Well folks that's about it. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the course of the last 10 months or so since we decided to take part in the Monster. We appreciate the generosity, encouragement and kindness received and could not have done it without you. THANKS.
So what now? The Monster was a unique and rewarding experience. From that perspective, who knows if we will do it again, would it be the same the second time around? Could our wee legs take it? Over the last 15 months I have been involved with various family and friends in initiatives that have raised £20k for cancer charities - £13k of that for Maggies (and the amount is still rising!!!). Whilst we will definitely continue to support Maggies, it might be something other than the Monster. I am going to give my family and friends a wee break before pestering them again for the 'next big thing'.
Alan is still in training and ran a 10k at the weekend in about 48mins. My bike has sat in the shed since May 8th. One team member has confessed to still being 'off the diet', another has said he 'feels like a blob' and the other has noticed that all his 'spare chins' have came back!
Thanks for reading the blog. We were quite surprised by how many people did, especially the woman we met during silver who recognised us as the 'blog boys'. Is another blog in the pipeline? Will keep you posted.
In the meantime, I await the phone call that starts 'here, you fancy getting involved in this'....
"We'll talk again!"
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Drumnadrochit -> Inverness (Part 2)
After downing a quick cup of coffee at the top of THAT HILL, the rest of the stage is a bit of a blur. Until the final mile and half walking through the streets of Inverness to the Aquadrome, we walked in single file - Alan, wee gap, Steven, wee gap, Scott - with each of us turning round at regular intervals to see if we were still in range.
It rained for much of the gold stage - it didnt seem to matter though, in fact it was quite refreshing. At about 64-65 mile stage my eyes started to get really heavy, the caffeine was wearing off and the wind on the moors was howling along. For reasons only known to be, I got Trevor to interview me about my Monster experiences. Yes, Trevor was indeed me talking out loud and no, I have no idea where he came from either but he did the job and it kept me going until I got to the next stage for more coffee, cake and soup.
I knew as soon as we set off for Inverness that we would make it, I just didnt know how long it would take. I mean, after going through all that, it would have taken something pretty serious to get you off that hill.
Remember when Scotland got the penalty in Euro96 against England and there was wild celebrations. By the time the celebrations stopped, not only had McAllister missed but Gazza was going up the other end to kill the game. That seem feeling of elation to dejection in a split second happened to us. We came into a checkpoint and Alan thought we had two miles to go. We hugged and high fived and then realised it said we had walked two miles since last stop (no way!) and that we had 6 miles to go. Ach well we shrugged, necked some more soup and cake, dug deep and off we went.
The last checkpoint at the bottom of the hill on the outskirts of Inverness automatically became one of my favourite places in the world. Despite the tent nearly blowing away, the volunteers still made us one last cuppa before sending us on their way. By this stage we knew that 1 mile really meant 2 and that 5 minutes away really meant 15 :-)
We walked the last few miles together, feeling absolutely brilliant, looking back on the day. We walked through the streets, three lads from Dunfermline dressed up to the nines with our walking stuff and TLDADS fitba strips. Truth be told, we looked a bit out of place. We spot a guy walking towards us, zig-zagging across the street obviously coming home from a party. I thought I looked a bit of a clown with deerstalker hat on but this boy had a pink sparkly stetson round his neck. He nodded 'alright' to us. We nodded 'alright' back and we went on our merry way...Got five minutes down the road and then erupted with laughter.
Entering the Aquadrome and walking onto the track 300metres from home was a memory that I will treasure forever. Even more so when I spotted wee girl dressed in pink with a torch tied to her, come running out onto the track to meet us. I looked up, thanked my dad and me and Robyn took the last few steps together. Meeting all the family and friends felt great, the adrenalin and excitement of it all was immense.
...An hour or so later the adrenalin/caffeine wore off and the tiredness kicked in. After the massage, the shivering started. Scott went to the Red Cross area feeling a bit dizzy and me and Alan couldnt see green cheese. I fell asleep, woke up and felt dizzy. We got put onto nice wee beds (SO comfy), got blood pressure checked out and had a few wee blasts of oxygen until we felt a bit better. Thank you Red Cross!
It rained for much of the gold stage - it didnt seem to matter though, in fact it was quite refreshing. At about 64-65 mile stage my eyes started to get really heavy, the caffeine was wearing off and the wind on the moors was howling along. For reasons only known to be, I got Trevor to interview me about my Monster experiences. Yes, Trevor was indeed me talking out loud and no, I have no idea where he came from either but he did the job and it kept me going until I got to the next stage for more coffee, cake and soup.
