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5th October - I didn't mean to leave it a month before updating the News Page.

30th September - Wisp died this evening. Since she went off her food two weeks ago for 24 hours (see 15th Sept update) she then got better and was back out running with me. Then a week later, had another 24 hours of not eating and being listless. Then she picked up again. I booked her into the vets as I wondered whether it was her teeth, along with Bruce for his castration on Tuesday 1st October. The weekend before she went downhill again and this time it affected her more. She didn't want to walk anywhere and wasn't eating. But still seemed bright in herself and would jump up and run to the door when we went out. It was very worrying. On Monday she was back poddling out in the garden by herself and we thought we'd walk round it with her. She was jumping up and excited to start with but halfway round the garden she sat down and wouldn't move. She started panting and after a few minutes I carried her into the kitchen and lay her down. She lay for about 30 minutes, with her breathing getting slower and slower before she passed away. Both me and Steve were stroking her. I was so glad I was there as she has been so loyal to me.

I could talk forever about what a friend and companion she has been to me. When I got her I wanted a running dog that could do everything that I did and over the years we worked together so this happened. I knew what rocks she could climb and she knew to ask me for help when she couldn't get up or down anything. She was so amazing in the snow. Happy to break trail until she wanted a break and then following behind. Great with other dogs too as she basically ignored 99% of them. Great when travelling as she just curled up and went to sleep. She wouldn't get out of the van at service stations - just looked out in disgust and sat back down. We slept in my little red then white van together and both had our own space. Wisp was a good listener and helped me make good decisions out on the wintery hills in snow and clag. She reccied races and rounds with me in all weathers. She got too hot easily but was incredible at sniffing out water. When I got Joss neither her or Paddy wanted a puppy to look after. But they took him on and we caught them playing with him in the garden but she wouldn't admit to it. When he died she was sad and we all missed him. She allowed me to hug her then. She had never really wanted strokes and moved away from hugs in her early years. But always wanted my hand to be touching her head. I had to run with my fingers rolled up because she would jump up and bent my fingers back painfully a few times. She just wanted that contact. I got Bruce and we started all over again - teaching him the ways of the world and the fells. About a month ago I had to get both Wisp and Bruce over the biggest deer stile ever. Step by step she allowed me to move her feet, rung by rung, and then move myself until we reached the top. I climbed over her and lifted her down the other side. I thought Bruce would be a nightmare but he had watched us and he was so calm and good too. That's just one example of how we could listen to each other and work together to find a way around everything. We knew each other so well.

Thank you Wisp for giving me everything you could from the day you arrived, for being my first running dog teacher and for being there for me always.

I've collected up a lot of photos from over the years and put them into one Gallery here - Wisp photos over the years

20th September - I went to Ireland on the Friday to do the Seven Sisters race. 55km with 4000m ascent. I arrived about 5pm and registered. I was able to sleep in the camper in the carpark and that was great because the start was 6.30pm so I was just able to roll out the van at 6.20am! We set off and I was dreading the 5km round the lake as it looked flat and I assumed it would be on a good track however after a mile of road we turned onto a rough, boggy, rocky and the pace slowed considerably. I was so happy especially as we had to come back this way too! Then we did a stort steep climb to the road, up the road and onto the tourist track. This was huge and well made. I was logging the terrain in my head as it's an out and back mainly so at 24km we turn round and come back. We left the tourist track and went up into the clag and rough hillside. There a path but is split through heather and bogs and wasn't easy to follow. I heard some local guys catching me and chatted to them as they passed. They were really helpful telling me what the route did and how easy it was to follow. I stayed with them as the flags were a bit spread out - obviously put out when it had been clear and sunny the day before! I was trying to pace it and eat well in the hope that I could push it harder on the way back. We caught the first two ladies and overtook one of them. Rosy was strong on the downhills and I was strong on the ups. It had never occurred to me that I might win this race but I was wondering about it now as we nearer the turnaround point. I had made sure I had stayed with Rosy as I was hoping that on the return I could push hard on the uphills and stay in front. I knew I could descend a bit faster but I'd tweaked my ankle and it was making me cautious.

At the turnaround point Rosy was in front and I caught her on the ascent and passed her. It was still claggy and I was having to make sure I went the right way as it was a bit different to the outward leg until we got to the road. There was a long long descent and I tried to stay with two runners who were faster than me. We got to the road and the volunteers helped me sort my bag out. I wanted to eat what I was carrying and ditch some of what I wouldn't eat. And pick up water. All in all I was just leaving when Rosy arrived. There was a big soggy climb after the road which I got stuck into. I was debating how much this was going to hurt. There was 4 or 5 hours left - a long time. I still needed to pace myself. I stayed with the other two runners and we pushed each other along. We caught the back of the 30k runners which was good but you weren't sure then who was in your race. It was better to be able to have more runners on the course though. We stayed with them until the col before Errigal where the 55k went round the back and the 30k climbed via the tourist path. I was feeling strong now and it was a long way to get round to the climb on a stony path which I was careful to run without tripping. Getting more sugar down in the form of sweets and Scottish tablet I was ready for the climb. The flags just went straight up this stony mountainside. I ziggzagged as I couldn't go straight up. My arms and legs were too tired. I was so glad of my poles! I couldn't see anyone behind or in front. I had left the other two runners behind. Up and up we went until I could see people on the summit. I tried to run the plateau ridge and the legs were all wobbly.

Down the tourist path I went stretching out and risking the ankles. It was a long way to the finish 8km and some of it gradually uphill alongside the lake. I was glad that I knew about it though. I was back with the 30k runners and they looked tired. One runner actually asked me how far it was. They hadn't come out this way so had no idea what was in store for them. The boggy path was now quite churned up with everyone's feet. I was trying to run hard and keep upright but I faceplanted in a big bog. I picked myself up and told myself off for being clumsy. Only 2 miles to go and no injuries needed now. I ran the road up to the main road, along the road and into the finish! I was wiped! 9hours and 7 minutes, 7th overall and 1st Lady!  https://results.primaltracking.com/event/sevensisters24#

There were beef burgers and beer for the runners which was just an amazing way to end the day. I tucked into both and sat talking to the other runners and enjoying the atmosphere. It's a great race and maybe I'll go back next year. Photos

15th September - The week after I returned home from Crete was busy catching up then I did the Merrick Hill race on the Sunday 15th to support the race and I had a good run, feeling stronger than I did last year and I was a few minutes quicker even though it was very wet underfoot but luckily nice and dry for the race. I was first Lady and won a bottle of Grants whisky! Photos  When I got home Wisp was off colour and wouldn't eat her food. We kept her in that night so she could eat when she wanted to and the next day I took her down to Sheffield with me as she's always happier when she's with me. She didn't want to move or go for a walk on Monday but ate her tea and was happier in the van. I thought she was ok again. On the way home to Galloway I reccied Leg 2 of the FRA relays with her. We walked and stopped a lot. That week she was back out running locally with me - up to 5 miles and she seemed good.

