Lairig Ghru race

An ultra-marathon. When I had signed up for this in February, the prospect of running 27 miles over the Cairngorms seemed ridiculous. However, after some decent training and long runs (particularly the 45 km with Darren in the Mamores), I was as ready as I'd ever be. "Time on your feet; walk the hills, run the flats/downhills' - really excellent advice for this race from a seasoned pro, who had just ran the WHW race in 23 hours. I particularly noted the people who ran up the hills at mile 12 onwards were the ones I would overtake later in the race. Conserving energy for the last hour or two simply can't be over-stated. I was quick through the Lairig itself  (boulder-hopping in the hills helps) - I actually found the running/walking up to the Lairig to be the hardest part of the race (obviously the last 2 miles were a bugger).

There was a chap who absolutely went head over heels in the Lairig and hurt his leg and head. He seemed very dazed and after checking on him, I let Mountain Rescue know that he wasn't in a good way. I never saw him finish the race and I think he was withdrawn - his words to me were that he "didn't realise how bouldery the lairig would be" - with smirry rain, the rocks were greasy and I did a few double-axles myself. I got through Derry Lodge in 1 hour 15 but going so quick was to be my downfall later in the race as I suffered cramp in both calf muscles from mile 15. Once through the Lairig, I stopped for 5 minutes to relax and take in the view - a horribly desolate area, which I actually really loved due to the solitude and organicness of it. In Winter, I can't imagine a more alien and inhospitable place. It's nice to be in these places and away from technology and other non-essentials.

Descending through the forest with various foodstuffs (malt loaf - not easy to consume due to its dense and sugary nature) on offer, there were many who cheered us on to the end. There was a great spirit to the race. I stopped to check on an older woman who seemed very sore but she assured me she would be fine - she was first F50 back and won a prize. No help required! The leek and tattie soup was amazing, with excellent cheese scones and flapjack. At the end, Darren and Emma were in Aviemore and it was good to see them. I finished in 5 hours 15 and while I was disappointed not to do a sub-5 hour run, I was glad to get through it unscathed and enjoyed the race. I ran strong at the end and can look back on an intense and satisfying experience - one of a kind.

Hints and tips - I ran with 1.5 litre of water with rehydrating tabs/carb powder - I took on board 3 energy gels, a snickers and about half a pack of jelly babies - I really think eating during the race helped as I had plenty of energy, it was just the cramp which slowed me down. I maybe could have ran the first bit a bit slower and kept my heart rate down. It's difficult to avoid talking but probably best to refrain in order to store energy. Look around - the scenery is stunning. Definitely walk the climbs as once over the Lairig, there is still 9 miles to Aviemore with tricky paths. I took gloves and I'm glad I did as it got very cold going over the Lairig and if you fall, you're less likely to have hand lacerations.