I knew as soon as we set off for Inverness that we would make it, I just didnt know how long it would take. I mean, after going through all that, it would have taken something pretty serious to get you off that hill.
Remember when Scotland got the penalty in Euro96 against England and there was wild celebrations. By the time the celebrations stopped, not only had McAllister missed but Gazza was going up the other end to kill the game. That seem feeling of elation to dejection in a split second happened to us. We came into a checkpoint and Alan thought we had two miles to go. We hugged and high fived and then realised it said we had walked two miles since last stop (no way!) and that we had 6 miles to go. Ach well we shrugged, necked some more soup and cake, dug deep and off we went.
The last checkpoint at the bottom of the hill on the outskirts of Inverness automatically became one of my favourite places in the world. Despite the tent nearly blowing away, the volunteers still made us one last cuppa before sending us on their way. By this stage we knew that 1 mile really meant 2 and that 5 minutes away really meant 15 :-)
We walked the last few miles together, feeling absolutely brilliant, looking back on the day. We walked through the streets, three lads from Dunfermline dressed up to the nines with our walking stuff and TLDADS fitba strips. Truth be told, we looked a bit out of place. We spot a guy walking towards us, zig-zagging across the street obviously coming home from a party. I thought I looked a bit of a clown with deerstalker hat on but this boy had a pink sparkly stetson round his neck. He nodded 'alright' to us. We nodded 'alright' back and we went on our merry way...Got five minutes down the road and then erupted with laughter.
Entering the Aquadrome and walking onto the track 300metres from home was a memory that I will treasure forever. Even more so when I spotted wee girl dressed in pink with a torch tied to her, come running out onto the track to meet us. I looked up, thanked my dad and me and Robyn took the last few steps together. Meeting all the family and friends felt great, the adrenalin and excitement of it all was immense.
...An hour or so later the adrenalin/caffeine wore off and the tiredness kicked in. After the massage, the shivering started. Scott went to the Red Cross area feeling a bit dizzy and me and Alan couldnt see green cheese. I fell asleep, woke up and felt dizzy. We got put onto nice wee beds (SO comfy), got blood pressure checked out and had a few wee blasts of oxygen until we felt a bit better. Thank you Red Cross!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Drumnadrochit - Inverness (Part 1)
We all felt pretty good coming into the checkpoint and seeing everyone gave us a bit of a pick-me-up. Having said that, the first port of call was the massage table. Words cannot describe how guid it felt afterwards and my legs felt brand new. However, it was only after that, that I realised how sore my feet were. Luckily for me, Scott's wife Laura used her marathon running experience to out my plates of meat with various bits and pieces. I am convinced that bought me an extra few miles. I was surprised to see that Laura was not rewarded in the Queen's Honour's list for her services to feet.
We were fed, watered, massaged and changed and our family and friends lined up to give us a guard of honour as we set off for Inverness and the most surreal Saturday night of our lives.
About three steps into the stage I felt a sharp pain in my left ankle which stayed with me until the end. The whole mind over matter thing really does kick in as there are so many aches and pains going on and your body just learnt to accept them. I kept hearing a wee voice in my head saying 'Git ower it min' (Get over it man).
'THAT HILL' at the start of the Gold Stage was where we probably all thought we might not be able to finish it. Having wrapped up warm to deal with the temperatures that were due to drop, we ended up stripping down to our t-shirts as the sweat poured off us and we scrambled up the hill, asking the course stewards 'how far to the top?' Not one of them told us the truth ;-)
However they did say that after THAT HILL, we wouldnt encounter anything as steep again and thankfully that was true.
That's my lunchtime up, so will finish this off later!
We were fed, watered, massaged and changed and our family and friends lined up to give us a guard of honour as we set off for Inverness and the most surreal Saturday night of our lives.
About three steps into the stage I felt a sharp pain in my left ankle which stayed with me until the end. The whole mind over matter thing really does kick in as there are so many aches and pains going on and your body just learnt to accept them. I kept hearing a wee voice in my head saying 'Git ower it min' (Get over it man).
