"Exercising" some West Highland Way demons....
Today (Sunday) sees the RunRhaw Gaffer, Dave, put his feet up after a gruelling West Highland Way Race yesterday. So, despite not being trusted to set the group off a Monday, I am stepping up with my pen and paper to write this week's training note. 😂
It's been no secret that Dave has had some unfinished business on the WHW. - The unopened goblet, the 19 and a half hours, the 13th place (unlucky for some?) and the now infamous Dougie Vipond interview. More wrong direction than one direction, but 10 years of mental torture culminated in this weekends return to one of the UK's oldest ultra marathons.
Its actually what fascinates me about Dave in a sort of way....maybe even, and don't tell him this, but what I and others admire about him.
19.5 hours is a pipe dream in most people's book. An exceptional feat that you could reflect back on with pride and satisfaction. But not Dave. And I imagine that he is not alone in that mindset. He knew he had more in him, that he could cover those 96 miles much quicker and higher up the field. And that he did this weekend. Through a specific and targeted training block, huge focus and relentless commitment to the final goal, and an A team around him, 7th place and 1.5 hours chopped of his time saw him fly into Fort William much more content than 10 years ago.
And we know he isn't alone in that mindset. Even this weekend we saw a familiar Run Rhaw face in Roberta Fletcher bag 1st place in the female race in 18hrs 46mins, completing the set after a 3rd and 2nd place over the past 2 years. Well done Roberta, phenomenal result!
Next was Run Rhaw OG Neil, who knocked the race out the park. Digging deep at times, Neil smashed it out the park and came in on a spectacular 21hrs 39mins. Well done Neil, especially having to put up with support runner Euan for 33 miles! 😂
Joking aside, phenomenal efforts, and we also saw RunRhaw friends Paul Broad, Lorna McAulay, Mairi Fox and Chris Johnstone charge head-on to Fort William with he grit and determination that we are used to seeing on a Monday night.
At the time of writing I don't have all confirmed times, but whatever the outcome, huge congratulations to you all for stepping on that start line and daring to believe.
A nod must also go the support crews over the weekend - Bob had the Aggreko fun bus out to play and abley looked after Dave alongside Theresa, Reiah, Rouxi and Radlii.
Well done also to Laura, Ellis and Thea for making sure Neil made it through, alongside Euan and co. Fabulous efforts team.
And of course the other support crews not mentioned, and organisers and volunteers.
What a weekend, well done to each and everyone of you involved, and to others taking part into heir own challenges.
Anyway, back to the matter in hand. Yes Monday night will still be on, and here is the session
We hope to see you there, whatever the clouds....and whatever state of your legs!
Chris
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