Mark also ran the D33 Ultra and Kielder 50k events and followed these with some tough back-to-back sessions.Īpart from suffering a fall in the D33, both events went to plan. Mark says: “The shoes are amazing for me, cushioned and grippy, while the Tailwind gives me that prolonged boost and keeps me alert. To wear Hoka Mafate Speed 2s for running and to fuel with Tailwind Berry flavour Nutrition fuel. I turned back and plodded to Tyndrum.”įollowing his run Mark learn two pieces of invaluable advice. “I managed to get to nine miles and felt that was enough for me. I could feel every stone and bump under my feet. I was wearing Salomon Speed Cross 4 SG trainers and it seems they are not suitable for somebody my weight on the rough terrain. “We set off at a gentle pace, talking but my feet were sore. I had all my kit and food required, or so I thought. It was a cold day and there was plenty of ice and snow on the ground. ![]() “The plan was to run from Tyndrum to Beinglas Farm and back again, which was around 24 miles. He says: “I thought it would be a good way to do some training and learn from like-minded people. Mark decided to boost his motivation by joining a Fling training weekend in November. Mark also scheduled a few races so he could test his fitness and gear.īecause the Highland Fling takes place in April, much of the training needs to be done in the harsh Scottish winter months. The programme was two hard weeks and one easy week with a combination of hills, speed and distance. ![]() There were five runs each week and two rest days. He looked for a training plan on-line and found a 50-mile programme.Īt first Mark though the plan was easy enough to follow. While 1,200 people signed up for the Fling 2017, only 1,000 places were available. He was one of those fortunate to gain entry. His relay experience started Mark thinking about doing a solo Highland Fling. “Suffice to say I found it very tough and I had never been so happy to see a finish line and my team mate, Paul, who was doing the next leg.” The start of his own ultra My legs were not used to all the downhill running, so by the bottom of Conic I was fairly shattered and after looking at my watch, I discovered I had another nine miles to go. “I walked and ran where I could and soon was on the long downhill section. Recalling the profile, I thought that once I got over it I would be on the home straight. It was a warm day and I soon found myself at the foot of Conic Hill. “Yet just a few miles in and I was feeling it in my legs. I thought: ‘It’s only 16 miles, so how tough can it be?’ He says: “I set off from Drymen full of energy, enthusiasm and with a hydration pack on my back. He reveals that he underestimated the effort required to run this section. His section was 16 miles from Drymen to Rowardennan and including Conic Hill. Last Year, Mark competed in the Highland Fling as part of a relay team.
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