Remember the spring blizzards in March that brought Scotland to a standstill? Do you recall the news flashes warning people to stay indoors and only travel if necessary? Well, in the midst of this national havoc, I was running up mountains in the Cairngorms. A holiday in the Highlands conjures up magical images of a relaxing spring mini-break in the glorious Scottish countryside. This experience put a whole different perspective on a chilled-out weekend.
Organised by Running The Highlands (RTH) and managed by a team of enthusiastic runners, the weekends are designed for aspiring athletes of all levels. Neil Stewart, who set up the company in the summer of 2005, said: “The main priority is to have a great time, discover and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings and to get as much out of the holiday as possible.”
Home for the weekend was the enchanting Balmoral Estate - set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar.
Arriving on Friday afternoon, I was introduced to the RTH team and the other apprehensive runners. The group was a real mixed bag of ages and abilities. From early 20s to runners in their 60s. Some had never run a race and some were marathon pros. Some were fellow Scots, but most were from south of the border.
We were all assigned rooms within the Queen’s Building accommodation. I was prepared for draughty dorms with stratchy bunkbeds, but we all had our own cosy rooms – complete the TV, basin and coffee making facilities. RTH can organise accommodation according to preference and budget. A few of the participants had opted to stay at the nearby Hilton Craigendarroch.
After settling in, we convened in the recreational area for an induction and run down on the itinerary. The weekend was divided into a tight schedule of practical and classroom sessions, with time for relaxing and socialising.
The pre-weekend questionnaire allowed the guides to split the groups into packs according to ability. Participants can choose to do as much as they want on routes that are graded in a similar way to ski runs – from short and gentle green runs, through blue and black up to diamond black – the killer long-distance runs.
The first run, on Friday afternoon, set out in three groups. The warm-up for the six-mile route was a nice gentle stroll at conversational pace. The chatter soon stopped on our first ascent up a steep hill track. The underfoot snow and slippery mud made the incline even tougher. I thought my calves were going to explode, but it was all worth it when we got to the top. The views after the 1000ft climb were amazing – even though my iced-over, tear-filled eyes. Anyway, what goes up, must come back down. Full of chatter and vigour, one of the other gals and I bounded down the hill in front of the group. Top tip: Don’t leave the pack. You get lost. But that’s another story…
Back at base we had time to thaw out and clean away the muck before the next part of the itinerary – Pilates. Years of running and sporadic attempts at stretching have taken their toll on my body, and I wasn’t looking forward to displaying my lack of flexibility. Our class instructor was by Neil’s bubbly wife, Emma. Her permanent smile and delightfully sunny disposition conveyed the impression that little birds dress her in the morning. Emma showed up the basic moves and breathing exercises to build core stability – a must for any runner. It was a most enjoyable experience. There was little hardship in lying on a mattress, listening to soothing music, watching the snow falling outside. I managed to nod off – and noisily jerk awake - three times.
After an hour of relaxation it was time to get our brains in gear for the theoretical, classroom sessions. Ex-international marathon runners, Mel Edwards and Fraser Clyne, covered a wide range of topics, including cross-training, injury prevention, training schedules, stretching and preparing for race day. It was a great way to pick the brains of the masters, as there was ample opportunity for group discussions and questions.
After a sumptuous three-course dinner – passing on the wine - I crawled off to my room for an early night.
Early on Saturday morning I jumped out of bed full of the zest for life and flung open the curtains. ‘Twas a glorious site. The trees and ground were covered in an untouched blanket of snow. The only signs of life were the tiny prints the red squirrels left as they clambered up the trees to their food house.
Over breakfast we were briefed the day’s run. There were three options: An eight-mile, 12-mile or a 16-mile run. I courageously (OK, foolishly) signed up for the latter.
Ruth MacKenzie was our guide for the day. A fitness instructor by day, Ruth has an impressive fitness CV and successfully participates in duathlons and hill running races.
I was doing my usual dilly-dallying about, when my group took off without me. Thankfully the footprints in the snow were easy to follow. Mind you, a sprint start isn’t the best warm-up for long run.
