Race Report – Fort William Marathon 2015

by Michelle Cameron

To say I was a bit worried about my first ever marathon is an understatement, having been plagued with injuries for the previous 8 weeks which left me feeling completely under trained. I kept telling myself, “You’ll be fine, take your time, don’t push it … as long as I finish, I’ll be happy.”

Michelle's boo-booSo I go for for a final wee tootle the Sunday before the marathon – and I bl***y fall!!! What the hell’s wrong with me?! I must have a death wish! Off I go to another appointment with my now bestie, Elaine at Cowal Physiotherapy, for a pre-run massage (Morven swears by it – good advice I think 🙂 ). Elaine exclaims, “God, I’m feart to touch you” – ha ha. She works her magic, tapes me up and gives me spare tape just in case.

Marathon day arrives and it’s dry 🙂 Running buddy, Linda Good, and I are bunking in the camper. We have a brekky of porridge and a banana and are ready to go 💪

Fresh at the startEveryone’s buzzing, Morven’s like a mother hen clucking around and making sure everyone’s OK. Oohhhh, here we go … OMG Fortwilliam 2015 … 26.2 miles and 300 runners …GO!

The nerves subside as we start running and Jean, Emmerson, Jamie and I ease into the run. There were two Americans just in front of us wearing kilts and three girls wearing orange t-shirts which we follow the whole way. Behind us is a Kiwi (she is doing a run/walk strategy like us) and a Dutch girl (I think she was Dutch).

The route is lovely, very like the east side of Lock Eck in some places. We go off trail on to a housing estate and I know where I am – Spean Bridge, I tell the others as we cross the road and over the bridge then up the hill before turning left back on to forest trail where there are lovely old ruins, of a bridge I think!

Mile 10, and Emmy starts whooping every time we pass a mile maker 😂. Jamie hangs back for a call to nature, just as we turn a corner and pass a family who are cheering and clapping. Of course we all giggle as Jean says something about Jamie getting such a great round of applause. 😝

Mile 12 saw us running uphill towards the Commando Memorial monument. We see and hear the DHR groupies whooping and cheering which is a great boost as I’m starting to feel it, and my shorts are starting to chafe a bit. But Jean’s got Vaseline – pink Vaseline! Oh well, needs must. Don’t think she wants it back!

selfieMile 13 … time for a selfie, and a rare moment – Jamie smiling! To be fair, he’s been in a great mood – no moaning at all, just punching branches for some unknown reason.

We head along the canal and there’s a lot of really nice boats with people on board, all waving as we run past them and, up front of us, the Kiwi again. We’ve played cat and mouse with her for the last 13 miles and, quite frankly, I’m getting fed up with the same banter (“Good luck, you’re doing great, see you at the finish line”). So we pass her again at the end of the never-ending canal.

“Whoop whoop!” Emmy shouts at mile 20. OK, only 6 miles to go as we turn on to road towards the brewery in Fort Bill. I’ve got a blister or two that I’m trying to ignore and I’m running slower than a snail as a car comes round the corner and it’s the family. John has gathered my troops and driven them up. Darcy is shouting her head off and Oscar is jumping up and down shouting, “Mummy, Mummy!” 😊 So that boosts me for a bit longer. But the road is never ending. Jamie asks, “Will we walk for a bit?” … mmmm, where’s the Kiwi, because if I’ve got to pass her again I’m gonna bludgeon her to death with my bottle of water 😁😁😁😁 Best keep moving!

We cross the road, past the brewery and there’s a wee fella in blue lying in the middle of the pavement with Mr and Mrs Kilt helping him. We ask if he’s OK. He has cramp and couldn’t walk it off, so Jean throws her bag of sweets and nuts at him and shouts, “You need salt!” – as we all leap over him 😂😂😂😂

Meanwhile, up front, the three girls in orange spy us and start to run again. Right, let’s take them – which we do. Yeah, we’re on a roll and Mrs Kiwi is nowhere to be seen 😊 Up over the railway bridge and – hallelujah – we’re back on trail. Two to three miles to go – I’ve lost count, I can’t remember – we run past the last water stop and the ambulance driver shouts something which he obviously finds funny. I cant even repeat what Jean said as we run up the hill after Quasimodo, but we cant catch him. He’s a pro and he’s hobbling faster than us. OK, last mile … mile my a**e, it went on for ever! Through the forest we can hear noise – we’re nearly there. Yeah, “Just round the corner!”, is the cry from all of us, then, “OFFS up hill again – they’re having a laugh!”.

Finisher's haulFinal downhill and around the corner, we all hold hands to run to the finish. Wee Darcy and Rowan come running up to run over the finish line with us and we’ve done it – first marathon in the bag! I’m knackered, but have no new injuries except a few blisters. Result!

