Your attack 'point' was no better than that of a clumsy child

Highlander 2013 Laggan and Creag Meagaidh

Team Ibubprophen's second Highlander Mountain Marathon and another stunner. The Highlander really is a very special event.

The weekend started well. We did a fly drive from East Midlands Airport, saving us loads of driving time. As a extra treat we flew north along the Pennines, with great aerial views of Kinder and the Peak District. Cool!

After a four season  drive from Glasgow, up to Newtomore; sunshine, rain, hail, and snow. I realised that I had not written the name of the bunkhouse down. Doh! luckily the first door I knocked on was the right one. Relieved we dropped off our gear, had a cuppa and signed on. Time for some pre race fuelling. A relaxing pint and a meal at the Glen Hotel, where we shared a table with fellow MMers Andy R and his team-mate (sorry I have forgotten your name).

Back to the bunkhouse for a session of death by packing, where I realised mistake #2. No running tights. Doh!.......  Doh!

Thankfully, event sponsors Haglofs, had set up stall in the village hall and I managed to buy a pair of tights. 

Kilts not compulsory kit

Day one: No more mistakes, just that nagging feeling of, what have I forgotten? Mixed with pre race nerves. This was not helped by a race briefing, warning about snow conditions. A bit of hanging about waiting for buses to the start, meant a chance to chat with Dark Peak runners Glen and Richard, who were also doing the score course.

At the start we were handed maps and control descriptions. After marking up the map and planning a rough route we headed off. As always it was a relief to dib in at the first control. With the planning and the long climb, it had taken us an hour. The rest of the day went well, classic mountain marathoning with stunning Scenary. It doesn't get much better.

Congratulations to Stef and Yiannis
1st place B class vets

Glamping. Note the chandeliers

One of the things that makes the Highlander special is the overnight camp. A marquee with hot food, quality organic beer by the Black Isle Brewery and a ceilidh. Its much more sociable than being squashed in a tent all night.

Day two:  Started with the sound of Insomnia by Faithless coming from the marquee. Very appropriate, after a night of turning over and over, like a rotisserie chicken, in a vain attempt to get comfy.
The weather was more traditional MM weather as in DAMP.
Not quite as spectacular as Saturday there was still some fantastic views, with the course planners taking us to some great spots. My favourite controls being the gorge and the waterfall.

                                                                                                                                                                 

Ray washing his Walshes

Yet again another brilliant event from all at Hands on Events and The Highlander.

Many thanks to all who made it happen.       

Kinder, my part in its downfall

The Kinder Downfall fell race 14.4.13

One of my favourite races. This Peak District classic didn't disappoint.

 A straightforward race, starting from the lovely village of Hayfield its; up William Clough, along the edges of  Kinder, past the Kinder Downfall then back down to the village. 

The Star of the race was definitely the Downfall itself. 60mph gusts of wind, were blowing the water from Derbyshire's highest waterfall back up(see photos and video). This made the running entertaining and gave us all a refreshing shower as we passed the upfall. 

The car park was classed as an A short

Hamming it up. Good to see you Nick

Can you all move on please. You are making the village look untidy.

Martin G #127 having a great race

The star of the show. The Kinder Downfall.

A bit drafty

Many thanks to the RO Dave Soles and all who helped out.

Social climbing

After a fairly mundane run along the High Peak Trail, Billy and  I stopped off at Harboro Rocks where a group of climbers were out enjoying the spring sunshine.

After a chat, they very kindly offered to let me have a go. Cool! Not only did they lend me a harness, helmet and shoes. The lady in the top photo belayed for me.

Thank you so much guys, it made my day 

 A few more pictures Here

Burb-edge

Camra louts

As in the 'Edge of the Burbs'. After a night out with friends, we left the car at the Queen's Head in Little Eaton. The pub is just across the river from us, on the other side of the Derwent Valley. Just a slight detour from one of my, from the door runs. 

 Having to collect the car meant there was no excuse for not running. Just as well really, a middle aged spread is only a few pub meals away. 

The maternity  ward. Ah bless em.

Rab up warm dear

A Rab Photon belay jacket lives by our back door. Two in fact, Mrs sbrt also has one.  To use the current marketing w*nk word, its my 'go to jacket'.

Rab are based just up the road from me and although they manufacture abroad, they still fill  the down  kit,  in house. In my mind this makes them, sort of local. All of their kit that I have used, has been well designed and more than fit for purpose. I have had a couple of  minor quality control issues but as I said, I like their stuff and would recommend it. On top of that they sponsor the Rab Mountain Marathon. Tks fellas.

What's worrying me is the spread of Rabys. No, not hydrophobia. Its worse than that, far worse. Respected hardcore outdoor brands are becoming mainstream. Chavs, middle-aged shoppers, newsreaders and Countryfile presenters, can be seen wearing R Carringtons finest.

Rab Photon hoody being used for what was designed for.
Skimming stones.

It may already be too late for; Boghause, North farce, Lard Rover and  Mange Rover. Lets do what we can, to save Rab from this sad demise. Join Colonel mintcake and myself, in the campaign to get gear dirty. Its our only hope of keeping our outdoorsy cred.

Whatever next? Wet suits for swimming with dogs

Well it was October

Chewing the cud

 Our second bite at the New Chew fell race, one of team Ibuprofens highlights of last year.
 Organised by Saddleworth Runners, this event is a real gem. A choice of; long score, short score and scoreless(line) courses, Varied terrain, great views and challenging Nav. All for £8 but the reason this race stands out is the hospitality of the Saddleworth Runners. 

Not the most runnable terrain 

The Glossopdale and Pennine massive 

Many thanks to all who made it happen.

See you next year.