Friday 30 May 2014

If Calsberg do rock ...

Lets be honest if Scotland was perfect, everybody would want to live here.  This is where Mother Nature steps in and gives us ticks, midgies and horse flies.  Needless to say, over the past couple of days, there have been numerous brushing of the trouser legs, slapping oneself aimlessly in the face and random cursing.


This was obviously in between abusing poor Vicky.  Really, Vicky should know better to arrive at a classic climb wearing stealth ninja black & grey.


So Suzanne & Trinny, eat your heart out because even half way up a mountain we can address a crisis.


Catrin:  "It's like Stanage on steroids..."


Di:  "Do I really need to pull on that loose hold and stand on that wobbly block?  Don't remember doing that before..."


Vicky:  "Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me ....".  [on immaculate pitch 3]


Thank you girls, for another 2 cracking days :)



Tuesday 27 May 2014

Hanging around

There was a bit of a theme today.




Monday 26 May 2014

Ladies Day

Vicky: "Lets go to Logiehead".

Di: "Bit steep for early season".

Vicky: "Don't remember it being steep."


Catrin (half way up route number 1):  "Bit steep.  Can't stop to place any gear".

Vicky: "Oo, bit steep."

Di:  "I've got a pump on already..."


Catrin:  "The big holds aren't big enough".

And so the day continued.

Di: "Can't open the car door, my shoulders are too sore...."

Vicky:  "Can somebody open my Coke please..."

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Sunday 25 May 2014

3 days

Friday: climbed some routes - never got scared and didn't wobble too much.


Saturday:  looked at a map and compass all day - never got lost and never lost anybody.


Sunday:  looked at a map and compass all day again - never got wet and never lost anybody.

Successful 3 days in my eyes.

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Off the starting blocks ...

Finally, my summer rock season has got underway.  As much as I love walking and mountaineering, it is the climbing that I really look forward to.


I'm not really into the whole bouldering scene - for lots of reasons but can complete relate to those who are - for me, it is traditional mountain routes that float my boat.

Had to giggle today, when we decided to head into the famous Binnein Shuas but for the first time decided to continue where the path stops.  We ended up having a very social day with the infamous duo of Andy Nisbet & Jonathon Preston - and since AN is in the process of redoing the SMC Highland Outcrops guidebook, they were adamant on trying to climb every bit of choss, rubble and every-now-and-then great rock in the true spirit of mountain climbing. 



So, there is a route called Soft Shoe Shuffle (or a variation of it) which probably hasn't had a repeat for donkeys years but today it got a couple of ascents and despite the lack of gear, the off putting carpet of blackness, there is some very nice climbing to be had.



Sunday 18 May 2014

The LAMM

I wasn't supposed to be Billy-no-mates today, but it ended up that way ...  I really did have images of an awesome rock day but hey ho ...

I can't decide whether to enter the LAMM or not.

I asked team buddy #1 - this was the response: "If I don't feed baby x for 2 days, my boobs will explode!"  


I then asked team buddy #2 (she really is my number 1 but injury is always a concern) - I tempted her by saying things like "You know, it is the 20th Anniversary so it must be really cool this year".  In mind she was definitely there, but having been for a few training runs, I got this response: "Calves aren't really behaving - prob end up broken".


So, as I lolluped over this hills today - including seeing the most pathetic summit cairn that I have ever seen, to LAMM or not to LAMM - now that is the question. 

Saturday 17 May 2014

North and North again

Even by my standards, I am a c**p runner.  Infact, it is probably an insult to any runner out there, as I am definitely a wobbly jogger.


However, I enjoy it and by slowly ticking off the Allisons, I am getting to see some very cool places. I would rather be a c**p runner and try to improve than somebody who doesn't.


So, we ended up going to the edge of the World and falling off and ended up on Orkney once again.  Lets be honest the climbing isn't worth the trip alone (obviously excluding Hoy in this little statement) but if you're in the area, it would be rude not to explore.


They have a unique approach to life in my eyes - after all whoever can think of making cows out of rope is a genius in my eyes.


Note:  for those of you that are aware of the 12 month self inflicted ban on alcohol, the beer wasn't mine :)


Sunday 11 May 2014

Black Crows

For the past few years I have been very fortunate to be skiing on Ski Trab skis.


However, this coming season I am super excited to say that I will be on the rather cool, hip and fetching Black Crows.  I think for once, I actually won't be able to make any smart arse comments about the colour scheme since anybody who make fluorescent skis must be one step ahead of the field.


Saturday 10 May 2014

4 days ...

... that's how long the washing has remained on the line before finally admitting defeat and lobbing it in the spinner (again).

So despite wanting to try these out:


I once again went wandering in the mist and gloom.

I couldn't decide which top was higher, the one that I was on, or this one.  Best being safe and ticked them both.


 When is summer going to arrive in Scotland?


Wednesday 7 May 2014

The instrument of torture

We were supposed to be climbing today, but somebody forgot to mention it to the Weather Gods.

Instead of wobbling our way up the rocks, we wadded through the peat, ming and bog.


In Chamonix, I had my first ever proper massage.  Now we're not talking about the sort of massage when the incense sticks are wafting and the noise of whales are in the background.  We're talking about the sort of massage that hurts - am I supposed to enjoy it?

Anyway, I was properly horrified having been told that "my 6 year old daughter could give you a massage and it would hurt".


Also, I was gently reminded that I probably spent more time repairing my equipment than my body.  So, I have just purchased this thing called 'The Beast' - a foam roller thing - and having used it for the first time tonight, I don't know whether to cry or laugh.


Monday 5 May 2014

It's done - finally ...

team
tiːm/
noun
  1. 1.
    a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.


verb
  1. 1.
    come together as a team to achieve a common goal.


I'm actually not quite sure what to say for once.


It was hard.


It would have been hard with 2 good knees.  It would have been hard if I had trained.  It would have been hard if I could have skied downhill.


To go from racing; to not racing; to thinking that I could pull out half way along in Arolla; to somehow finishing the race; I'm probably still slightly in shock. 


Without Catrin and Alison, whom utterly stood by my side from Arolla onwards; to Derek whom really did go beyond the call of duty and supported us not only before but during the race; to James whom encouraged us from start to finish; to everybody (you know who you are) whom provided the words of encouragement; to the tens of other racers who cheered on Team number 1 and the Swiss military, I salute you all - without you, I really wouldn't have got around the course.

F*** it, I'm now going climbing ...