Roll on Glen Ogle – after all, it’s only an extra 7 miles 😂😂😂😂

Volcano Run 2015

Dunoon Hill Runners is delighted to announce that on 8 August 2015, the second Annual Volcano Run and second Summer Series race will be held, sponsored by J Mundell & Son.

This is approximately a 5k and 10k run. Starting from Toward Farm the run will take you up on to an extinct volcano, Buaicheileann, whereupon after reaching the peak at 400 metres you will quickly descend back to Toward Farm.

Volcano RunThe 5k run for juniors (under 18s) and 10k run for seniors (18-pre-historic) will begin at 1 pm.

All runners are strongly advised to wear suitable trainers for fell running. Marshals will be on the course for your own safety. Further details of race rules will be posted up soon.

Trophies for 1st placed Male Senior, Male Vet, Female Senior, Female Vet and Junior runners. All runners completing the course will put their race number in a bucket and the numbers pulled out will win a prize!

All attending can also expect a BBQ/food. This is aimed at a fun family day out for all involved or keen to be involved with Dunoon Hill Runners. It is a BYOB event, alcoholic or soft drinks permitted.

Cost: DHR adult members running £5 Juniors members £1 
Non adult members running ÂŁ10 Junior ÂŁ3
Only attending BBQ Adults ÂŁ5 Juniors ÂŁ2
First Burger/Hot Dog included in price and table food. Other burgers priced at ÂŁ1 members ÂŁ 1.50 non members.

Payable on or before 3 August 2015. Payment on the day may be available however there are a limited number of places so, to guarantee your place, early payment is encouraged. Payment can be made by Paypal or cash/cheque payable to Dunoon Hill Runners (email DHR Chairman for details). If anyone is interested in using a coach for transport picking up in Dunoon (possibly Sandbank) and returning in the evening, please let the DHR Chairman know. For a nominal fee this may be possible to be organised.

Summer Series 2015

Qualifying Races

  1. Volcano Run – 8th August
  2. Cowal Games Hill Race – 29th August
  3. CowalFest 10k – 10th October
  4. Kilbride Hill Race – 16th July and 23rd July
  5. Strachur 10k (with a bit extra) – 24th October
  6. Handicap Race – DTBC

Best 4 results qualify.

Category: 1st Male, 1st Female, 1st Male Vet, 1st Female Vet, 1st Male Jnr, 1st Female Jnr

Points awarded

10 – 1st
9 – 2nd
8 – 3rd
7 – 4th
6 – 5th
5 – all other finishers
No points for marshals/volunteering

Ronnie Cairns

How/when did you start running, in particular hill/trail running?
I started running one year ago by putting one foot in front of the other! My original goal was to run the Cowal Gathering 5k raising money for CHAS and then I just carried on.

Why do you run?
To slow down the ageing process!

Ronnie CairnsWhat is your favourite running route?

Beach running on Tiree or running up Loch Eck side

What have been your favourite races?
I enjoyed the Polaroid Eyewear 10k Series this year and the Run & Ride in Dunoon.

What is your greatest running achievement?
My biggest achievement will be at the end of the year when I am able to hand over a sizeable cheque to help the children at Yorkhill Hospital. Other that it has to be winning the Father & Grandfather race at the Kirn Nursery School sports – result!

What are your goals/ambitions?
I set myself the challenge of running 10 races this year finishing with the Glasgow half marathon (Great Scottish Run) whilst raising funds for the Yorkhill Children’s Charity. I would like to run a marathon next year and am keen to bag an ultra before I am 60 – time is running out!

Who is your running hero?

Anyone who gets a pair of trainers on and challenges themselves, no matter what their age or physical ability is.

What is your most essential piece of kit?
Being a bit of a techy, it has to be my shiny new Garmin Fenix3. I never thought I would see the day when I would turn my back on an Apple watch for a Garmin, but I now have more running data than I know what to do with!

Do you have other interests/pastimes?
I have always had a passion for photography and of course my five lovely grandchildren.

Favourite inspirational running quote or piece of advice
“Success is making it to the start of the race and not necessary when and where you finish.”

Or

“Don’t talk about it – Just do it”

Or

“Run for those that can’t”

Ronnie’s Just Giving page

Ronnie’s blog

Arran Marathon – 13 June 2015

by Pam Forsyth

ArranAt the start of this year my running goals were vague. I had some fuzzy, formless ideas about maybe revisiting races I’d done before and bettering my times, but was not giving serious thought to increasing race distance. I’m not sure why this was, other than I’d decided to be cautious and sensible and to know my limits. And then I got injured – a painful gluteal tendinopathy that saw me limping to Elaine at Cowal Physiotherapy for help. Being duly cautious and sensible, this downtime afforded me the perfect opportunity to focus on what I needed to do to strengthen up, rebuild slowly and … enter a marathon! I guess something about not being able to run made me want to run more, if you follow.

