmor. This is the part where
pink elephants and the like may just pass you by! I did "see"
a couple of minibuses, a landrover vehicle, assorted small animals and
some odd looking garden gnomes. I had looked forward to this extra
dimension to my vision, a sort of dehydration delirium. I realised that
the rocks and light reflections can at this stage of the race play many
tricks on the mind. I also tried to pretend I was "loosing it"
mentally to keep up the humour. It was weird however when real toads or
frogs jumped into the torchlight. This did spook my concentration a bit.
I
kept running at the front so I could plan my way over the burns and
boulders and was well aware of the route ahead. I have never been so
focused in my life. I enquired many times, “remind me the race started
at 2:00am” and “Was the time on my watch the right time?” I was
repeatedly assured both were correct. I felt surprisingly strong and
knew if I kept up my pace I would not just get under the magical 24
hours but could break 23 hours. At
the Lundavra road point I was now unexpectedly met by Jane, Jean and
Charlie. After the briefest of pauses I was up and over another deer
fence. I now had Derek, Jane, Jean, Gus, Henry and Molly, Jean's dog
running behind me. This was a great experience, an absolutely fantastic
buzz. Over those last few miles, my focus was interrupted only by the
odd howl as someone tripped, slipped and tumbled behind me on the dark,
muddy path. Our frenzied torch lights desperately trying to illuminate
the way ahead. Eventually
we emerged out of the black claustrophobic forest canopy to see the
distant lights of Fort William. Over on the Ben half way up a solitary
torchlight was seen, we hoped it wasn't a fellow runner seriously off
course! Down through the trees and out onto the Glen Nevis road where
Charlie met us. He now joined us as we ran on towards Fort William. I
just had to have a final brief pause at the Wishing Stone to "thank
it" for my good fortune as I had made a wish on a training run
weeks before that I have a successful day. A couple of dark final
corners, which seemed to take forever and the roundabout is in sight.
"Does anyone know how to get into the leisure centre" I
hurriedly enquired. "Yes, right in the front door" a voice
from behind answers. “Obvious!” The last hundred yards and into the
reception. I had made it. SUNDAY
22nd JUNE 2003
FORT
WILLIAM -95 miles 00:39am Position 16th
When
entering this my first West Highland Way race I had hoped to complete
the 95 miles route and finish. I had occasionally dreamed of maybe
someday finishing under 24 hours. I was stunned and delighted when told
my finish time was 22 hours 39 minutes and 30 seconds. I had covered the
second half from Bogle Glen faster than the first half. A negative split
in the West Highland Way Race. I was really chuffed - my finest hour. After
a phone call home to Gail to relay the news, I was hastily arranged into
a group photo but my head was now spinning and I felt rather sick. I sat
for a while and had a cup of coffee and tried to eat a cheese roll but
couldn't. I had a shower and then quietly crawled into my sleeping bag
on the reception floor. Couldn't sleep, got up and ate 3 ham rolls and
crisps with Russell about 3:15am. I listened to the other finishers'
tales as they arrived then talked to Dave and Jez when they came in
about 6:30am. Went
for a fry up breakfast at the local supermarket at 9:00am with Derek,
seemed like a good idea even when the mushrooms looked dodgy. Then I had
a pint of Guinness at 11:00am in The Nevis Bank Hotel at the race
presentations. Bad combination, I had to stop at the Devils Staircase
layby on the way home feeling very nauseous. Struggled on to Comrie
where I was violently sick in the woods at the car park. Derek and I
continued on home, I was feeling absolutely awful but at least I was
walking ok! Neither
myself nor any of my support team had previous experience of the WHW
race so we were all pleased to make it to Fort William and had a great
weekend. My friends who supported my race attempt were fantastic and so
enthusiastic. It was a privilege to share it with you. Special thanks go
to my wife Gail who although unable to make it to the event provided
patient support and encouragement throughout the months prior to June. I
thank you all and could not have made it without you. At risk of
producing an ‘oscar standard’ speech may I continue. My thanks also
to Russell, Fiona, Pauline and Lynne from Carnegie, Joe from Fife AC,
Adrian (Run & Become) and Dario for all the useful information and
advice I was given and to everyone associated with the organisation and
execution of such a phenomenal event. Never
at any time during the race did I know what position I was in so I was
well pleased to find out that I had finished 16th out of the record 49
finishers and 69 starters. An
intense physical and emotional roller coaster of an experience Quite
an amazing adventure! Bob Allison Photos of Bob during various stages of the race - click here |
