when does a jogger become a runner?

I would never call myself a runner.

I would certainly never call myself fast.

I have never voluntarily entered a running race before (I am thinking back to my school days here....)

Until yesterday.

Joining another 150 bodies, I entered the Petrofac Challenge (multi terrain half marathon), part of the RunBalmoral series.

I was aiming for a time of 2 hours 30 (if I am perfectly honest) but surprised myself by coming in with 2 hours 8 mins and 10 seconds. I came in as the 20th Senior Female, being 42% slower than the fastest female (who is the scottish hill running champion).

I done nothing last night except eat chocolate and drink wine :)

les ecrins video

12 year old 's

I actually don't know alot of 12 year olds.

However, I have just spent 2 days with George, who is potentially the fittest and most capable 12 year old I have had the pleasure to climb with.

Having ticked off the famous CMD Arete and then the Aonach Eagach with Robert, we then went for Number Three Gully on the Ben before finishing on Curved Ridge.

Not one little moan, grumble or complaint.  Not quite sure what they feed them on the continent but ...

Since I was in the area if would have been rude not to bag the final 2 in Glen Orchy.

I am doing absolutely nothing today except tappy-tap things and drinking water.

 

A whole week of not drinking wine (OK, if I am honest I did have one very very nice glass of the white to celebrate Robert's birthday but I'm sure that doesn't count) in preparation for tomorrow.

the rules of ski mountaineering

Rule #1 - make sure you have a plan.  If the night before is good enough, yes.

Rule #2 - make sure you pack harshies.  Well 2 out of 3 isn't bad.

Rule #3 - ensure that pants are the correct size.  Bugger.

Rule #4 - never, ever eat buckwheat.  Avoid at all costs.  We paid the price.

Rule #5 - preorder a ridiculously greedy amount of fresh powder.  A massive fail. 

Rule #6 - ensure that edges on ski's are sharp.  Errrrrr.......

Rule #7 - make sure that everyone is wearing bright shiny colours for photo's and video.  Boys, bright colours underneath stealth-ninja-black does not count.  No.  No.  No.

Obviously room for improvement so that's the reason for next year...

For more detail on where we actually went, you need to check out the website.

she's back and ...

... she's brought the sunshine back with her.

There was quite alot of this...

There was quite alot of this too...

It was worth it for this ...

I suppose, it was worth it for this too *sigh*...

It's Sunday evening and the sun is shining outside. 

You don't honestly expect me to blog more than this today do you?

decisions decisions

Scapa F1's versus Scarpa Diva's?

Movement Chicka's versus K2 Recons?

Grivel Haute Route versus Grivel Quantom?

Edelrid Loopo versus BD Blizzard?

OR Softshell versus OR Hardshell?

Bassetts Jelly Babies versus Natural Confectionary Jelly Snakes?

What's she on about?

the queens garrons...

One of my biggest learning experiences from the world champ's in Feb, was the complete lack (i.e. non existent) appreciation of the race environment.

Thankfully, this can be addressed.

So, for the past 5 weeks, Di Gilbert Mountaineering has become Di Gilbert (is in) Training.

The first test is looming fast and although not overly stressed about the distance, one is mildly stressed about running with other folk.

So today, I went for a training run in Queenie's estate.

Now, a garron is a pony which takes the deer off the hill during the stalking season.

In my experience, they tend to be humble beasts, often caked in dubs [mud], living a quiet life.

Then enter Queenie's garrons.

Certainly not humble, obviously cleaned with boot polish and lots of elbow grease and prancing around as if they owned the place.  If you looked hard enough, you would have probably seen a crown...

So, today, I obviously met the Queenie's and Kingy's of the Garron world.