And so it seemed like a sign when Club Secretary, Kenny, posted up the 2015 Arran Marathon on the DHR Facebook page. It certainly got my attention as I read about this inaugural race, occurring in the midst of the Arran Man Triathlon, based in Lamlash in June. Images of beautiful seascapes and mountain backdrops, and me dashing through them, filled my mind as my finger hovered over the “Enter now” button. But no, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, I thought. Instead, before making any rash commitments, I decided to embark upon a marathon training plan just to see how far I would get with it.

Time marched along and my weekly long runs became longer. I set myself checkpoints. Once I got to 18 miles, I would sign up. But I’d done 18 miles on trail – so maybe 18 miles on road then. Or maybe wait until 20 miles, and so on. I’d casually mentioned to a few fellow DHRs that I was thinking about entering. It wasn’t until Club Treasurer, Morven, subtly posted the link to the race entry form on my Facebook wall that I finally, at last, caved in and signed up. I’d also been following Kristine’s training for the Edinburgh Marathon and, upon seeing her success, felt inspired to bite the bullet.

Quote from Ralph Waldo EmersonI might go as far as to say that the week of the marathon was worse than the race itself. I’m not a control freak, but so many out-of-control variables were running circles around me, my head felt ready to explode. The longer range forecast had hinted at the possibility of a heatwave moving in (well, some high pressure at least) which would mean certain death (I do not do heat). Then the forecast changed to “unsettled” which (in my mind) meant the ferries would be off for sure. Then it was going to be calm. Then, nope, back to stormy. Sleep became elusive. The tiniest, barely-there, niggles during my tapered down short runs became potential stress fractures. The ferries threatened to strike. Other nagging doubts took hold: had I trained enough? Had I done enough yoga/strengthening? Had I eaten the right food? Dear god, I don’t remember doing a 16 mile long run – how could I miss that?! Etc.

As race day approached, I was left with one choice – to let go. Wouldn’t you know, I slept just fine, the weather was fine, the ferries were fine, and the planets aligned. It was all very simple now – just show up and run.

Race start at Lamlash

Race start at Lamlash

It was a very busy ferry over to Brodick as I tried to pick out my fellow marathoners from amongst the lycra clad, cleat-wearing hordes of cyclists. A bus awaited us at the ferry terminal but, as it was for runners only, I wasn’t the only person who opted to stick with their spouse/family and use public transport for the short journey to Lamlash. The sun came out from behind the clouds and I had a last fret over how roasty-toasty it might be out on the course. We registered on Lamlash Green and received a quick welcome talk from the event organiser wherein he declared that the course was all ready and “pancake flat”. I tried not to feel too self-conscious about wearing my hill runners vest. Being an inaugural event, it was a small field of under 50 people, with various running clubs represented.

It was interesting to note the reaction to my DHR vest from marshals and other runners. No longer am I asked about who this upstart new club is. Now I am informed of previous encounters with other DHRs who are apparently popping up all over the place (confirming that our plans for world domination are apace).

Lamlash was busy at times!

Lamlash was busy at times!

Emotions ran high as the countdown commenced (something about the start of a race makes you feel vulnerable), and we were off at 12.30 pm sharp. The route headed south before veering south-west and on to a clockwise loop through the lovely Arran countryside. High spirits and banter prevailed as we set out as a pack through back streets and farm yards. The tiniest couple of blips represented the only climbing as we ran partly on trail (as a DHR I was naturally all over this) then through more back streets to Lamlash Green before heading north-east for an out-and-back along the shore road. Helpful, cheery marshals directed us throughout the route and a feed station appeared just before the shore road petered out on to a beach trail.

Holy Isle backdrop

Such a scenic route: Holy Isle backdrop

After a bit, we turned around and headed back to the starting point at Lamlash Green. Basically, this lap was repeated 3 more times, so we knew exactly what lay ahead. Alan was positioned on the green with my own fluids, gels and energy bar supplies, although I recall water and gels being offered by many a marshal too, including at the aid station also on the green.

Things became a little tougher on Lap 3. Little aches took hold and the doubting voices in my head grew louder.

