Local Running and Training
Over the past few days Euan and I have been training locally for when we can go further afield. Today we were out for a beautiful run in a snowy Pentlands with David. Good to see plenty of people out enjoying the conditions. It reminded us that a lot of walkers and runners may be new to winter conditions this year. If you decide you need a Winter Skills Course for walking or running, a Winter Navigation Course or an Avalanche Awareness Course these are all things we can provide. There’s more information on the ClimbNow website.
Seven Reservoirs Night Run
Andy, Euan and I had a great time last night running the Pentland Seven Reservoirs route in the dark. It’s a half marathon route through the hills on paths, tracks and tarmac. It’s pretty muddy underfoot in places at the moment and care is required. An excellent way to spend an evening with some good views to Edinburgh at times.
Navigation Course
The last two days I’ve been working for Falkirk Outdoors delivering a navigation course for the Ramblers. Given current restrictions it was delivered completely outdoors and within the City of Edinburgh Council area. On Thursday we used the Dalmeny and Cammo Estates. Today we were in The Pentlands starting from Harlaw. The weather was windy today, but generally kind for the time of year, and the participant’s enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable course.
Training
Up until Thursday it was a week of training to keep fit for when we are able to get further afield. Local running, home gym sessions and Alien Bloc and EICA Ratho have all featured.
Alien Bloc and EICA Ratho
Over the last few days I’ve had some good training sessions at both Alien Bloc and EICA Ratho.
Snowy Pentlands, Training and Kit Checks
I’ve been busy this week. Training at EICA Ratho, Alien Bloc and doing the winter equipment checks for Falkirk Outdoors. Today I headed up in to the snowy Pentlands for a couple of hours of running. It was delightful with fresh snow and no wind. For what it’s worth the turf wasn’t frozen and it was boggy/muddy below the snow on paths. Due to rain most of tomorrow in the Pentlands, so unfortunately it’s unlikely to last long.
The Pentlands
Ivor and I headed in to the Pentlands today to try and keep some hill miles in the legs. Starting from Harlaw we took in Harbour Hill, Capelaw and Allermuir. This also gave me the opportunity to pick up a large bag of rubbish I’d seen behind a wall during last week’s navigation course, but hadn’t the rucksack capacity to carry out at the time. Not as sunny today as forecast, however there were good views with cloud below us in the Forth valley.
Blackford Quarry
After training with Ivor at Ratho on Monday we decided to make the most of a sunny November day and headed to Blackford Quarry today. It was cool in the breeze this morning, but all the routes were dry. It’s effectively an inner city venue, so be careful of broken glass on holds.
Navigation Course
The last two days I’ve been delivering a navigation course for a small group from The Ramblers for Falkirk Outdoors. The course was delivered completely outdoors within the City of Edinburgh Council area. On Thursday we used the Dalmeny and Cammo areas. On Friday we started from Harlaw and used the west side of Harbour Hill and around Capelaw to get on to some unpathed terrain. Thanks to the group who were enthusiastic throughout, which made for a great course.
EICA Ratho
On Friday and Monday I was in training at EICA Ratho. Really good to get some mileage in the arms.
