Can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed my first full Highland Fling! I woke up at 4 am, well before the alarm, not really nervous just a bit apprenhensive. Took my mind off things at the start by voxing a few fellow flingers. Then we were off at 6am in the drizzly, cool conditions.
Just took it really easy, blethering away to fellow runners. Recognised a lovely lady from Ayrshire who had offered advice on fling facebook page about “running vests”. Before i knew it we were in Drymen. Up Conic Hill chatted to another runner who upon me mentioning my blister said “Ooh. You are the lady!”. “Its gone viral ” as fellow Harrier Natalie Somerville later quipped. Though hopefuly not literally! A joy to top Conic and make the descent.
Great to see the lovely smiley faces of the Maryhill Harriers at Balmaha and their words of encouragement. Spirits slumped on the undulating section to Rowardennan but food bag at end cheered my soul. Lovely ambling running Loch Lomondside the sun glinting on the loch. Inversnaid for more food and time to refill my water bladder. The one that pops in to my vest! Off again but mostly walking as trail so narrow, rock stewn and tree root ridden. Didn’t fancy going head first into the loch from a misplaced step. Then it was Beinghlas and more munchies, cheering and much appreciated help from the volunteers.
Phoned mum and found out her and my aunty were waiting in Crianlarich so that really helped push me on. “Cow pat alley” really not that bad after all the dry weather. The stunning mountain scenery a joy to take take in and recalling memories of fun days on the hill. Great to see mum. A wee boost. Then up high into the forest overtaking relay runners, you read right! Painful now and it was a combination of walking and running despite flat terrain. Then just half a mile to go. The skirl of the bag pipes, the cheering crowd, the finish line! Despite feeling emotions bubbling to the surface, no tears at the end, but more blisters and great memories.
Finish Time : 12hrs 30m 38s
