2020 so far..

It's been a while since I've blogged, there hasn't been much to say, there still isn't..

Before the Chinese Flu hit the world, I was already injured from Knockergety night race in December and it was still lingering when lock down started in March. Training was curtailed to local lower hills but even if I could have gone into mountains (honest I didn't...ahem..) my ankle was limiting my mileage and climbing ability.. However if you're going to be injured and out for races then this year is the year to be broken! 

Standard

Carn a Mhaim

I had entries for 4 UK/Ireland Skyraces I needed to compete in the series (Snowdon, Arran, PRE and Mourne) and they were all cancelled except for Mourne which is coming up in October. This will probably be the one and only race I'll do this year. I also tried to get into Trofeo Kima in italy so I could tick off the triple crown of balls out Skyraces (Tromso and Glencoe being the other 2) but failed so it will have to wait for another 2 years being biannual.. 

The Big 4

Devil's

I ended up getting an MRI for my ankle and was diagnosed with ITFL impingement. Multiple physio appointments and much rehab later and I'm only just starting to fire again and getting back to some sort of proper training. That's been the longest lingering injury I've ever had and stemmed from an ankle roll which at the time didn't even seem that bad. It was my continued running on it though that tipped me over the edge. I have obviously lost a lot of what I'd built up last year but I'm getting stronger and stronger every week.

Macdui looming

I have managed to get out quite a bit though in the last couple of months and back to proper mountain running. I've had some big days in the Gorms, Glencoe and Torridon and I've got a few things lined up still to come. Just can't get enough just now!

The Gar

Good old Lochnagar has taken a fair hit and I was probably up there every other weekend for weeks either running or swimming. FWIW I either biked in from Ballater or parked in one of the extended layby's a long the Glen road. I didn't go near the car park until things had returned to normal (well, if there's ever going to be a normal) but the level of stupidity by drivers I witnessed up that Glen road and at Linn of Dee was astounding! Where have all these outdoor enthusiasts suddenly come from!? Somehow COVID has turned average Joe who sits in front of the TV eating pies into a mountaineer! It's hilarious!

Geallaig

It's been amazing getting back into the heart of the Gorms and onto big climbs after months of Bennachie, Kirkhill and Scolty.

The other change in my life this year has been moving out to Alford. It's great and much nearer bigger hills. Ballater's only 30 mins away! My new local week day runs are Corennie, Coilabhar, The Coreens, Pressendye etc.. Most of my mid week training is on these hills.

Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Braeriach

Cairn Toul

Lochain Uaine and a future swim I think

Carn a Mhaim center and Cairn Toul to the left

I also swam and mountain biked a lot to stay off my ankle which has been great and good cross training. The summer has actually been really good with extended periods of warm sunny weather so the lochs and sea have been pleasant. You just have to be willing to follow the sun wherever it is so I've had a few last minute, up early and out the door trips!

Muick

Pronie

Muick

Davan

Loch Builg

Davan

Muick

Cove 

Dinnet Bridge

I also bought a new bike this year, it's mental and I love it! I've really got more and more into biking during lockdown and have had some great days out. In fact I'm in danger of doing more biking now instead of running! It's really good cross training and gives my ankles a break, plus I can still be in the hills.. 

I'd like to do more big mountain days on the bike and find some nice long, continuous down hills.. Alford is great for biking too with loads of trails not too far away.

All in all apart from my ankle, lock down actually hasn't been that bad but only because I now have loads of local hills out here. I've kept busy and as fit as I can with a lingering injury that just would not go away!! I do feel like I'm coming back now though and am just zoning for Mourne Skyline, then loads of training over winter to try and come back strong for next year! Yaldy!