TTC 2016 - International Training Camp!

17/09/2016 Thore's photo album is at this link.

13/09/2016 Eddie's photos added to the album (link at end of post)

The 10th annual Trossachs Training Camp also had a number of firsts. First time in the Leny Estate log cabins and first time we had an international participation with four Swedish friends (who I know through work) travelling over from Gothenburg just for the TTC. We also had a full house with 32 signed up (although one had to withdraw at the last minute) and the only thing that looked like spoiling the party was the weather forecast for Friday evening.

Billy Buchanan at the family seat

Unfortunately the forecast proved to be correct with wind and rain of monsoon proportions arriving as the afternoon progressed. By the time we had gathered for the first run, the weather was horrendous (another first for a Friday evening TTC run!). Fortunately, Billy Buchanan's arrival was somewhat delayed and although he encouraged us by phone to go without him, there was no way he was going to be allowed to sit in comfort in his cabin whilst we battled the elements. By the time Billy arrived, the rain seemed to have eased slightly, so off we set half an hour late. The easing rain was only an illusion though and we were soon soaked and fighting a very strong wind. The rivers and burns were all in spate and worsening by the minute. The first run involved three different routes; Russell's pack had a low level route of about 6k down by the river (perhaps not the best option in the conditions!), Frances took her pack on a 10k route around Bochastle, Invertrossachs Road and the (by now flooded) Meadows, Eddie and I took our packs on a high level 11k route (extremely exposed) along the Falls of Leny and up the Ben Ledi path to return via the high level forest road to Bochastle. Everyone was definitely ready for a hot shower (if they could work out how to operate it) in their luxury cabins and a hearty dinner at the Lade Inn after that! Although the cabins were only a short walk from the Lade Inn, we reverted to cars due to the weather. We were then treated to the usual extremely high standard of food served by Frank Park and family. We also had the rare sight of seeing someone who could genuinely call 6 foot 6 David Herbertson "wee man" as the young waiter was a genuine 7 feet tall! The good news was that by the time we left the Lade Inn, stars were visible in the sky (drinking after a hard run can have that effect!).

Stephen Phimister having fun up the Crags

The next morning dawned clear and sunny and the forecast was for this to remain. Perfect! The morning runs were all hill runs of varying severity. Russell and his pack were on a 10k run to the Bracklinn Falls and back whereas the rest of us headed further upwards and onwards to the hills high above the Bracklinn Glen. From there we descended on the single track road, Frances' pack continuing down the road and back through Callander via the "High Road" for a total of about 12.5k whilst Eddie and I climbed yet higher off-road with our packs and up to the 1897 Queen Victoria cairn atop the Callander Crags for a 15k run. This was true hill running with muck, myre and rocks to cross on the way to the top. Knowing that Eddie had never been up the Crags, I was a little concerned that he might find a new route up (aka, get lost), so was planning on waiting on his pack before ascending. At this point Julie Beveridge made the brilliant suggestion that we should turn around and run back downhill to meet Eddie rather than just standing. This was not a popular suggestion with Stephen Phimister who had the counter suggestion that Julie keep her ideas to herself in future! Of course, I preferred Julie's suggestion.

Alison Lessells strings out the pack at the top

Having collected Eddie and his pack we ascended at our own pace. The view from the top was fantastic prompting many photos, not least from Thore, Mats and Ljote who were truly impressed with the Trossachs scenery (although the climb was tougher than they were used to). It was then time to practice fast, rough descending, a Stephen Phimister specialty. Some were less confident than others but everyone seemed to enjoy letting gravity take the strain for a while.

With temperatures now hitting 20C, the afternoon was shaping up nicely for the running form and core stability sessions. Surprisingly we seemed to be at a warm weather training camp in Scotland and a few of us ended up with slight sun burn! This we did not expect.

Post-lunch sun bathing at cabin Ferguson

Stable cores!

The running form session was well received (particularly when I tripped over a rope ladder demonstrating a drill) and gave a few participants some pointers for improvement. I was particularly pleased that my Swedish friend Johan, who had arrived with arthritis in the knee and a medical recommendation not to run, found that modifying his running style resulted in no pain in his knee and he completed all the sessions except the long Sunday run (which he did on a mountain bike) . Hopefully he can continue to make good progress when back in Sweden. Eddie then proceed to torture one and all with a series of excellent core stability exercises, culminating in a demonstration of his own core strength with a fine head stand.

The afternoon sessions ended with a light, introduction to threshold running on the "flat" railway line, a short distance from the cabins. After a few more hours of relaxation, it was time to head to the Lade Inn for dinner, this time in much better weather. The evening culminated with a surprise speech and presentation by Johan on behalf of his 3 friends and club (Tupp).  We were all truly humbled by Johan's speech and his kind words about the friendliness and welcome they received from Calderglen Harriers and, of course, the fantastic running. Myself, Frances, Russell and Eddie were presented with club pins and pendant which we were delighted to receive. Kenny then thanked us all for our efforts and we were off to the cabins (raining again, much to our surprise) to rest before an early morning start for the long runs.

My pack. Not even stopping for a photo!

Despite overnight rain, Sunday morning was dry and slightly overcast, perfect for the long runs. at 7:30 I drove Russell and his pack out to Brig O' Turk for an 8.5 mile run back to base along the south side of Loch Vennachar. Meanwhile, everyone else gathered for an 8am departure on the 16 mile "Loop O' the Loch". The first half on the south side is reasonably easy but the second half is a different story with a steep climb to start and then a roller coaster course at high level back towards Kilmahog. This was a run that tested everyone in one way or another but one that we managed through the motivation of Frances and Eddie and the sensible advice they gave to their packs during the run. I, on the other hand, gave my pack (Julie, Stephen and David), one 3 minute rest at half way. More than enough for such a quality pack, completing the 16 miles in around 2:17.

Frances' pack on completion of the long run

TTC 2016 concluded with another excellent buffet lunch from Cafe Albert and we were quickly showered, tidied up and gone. Despite some worries about how the new accommodation would work out, what problems the lack of a communal hall and eating area would give us and some concerns about the extra distance added to the long runs, the weekend went remarkably smoothly. This would not be possible without the calm, considerate and considerable assistance that Eddie, Frances and Russell give to me before, during and after the event and I cannot thank them enough for taking the strain off me at a time when I am under a lot of stress away from running. I was delighted that my four Swedish friends Johan, Thore, Mats and Ljote (actually a Norwegian) had such a great time and were made to feel so welcome by all the Harriers. I think we can expect an invite to Gothenburg in the near future for the GTC! Finally, I must thank all the Harriers from Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights for their sheer enjoyment and enthusiasm through the weekend. That's what makes the effort worth while. We all enjoyed the new venue and most likely we can say "We'll be Back"!

A few photos of the weekend are here. I shall add more as I receive them.

Alan

Fun in Motion!

Shall we move up to the North Wing next year?