Crossing fields of dense snow, even the Highland cows looked at us as if we were daft. The route alone was an exciting adventure. We ran along trails and roads, passed beautiful waterfalls, slid on ice, stomped through muck, tumbled down steep descents, gasped on inclines, crossed bridges and jumped fences – watch out for the electric ones. Squirrels played in trees, birds flew overhead and red deer came down from the hills. The charm of the surroundings and the team spirit amongst the group made it an enchanting experience. Although there was different levels of speed, everyone stayed together.
After covering 16-miles and climbing nearly 2200ft, we arrived back at base for a nutritious feast and well-deserved steaming shower.
Saturday afternoon was free time. Participants could choose to relax, take advantage of a one-to-one discussion with Mel or Fraser or sign up for a session with the on site sports masseuse or podiatrist. There was also the option of using the spa facilities at the Hilton Craigendarroch. Of course, no weekend break would be complete without a spot of retail therapy, so Neil organised trip to nearby Ballater. One of the comedy highlights of the weekend was when one of the London gals asked me if there was a shopping centre there. I’m not convinced she picked up on the sarcasm when I told her there was a Prada and Louis Vuitton store.
Early on Saturday evening we gathered meet with Dr Chris Fenn, one the UK’s leading nutritionalists, who advises top athletes on how to achieve peak performance through nutrition. On her own advice Dr Fenn has cycled America’s coast-to-coast, climbed Kilimanjora twice, trekked to the Everest Base Camp and designed the diets for the British Everest Expedition. So, we sat up and paid attention as our previous knowledge was torn to shreds. Forgot energy bars, drinks and gels. Dr Fenn taught us the evils of caffeine, processed foods and sugary snacks. She advised us on: how to boost mental and physical energy through a natural and nutritious diet; what ingredients to avoid; and how to develop new eating habits.
All the meals at the RTH weekend were based on Dr Fenn’s guidelines. The food alone was worth the trip. The chef provided the most delicious and nutritious array of cuisine that any top-class restaurant would be proud to serve. Homemade bread, fresh soup, salmon, venison, fresh vegetables and rhubarb crumble. The buffet-style breakfast and lunch displayed a variety of mouth-watering and well-deserved dishes. Not only was it very good for you, it was all included in the price. All dinner time there was also the opportunity to buy beer and wine. Hey, you’ve got to balance the bad with good.
Sunday morning was the last run of the weekend. The snow had fallen heavy overnight. News reports informed us that motorways were blocked, trains were cancelled and airports closed. Well, if we were stuck we may as well enjoy being snowed in. Prior to the run, snowmen were built and dressed and snowball wars began.
When all the hilarity was over, we stood around shivering in our wet clothes waiting to embark on a jaunt thought the thickest snow I’ve ever seen. You really start to question your sanity when you remember you not only volunteered for it, but you’re paying for the pleasure.
We set off in our packs for another six-mile run. We walked the first ascent as a warm-up. A welcome relief as most people had tender legs. Through the forest we giggled like big kids, as we tumbled down through the snow. But on exposed tracks, the strong winds and horizontal sleet battered against our frozen faces. I probably looked like a cross between a smurf and Carrie, as a I muttered and swore my way along the course. Not a pretty sight. Even a snarling guard dog quivered away in fear. Ah, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
The grand finale was the “optional” hill bounding session. A technique mastered and endorsed by Mel Edwards, which involved hill reps with high knees-up, whilst touching down light on the balls of your feet. Mel had the grace and flight of a ballet dancer. We looked like something from the Thriller video on fast-forward.
After all that it was time for the last dunk in the shower, before packing and heading down for lunch and a brief feedback session..
It’s a fabulous weekend away. Although it was tough, it was a fantastic and exhilarating experience. The location was perfect and the advice was more than beneficial. It was great to spend time with people of similar interests and aspirations and chat about running without the fear of boring your listener rigid.
Armed with a head full of advice, a battered body and some great tips, I left camp late Sunday afternoon. Since then I’ve added some recovery runs to my schedule and dabbled in some hill bounding – albeit half-heartedly. I mastered the art of running down hill and I even toyed with the idea of stretching. I haven’t quite got round to abstaining from caffeine and I’m still partial to a bag of jelly babies. Hey, one step at a time.
Fact box
Weekend breaks run throughout the year and cost from £178 per person. The price includes accommodation, expert advice, guided runs and all meals.
There are also race breaks based around participation in top highland events, such as the Balmoral Road Races, the Ballater 10mile race, the Loch Ness Festival of Running and the Lumphanan Detox 10k. Personal guided running tours can also be arranged from £20 per hour, per person.