9th September - Since Ochils I spent a week trying to finish the wall before our holiday and managed it - just!! I also had the first meeting with Galloway Mountain Rescue about the Bruce's Crown race although most of the meeting was taken up with discussing the Cairnsmore Hill race which used to be run in December until 2022 when the RO couldn't commit the time to it. A few runners have asked me to take it on and also GMRT have been approached so we have decided to go ahead this year. I went and reccied a new route which has a bit of everything and takes in the full ridge. Then I set up the webpage, contacted Scottish Hill runners and set up entries on SI Entries. This is the webpage Cairnsmore Hill Race  which is on the main menu of the www.BrucesCrown.co.uk home page.

And then we went on holiday!! The lack of sunshine was getting to us so I booked a quick week in Crete. It was a lovely week of hiking and beach going. The weather was actually a bit too hot for both hiking and lying in the sun at 33C, but we managed each day to have a hike and a swim. We stayed in a remote glorified bothy which was lovely and cooler than down at sea level. After deliberating a location we went back to the east of Crete where we had holidayed a few times back in the 1996 to 2000. Steve was recognized by the restaurant owner and we also met up with the fisherman Antonio, that we spent a lot of time with 25 years ago which was lovely. Initially I was quite ambitious with my routes and we we did a couple of 16/20km 650m days but then it was just too tiring and it is a holiday after all so then I tried to find better paths, higher up cooler routes and ones that could be done in a few hours rather than 6/8!! This was a way better combination. I've come home feeling refreshed and had a great run up to our neighbours this morning in 12C (lovely!!).

Photos - Gallery 2024/Sept Crete holiday

PS there is one of some glue on top of my sandals. We didn't have any beach shoes so swam in our sandals which made them fall apart rather but a shop keeper sold us this amazing glue which stuck them all back together. And he had beach shoes so we know both own a pair!

26th August - Hot off the press - I completed the Ochils 2000's race this weekend on Saturday. Registration is at Stirling University in the same location as the Park run starts so although it looks very busy with runners 90% of them disappear after 10am! Getting on the coach to the start at Glentress, I saw Kirsty Bryan Jones and we sat together for the journey which was lovely. Sorry Simon who had to find another seat. The weather this year was not like last year. 2023 was hot and had been dry for weeks. This Saturday was 14C (at most), it had rained heavily the night and week before, showers were forecast and there was a strong wind. Still it was shorts and vest for me, with extra layers packed. In 2023 I had wilted in the heat and it was horrendous. I was looking forward to a different experience.

There was a shower of rain before the start which made everyone shiver but it still wasn't that cold when jogging about and when the sun came out. There had been an early start so about 20 runners had set off meaning the start was less congested than last year (where it was also a Scottish Champs race). I set off trying not to explode on the tracks which went on forever and like a treadmill with someone turning the ascent up every few minutes, the gradient uphill got steeper and steeper. Thankfully we turned off onto a boggy path through woods to the open moorland. Then the soggy track along a fence for what seems like miles. I was still a lot happier than last year! The vest was a good choice. There are so many hills and tops on this route it's hard to keep track but I was counting them off in case the clag came in and it was map reading time! Catching the early starters it got confusing as to who was racing you and who was actually 30 minutes behind you but it all adds to the interest and is a good way of giving everyone a chance to finish. I kept eating and waiting for the really boggy bits and climbs to come. The showers came in, I got cold arms, the showers stopped and I warmed up. I got to the last couple of tops before Menstrie and started to really enjoy the race, catching runners and feeling good about Dumyat. It's a long drop to Menstrie where Kirsty's parents do the checkpoint, half a cup of water I drank quickly (not like 2023 where I was so dehydrated by this stage!) and off up Dumyat. I had been surprised to learn I was 2nd Lady and so that gave me the oomph to push hard and keep that position! It was great to feel so much better than 2023 on this climb and then descend off strongly. The only issue was very slippery rocks and mud but I was sure I had a bit of slack to 3rd so watched my footing. Running the last section along the University wall I was really chuffed with my pb and 2nd place. Ochil hill runners - 2024 Results

19th August - I finished the wall I have been building since about March (the midges had me running) but I decided I just had to crack on and finish it - midge repellant and nets at the ready. It still needs toppings but that's just a days job (when the rain stops!) so the building is technically finished. This weekend I drove to Huntly as I'd booked into the Grampian campsite for two nights. I had a lovely welcome from Mieke and apparently I was the first of quite a few runners booked in. More runners turned up during the evening and next morning - all of whom were from the Shettleston club. They made me very welcome and we did a recce of the Tap o Noth route on Saturday morning before the race which I survived! At least it wasn't too hot and it was over in about 46 minutes - 8km and 420m of ascent but a great route and conditions. It's run in conjunction with the Gala and an interesting event with sack races (Shettleston didn't win), Men's race (they did win), dog shows, bale tossing etc etc. We all headed back to the campsite and had a fantastic evening round the campfire with great merryment. Thanks to Shettleston for inviting me, Wisp and Bruce along.

I got up early to head south to Tyndrum and make the most of the weekend by doing a section of the Tyndrum round (well two tops!). The weather wasn't seasonal and I was glad I had long tights, the Performance jacket and the Venturelite jacket with me as it was raining hard as I left the van in the valley. The rain did stop for a lot of the first Munro Beinn Challuim but the cold, strong wind made it chilly. I was pleased with the line though and it was already worth the trip and the recce. The dogs were loving being out on the soft, soggy mountains too. The rain came again and I got wet through as I descended off towards Craig Mhor. Although I love being up high on the mountain tops I was looking forward to dropping into a valley and not returning the way I had come. It was good to get some views from the tops too. Off Craig Mhor I discovered a nice path down the ridgeline to the valley, however our way was barred by the most dog-unfriendly deer fence stile I have ever come across.