'THAT HILL' at the start of the Gold Stage was where we probably all thought we might not be able to finish it. Having wrapped up warm to deal with the temperatures that were due to drop, we ended up stripping down to our t-shirts as the sweat poured off us and we scrambled up the hill, asking the course stewards 'how far to the top?' Not one of them told us the truth ;-)
However they did say that after THAT HILL, we wouldnt encounter anything as steep again and thankfully that was true.
That's my lunchtime up, so will finish this off later!
Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit
In a bid to get the blog finished off before the next Monster, here goes with some observations from the Silver and Gold stages.
The silver stage started with another hill - it was a belter. This stage was the unofficial MP3 stage where the three of us stuck the choons on and got the heads down. I assumed the anchor role for much of this stage due to the fact that I kept having to stop to remove the stones that had popped down the sides of my well worn trainers.
At the start of both Bronze and Silver, I did have doubts as to whether or not I would finish it - Inverness seemed so far away. Last night I drove from Crail to Dunfermline - a distance of 37 miles over relatively flat land. I still cant believe we hiked 6 miles more than that after completing a 30 mile cycle. I think it will be a wee while before the chuffed-ness (new word) wears off. :-)
I enjoyed walking along singing out of tune to an assorted mix. A rogue Take That track (from the good lady wife) came on and Howard Donald told me to 'keep on walking....keep on walking baby!' - nae bother Howard. Baby.
The cake and drink stops were great although in hindsight we might have stopped too long at them - well, how can you walk with your poles whilst wolfing down chocolate and banana cake? Thanks to everyone who fed and watered us - Maggie's veterans were spot on with their tales of how good the food was.
The hill coming down into Drumnadrochit was a nightmare. We were all feeling quite good when we spotted the centre at the top of the hill and thought we would be there in no time but it seemed to go on forever and there was a fair bit pressure of the knees. Some brave souls were running down the hill to ease the pressure - we thought they had found out they were running out of stew.
We got into the checkpoint at around 7:30ish. Our support team were waiting for us, along with Stuart and his family and Scott's wife and his family (mine too!). I was pleased that Lee had kept Robyn up in Inverness - seeing them at the gold stage gave me something to aim for and look forward to.
The silver stage started with another hill - it was a belter. This stage was the unofficial MP3 stage where the three of us stuck the choons on and got the heads down. I assumed the anchor role for much of this stage due to the fact that I kept having to stop to remove the stones that had popped down the sides of my well worn trainers.
At the start of both Bronze and Silver, I did have doubts as to whether or not I would finish it - Inverness seemed so far away. Last night I drove from Crail to Dunfermline - a distance of 37 miles over relatively flat land. I still cant believe we hiked 6 miles more than that after completing a 30 mile cycle. I think it will be a wee while before the chuffed-ness (new word) wears off. :-)
I enjoyed walking along singing out of tune to an assorted mix. A rogue Take That track (from the good lady wife) came on and Howard Donald told me to 'keep on walking....keep on walking baby!' - nae bother Howard. Baby.
The cake and drink stops were great although in hindsight we might have stopped too long at them - well, how can you walk with your poles whilst wolfing down chocolate and banana cake? Thanks to everyone who fed and watered us - Maggie's veterans were spot on with their tales of how good the food was.
The hill coming down into Drumnadrochit was a nightmare. We were all feeling quite good when we spotted the centre at the top of the hill and thought we would be there in no time but it seemed to go on forever and there was a fair bit pressure of the knees. Some brave souls were running down the hill to ease the pressure - we thought they had found out they were running out of stew.
We got into the checkpoint at around 7:30ish. Our support team were waiting for us, along with Stuart and his family and Scott's wife and his family (mine too!). I was pleased that Lee had kept Robyn up in Inverness - seeing them at the gold stage gave me something to aim for and look forward to.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
WOW!
A massive thank you to Scott's employers Scottish Life (part of the Royal London Group) who have matched his fundraising efforts by £1000!!!!!!! As you can see, this has had a massive impact on the Justgiving total-o-meter.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Happy Birthday Beanscene
The Beanscene in Haymarket celebrates its first birthday on Saturday. I love Beanscene. When I lived in Stirling there was one across the road from my flat. When I was at the Scotsman, there was one across the road from the office and the one in Haymarket is just along from my work, providing an 'oasis of calm'. Sitting listening to good choons, drinking nice coffee, watching Sky News (volume down with subtitles). Thats about as close to multi tasking as I am ever going to get!
