Second consolidation run - that was a bit different!

[HoagyM]

Today’s “run” was kind of inspired by Skyesue and a description of when she was on a hike here in Skye and decided to run, even though she was in full hiking gear (even wearing hiking boots!!).

So, as I was planning a gentle hike along a track to a loch today, and my trail running shoes could easily cope with that, I decided to mix my hike with my run.

After the usual brisk warm-up walk, it was a 3k run uphill, on a very uneven stony track, with a rucksack - this was tough! It was at a similar snail-like pace to my first 5k of a couple of days ago, and I stopped when the uphill slope got a bit silly as I approached the loch. Then after a 15 minute uphill walk to the loch, I ditched the rucksack and did a further 2k around the loch, at a much faster time.

Decided that was quite enough running for one day, so then it was time for a quick wipe down with a towel and freshening/insect-repellant wipes (the midges had joined me) and change of tee shirt (I’d come prepared!).

Then I had lunch, relaxed and enjoyed the peace and quiet and the scenery, before heading back for the 5k downhill hike to the car.

[Ang33333]

What an amazing place to run or walk!! 3k uphill! Braver than me! 😃

[HoagyM Graduate10 in reply to Ang33333]

Thanks, yes it was pretty spectacular, and I had the place to myself, which was great. To be honest I was OK with the uphill, even with the rucksack on, I’d even kind of settled into my happy pace towards the end, but then it all got very steep and I decided enough was enough!

[SendWine]

What an inspiring view. Sounds like a perfect day.

[HoagyM Graduate10 in reply to SendWine]

Yes, it was pretty fab, as you can see from the pic, and the weather behaved itself too

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

Sounds so lovely! Great pic. 😎

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

That sounds heavenly. And running in that landscape? I am so jealous! Did you feel all free and primal?!

[HoagyM Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Touch of the panthering, eh? Definitely not while I was labouring up that hill with the rucksack! ...but definitely yes when I ditched the rucksack and set off around the loch, exploring all hidden corners, with just the sheep to watch my antics

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Good for you! 😀 The thought of running with a rucksack on is not one that I would relish - although for lunch amid that Highland scenery I can see the temptation!

I have just come home from a wonderful holiday in the Highlands and been running near Durness - so beautiful. 😄

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Fab photo - what an amazing place to run....(minus the rucksack!)🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Apart from the midges... gorgeous... well done you!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

What a grand day out HoagyM. It looks beautiful.

[BethMay]

So beautiful!

[Nictwit]

Beautiful!

[JennyH10]

Absolutely beautiful place, sounds fabulous!

[Hidden]

How beautiful. Running uphill with a rucksack? you have my full admiration

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! What an amazing place for a run/hike and a combination there of. Sounds like my kind of perfect day.

[Debsy2008]

That sounds and looks amazing!!

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Only just found this post.....I feel pleased to have inspired you! I love that view of The Hill of the Red Fox (Sgurr a Mhadaidh). Yes, that track from Lealt is rather rough and hilly! Well done 😀

[HoagyM Graduate10 in reply to skysue16]

Thanks skysue16 (have just found out how to do the name thing!), it was a great break in my favourite place in the world. Very jealous of you being up there all year round

[SandieF]

Wow 3k uphill, with boots & a rucksack! Intense. Respect ✊. What a glorious location though 😍