There was no way under or through and it was a new fence so very strong with tight wires. I wish I had videoed me getting Wisp then Bruce over this. Poor Wisp fell off on our first try as she was trying to move when I wasn't ready and hats off to her for having another go. I basically had to lift her one step at a time. Then make sure her feet were all on a rung, then move myself up a rung, then move her up a rung. When we reached the top she sat across it (and there was no nice platform - just a bloody wire), I climbed over her and made myself secure before lifting her under my arm (which she hates) and lifting her down the other side. I then went back for Bruce who I thought would be a nightmare. He had almost made it 3/4 of the way up the first time I was trying to get Wisp over but fell off then. He was amazing though. He just calmed down and let me do the same with him. One rung at a time, moving his feet so he had a good grip before I moved myself. When we all reached the other side we did a little victory dance and decided we needed KFC to celebrate.

After the stile there was a lot of slog along a big track, slightly climbing to a valley col where the hard track ended and I was left with quite a few miles of very soggy valley and flattened grass / bog. I'm sure it will all grow again but what a mess it was. Then down the other side through worn out farmland and cows to the A82. A good day out and worth the KFC we picked up in Ayr on our way home!! Photos of Mark wall, Lakes and Tap o Noth weekends

10th August - I travelled to the Lakes to spend the weekend with Helen Elmore, catching up and running in the hills. The weather was amazing and actually very hot. On Sunday I had this idea of running from Buttermere (where we had dropped Mia and Charlotte) to a favourite place of Joss Naylors, carrying a can of Guinness each and then have a toast to Joss overlooking Wasdale and Greendale. Our plan was scuppered a little in that there wasn't any parking in Buttermere so we drove up to Honister instead. Setting off along the BG reverse route, then planning on doing the Joss Naylor route we soon realised that this was a long way so we started doing all the Classic Lakes race routes (ie contouring everything we could on race lines) while I tried to think which race we were on each time. Sitting eating sandwiches below Scoat Fell our destination still looked a long way but more classic race route (Wasdale this time) trods and direct lining we arrived at the cairn about 2pm. We did have a dinner date with Emma Stuart at 6pm which was looking unlikely!! We opened the Guinness which tasted amazing. Maybe it was because we were dehydrated but I was expecting it to be awful and it was really very pleasant. One can drunk each and we decided on the most direct line back which unfortunately meant a descent to the road, a hot slog towards Wasdale, a refreshing Pepsi at the campsite, an incredibly hot slog up to Beckhead Tarn and a welcome trot along Moses Trod to Honister. We had alerted Mia and Emma of our delay and all was good! A wonderful day out with purpose and Guinness. Highly recommended! Photos of Mark wall, Lakes and Tap o Noth weekends

6th August - After two weeks of hobbling, walking then jogging round the same 5.5km loop from home with the dogs I did the Moffat Chase race last Saturday which was 19 miles with 1900m of ascent. I had reccied it before the Eiger 250 and it took me 6.30 hours so I knew I was in for a long day. As you can imagine it was tough! I felt pretty good until halfway when the cramp set into all areas, starting in the calves and moving to the hamstrings and then the quads. It's a great course and the support and the organisation was brilliant. I made it to the finish though in 4.21 hours and was 1st Lady Vet 50! Hartfell Hill Running club results We stayed in the Green Frog campsite which made everything easy and Steve walked another section of the Southern Upland Way on the Sunday.

I've also finished my Eiger 250 write up although I'm bound to remember more things and reread and alter the typing mistakes! Here is the first draft Eiger 250 2024.html

After I got home we had a couple of relaxing weeks where we went to Stranraer show on a unseasonably hot day and I showed Steve another route round the Galloway hills which I'm not sure he was impressed at. The "path" I knew was there just wouldn't materialize for long enough for it to be considered a true path in his eyes! These are the photos that I took along the way Photos of Stranraer show and Moffat weekend

28th July - As I said below Kirsty and I travelled out to Switzerland and raced in the Eiger 250. I am writing this up in a separate report but overall it was a great trip with highs and lows but we came out with a stronger friendship, having been through the good and the bad. I'm grateful to Kirsty for entering us back in January and doing all the logistics. We had a great time overall and are looking to do other events together. My recovery is going well and I'm hoping on racing (or getting round) the Moffat Chase next weekend!  

In the meantime I've done Summer Series race 8 results and been for a few shuffles locally and a hike up Merrick yesterday with Steve.

Oh and while I was away Galloway has been selected to hopefully be the next National Park within Scotland. Personally I think this would be very good for the area https://www.Galloway National Park.org/  and I've joined the National Park Assoc.

11th July I also met up with Kirsty Hewitson last weekend and we discussed our plans for the Eiger 250 which starts next week. This is the website https://eiger.utmb.world/races/E250 and this is where LiveTracking will be it says https://livetrail.net/events/calendar I have just received an email today to say that because of the snow and the recent bad weather that the route is liable to change and they will let us know next week at Registration. I do hope we can do as much of the original route as possible. Low level routes are usually pretty tedious! We are flying out on Monday, registration is Tuesday and we start at 8am on Wednesday 17th July. I will post updates on social media.

10th July - Last weekend I set off to the Lakes via Moffat, where I reccied the Moffat Chase (32 km and 2000m ascent) with Wisp, Paddy and Bruce. It was a very long day and I couldn't really complain about the weather although very cold for July. It took 6.30 hours as the route is pretty rough in places and it's going to be an interesting race in August! All of us were pretty glad to get settled into the Lanefoot campsite and await the arrival of Helen Elmore on Friday night.

On Saturday I travelled to Staveley for an Inov8 Athlete day and met up with lots of other Inov8 ambassadors including my good friends Sarah and Paul. It was a very interesting day running through the new designs in the shoes, clothes and bags. I enjoy being part of the testing and feedback process and think that the new ranges will be beneficial to everyone who wants to be in the outdoors however fast and ambitious they are.

On Saturday evening and Sunday Helen and I went for a run with the dogs in the northern fells and spent lots of time catching up.

