Goblet Grilling

We catch up with Neil McConnell who is running the West Highland Way race for the first time this month - read his thoughta about it here!

RR - We are two and a half years on from when the email first came through that you'd got a WHW race place - it didn't happen in 2024 but we are 4 weeks out. How are you feeling?

Neil - Im feeling ready to roll. Last time I didnt make the start line due to illness, which was out of my hands but was still a gutter. This time it has not consumed my thoughts so much yet feels more achievable, whereas before it was all I thought about and couldn't quite fathom the "how". Not sure whether its a few years more racing under my belt or just getting wiser in old age, but can visualise all that needs done to get to the finish line.

RR - Why do you want to do the race?

Neil - I've always loved the outdoors and going up north to chase the views, fish or feelings of wilderness. The WHW is on our doorstep and often featured in part of that journey north, ever since I first walked it 20 odd years ago. 

I also remember you (Run Rhaw) running it when we were younger and at that point it seemed unbelievable people would do that. I now realise with a bit of focus and effort it is doable. My kids are growing up seeing that with a bit of determination, you can break these big things down into small pieces and they are possible. So what will they think is unachievable at a young age then overcome? I can't wait to find out!

RR - What's your goal for the race day? A time goal? A feeling? A finish position? What is success for you?

Neil - I would say with 95% of races i do, success is measured in relation to a certain time that I have plucked out of thin air. For this one a finish is plan A. I'm looking forward to Laura and the kids crewing me, then throw in a pal or 2 joining me for some miles in some of the most scenic trails about and I don't know if you can get a much better day out. 

RR - Favourite and worst section of the WHW?

Neil - Favourite - 1 mile before GC ski centre, when Glencoe first opens up after Rannoch Moor.

Worst - Conic hill descent, I get why they done the path but it was not made with runners in mind.

RR - Whats the biggest challenge been in training so far?

Neil - My achilles. I've had tendinopathy on both sides since last summer, at points having to go down stairs side ways. Jonny at Physio Effect has kept me moving with shockwave therapy, more affectionately known as the "Torture Machine".

RR - When you finish and get the goblet - what drink of choice will you be putting in it?

Neil - Cannot believe this is an actual question.....Single Malt. Actually bought a nice bottle of Caol Ila the first time I got through the ballot for using in the goblet. Felt weird opening it as didnt make the start line so that is still in waiting to be the first drink in the goblet 

RR - It's no secret your son is wanting to do the WHW race when he is 18 - how many attempts will he need to beat your time you're putting down this year?

Neil - The way he is going with his running, I think he will only need the one. I'm enjoying being faster than him at the moment as I am well aware that my time is limited at any distance! I cannot wait to see him take on the WHW and you on the same day, what a day for the spectators that will be!

Follow on the socials to see how it plays out - or even better - be there in person at the finish line!!