For further information, visit www.runningthehighlands.com, call 08451-577422 or email neil@runningthehighlands.com.
Organised by Running The Highlands (RTH) and managed by a team of enthusiastic runners, the weekends are designed for aspiring athletes of all levels. Neil Stewart, who set up the company in the summer of 2005, said: “The main priority is to have a great time, discover and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings and to get as much out of the holiday as possible.”
Home for the weekend was the enchanting Balmoral Estate - set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar.
Arriving on Friday afternoon, I was introduced to the RTH team and the other apprehensive runners. The group was a real mixed bag of ages and abilities. From early 20s to runners in their 60s. Some had never run a race and some were marathon pros. Some were fellow Scots, but most were from south of the border.
We were all assigned rooms within the Queen’s Building accommodation. I was prepared for draughty dorms with stratchy bunkbeds, but we all had our own cosy rooms – complete the TV, basin and coffee making facilities. RTH can organise accommodation according to preference and budget. A few of the participants had opted to stay at the nearby Hilton Craigendarroch.
After settling in, we convened in the recreational area for an induction and run down on the itinerary. The weekend was divided into a tight schedule of practical and classroom sessions, with time for relaxing and socialising.
The pre-weekend questionnaire allowed the guides to split the groups into packs according to ability. Participants can choose to do as much as they want on routes that are graded in a similar way to ski runs – from short and gentle green runs, through blue and black up to diamond black – the killer long-distance runs.
The first run, on Friday afternoon, set out in three groups. The warm-up for the six-mile route was a nice gentle stroll at conversational pace. The chatter soon stopped on our first ascent up a steep hill track. The underfoot snow and slippery mud made the incline even tougher. I thought my calves were going to explode, but it was all worth it when we got to the top. The views after the 1000ft climb were amazing – even though my iced-over, tear-filled eyes. Anyway, what goes up, must come back down. Full of chatter and vigour, one of the other gals and I bounded down the hill in front of the group. Top tip: Don’t leave the pack. You get lost. But that’s another story…
Back at base we had time to thaw out and clean away the muck before the next part of the itinerary – Pilates. Years of running and sporadic attempts at stretching have taken their toll on my body, and I wasn’t looking forward to displaying my lack of flexibility. Our class instructor was by Neil’s bubbly wife, Emma. Her permanent smile and delightfully sunny disposition conveyed the impression that little birds dress her in the morning. Emma showed up the basic moves and breathing exercises to build core stability – a must for any runner. It was a most enjoyable experience. There was little hardship in lying on a mattress, listening to soothing music, watching the snow falling outside. I managed to nod off – and noisily jerk awake - three times.
After an hour of relaxation it was time to get our brains in gear for the theoretical, classroom sessions. Ex-international marathon runners, Mel Edwards and Fraser Clyne, covered a wide range of topics, including cross-training, injury prevention, training schedules, stretching and preparing for race day. It was a great way to pick the brains of the masters, as there was ample opportunity for group discussions and questions.
After a sumptuous three-course dinner – passing on the wine - I crawled off to my room for an early night.
Early on Saturday morning I jumped out of bed full of the zest for life and flung open the curtains. ‘Twas a glorious site. The trees and ground were covered in an untouched blanket of snow. The only signs of life were the tiny prints the red squirrels left as they clambered up the trees to their food house.
Over breakfast we were briefed the day’s run. There were three options: An eight-mile, 12-mile or a 16-mile run. I courageously (OK, foolishly) signed up for the latter.
Ruth MacKenzie was our guide for the day. A fitness instructor by day, Ruth has an impressive fitness CV and successfully participates in duathlons and hill running races.
I was doing my usual dilly-dallying about, when my group took off without me. Thankfully the footprints in the snow were easy to follow. Mind you, a sprint start isn’t the best warm-up for long run.
Crossing fields of dense snow, even the Highland cows looked at us as if we were daft. The route alone was an exciting adventure. We ran along trails and roads, passed beautiful waterfalls, slid on ice, stomped through muck, tumbled down steep descents, gasped on inclines, crossed bridges and jumped fences – watch out for the electric ones. Squirrels played in trees, birds flew overhead and red deer came down from the hills. The charm of the surroundings and the team spirit amongst the group made it an enchanting experience. Although there was different levels of speed, everyone stayed together.
