Balmaha on the banks of Loch Lomond proved to be the ideal setting for the 9 of us attending the Cambuslang Harriers training weekend. Balmaha Bunkhouse provided ample accommodation with the Oak Tree Inn and adjacent village shop, both located barely a 2 minute walk across the road, being the ideal places to stock up on provisions. Friday allowed for an easy run for those who had arrived early but, for all, dinner and a drink at the Inn. 8 of us were there with one more, Stornoway based member William Macrury, joining us on Saturday night after running in the Scottish Trail Championships in Falkland.
Saturday morning brought a session of between 5 and 8 efforts of 3 minutes duration on trails behind the Bunkhouse. A regroup in the Bunkhouse saw Des introduce us to his cookery talents, serving up rolls, sausages, tea and coffee to replenish a hungry group. The location provided no end to the choice of afternoon activities. After discussion, it was decided that canoeing would be a tad risky for a running club so we settled for a hill walk up Conic Hill. Having Iain MacCorquodale, someone with vast experience of the hills, in our company lessened the risk, in theory at least. Practice proved to be something rather different. Regardless, the group made it to the summit in (reasonably) fine fettle, being rewarded with some spectacular views in all directions.
Above: Charlie tells a captive audience how many times he was up for the toilet during the night.
Above: auditionees for Last of the Summer wine, relaxation at the summit of Conic Hill.
Whatever goes up has to come back down of course and some unorthodox methods of descent were employed. Let's simply say some accomplished the feat better than others.
We then split into a couple of groups. The first, comprising 7, which settled for fluid replenishment al fresco at the Inn. The second, comprising one person (me), went for another run, an easy 5 miles.
Above: never underestimate the importance of hydration.
In the early evening, we regrouped at the Bunkhouse where Iain Reid presented an informative talk about core stability. He was followed by Charlie Thompson who gave an insight into the training which has brought him such consistent success over a 30+ year career. I was supposed to come in after Charlie but I couldn't really top his experiences and I don't think anyone really minded him carrying on beyond his allotted time. William's arrival from Fife with a team gold medal tucked away was the signal for dinner and more refreshments at the Inn before retiring again to the Bunkhouse for more drink and chat.
Sunday saw a sharp start with the requirement to check out the Bunkhouse by 10am. Time was found to pose with the statue of the late Scottish climber, writer and broadcaster Tom Weir.
Above: the whole group on Sunday morning with the Tom Weir statue, left to right- Iain MacCorquodale, William Macrury, Ryan Thompson, Charlie Thompson, Iain Reid, Des Dickson, Ross Stephen, Gordon Robertson, me.
Charlie and Iain embarked on a hill walk while the rest of us set off on an out and back run (distances ranging from 10-14 miles) on the West Highland Way towards Rowardennan. Very heavy on the heart, lungs and legs but spectacular scenery if you have the energy to look at it.
Thereafter, a relaxed lunch brought a superb weekend to a close with great weather, company and location. I for one hope this becomes an annual tradition. This year's 9 participants are already signed up for 2016.
No comments:
Post a Comment