The long empty road

[swanscot]

Over the course of the summer, I've been enjoying long slow runs about once a week. For the past several outings I've been accompanied by my lovely hubby on his bike, but despite arranging both of our days off work for this week to be today, he was called to a meeting today.

So I set off alone today on what was a straightforward 'off-road' run. It wasn't truly an off-road run, but a run along a private road to a dam created as part of one of the local hydroelectric power schemes.

The route started by running along a woodland track beside the River Orrin and it was lovely running in the dappled sunlight. After crossing the River Orrin I emerged onto the surfaced private road and began the long, slow steady climb to the dam. There were three cattle grids on this road, and I slowed down to a walk to pick my way carefully across. (I once fell down a cattle grid when out hillwalking and badly injured my shin, so always go 'ca canny' now )

The route climbed almost 200m over the 10km and with a headwind I took it slowly. I stopped at the reservoir just long enough for couple of photos and a wee drink and turned around to head back with the wind behind me, The return was much easier although I kept it slow and steady. I was soon(ish) back down in the woods beside the river. I felt I was starting to notice a lack of energy at about 15 km and should have stopped to eat something then. But I didn't I kept going until I came to a junction where I knew I'd have to stop to check my map. This was only about five minutes later, but although I nibbled a little muesli bar with my water here, I really felt drained for the last 2 kms. I felt I was running through porridge. The stats from my Garmin show I ran the final two kms at the same steady pace, but I really pushed myself to keep that pace. I'll need to be more careful about refuelling in time in future.

The route is here: connect.garmin.com/activity...

More photos here: flickr.com/photos/swan-scot...

ps I only saw one vehicle during the 2 hours 20 mins.

[Jefna Graduate]

Wow swanscot that's impressive!

I can only dream about running those type of distances and you did well to keep going even though you weren't feeling it as it were!

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Jefna]

Keep dreaming about the distance and one day you may get there - if you wish.

[OldNed Graduate]

That's a GOOD run. Great pics too; it must be nice to have a road like that all to yourself for such a distance.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to OldNed]

It was a lovely road to run on, but I'd prefer to run off road. I chose this location yesterday because the weather was looking decidedly 'iffy' and I didn't want to risk somewhere too remote and get caught out in dreadful wind and rain.

[LMS2110 Graduate]

What a fabulous landscape, and well done for completing such an outing alone. That was both awesome and inspirational! You must be feeling so very pleased with yourself!

[swanscot Graduate in reply to LMS2110]

I'm particularly pleased that I managed to keep running all the way up the 190m of ascent, even if I was barely going faster than walking pace at times.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Wow lovely run. Great scenery and fantastic time and distance. Well done.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks, I enjoyed it and am pleased I can do this distance.

[squaremum Graduate]

Brilliant run, swanscot, and gorgeous photos too.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to squaremum]

Thank you, Some of the photos were a bit rushed and I'm surprised I got any half decent ones at all.

[SBG356 Graduate]

Fabulous scenery as always Sheila and a great run! You already know how jealous I am of your running routes for their scenery and peacefulness......

Sue

[swanscot Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Certainly scenic and peaceful, Sue.

[Aftabs Graduate]

Wow that it nigh on a half marathon there and in an amazing location. Well done!

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Aftabs]

I've done a HM distance a few times now - usually off road - and am happy to plod along slowly enjoying the scenery and stopping for photos and to check my map, etc. I'm not sure I wish to 'race' that distance though.

[Hidden]

Stunning location as always and I'm with Sue on this one - jealous. You did fantastic, but do you think you should have forced some energy down around the 10K mark? Take care and I look foward to the next stunning set of photos.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes, Phil. I really need to play around with food/drink/timing for refuelling on the longer runs. I've run out of energy previously at about 19km, but I thought that time it was psychological as I'd returned to the car and was only adding on the extra 2 km to make the HM distance. I think I'll try jelly babies next time (or a wee packet of Haribo sweets as I was sent with an order from Wiggle, but which I ate at home!!)