Anyway, what this got to do with anything? Well to mark their first anniversary, they are having a day of fun stuff with all proceeds going to Maggie's. So if you are out and about near Haymarket on Saturday pop in and treat yourself to a coffee and a cake.
Long live the Beanscene.
Anyway, what this got to do with anything? Well to mark their first anniversary, they are having a day of fun stuff with all proceeds going to Maggie's. So if you are out and about near Haymarket on Saturday pop in and treat yourself to a coffee and a cake.
Long live the Beanscene.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Fort Augustus -> Invermoriston (8 miles)
As soon as the hiking boots went on, the pain came back. A couple of steps and I could feel the wee twinges. The boots had been pretty comfy during the training (and were well worn in) but it was clear I wasnt going anywhere with them. The alternative? The extremely well worn and falling to bits pair of nike cortez that I had cycled in. Pain in hiking boots vs No pain in trainers? No contest.
I spied a few big blisters as I got changed so went to see the first aid team armed with my compeed. As Jake said in his blog, the safety briefing advised us not to put it on unless you knew what you were doing. To the two first aiders who helped. Thanks. No-one should have to go near my feet voluntarily.
Mo and Tommo had assigned us bin bags to keep the dirty clothes separate from the clean kit (how organised I know!) and they made sure we got some scran and had our rucksacks all sorted. If we said it once, its worth saying again, they were stars. Your brain was too busy saying 'walk, walk, walk' that it wasnt really thinking about much else, nevermind sunglasses (I really didnt think I would need a pair up there).
I got paranoid about getting sunburnt/sunstroke (scarred for life after T in the Park in 1995 - one minute bouncing around to the prodigy's voodoo people, the next minute shivering to almighty in the back of a volvo 440!). That is why I have a pair of barcelona shorts round my neck. Thank you to the 93 people who pointed out to me that they had fell off onto the floor.
Everybody who followed our build up to event said roughly the same thing 'youse will be fine, you have done plenty of training'. True. But two observations.
I spied a few big blisters as I got changed so went to see the first aid team armed with my compeed. As Jake said in his blog, the safety briefing advised us not to put it on unless you knew what you were doing. To the two first aiders who helped. Thanks. No-one should have to go near my feet voluntarily.
Mo and Tommo had assigned us bin bags to keep the dirty clothes separate from the clean kit (how organised I know!) and they made sure we got some scran and had our rucksacks all sorted. If we said it once, its worth saying again, they were stars. Your brain was too busy saying 'walk, walk, walk' that it wasnt really thinking about much else, nevermind sunglasses (I really didnt think I would need a pair up there).
I got paranoid about getting sunburnt/sunstroke (scarred for life after T in the Park in 1995 - one minute bouncing around to the prodigy's voodoo people, the next minute shivering to almighty in the back of a volvo 440!). That is why I have a pair of barcelona shorts round my neck. Thank you to the 93 people who pointed out to me that they had fell off onto the floor.
Everybody who followed our build up to event said roughly the same thing 'youse will be fine, you have done plenty of training'. True. But two observations.
- We never cycled up 'proper' hills.
- We never really 'hiked'
I would tell people it was a 30 mile cycle, 43 mile WALK. I thought the word hike was interchangeable. WRONG. A few minutes into the Bronze stage and I discovered that we were going to be HIKING not WALKING. I knew it was never going to be a walk in the park but it was going to be a bit tougher than first thought.
If you havent read Stuart's post (scroll down a bit) then have a look, as he explains this stage perfectly. We didnt want to get split up and go on, but when Stuart tells me something, I listen. My dad always treated Stuart like a son and I guess I treat him like a big brother. When Stuart decided that we were going on without him, it was the only part of the day that I shed a tear (although there were a few welling up moments). I gave him my dad's St Christopher that I had pinned to my back and told him I would get it from him later.
All the Monster virgins probably thought they were getting near to Bronze about 1 hour before they actually did. You heard the music in the distance and thought, yes, we are here. Only for you to keep walking, and walking and walking some more before you actually arrived. The one memorable thing from the Bronze stage was the alphabet music game. We walked in a line and the person on the left had to name an artist or band beginning with A, the next person in line B, then C and so on. Each walker got three lives and if they couldnt guess on a particular letter, they lost a life. I was chuffed to get the Zutons and Suzi Quattro out of the way. It whiled away a bit of time until we came to another hill. Everyone went silent. 'I take it we've stopped playing' I said. 'AYE' came the reply in stereo.