Photos of the recce, Inov8 day and running with Helen - including a rogue one of Arrochar Alps race!

3rd July - Yesterday Steve decided he would do the Bruce's Crown race route as he's been wanting to ever since the race in April when his team dropped out. He set off at 2am from Caldon's campsite and I met him at Loch Dee at 8am (I was late!!). The early rain looked like it was clearing and Steve was cheery. Tea went down well and I was on a mission to find more. Steve had said he didn't want tea but as usual on these rounds, it's something you don't think you want, but you actually do! I saw him off up the horrid Darrou and drove round to Loch Doon, calling at a cafe on route. I had about 4 hours and I had a plan to recce an "Escape route" off the Corserine ridge. I had read in the Cicerone Walking the Galloway-Hills by Ronald Turnbull guide that there was a route up onto the ridge from Loch Doon so I marked up a map, took a photo of the page I needed and set off determined to be back by 2pm (Steve's eta). Ronald Turnbull is very funny in the book about how good or how rough the routes are and his interpretation of "rough" and "dry" leaves something to be desired but nearly always the routes exist. I set off on the forest track, left the forest track at the correct spot, floundered around in tussocks before making myself head up the forest ride that appeared to be the one he was describing in the book. Low and behold, within a few metres, it was actually an open (ish) ride, with a very wet trod in it and evena few footprints! The ride went on and came to the deforested area with the sheepfold. Bashing across to the sheepfold, I consulted the map and description again hoping for a miracle. I headed to the right of the sheepfold and there unbelievably (it had survived the deforesting) was the "bulldozed ATV track" Ronald was on about. I followed it along the river bank and it then curled round (just like in the drawing map) and joined the big forest road at the top. I wanted to meet Steve on Corserine so bashed uphill on a really rough rocky route (not to be descended) to the ridgeline and Carlin's Cairn summit where I couldn't see Steve so panicked as I thought he was in front of me. I ran ahead but then received a text to say he was at Carlin's Cairn so I waited for him. It was very cold on the ridge - just like summer !!  Steve and I had a chat and after walking with him a little, I went and fetched some water from the Kings Spring for him. I then ran on to Coran of Portmark and down to Loch Doon (CP11) to get the tea brewed. Steve arrived looking a bit worn out but determined to finish. After a break with Steve I drove along the track and made more tea for him before seeing him off up the track to Sheil Hill. I came home and watched for texts. The last one I got was on Merrick at 21.30 hours. After 4 hours of no news I was getting worried and had packed a bag to go and first see if the Amarok was at Caldons and then decide to do from there. As I was about to leave he arrived home. He was very tired, had sore feet but was really happy that he had finished. He thought he'd sent a text from Bruce's Crown at midnight but it hadn't been sent. Next time I'll do Whatsapp location sharing or something!! Steve finished the Bruce's Crown race route in 22 hours! Well done Steve!  Photos of Bruce's Crown - Steve support and "Escape route" recce  

Sunday 30th June - While I was away in Arrochar I learnt of Joss Naylor passing peacefully away with his family by his side. Joss has been a close friend to me for many years, although initially it was me looking up to him, I felt after a while that he also respected me and what I was achieving. He was always so thoughtful and encouraging to me, he gave me the confidence to attempt things that I would never have looked at. Although it is sad that he has passed away I know that for a couple of years he had been missing the mountains so much and so I hope that now he is able to run free again over the lakeland fells that he loved so much, with some of his best dogs by his side.

Saturday 29th June - Arrochar Alps - again after a mixed week of trying to loosen the legs off, not running much as catching up and visiting my parents in Glasgow with Charlie - I really wasn't sure what Arrochar Alps would hold for me. I dropped Charlie at the train station and booked into the campsite in Arrochar. I really felt like hiding in my van and then going for a nice run - not racing what is one of the hardest races I know. There is just something about a 4 mile low level trog out, then straight up a 950m climb, before turning round and heading literally straight down as steep as you can possible go to a dam. And then back up another 850m climb which is boggy and grassy. The descent off this is tricky round cliff faces down to a col before a third huge climb up a soggy mountainside. Then you get a path to descend on - although it's rocky and so off piste is mainly best. And finally a nice path up the last hill before a long, long descent which has everything thrown in it (scrambling, rocks, little man made stone steps, rough slippy path, weird concrete blocks in the middle of the "path" which is actually a stream bed, some brambles and a fair bit of bracken and then forest track) to the finish. I'm not selling this am I? But I was there, the weather was good - ie clear and cool and I wanted the ascent again so off I went to registration. And then to the Start. Being a Scottish Championship there was more runners than a normal year so about 140. Last year there was 42 and it was claggy and raining. So having more runners and a view was a big bonus. I set off along the 4 miles just taking it easy. I was soon on my own which was nice. A few men overtaking everynow and again but generally left to run how I wanted. Up the last section which is road and came to a halt to start the climb. The legs felt oddly ok. I went at the same pace as on the Skyline and tried to take in the views. It was interesting at the top seeing the runners coming back down to a col and it was also great being able to take little grassy shortcuts whereas last year we had stuck to the main path in the clag. Coming back down it was easy navigation. There were runners and even a little trod - but still it was as steep down as ever and I was glad of my Mudclaws! Over the dame with heavy legs and off up the other side. Now I started to catch runners and getting more sweets down I hoped to keep this feeling up. Again off the top navigation was lovely and easy although I managed to go a little too far left before spotting the marshall below. I said a cheery hello to Malcolm Patterson marshalling and up the next hill I hiked. I was looking about and wondering where I had been last year, straight lining everything on a compass bearing on my own!! The top came quickly and so dis the descent. Now it felt like we were nearly done but I knew about that long descent still to come. Across the col and last hill to do. The marshalls were hiding out of the cold wind but we were glad they popped up as it was disconcerting not to see anyone. And then .... down we scrambled, slid, cursed, looked for nicer trods but there weren't any, over the weird concrete blocks, down the stream bed, through rocks and more rocks with brambles - oh the joy! Eventually plonked onto the track and tried to get the legs to run again! I tried to pick my knees up in the vain hope of keeping a young female runner at bay but no she trotted passed me like she was doing a Park Run! Onto the final stretch and a little sprint of sorts! Finished Yay!! Now shower, sandwiches, beer and bed! What joy!! https://protay.co.uk/arrocharalps24/results.php

