TTC 2022 - Warm Weather Training Camp

And so TTC 2022 is over and out. The weather was unbelievably good and there was nothing to fear about our Dreadnought Hotel experience (except perhaps ghost stories and a few miles extra on the Sunday loop of Loch Venachar). We had a full house of 25 Harriers and friends of the Harriers covering a range of abilities and ages, including four first-timers. The Friday evening run was not the traditional route and was a little longer than usual (just short of 10k) but also had a lot less climbing and a good mix of trail, tarmac and grassy paths. The 4 packs were enthusiastically led by Russell, Frances, Eddie and myself with no (major) mishaps.

The weather on Saturday morning was spectacular with not a cloud in the sky. After the traditional TTC team photo in this year's T-shirt by the Teith we set off on another mixed terrain run of up to 10 miles with a good few ups and downs to contend with (no surprise there!). Having negotiated all of the tricky underfoot conditions without any problems, we did have one heavy fall on the straightest, smoothest forest road one could imagine, a muddy former puddle being the trigger for a full length slip. Fortunately the adrenalin kicked in and Ian was able to continue to the end with only a few scrapes and bruises. With DIY lunches introduced for the first time and the weather playing the game, we were able to rest in the sun for a few hours before commencing the afternoon activities. The hotel's lawn provided a nice (if rather public) venue for the drills and core session. However, I must say that the drills were carried out to a much higher standard than in previous years. It just shows that practice makes perfect, even if that practice is only once per year on the  TTC! The core stability circuit session was tough, producing an amazing range of contorted faces and hopefully also some inspiration to work on weaknesses by doing sessions like this at home too. After another period of relaxation, we (almost) all headed across the river to our new favourite "fun" relay venue in a large grassy field with excellent underfoot conditions. Carrying out a rep session in the form of a relay was less regimented and mixed the field up on every rep and seemed to be enjoyed by all. 

Finally, the most scenic and toughest of all TTC routes was now two miles longer than in recent years as the Sunday morning run now started and finished in Callander rather than out in the country. As if 16 miles wasn't far enough, the big hill was now a mile or so further in to the run, well beyond the half way point, adding to the fatigue. The weather was slightly cooler than on Saturday which was welcomed. Russell's pack did a slightly shorter out and back, uphill and downhill run, adjusting the actual distance to suit the varying levels of stamina within the group. This worked well. The other three packs did the full 16 miles and although all found it tough, the general opinion was one of satisfaction.

Evening dinner and refreshments were hosted by the Lade Inn as usual and hit the spot in terms of quality and quantity as is always the case. This was our first time in the Dreadnought Hotel on an accommodation only basis. This was clearly different to our previous TTC accommodation in the hostel or in the Leny estate cabins. But different does not mean worse and everyone seemed to be perfectly happy with the twin rooms and DIY breakfast arrangements kindly hosted by Eddie and Stephen. The manager, Leo, really enjoyed having us there and could not have been more helpful. So maybe this is a good option for the future, particularly if the hostel does not go back into business.

Thanks to all who made this TTC another resounding success, including the weather gods!

I have put my photographs in this album. Feel free to drop your photos in there and to use whichever ones you want.

Alan