The Time Sponsored By Accurist...
or Maggie's is 20hrs 48mins for Team TLDADS. We have been telling everybody we did it in 20hrs 44mins - following advice from Big Stuarty who was timing us as we crossed the line. Well, I say crossed the line. The finishing post had blown away by the time we arrived but we filtered through the wee gate before Elizabeth from Maggie's took our numbers and got us checked in for the final time. I think the 4mins between official and unofficial time were spent cuddling family and friends. Not a bad way to spend 4 minutes it has to be said.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Start: Neptune's Staircase (30 miles)
Ok sports fans and fellow athletes, here we go. I have just read the final chapter of Jake and Paul's blog and felt compelled to catch up. If you havent read it, head over here. I guarantee you that many of the participants in this year's event will read it and find many of their experiences very familiar.
The alarm clocks on 5 separate mobiles woke us at 5am. I have never seen Scott get ready so quick in all his life. Our digs were a stones throw from the assembly point (fluke!) and we got down there in plenty of time. We had been fairly thorough in our preparations and bought/borrowed most of what was recommended for kit...except midgy repellent. 6am - tons of the wee blighters.
We were up at the start for what seemed like ages, but was probably only 20mins. Our man Dave - (David Fox-Pitt) who is surely born for radio voiceovers, gave us the last rallying call and off we went.
We tried to keep together as a four but this soon proved difficult. You were too busy concentrated on avoiding the big potholes and allowing room for those wanting to overtake. Shouts of 'coming through on your left/right/through the middle' became common place. It seemed like everyone was flying past me in the early stages.
I vowed after the cycle stage that from now on, no member of Team TLDADs could ever utter the phrase 'there is a hill coming up' on the Dunfermline Cycle Path. Compared to the Maggie's course, Dunfermline is the Netherlands. We had cycled 30 miles loads of times but never a route this challenging. Why I was so surprised that there was so many hills in the Highlands is beyond me, but after a few steep ones, I got off and pushed the bike up the hill. I figured if I was going to be out here for a day, I might as well save my energy early doors.
Cycling uphill was a nightmare but coming down them was a sheer adrenalin rush. I completely forgot that my bike was in danger of falling to bits and roared down the hills with no fear. I was skidding round the corners like Jason Crump (Speedway World Champion) and having a great time.
The last couple of miles heading down the canal path felt great. The hill section before that was not so good as there was a lot of traffic, people getting off the bike without warning and a lot of people falling over. As I headed towards Fort Augustus I realised that my leg was getting sunburnt and so began my obsession to avoid further exposure and sunstroke. As me and Scott were heading towards the checkpoint we saw a jetty up ahead and thought how refreshing it would be to just cycle right off the end of it into the drink. Had we not had other plans - hiking for 43 miles - we might just have done it.
As I came into Fort Augustus, I thought about what lay ahead and whether or not my foot was going to hold up. I wondered at what stage the pain across the foot that had KO'd my final prep would kick in. I didnt have to wonder for long...
The alarm clocks on 5 separate mobiles woke us at 5am. I have never seen Scott get ready so quick in all his life. Our digs were a stones throw from the assembly point (fluke!) and we got down there in plenty of time. We had been fairly thorough in our preparations and bought/borrowed most of what was recommended for kit...except midgy repellent. 6am - tons of the wee blighters.
We were up at the start for what seemed like ages, but was probably only 20mins. Our man Dave - (David Fox-Pitt) who is surely born for radio voiceovers, gave us the last rallying call and off we went.
We tried to keep together as a four but this soon proved difficult. You were too busy concentrated on avoiding the big potholes and allowing room for those wanting to overtake. Shouts of 'coming through on your left/right/through the middle' became common place. It seemed like everyone was flying past me in the early stages.
I vowed after the cycle stage that from now on, no member of Team TLDADs could ever utter the phrase 'there is a hill coming up' on the Dunfermline Cycle Path. Compared to the Maggie's course, Dunfermline is the Netherlands. We had cycled 30 miles loads of times but never a route this challenging. Why I was so surprised that there was so many hills in the Highlands is beyond me, but after a few steep ones, I got off and pushed the bike up the hill. I figured if I was going to be out here for a day, I might as well save my energy early doors.
Cycling uphill was a nightmare but coming down them was a sheer adrenalin rush. I completely forgot that my bike was in danger of falling to bits and roared down the hills with no fear. I was skidding round the corners like Jason Crump (Speedway World Champion) and having a great time.