Saturday 22nd June - morning dawned with low cloud and a little breeze. It was forecast to dry up and not rain - even MWIS said so! So it was shorts and teeshirt for me. Registering only took minutes and it was lovely being so close to the Start/Finish. The start was at 8am and for me it was perfect with a nice uphill gradient that everyone was soon walking. I had decided to take poles as although the race was only 24 miles it had 3400m of climb in it. I had also made myself a rough schedule and hoped for an 8 hour finish. The first climb was 900m to the top of Snowdon, then down and across to Pen y Pass. I was bang on schedule which I was amazed at. Running down to Pen y Pass there was a marshall and I ran with her a little chatting away. On the climb up Glyder Fawr I felt so much better than on the same climb about a year ago on that very hot UTS 100 mile. I was really happy and eating well. Over Glyder Fawr we ran and across to drop to Ogwen. I was glad of my own map as the markers were a bit sparse. We arrived at the checkpoint where there was food and water. I collected some banana and headed off. Up Tryfan I realised we had met the 14 Peaks runners and we chatted away. I was really enjoying the scrambling and chatting to the runners that were letting us pass as they had done more than us and had more than us to come too! Over Tryfan and to the col where we split off from the 14 Peak runners to drop down to the hotel at the road junction. I remembered the photo shoot that I had done on that path a couple of years ago with Damian Hall, Wisp and Joss where Elliot Waring had taken some of the best photos of Joss that I have. As I neared the bottom a lady sped passed me and I wondered where I was in the standings. I was amazed that I felt so good! I thought I would have been dreading the  long climb back up to Snowdon over Crib Goch but I was actually running a little uphill and quite cheery. The temperature was perfect for me. Everynow and again the sun would break through and I would curse but then the wonderful clouds would come back over. Climbing Crib Goch just went om for too long. It was a bit windy and I was tired. I caught a rock with my wrist and it made a lot of blood so I wrapped my buff round it for a while until my hair was too annoying and back on my head the buff went! A local man caught me and he know the good lines so I gratefully followed him and thanked him at the top. Down to the finger post and now just the 900m descent to do to the Finish! I was able to let my legs go and enjoy the last descent. We met other race runners and a nice lady held a gate open for me which was lovely of her. Racing into the finish I was very happy. I hadn't set off with any expectations. The race had a lot of ascent and I wanted that. To feel strong was an added wonderful bonus! Photos (lots of me finishing) at the Snowdon Skyrace and this one on Crib Goch showing the annoying blood on my wrist.

I was amazed to learn that I was 2nd Lady! https://results.opentracking.co.uk/event/snowdon-skyrace-2024

17th June - The week after going to Tyndrum I had volunteered on checkpoint support for the Summer Spine. I started at Hardraw on Monday morning and saw the Northern Challengers off on their race to Kirk Yetholm. Then I helped with the finishers of the Southern Spine before the full Spine runners starting arriving. I really like helping out and prefer it when we're busy. The conditions this year were very wet and also some quite heavy rain showers so quite a lot of runners were arriving cold and wet, and there were also more "dropouts" than last year. This meant that we had a variety of runners arriving all at the same time and for a while we were busy. There were Northern finishers, Northern DNF's, Spine DNF's and Spine runners. Once the main bulk of the DNF's had gone home then we were actually quite steady as the runners that had survived the weather came in small groups or singularly. This meant that it became very relaxed and I could get out with Wisp and Bruce twice a day, if not more. The weather improved and we were grateful for that - for us and for the runners.

On Tuesday evening I made my way to Bellingham and started up again. I was initially helping runners that I hadn't seen before but then all the runners that I had already helped at Hardraw started coming in. This is really special as you get to know people and can really help them in and out again. I left on Friday to head to Penrith to drop Wisp and Bruce with Emma Stuart, and then onto north Wales as I had entered the Snowdon Skyline on the Saturday. I arrived at 11pm in the rain and made sure I was in the hard standing campervan area. I slept really well considering I was on a right screw whiff angle having not wanted to maneuver about too much and disturb everyone. A few photos from Spine supporting There's one of me with two walkers and this is one evening I went for run and who should be on the Pennine Way but Celeste Hill who I used to go skydiving with when I was 20ish! What an amazing co-incidence!!

14th June - So I am back on track with my training for the Eiger E250 that I'm doing in July with Kirsty Hewitson which is pleasing. This Tuesday I met up with Keri at the foot of Ben More and we did a leg of the Tyndrum round - 26km with 3100m of ascent. I have been on these hills a couple of times and the weather has always been claggy and sometimes pretty ferocious. So I had been watching the weather and chose the best day of this week however there was supposed to be hail showers and there weren't!! We couldn't quite believe how good the weather was and had quite a relaxed few hours before Keri got off and I carried on with tired legs to go a few more! It was a cracking day out though! June Tyndrum recce

Today I went up Merrick on my way home from Newton Stewart and once again missed all the rain! (this won't last!). When I got home Steve was just pulling in with his birthday present to himself! Now that's going to keep him busy! 

10th June - Last Tuesday I supported Phil Anderson round the Ring of Fire. Phil had attempted in March as a winter round and I supported him on the third leg however he wanted to attempt again to do a Summer round and get a better time. The forecast changed from a High pressure to a Low pressure, cold and with rain in the morning and a strong WNW wind. We set off at 6am and the first leg went very quickly with us making time on the 19 hour schedule I had devised. However it started to rain heavily after a couple of hours and by the time we reached Dee bridge we were soaked. I was glad of some more shoes as my feet were sore and Martin had to help me change socks and shoes as my hands had got too cold. The leek and potato soup I had made was delicious and soon warmed me up, along with the climb of Darrou!! There wasn't much talking going on as the wind was too strong but at least the rain had stopped. Phil knew some good lines and the Rhinns of Kells also went quickly with me finding the King's Spring (complete with table and chairs) which was a welcome surprise as I was out of water. The sun was really shining down on us as we ran along the track and we disrobed our layers. Martin was once again waiting for us with soup and pizza. We were just about to set off when the clouds gathered , there was a crack of lightening and thunder and a heavy hail storm came across! We sheltered under the trees and in the car for a few minutes glad that we weren't on the hill. The track went ok. It's hard to know how much to push the pace and how much to let the food digest. Steve was meeting us at the bottom of Shiel Hill with the dogs (and more soup!). We saw him walking along the track to us and Paddy recognised us first and came bounding along to meet us. I do miss the dogs when I'm running without them.