After covering 16-miles and climbing nearly 2200ft, we arrived back at base for a nutritious feast and well-deserved steaming shower.
Saturday afternoon was free time. Participants could choose to relax, take advantage of a one-to-one discussion with Mel or Fraser or sign up for a session with the on site sports masseuse or podiatrist. There was also the option of using the spa facilities at the Hilton Craigendarroch. Of course, no weekend break would be complete without a spot of retail therapy, so Neil organised trip to nearby Ballater. One of the comedy highlights of the weekend was when one of the London gals asked me if there was a shopping centre there. I’m not convinced she picked up on the sarcasm when I told her there was a Prada and Louis Vuitton store.
Early on Saturday evening we gathered meet with Dr Chris Fenn, one the UK’s leading nutritionalists, who advises top athletes on how to achieve peak performance through nutrition. On her own advice Dr Fenn has cycled America’s coast-to-coast, climbed Kilimanjora twice, trekked to the Everest Base Camp and designed the diets for the British Everest Expedition. So, we sat up and paid attention as our previous knowledge was torn to shreds. Forgot energy bars, drinks and gels. Dr Fenn taught us the evils of caffeine, processed foods and sugary snacks. She advised us on: how to boost mental and physical energy through a natural and nutritious diet; what ingredients to avoid; and how to develop new eating habits.
All the meals at the RTH weekend were based on Dr Fenn’s guidelines. The food alone was worth the trip. The chef provided the most delicious and nutritious array of cuisine that any top-class restaurant would be proud to serve. Homemade bread, fresh soup, salmon, venison, fresh vegetables and rhubarb crumble. The buffet-style breakfast and lunch displayed a variety of mouth-watering and well-deserved dishes. Not only was it very good for you, it was all included in the price. All dinner time there was also the opportunity to buy beer and wine. Hey, you’ve got to balance the bad with good.
Sunday morning was the last run of the weekend. The snow had fallen heavy overnight. News reports informed us that motorways were blocked, trains were cancelled and airports closed. Well, if we were stuck we may as well enjoy being snowed in. Prior to the run, snowmen were built and dressed and snowball wars began.
When all the hilarity was over, we stood around shivering in our wet clothes waiting to embark on a jaunt thought the thickest snow I’ve ever seen. You really start to question your sanity when you remember you not only volunteered for it, but you’re paying for the pleasure.
We set off in our packs for another six-mile run. We walked the first ascent as a warm-up. A welcome relief as most people had tender legs. Through the forest we giggled like big kids, as we tumbled down through the snow. But on exposed tracks, the strong winds and horizontal sleet battered against our frozen faces. I probably looked like a cross between a smurf and Carrie, as a I muttered and swore my way along the course. Not a pretty sight. Even a snarling guard dog quivered away in fear. Ah, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
The grand finale was the “optional” hill bounding session. A technique mastered and endorsed by Mel Edwards, which involved hill reps with high knees-up, whilst touching down light on the balls of your feet. Mel had the grace and flight of a ballet dancer. We looked like something from the Thriller video on fast-forward.
After all that it was time for the last dunk in the shower, before packing and heading down for lunch and a brief feedback session..
It’s a fabulous weekend away. Although it was tough, it was a fantastic and exhilarating experience. The location was perfect and the advice was more than beneficial. It was great to spend time with people of similar interests and aspirations and chat about running without the fear of boring your listener rigid.
Armed with a head full of advice, a battered body and some great tips, I left camp late Sunday afternoon. Since then I’ve added some recovery runs to my schedule and dabbled in some hill bounding – albeit half-heartedly. I mastered the art of running down hill and I even toyed with the idea of stretching. I haven’t quite got round to abstaining from caffeine and I’m still partial to a bag of jelly babies. Hey, one step at a time.
Fact box
Weekend breaks run throughout the year and cost from £178 per person. The price includes accommodation, expert advice, guided runs and all meals.
There are also race breaks based around participation in top highland events, such as the Balmoral Road Races, the Ballater 10mile race, the Loch Ness Festival of Running and the Lumphanan Detox 10k. Personal guided running tours can also be arranged from £20 per hour, per person.
For further information, visit www.runningthehighlands.com, call 08451-577422 or email neil@runningthehighlands.com.