The last couple of miles heading down the canal path felt great. The hill section before that was not so good as there was a lot of traffic, people getting off the bike without warning and a lot of people falling over. As I headed towards Fort Augustus I realised that my leg was getting sunburnt and so began my obsession to avoid further exposure and sunstroke. As me and Scott were heading towards the checkpoint we saw a jetty up ahead and thought how refreshing it would be to just cycle right off the end of it into the drink. Had we not had other plans - hiking for 43 miles - we might just have done it.
As I came into Fort Augustus, I thought about what lay ahead and whether or not my foot was going to hold up. I wondered at what stage the pain across the foot that had KO'd my final prep would kick in. I didnt have to wonder for long...
Monday, May 21, 2007
Big Stuarty’s Experience
Arrived in Fort William on the Friday afternoon, after getting the bikes out to check we had few minor problems, I had a flat tyre renewing inner tube. Tommo from our support team promptly repaired it and was ready to go.
After the Pasta Party, the map for the challenge was on a board for all to see. It was then I realised that the route was not as flat as I had thought! A nice relaxing night in Fort William, after a not bad night’s sleep made our way to the start point 6:15am. Having said I had no nerves on Friday they certainly kicked in on the Sat am…made our way to Neptune Staircase and we were under starting orders.
We started dead on seven bells, the first 10 miles were relatively flat with plenty of potholes and being the gentleman of the road I let everyone pass me by. Plenty more hills up and down then arrived at the 2nd drink stop. Back on our merry way, it was then I discovered that the Great Glens were really hilly and bumpy. Up more steep hills when most participants had to get off the bikes and push, I was no exception. What goes up must come down and on coming down I hit a big boulder and somersaulted of the bike and landed in bushes. After getting some attention from the steward and a medic I dusted myself down to continue onto some flat terrain at Loch Oich with a relatively flat journey over to Fort Augustus.
After checking in I met up with my long lost team and after replenishing my fluids and food intake we left Fort Augustus. 5 mins into the walk another punishing hill!! I quickly realised that I would be holding my team mates back. After reaching the top of the hill we had a bit of a debate about walking as a team, I suggested that they go on ahead as I was beginning to think I would hinder them which would definitely take its toll further ahead. The pace the rest of the lads were going at was definitely more quickly than I would ever be able to do and I was struggling with my breathing. I think in my heart I knew that I would probably only manage Bronze and if the team kept up at my speed this would almost definitely impact upon their finishing times as they were striving for Gold.
When they finally agreed to go on without me it was like the ‘monkey was off my back’ so I took stock of the situation and carried on at my own pace and took in some of the breathtaking scenery. This was the life. I was appreciating these amazing sights on my doorstep. I had previously gave Laura & Melissa (my wife and daughter) a call on the mobile as they were travelling up to meet us. When I had spilt from the team, I got a bit emotional as it then struck home that I was only going to manage my best (Bronze). I had plenty thinking time remembering my best friend I had lost to cancer, this was what this was all about...
I put on my ipod and listened to some prepared music. I was listening to Charlotte Church, the Voice of an Angel. I text Laura saying I was walking with Charlotte in the woods”. We had a laugh later as my wife had casually said to her fellow travellers “Aw Stuart must have met a walker called Charlotte to keep him company!!” My daughter was quick to set the record straight “No mum it will be Charlotte Church on his ipod!!”
After walking for several hours I heard the band which sounded close by but turned out to be about 4 mile away. I finally reached Invermoriston and the first two people I saw was Tommo and Mo, our support team. I went into the check point to inform them I was retiring.
The entire experience for me was the biggest challenge of my life and also one of the best. The organisation from The Maggie’s Centre you could not fault. The support and generosity from my family, Laura, Andrew, Stuart & Melissa and friends has been amazing. A big Thank You to Tommo & Mo, they were absolutely superb. My Bronze medal now takes pride of place.
I would like to add that I take my hat off to me fellow team members, Steven, Alan & Scott. They were tremendous and showed true team spirit and determination and were rewarded with their Gold finish.
Finally there are rumours flying about that I am signing up for ‘The Great Wall of China’!!! The nearest I will get to that is the Chinese Restaurant in Lothian Road, Edinburgh… Dunfermline to Edinburgh – 18 miles…a dawdle!!!