Martin pulled in as we approached and so both Phil and I had refreshments. I was on Iron Bru, tea and soup by now! I sorted my rucksack out as I was carrying too much food. I had been really pleased with my stomach as I'd been a bit worried after Ramsay support and Skye so I had lots of proper food and minimized the sugar. Heading off up Shiel Hill Phil said his hips were hurting him. Mine were too and I think it was being blown about by the wind and struggling to walk in a straight line that had hurt them. We stayed on the schedule and maintained our advantage on the 19 hour schedule until Shallock on the Minnock where Phil couldn't run downhill anymore and we lost time on all the descents and then not surprisingly a lot coming all the way down Merrick to Bennan and then Brucee's Stone as it's a rough descent at the best of times. We finished in 19.22 hours. Two hours quicker than in March and in a lot worse weather. Everyone was very tired and very happy. Photos of March and June - Ring of Fire with Phil Anderson  

25th May - Steve and I (and the dogs) drove to Fort William with Steve to support Charlie Elliot on his Ramsay - it was great to get back to the big mountains and I took this photo at the top of the first climb up Sgurr Sgriodain. The weather was cold and a bit windy but perfect. I was supporting with Kirsty and Allan and we made good time to Loch Elide Mor. I then continued onto the Binneans but suddenly felt really tired, sick and needing proper food so I slowed right down. Kirsty ran with me and it was so lovely to meet Steve, with Paddy in the col and stop there! We walked down to the Glen together and waited for Charlie at the YHA. It's been a long time coming for Charlie with foot injury and bad weather cancellations so we were all determined this was going to be successful. And it was. Charlie finished in 23.45 hours.

After Fort William the plan was to drive to Skye, where I had entered Trotternish Ridge but I had a bout of food/water poisoning on route and although we still went to Skye I was struggling, the weather wasn't great and the midges were bad so we came home early and I recovered really well at home. Photos of Charlie Elliot on the Ramsay, walk the next day and a few of Skye

20th May - Rosie has been staying from Australia with her family for the week and it was lovely to show them round our house which is much improved since they were last here in 2019, spend some time on a beach in good weather (not warm enough for swimming), visit the Chocolate factory and generally have a great time before they headed to Ireland to see Ronnie's family there. Photos of family visit and Galloway MRT at the bottom of Shiel Hill    While they were here I had a quick drive up to the bottom of Shiel hill to support Galloway Mountain Rescue on their Ring of Fire attempt - details of their attempt is on www.BrucesCrown.co.uk

18th May - I had entered the Old County Tops with Kirsty Hewitson as practise for the https://eiger.utmb.world/races/E250 which we are doing in July. Having had an awful Stuc a Chroin race I was pretty worried about how fit Kirsty weas compared to me! As the weekend got nearer I was also worried about the heat as it was forecast to be 20+C Kirsty was saying we needn't flog ourselves and that was reassuring. We set off comfortably however as soon as we started climbing I was sweating a lot, and it was only 8am! There was a bit of a breeze on Hellvelyn but down in the valley there was nothing. We had no idea of where we were and we weren't concerned about it either. Being Vet Ladies we would like that prize. Heading up towards Scafell I became more and more hot, I started to feel sick and my legs felt so heavy with even twinges of something going on. I explained all this to Kirsty and we slowed down a bit so I could breath. I knew I had to do something so I thought about dipping my cap in streams and then filling my water bottle up and squirting that at my face and neck. Oh it felt so nice! So on we went like that with me heading to any sort of water to fill one water bottle up which I would tip over me. At Angle Tarn the marshalls offered a bucket shower and tipped a whole bucket over my head!! Wow that felt good!! Onwards to Scafell we went knowing that there was only one mountain after that!

We headed off Scafell trying to remember the special lines that Jean Brown knows! We had both previously done the OCT with Jean and a lot of the conversation was around Jean on the day!! We're not sure we got the nice line off Scafell - we got down, but it was zigzagging down some banks of rock. We were sure the line was rubbish and we had been overtaken by hundreds of runners (as you always are when this happens). Running down Mosedale we spotted runners - and none that we had seen before but we had no idea whether that was good or bad. It was lovely to be running to Cockley Beck with only Coniston to do! We were told we were First ladies which surprised us! Heading off from the checkpoint more route discussions were had and we opted for the line that Kirsty knew. I really liked it as it was hard trail rather than soggy grass. I was getting hot again but just puffed my way to the top of the col and then had to rest as my breathing was out of control. However running over the contour path felt good. And we then came across runners that looked like I felt! Suddenly we thought we hadn't done so badly after all. Getting to the summit of Coniston we knew it was six miles back and all do able. Whether nine hours was was debatable but it didn't matter so long as we held onto First Ladies. We ran what we could and cooled down when we could. Moe route discussions about field or road and road was opted for. It was a good decision as it was quicker! Finishing was brilliant. All day we had been cursing some of the route and then saying what a wonderful route it was! We finished First Ladies in 9.09 hours and a new Vet Ladies record of about 50 minutes. Results - OCT-2024-results-for-publishing-v1.pdf  The next day I was at Inov-8 / Girls on Hills ladies social run from the Staveley store and I found the run hard but enjoyable. I was also speaking at Keswick Mountain Festival that weekend and we had a catch up meal of Paella (thanks Flora) with my Bruce's Crown team. We had a wonderful evening talking about the race and all manner of other things including Beth and Matt Bennet's new arrival Fern!  Photos of Old County Tops and the weekend

23rd April - About a month ago I realised I had a week free about my birthday and I was looking for something nice to do so I booked a holiday to Majorca from 23rd April for a week. Flights from Glasgow, a car and a nice room in a quiet town Caimari, at the foot of the mountains in the north. The weather was usually 20 to 26C so I planned a few hikes and a couple of days on the beach!.

