Cowal Way Ultra Race Report

Post date: Oct 31, 2017 1:49:36 PM

By Sarah McFadzean

The Cowal Way Ultra was not in my plan due to having the Tweed Valley Ultra booked since the start of the year and training up for that,

however when I discovered the mileage suited my training plan I was quite delighted as I could do with a change of scenery, I don't know how

many times I've ran up Ballochgair and round Lussa this year but its alot!

Having loads of club members there made it feel like a usual Saturday long run. I had no stresses about the prospect of the run itself, and

once we knew the ferry was on and we were definitely going to make it to the start line I was looking forward to getting the longest of my

training runs under my belt...all 31 miles of it....

The first half was spent running with Trudy, Kerry and Elaine. The miles seemed to pass quickly once we had conquered the first hill and we

were surprised to reach the 'half way point' at 11 miles. (I think we all were!?). As I was in no rush I took the time to change my top as it

was soaked through and have my snack in the hall at Glendaruel. The girls did a few more miles with me and then I headed off on my own,

music on and hood up! Calculating my mileage and taking my gels appropriately I felt good, always saving a little for the final

miles......

Around 27 miles I met a marshal who said "a mile and a half to the tarmac".... so I presumed there was about 3 miles of road running to

finish. Then Portavadie came through the trees, but I thought there must be a loop of some kind coming up..... I raced round the road to see

and there it was....the end! 28.55 miles. I know I could have made up the mileage to 31 myself, but my family were in the pools and it was too

tempting to just pop off there instead.

Quite happy to get a podium place but secretly feeling like a fraud for not really trying very hard. I will be on the look out for this one

again some time for sure, and would love to see it extended to get the 31 miles in next time.