Runs Writes Code

I don't think I've ever had so much fun running as I did racing the Speyside Way Ultra. All photos from the Race Committee & Marshalls I drove up to Buckie on Thursday afternoon via Montrose (long story short: it was the nearest pharmacy stocking the mast cell stabilisers I need to run (I have mastocytosis), and I am hugely grateful to the St Andrews Boots pharmacists who found them!). It rained the entire way and was still raining when I eventually made it to Buckie. The forecast was clear for race day but my faith in the met office has been tested one too many times (I'm thinking of ending the relationship as I just can't take any more of the lies). With the already knee-deep water across the path at Aberlour, torrential rain wasn't really something to cheer about. The Rosemount Guesthouse was very comfortable though and the sea view from my room was great once the rain finally cleared! I would definitely recommend it - and early booking - it you'

Some people say we make our own good fortune, perhaps we do, but really you need freedom and opportunity on your side. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" - Seneca Since being told I'd never run again - and being sick enough to believe it - I've been taking more opportunities to run in beautiful places, because I can. On Tuesday I went to a meeting at the University of Stirling. The drive back took me along the foothills of the Ochils. The itch took hold and so this morning I found myself retracing my steps. I parked up in Tillicoultry and set off up the path. The long stretch of steps kindled a small fire in my quads and I hadn't even got to the properly steep bit yet! From 0.8M into the run the climb got more serious (up to 39% according to Strava). That was probably the rock climbing stretch... The path proceeded to climb 1,340ft over the next mile. The chill wind carried some rain so I pulled on my Salomon S-Lab light jacket (