We travelled there and found our room. It was very quirky but a lovely town with local bars as well as cafes catering for the thousands of cyclists that appeared there. We had no idea that the biggest race of the cnetury was being held on the island that coming weekend. The 250km. We spent the first day hiking a 10 mile hike that I had devised from the Cicerone book and my gps maps. The weather was hot and lovely and in hindsight we should have gone to the beach! That night it turned cold and it was only 7C overnight. The next day we hiked as well and it was clear but colder. Then we tried a day on the beach however thunderstorms had been brewing and while we were sat on the beach, getting up courage to swim in the icy sea, the black clouds came over and it began to rain! The next day we hiked again and by now I was getting the hang of which paths might be good trails and which might be tiny cairned trods heading directly across limestone rocks either up or down the mountains. I was quite pleased with my route making but sometimes I felt for Steve trying to follow me. The hikes always ended at the bar so that made up for a lot! We had also found a lovely restaurant in which we ate every night! Back to the beach in Porta Pollensa and this time the weather was even worse - proper rain coming down so we sat in a bar, had a couple of beers, had a very nice lunch surrounded by tired cyclists who had all done the race and headed back to our room! Overall it was a great holiday and I would go back again to the same town again and just hope for warmer weather! Photos of our Majorca holiday

20th April - I travelled to Arran with Bruce and Wisp for the Girls on Hills Arran weekend. We had great weather and a lovely group of ladies to take up onto the hills. Wisp and Bruce loved it too and it was Bruce's second visit to a pub where he almost behaved himself! Photos of Girls on Hills on Arran  

19th April - Two weeks on from the Bruce's Crown race and last weekend I had a Debrief meeting with Galloway MRT to go over what we could improve on for next year, the date of next year (4th/5th April 2025) and when to open entries (May 1st 2024!). I've been buzzing all week and reliving the event both from an Organisor and a runner. I wanted to write it up as a runner which I have done here Bruce's Crown 2024.html

11th April - As you can imagine the run up to Bruce's Crown race was manic with the organisation and me running in the race as well. I made two batches of soup, one batch of vegetable chilli and a hundred cakes !! The cakes were the usual Lemon Drizzle, Sultana and Orange drizzle and then a new one Chocolate and Orange Drizzle (which is the one I ate the most of in the race!).With Storm Kathleen forecast it was a very stressful time. We only had 9 teams entered, one "did not start" because of the weather and so that's still 32 runners that we're responsible for.

As I had hoped the remaining teams were all very well prepared, looked after themselves and made the right decisions about carrying on or retiring. Galloway MRT were brilliant in tracking, looking after us and dealing with the changing weather. They made the call about the low level route and looking back my best moment was summiting Tarfessock and realising that there was no-one at the cairn in the valley below therefore we were going over Merrick. I was so happy. It was daunting to do this but in reality we had experienced worse winds at lower levels and Merrick wasn't bad at all. That's Galloway for you.

Opentracking were brilliant - before, during and after the event - you can follow the race here https://live.opentracking.co.uk/bcr2024/

I've written it up from a RO point of view here https://www.brucescrown.co.uk/News.htm

 I'm planning on writing it up from a runners perspective in my team which were the Four Tussockteers, with Emma Stuart, Kirsty Hewitson and Natalie Hawkrigg, and will put that on here this weekend  so check back here for that!

20th March - Where has March gone!? I was up at Fort William with Girls on Hills for one weekend and just took Wisp which she loved! We did some guided running on the Saturday to the Halfway lochan up Ben Nevis with winter skills included although all the snow of the week before had vanished! Then I was speaking in the evening which was interesting and entertaining. Sunday morning I was free to go on the mountains so Wisp and I headed up onto the Tyndrum round again. The same two Munros from Falloch Falls in clag and a very strong unpleasant wind. Not a pleasant summit time at all but a huge sense of achievement as we were descending and met walkers on their way up! Hannah from Girls on Hills took some lovely photos which I've added to the Gallery

Then last week I took a road trip south with both Wisp and Bruce (for my sins!). First call off was my friends in Mirfield, John and Helen and the dentist! Then Helen Elmore in Sheffield where I was talking at Hillborough Running Clun on Wednesday evening. That went extremely well and it was a great relaxing evening. On Thursday I headed south to Berkhamsted to visit Charlie, Carol and Lottie. Plus a venue for the FRA LiRF module course in Surrey on route to Devon to see my aunt Maggie. A couple of days spent there relaxing and watching Emily Cowper win the ladies race. Wisp is used to all this travelling but it was a first for Bruce and he was good overall! Lot's of "non Bruce" toys were moved overnight so he could sleep in the kitchens! By the end of the trip he was so used to hopping in and out of different vehicles and meeting people and dogs he was a chilled out little dog! But he has been King of his own castle since he's been home!! Gallery Family trip

7th March - Steve and I had a good day out on the Bruce's Crown route, running with Opentracking trackers checking the checkpoint locations are correct and where the dead spots are. I took ten hours to get from the Start to the bottom of Shiel Hill in 50km and Steve took 5 hours to get from Shiel Hill to the Finish at Caldons. The weather was claggy to start with which then cleared and became sunshine!! I love the Galloway hills when you can see right across the whole range, where you have been and where you're going! I have written up route notes on Bruces Crown website  and put lots of photos on the Gallery

29th February - I seem to have been non-stop recently with as my dad received the operation date he's been waiting for 12 months for and so I went to Glasgow to see him and spent a lovely couple of days keeping him company while he recovered. It was a TAVI to fix a valve in his heart that wasn't opening fully enough and he was excited at getting home and walking Monica the dog properly again.

Then home to organise the www.Hoppits.co.uk races for the last time since Mikey Brown from Dewsbury is going to be the new organisor from 2025 (in the blue jacket). The races went very well with loads of helpers as Mikey was there plus a few of his helpers. There was the right number of runners to have proper races but not too many to stress the organisation out! The sun nearly shone and everyone was in a good mood. Dave and Eileen Woodhead came and took loads of great photos as well as adding to the excitement of the day with their infectious enjoyment. Thank you to my special helpers over the years - Keith Holmes, Ian Charlesworth, Molly Charlesworth, Andy Plummer, Teresa and Nick Whittingham, Steve Sanders, Brent Lindsey, Helen Elmore who all give up a day (and a lot more in Keith's case) to help me make these races a success.