Courtesy: The Oatmeal

Courtesy: The Oatmeal

Emotions returned. I became tearful at the blackbirds singing, at the lovely horse on the hill, the “Well done” greetings of passing fellow runners and the encouragement of the marshals. It was all too beautiful/awful. “Dig deep” became my mantra as I became aware of the fact that a few of the runners who had passed were actually lapping me. I then became aware of the appearance of a very different sort of runner on the course. The sleeveless tops, the helmet hair, the 1000 yard stares … it was the Ironman distance triathletes. Not content with running a marathon, they had preceded it with a 2.4 mile swim (starting at 6 am) and a 111 mile bike ride. If there is “magic in the misery” (to quote famous ultra-runner, Dean Karnazes), then this was flaming Disney World.

I soldiered on. A moment of transcendent bliss occurred upon Lap 3 at the shoreline feed station when the marshals coaxed me into sipping Coke. A sip became a chin-wiping guzzle – nectar of the gods!! It made me almost look forward to Lap 4 for my next slurp.

The finish line

The finish line

I’d wondered how 4 laps would affect me psychologically, and I can say that the infamous 20 mile mark, when many a marathoner allegedly becomes derailed, was made easier by knowing that I simply had to get myself through one more circuit. I said my farewells and thank yous to the blackbirds, the horses, the tourists, the marshals as I went, had my last gulp of Coke and aimed for the finish line where hugs, relief and ecstasy (the feeling, that is) awaited!

My finish time was 4:31:26 – BUT the actual distance was 26.6 miles (the GPS watch wearers amongst us confirmed this). Importantly (not really), my 26.2 mile time was 4:28-ish. I came in in 25th place and fifth woman (I’m just about to Google if this might qualify for Boston …). The winners were Greenock Glenpark Harrier, Kevin O’Donoghue at 2:52:20, and Gael Riddle at 3:50:39.

instant gratification raceA t-shirt was presented to all finishers, although there were no medals. I think the lack of medals is possibly slightly less of a surprise to triathletes than runners, when every egg and spoon racer gets one these days. Yes, I was a teeny bit disappointed, but it caused me to consider what really matters in a challenge such as this and it’s so much more than a bit of bling at the end. I am happy that the money was spent on the organisation of a wonderful event that I will never forget. I would anticipate that, if the Arran Man events return in the future, the numbers will only increase as word spreads of excellent races in an incredibly scenic location. I certainly hope it goes from strength to strength.

http://www.dunoonhillrunners.org.uk/arran-marathon-13-june-2015/Now, a few days later, I thought I’d be wallowing in slothdom and relief, chuckling at the prospect of not having to run anywhere in particular any more, but instead I’m feeling a bit lost and bereft. Precisely 6 years ago (almost to the day), I was diagnosed with MS. At that point, it is safe to say that I didn’t envisage that I’d ever run a marathon. I am ecstatic to report that I now have – and I very much want to keep going. As I eye my old scribbled-on training plan and follow the DHR chat on the many forthcoming races, the same voice that told me to dig deep is now asking – could I do it all again?

Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Arran Marathon 2015 Results

Bryan Fitzpatrick

Bryan Fitzpatrick

A selfie of Bryan

How/when did you start running, in particular hill/trail running?
I started running a few miles with my main man, Ricky (Reid), and he was telling me about the Kintyre Ultra Marathon. I was then a support runner for them – it was supposed to be a nice 6 miles but ended up being 21, so I guess that’s where I started.

Why do you run?
I run because hill running is probably the hardest and most challenging thing I’ve ever done and the buzz you get is awesome.

Bryan Fitzpatrick, Ben Lomond

Another selfie (and Goatfell, Arran)

What is your favourite running route?
Anywhere up the back of Dunoon and Benmore. I was going to say the Loch Eck loop but I would be lying 😀.

What have been your favourite races?
The Carnethy 5 and the Ben Lomond Hill Race.

What is your greatest running achievement?
The Glencoe Marathon – how I got my big ass over that finish line, I’ll never know. I have to say, Ricky pushed me a lot and really helped me even though I wanted to burst him at some points.

What are your goals/ambitions?
My goals are really just to keep enjoying it and taking more selfies of ma handsome face 😀

Bryan Fitzpatrick

Another selfie

Who is your running hero?
Well I know Ricky will expect me to say him, but it’s everyone in the Dunoon Hill Runners Club that gets out there and pushes themselves.

What is your most essential piece of kit?
My phone to take pics lol – and my tight shorts to keep the ladies happy.

Do you have other interests/pastimes?
Calling other Irish family members out for fights and disco dancing.

Bryan and Kieron

Bryan and Kieron (not a selfie?!)

Favourite inspirational running quote or piece of advice.
Don’t believe anyone when they say this is the last hill!Bryan Fitzpatrick