West Highland Way

[simgreen78]

Aye.. its a faster course than it was.. but when you look how the record has dropped from Vim? to Jez then Terry now Paul, thats not just Path improvements.

Run of a career so far by Paul, he's a good ultra runner but I didn't think he had that in him to be honest. That's a truly top class run.

He ran 8:09? in the Fling this year, which is a good run, but certainly didn't point towards running an almost sub 15 hr WHW..


Be interesting to read the reports of him and Marco, see where they think they improved.. Richie C again just being Richie.. so so consistent.. to be that consistent over 95 miles is so impressive.

Paul was very disappointed with his Fling, but used it to spur him on for the WHW. The Fling was just one of those days. He's had that WHW time in him for ages but not had the platform until This weekend to show it. Don't forget, he also holds the WHW Winter record! And, it's only four or five weeks since he shattered the Kintyre Way record too.

I've never known anybody train or work harder. I was lucky to be a part of his crew at the weekend, and believe me, that new record was not an accident. His commitment is phenomenal. I had no doubt beforehand that he'd win, but at Auchtertyre I knew we were in for something special. He was flying and completely calm. Totally untroubled. A phenomenal run.

[IainR]

I don't know him that well. We've ran this years 100k and were pretty close, I was 15 mins or so ahead, but his early season form didn't seem to suggest this. I saw he won another ultra but was unsure of the field. I know he held the WHW record but 21 is very different to 15..

I'm not a good 100 mile runner, just never got it close to right at all, so wouldn't expect to beat him over that distance but didn't think he'd put that sort of gap on me as I'd be happy to run low 17's never mind low 15's..

I was actually surprised how many ultra's he runs; I just can't do it, this year he's done the 100k, then a month later the Fling, then a few weeks later the Kintyre way, then the month later the WHW.. I'm amazed he could keep up the training.

In that time I've just done the 100k, 2 trail/mountain races just over a marathon, and 2 half marathons, and now have the world trails champs the week after next; and that felt a lot whilst trying to hold good mileage. It was why I didn't do the fling, I just don't think i could recover in time to race the Highland Fling, even though I knew it was the trial race I thought it would have too much of a negative impact on my season.

It was clear from the off he was going for something, Marco's a fast starter and he was 10-12 mins up on Marco and Richie by Balmaha I think it was. Seeing the splits I actually fancied Richie to win as he's so strong in the second half. great running, many US 100 mile trail races have 14-15 hr records so its probably getting down towards its limit. It'll be interesting to see if Jez will be tempted back, the pool of people who can beat that time is now very small.

Aye just a superb run. Great reward.

[Oliblom]

Entry confirmed for 2014, who else is in?

[mustavabanana]

I'm in...and looking forward to it. Not used to support on Ultra's so struggling a bit with the logistics of a support team.

[Murt]

I fancy this too but will probably do it as an individual attempt (I've done around 10 'organised' ultras this year and have decided to have a bit of a break next year)
I'm fortunate in that I have a campervan and an obliging wife (and a couple of border terriers) who will be my support 'team'...but would welcome advice from anyone who has done it this way - best places to stop for food/drink etc.

[karen nash]

Murt. I hope to do it under similar arrangements. asking for 2 support crew on a race event is over the top so I thought I might do it solo.We too have camper van and supportive partner. If you decide n a date and want company let me know ,I might be free. Have done the Highland fling , first half as race but the second half looks even nicer

[IainR]

You dont need any support to do it on your own..

Just get drive up the route, leave some drop backs.. drive back to Milngavie.. run out.. train back..

There are plenty of shops enroute.. plus drop bags..

If you want to do it that way. Over 2 days would be more pleasant stopping in a hostel.

I would rather a supported race, but the WHW is unique in its family atmosphere, well from the ones I've done but the sport is ever changing.. I've not done any of the hardmoors series so dont know how they compare..

But I do think it adds to the atmosphere.. but there is a stress of being dependant on people so I'd be worried about relying on strangers.

[Murt]

You dont need any support to do it on your own..

Just get drive up the route, leave some drop backs.. drive back to Milngavie.. run out.. train back..

There are plenty of shops enroute.. plus drop bags..

If you want to do it that way. Over 2 days would be more pleasant stopping in a hostel.

I would rather a supported race, but the WHW is unique in its family atmosphere, well from the ones I've done but the sport is ever changing.. I've not done any of the hardmoors series so dont know how they compare..

But I do think it adds to the atmosphere.. but there is a stress of being dependant on people so I'd be worried about relying on strangers.

Iain - when you say 'run-out...train back' I assume you mean train as in the diesel locomotive variety??! If not I think we're running on different planets.

I did the Hardmoors Grandslam this year and yes all the races were great with a good atmosphere but then again most events with like minded people tend to be so in my experience.

Karen - I will give this some proper thought and get back to you in the New Year. My intention was to incorporate it into a week's touring in the camper. Mid March or May look possible atm.

[shaunaneto]

I fancy this too but will probably do it as an individual attempt (I've done around 10 'organised' ultras this year and have decided to have a bit of a break next year)
I'm fortunate in that I have a campervan and an obliging wife (and a couple of border terriers) who will be my support 'team'...but would welcome advice from anyone who has done it this way - best places to stop for food/drink etc.

Ello, what's going on here then!?!?

[that_fjell_guy]

I'm in!!! Lot to do to get fit though!! Had a slipped disc since October and still struggling with a numb fore foot/sciatica thing! Hopefully on the mend though, so its long days out from here on with a bit/lot of luck