Peter Strain

last training sessions

Once again, I have signed up for the Cateran Yomp, walking 54 miles in 24 hours   Amazing Charity amazing Challenge walking 54 miles in 24 hours across the rugged terrain of Perthshire

The weather is so unpredictable for my last long-distance training walks the weather either too hot or too cold. As per the story below this weekend we have light snow showers.  So yet again not safe to head out into the hills in the lightweight gear we use for the Yomp so 2nd weekend running having to make up alternative routes. 

You get the nicest emails from the Yomp organisers. The feeling of panic and of being under prepared in both the level of fitness and what kit you have Kicks In.

Last year, the worry I had was level of fitness (I had resolved the kit issue by starting my training in army boots (which gave me sore feet at 20 miles) and then switching to lightweight hiking boots at 4 weeks to go.  So, the 54 miles felt like walking on air! 

This year those hiking boots just don’t seem to be working, these now at 20-25 miles lead to knee pain. Worrying my other back up set of boots exactly the same issue occurs - So it may be that a year older is not a year wiser and it’s the knee that is of issue, but at this stage   still looking at Kit (currently on my third different make of insole) in the hope of a cure.  

This weekend 18^th) I was meant to do a ½ distance walk 27miles.  Last year I did this, making use of the Mini cateran trail over the high hill at Glen Shee then pushing the distance out by going up to Loch Beannie and around Little Forter.  Unfortunately, this route is a mobile signal blackhole, with the weather forecast being extremely hot and with Bribby having hurt her back and not driving (so even if I could make it back to a Lane or the road, I would not have a collection service if things had gone wrong) I moved this walk to closer home.     

 So early morning start from home through what I call drumlin country (Up and down steep hills)

These then lead you up onto the moor, which gives a respite from climbs, this time only for a short distance returning to the roads at Bridge of Cally.

The hills in the distance are where the yomp route heads for.

Bridge of Cally to Netherton Church and from there the Idea was to work the way back round to Blairgowrie and then home, (Next photo a round stone gate post Common in Northern Ireland and West of Ireland but normally only see square in Scotland apologies had to record it!)

Walking early morning you get to see so much Wildlife, last weekend got 19 deer (4 red 4 Fallow and 11 Roe) 3 hares and a Red Kite. This week end only 5 Roe though I am sure many more will have been about.

Heading on round the route toward Drimmie Wood (and to the actual Yomp Route) stopping for coffee and rolls to top up the regular water intake, benches can be found at scenic places to rest weary legs.

Also, at various places You come across Arrows on the road

These were for the “Ultra Runners” who completed the Cateran Yomp Route last weekend.  The winning runner completing the 54 miles in 9 hours 8 Minutes (ouch).  Then down the steep hill of Bonnington Road (choose this route to check the knees thankfully this time fine) and into Blairgowrie then only the further 5 miles walk home. Having left the house at 04.30 I arrived home at 11.00, far too quick having hoped to have at least an 8-hour outing as the final long distance training walk, re checked the mileage only 21 miles not the 24/27 I had hoped to cover.

Luckily Holly was on hand to insist that I added at least another 3 miles, and good practice in the “Restart” having stopped and sat down and cooled down having to start moving again.  She (holly) is looking forward to this being over so I can do decent walks with her again.