After the Pasta Party, the map for the challenge was on a board for all to see. It was then I realised that the route was not as flat as I had thought! A nice relaxing night in Fort William, after a not bad night’s sleep made our way to the start point 6:15am. Having said I had no nerves on Friday they certainly kicked in on the Sat am…made our way to Neptune Staircase and we were under starting orders.
We started dead on seven bells, the first 10 miles were relatively flat with plenty of potholes and being the gentleman of the road I let everyone pass me by. Plenty more hills up and down then arrived at the 2nd drink stop. Back on our merry way, it was then I discovered that the Great Glens were really hilly and bumpy. Up more steep hills when most participants had to get off the bikes and push, I was no exception. What goes up must come down and on coming down I hit a big boulder and somersaulted of the bike and landed in bushes. After getting some attention from the steward and a medic I dusted myself down to continue onto some flat terrain at Loch Oich with a relatively flat journey over to Fort Augustus.
After checking in I met up with my long lost team and after replenishing my fluids and food intake we left Fort Augustus. 5 mins into the walk another punishing hill!! I quickly realised that I would be holding my team mates back. After reaching the top of the hill we had a bit of a debate about walking as a team, I suggested that they go on ahead as I was beginning to think I would hinder them which would definitely take its toll further ahead. The pace the rest of the lads were going at was definitely more quickly than I would ever be able to do and I was struggling with my breathing. I think in my heart I knew that I would probably only manage Bronze and if the team kept up at my speed this would almost definitely impact upon their finishing times as they were striving for Gold.
When they finally agreed to go on without me it was like the ‘monkey was off my back’ so I took stock of the situation and carried on at my own pace and took in some of the breathtaking scenery. This was the life. I was appreciating these amazing sights on my doorstep. I had previously gave Laura & Melissa (my wife and daughter) a call on the mobile as they were travelling up to meet us. When I had spilt from the team, I got a bit emotional as it then struck home that I was only going to manage my best (Bronze). I had plenty thinking time remembering my best friend I had lost to cancer, this was what this was all about...
I put on my ipod and listened to some prepared music. I was listening to Charlotte Church, the Voice of an Angel. I text Laura saying I was walking with Charlotte in the woods”. We had a laugh later as my wife had casually said to her fellow travellers “Aw Stuart must have met a walker called Charlotte to keep him company!!” My daughter was quick to set the record straight “No mum it will be Charlotte Church on his ipod!!”
After walking for several hours I heard the band which sounded close by but turned out to be about 4 mile away. I finally reached Invermoriston and the first two people I saw was Tommo and Mo, our support team. I went into the check point to inform them I was retiring.
The entire experience for me was the biggest challenge of my life and also one of the best. The organisation from The Maggie’s Centre you could not fault. The support and generosity from my family, Laura, Andrew, Stuart & Melissa and friends has been amazing. A big Thank You to Tommo & Mo, they were absolutely superb. My Bronze medal now takes pride of place.
I would like to add that I take my hat off to me fellow team members, Steven, Alan & Scott. They were tremendous and showed true team spirit and determination and were rewarded with their Gold finish.
Finally there are rumours flying about that I am signing up for ‘The Great Wall of China’!!! The nearest I will get to that is the Chinese Restaurant in Lothian Road, Edinburgh… Dunfermline to Edinburgh – 18 miles…a dawdle!!!
Lazy Blogger
I know it has been a while between posts but the quiet time I thought I would get since the Monster hasnt materialised. A busy wee bee at the moment and seeing a fair bit of Edinburgh Airport - Friday-Sun - Northern Ireland, Monday - London, tomorrow and Wednesday Brussels (C'mon the Jupiler lager and Godiva chocolates!). Looking forward to bank holiday weekend to complete the blog adventure. I'd better hurry up, my memory aint what it used to be.
Away to the docs tomorrow to see about my knee. I was running for the train a week or so ago and it just gave out from underneath me. Going upstairs is a right sair one and my first thoughts that it would work itself out have not proved to be the case. Those walking poles might be come in handy far sooner than first thought.
In the meantime, I will post Stuart's Monster experience in its entirety. Its a great read....
Away to the docs tomorrow to see about my knee. I was running for the train a week or so ago and it just gave out from underneath me. Going upstairs is a right sair one and my first thoughts that it would work itself out have not proved to be the case. Those walking poles might be come in handy far sooner than first thought.
In the meantime, I will post Stuart's Monster experience in its entirety. Its a great read....
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