And onwards to www.BrucesCrown.co.uk - I've been out checking the course, cutting back where I can and making the route more obvious where forestry works have changed the layout on the ground. Organisation is coming on with Inov-8.com donating prizes and www.opentracking.co.uk being extremely helpful in answering questions about setting up maps and tracking. Steve and I are having a practice run next week to check for "dead spots" in mobile signal and I'll see if I can put that map up for people to follow us. Other than that it's all about food, checkpoints, etc etc. We don't have many teams entered (six paid up and two on the "Invited to pay" list) but we're going ahead as it's our first year and like Hoppits we know it will grow. If you are thinking of entering you could email me then we have a better idea of numbers on nicky@brucescrown.co.uk

20th February - Last week I travelled to Alston with Bruce and Wisp to meet Helen Elmore and Tim Rippon. We spent three days exploring new areas around the great Haggs Bank Bunkhouse which I discovered during the Spine reccies and it's just a great friendly hostel. I carried Bruce up Cross Fell which we did on the Tuesday in a cold wind but nothing like Spine conditions! Bruce was introduced to lots of things on this trip which was part of the reason for meeting up as I wanted him to learn about sleeping in the van, travelling, going to pubs, meeting people and dogs. We also got some lead practice and successfully negotiated a field of chickens! On Monday night we headed into Alston in search of a pub and all looked very quiet and closed but we spotted Turks Head Inn Alston just down from the co-op that was open and welcomed us and the dogs in. It really was the best "first" pub for Bruce and also a friendly pub for us and we spent both Monday and Tuesday evenings in there getting to know the owners and locals.  Selection of photos from me, Helen and Tim

Hoppits organisation is underway and I will be down on Friday 22nd to organise the races with Keith, Ian and Andy as usual. I will be passing this onto Dewsbury Runners from next year. This is my last year!!

10th February - Steve and I hiked up Merrick (well halfway up) with the dogs and Bruce in a rucksack. The weather was worse than forecast and we just checked the markings of the Merrick Hill race and then came back down to the warmth of the truck! More on www.Brucescrown.co.uk and Photos

Bruce is growing well and my recovery has been a walk / jog round the rough land near Mark on a morning and then some gardening or outside work from 4pm onwards in order to get him outside again. I've taken him on some longer hikes by carrying him in the rucksack on my front which sometimes he agrees with and sometimes he doesn't! This week however I've been itching to do some more so tomorrow I might have a warm up with him and then a longer run with just Wisp and Paddy (which they will love!). I've been busy organising Hoppits races along with Keith and we've getting everything sorted now.

3rd January - A recce of Bruce's Crown up Shiel Hill this morning in what was supposed to be sunshine but was raining and windy! Bruce wasn't happy at being carried but there was no way he was climbing it on his own little legs! Photos    Organisation of the Hoppits Races is underway and many thanks to my helpers at Penistone Footpath Runners and Keith Holmes for agreeing to do yet one more year for me! See you all there on 25th February!

31st January - Bruce's Crown organisation is gathering momentum and to help me and other runners I went on a recce yesterday. I've written it up on the  https://www.brucescrown.co.uk/News.htm page . I wanted Bruce to come with us but he's too young to be doing so much and so I carried him in a rucksack up all the ascents and along the forest track at the end (much to his annoyance there!). He's just the opposite of Joss in every way so far apart from their love of descending at speed and stopping by doing a rolypoly!

28th January - so I have finished the Spine and written it up today! Spine Race 2024.html

After I finished I came home with Anna (a lady I coach from Denmark who had finished the Spine North) and spent a couple of days recovering and sleeping a lot. Then I travelled to the National Running Show and then did a talk at Mavern Joggers on the Monday night before driving home on the Tuesday. It all seems a long time ago now and I'm trying to recover by having lots of walks with Bruce! Recovery is going well and I really am looking forward to getting back in the mountains I have missed.

The Bruce's Crown race organisation is coming on well. Entries have opened and I'm having regular meetings with Galloway Mountain Rescue.

While at the National Running Show I was approached by Mikey from Dewsbury Road Runners and they are going to take Hoppits on and so I have been busy getting that off the ground for 2024!! I'm really pleased and happy that the races will continue.

11th January - I was hoping for a long post but the day has been busy with Bruce having vaccination at the vets in Girvan and Spine packing (of course!). So tomorrow we're heading to Sheffield for the Spine registration on Saturday, and the start of the Spine on Sunday at 8am. I've enjoyed training and reccying for this race all summer and autumn. All the reccies, bar the last one, I did with Joss and once I get to Standedge I will be reminded of him a lot on route. This will be good for me as with the arrival of Bruce (who is completely different to Joss) I can look forward to running with dogs again. Wisp of course is still running strongly (even the vet said she's in fine health!) so once I've recovered from the Spine I'll be back out with two dogs (and Paddy sometimes) on the hills.

Back to the Spine - I'm looking forward to getting going and using the first section to Hebden Bridge as a kit and food check. The weather is looking cold and snowy in places. Just what I like and I'm happy with my kit and clothes.  You can follow me on https://live.opentracking.co.uk/spinerace24/

9th January - I hope to update again this week with news of the Spine race which I start on Sunday. And also more photos of Bruce the puppy - growing and being a terror. But for now I'm just letting you know that the www.BrucesCrown.co.uk website has been updated with the Route and Rules. I'm having a meeting tomorrow night with Galloway MRT and hope to know when entries are opening very soon. We have the Scottish Hill Runners permit and Forestry, Land Scotland are in the process of granting the permissions. All exciting stuff.

1st January 2024 - technically and when I next update (maybe this week) this will be a new Diary. The main news being that I drove to the Lakes last week, avoiding the floods but having to drive through some deep water on route. I stayed in the campervan with Wisp and on Thursday morning we went for a short run in the storm and then collected Bruce at 10.30am. The drive back was ok and he settled in well. He's not Joss and his character is different. He seems so little and fragile and we're trying to keep one step ahead with the eating and anxiety. I will be glad when we have done a week. Wisp and Paddy are being tolerant except when he tries to play with them. I have uploaded the photos of the day I collected him and since he's been at Mark in the new Gallery 2024/Bruce 

Today I have managed to get the JAlbum working again. Every time I have a computer issue I end up starting a new Gallery as otherwise I have in the past over-ridden the old one with the new rather than adding more to the old. So a successful today and the sun was shining for once so Bruce was able to spend more time in the garden and is well on the way to house training himself!