Glamaig Hill Race

Transiting to our next holiday destination, I couldn't forego the opportunity to participate in this iconic race. I duly entered weeks ago, without any real thought to what I'd taken on. Fellow blipper Ecodad spoke with experience and gave me some pre-race advice. 

I didn't sleep well last night, and I arrived at Sligachan full of nerves. At registration I collected my number, and was told to carry 'full body cover' due to the cold northerly breeze expected on the summit of the peak at 775m. 

At 3pm I gathered on the start line in the car park in front of the hotel, a great atmosphere. 10second countdown to the start, a big cheer and we were off along over the old bridge and onto the A87 road. Finlay Wild disappearing already at the sharp end. 

After 100m or so, we all turned right off the road onto the wet moor and slogged through bog, heather and rocks towards the peak. It was at this point I managed to painfully turn my ankle. A shock of pain shot through my leg and I seized up. Suddenly I was being overtaken and the adrenaline kicked in - I forced onwards and managed to get back onto the train heading upwards. 

I was so cross at this early setback. How bad was it? I asked myself as I panted skywards. Still functioning. 

The climb was relentless, some points it was so steep that we were on all fours clinging to grass and heather being careful not to dislodge rocks on people below. After 48minutes I reached the summit cairn and turned tail to descend the loose scree below. My ankle screamed with pain and I started to mince down the hill, taking it easy, losing all the places I had gained on the ascent. 

I turned it again at least three times more, ending in a heap on the ground but the finish line kept me going - I had to finish no matter what. Back to the tarmac, thank goodness for that and a 'sprint' into the finish.

Not too tired, but in extreme pain. 

Washed the mud off in the river with the background of the peak. 

Corbett #141 (brucey bonus!)