WHW Challenge Race 25th May 2024
Now, it was another great event. I have to say that first. But it ended as a DNF, with a big nasty fall at the bottom of the Devil’s Staircase.
I’m gutted to be writing this. You know that feeling. And yet, in some way, I’m glad I got on the trail at all, and had another go at those 96 miles.
The preparation had been good. I was injury-free. What I did have was long COVID sitting on my chest since the October before. Felt like asthma. Training still went well. Most of it I did on Ben Bouie, behind the house. It’s a great hill for that — hike up, run down, short reps or long ones, whatever the day allows.
I was in at Chris Bowman Fitness as well. Boot camp with Chris, pump with Annie, spin and kettlebells with Mary-Anne Cameron.
Race morning was a quiet drive up to Fort William with my wife. Got there on time. Inverlochy Village Hall. Registered. The drop bags were well marked.
What I put in them:
- Reeva mashed potato pot
- Pot Noodle
- A full set of running gear
- First aid and foot care
We walked down to the start at the WHW sign, Glen Nevis Road and the A82. I spotted Howard. He’s a lovely source of encouragement. I noticed the sweeper too, the one who makes sure folk are all right out there.
The hall emptied toward the start and the place came alive. I met a Welsh fella who was just excited to get going. Just before ten, Jim, the race director, gave the safety talk. My wife headed down the road for video and photos.
Then we were off. I found myself in the middle of the pack, jogging along, comfortable. Nice to see my wife there. I thought, “Am I really doing this?” Then I changed it. “Let’s do this.”
The weather was warm. Poles ready. Through the Braveheart car park. Hiking the climbs, running the flats. Time went by. Ben Nevis looking over the whole thing. It truly is impressive.
The drop into Lundavra is gradual. I reached Lundavra at 11:35 and I felt great. High5 gels doing their job. The folk at the station were kind and on it.
The rest of the run to Kinlochleven went well enough. More gels. SIS tabs in the water. They seemed to work, though I didn’t feel sharp on the descent into the village. I reached checkpoint 1 at 13:32. Filled the flasks with High5 caffeine powder. Sandwiches. Grapes. A hot Ovaltine sachet from the pack, and that lifted me. Went to the restroom. Urine looked healthy. I wasn’t dried out.
Climbing out of Kinlochleven the heat came on. A few runners went past. I didn’t mind. I caught Creag Reece and we talked on the way up. That lifted me. Almost like a wee therapy session. Then I started to fade and Creag went on. I figured I’d see him again on the way down.
I stopped to put heat patches on my feet and used some 2Toms BlisterShield. Sitting there, a lady went past one of the runners and said, “You’re that runner with the blog!” That thrilled me. People are reading this. I forgot her number, which is a shame. If you’re the lady from this site, get in touch.
I got up and went on for my view of Buachaille Etive Mòr. Filled the flasks at the streams. Fatigue was in me, but I was looking forward to stretching the legs on the descent.
That view of the Buachaille was magnificent. I must climb it someday. I came down happy, greeting the hikers going up. In the distance I could see the runners who’d passed me. I thought I might catch them at the Kingshouse.
Near the bottom — I’m still not sure how — I went forward and crashed onto the loose stone. In shock I sat back. Both knees bleeding. I looked up and a wee dog was staring at me, as if to ask what on earth I was doing.
I tried to get up without looking foolish. Then a group of hikers were there, telling me to stay sat. A bearded man fetched a first aid kit and cleaned and bandaged the knees. He was a strong man. He lifted me to my feet.
Standing there, I knew the race was over. That upset me, because I wanted to keep going. I made for Kingshouse anyway. The pain was tough. I couldn’t put pressure on the leg. I pushed about a mile and there was no relief.
I called the Glencoe checkpoint. Steve Bell was gracious. Arranged a pickup. I hobbled back to the bottom of the Devil’s Staircase. I think it was Gary who collected me and drove me to Bridge of Orchy.
My wife got me there two hours later. Chili and rice. That warmed me up.
I was glad to see the runners coming in. Louise Harrison. Garry Grant. Stephen Morley. We talked about the East Highland Way.
As of 10th August 2024 I still wasn’t able to run. Quads and knee. X-rays said it was muscular, so I was strengthening. The hand x-ray showed a fractured finger. Months on I still couldn’t bend it. Hand therapy.
Recovery is slow. The forms for the next Challenge were ready for when I could start running again. I was worried about the knee. Depressed about not getting up the hills.
That’s the truth of that day. You can prepare. You can feel good at Lundavra. You can still be on the stones a few hours later. Show up. Get up when you can. Go again when the body allows.
Peter
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