Sunday, October 25, 2009
What a contrast...
Last weekend I was in south London, going round and round a 400 metre track with the constant background noise of people, traffic and fireworks. Today I headed up into the Ochils with my dog Lucy, and it couldn't have been more of a contrast. The scenery was wonderful, it was peaceful and quiet, and I hardly saw another soul for the 2 hours or so that I was out there. It was fantastic. I ran from Blackford, up the old drovers' route towards Tillicoutry then took a left when I came to Upper Glendevon reservoir, before heading all the way round in a clockwise direction. I lost the path a couple of times but came across it again quite easily; I even stumbled across a 'Public Right of Way' signpost, pointing to Blackford, which confirmed I was heading in the right direction. At one stage I took a step forward and found myself knee deep in water; a couple of times I fell as I was running through the thick grass - all of which added to the fun. The last 2 miles back to Blackford were almost the best of the day, thanks to the downhill path and the strong wind pushing me from behind. I'll definitely be back up there soon - there is something wonderful about being out on the hills on a winter's day with your dog, the wind blowing hard into your face, without a care in the world.
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5 comments:
I agree totally. As we discussed I've got no time for the London Marathon or other urban races. Give me nature and fresh air any day.
I had two and half hours on the Braes this afternoon in the rain and wind but still enjoyed it.
I lived in Paisley for 5 years before I 'discovered' the Braes and did all my running on the roads.
Give me off road running now any day.
BTW Ian - who won the guess my laps competition?
John
It's a lovely route that, Ian. I grew up in the hills on the other side of the Glen and I sometimes have a little fun and wave to mum and dad when I am up there!
I commute to work through the glen and even if I have been out in the morning around Crieff before I head off to work, I could still be quite easily tempted up into those hills rather than carry onto work.
Hope you're all recovered fromlast weekend and well done on what you achieved - I think i would manage about 20 laps before my low boredom threshold!
Kaz
Great stuff, couldn't agree more. I was out a couple of hours or so over our local hills this morning, and came back more or less decided to give up training on the roads altogether (unlike Dave though I'll still run the odd city marathon - can't resist them - just won't train for them!)
Can't face the long track stuff, but could run for days on that sort of trail. If only I lived somewhere near it...
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