The West Highland Way Race
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| Author | Comment |
Drama Queen
Apr 11, 08 - 3:21 AM |
How are the Virgins feeling?
As I sit here, awaiting my first run in what might be 6 weeks, there is roughly 10 weeks until the off. I know I am concerned about my fitness levels (don't worry, I have a plan) but I was wondering how the virgins in particular were feeling? And now I am considering the thoughts of those who have started but not the completed the full distance are feeling? What is going through your minds? How are you feeling about the whole enormity of the event? Exciting isn't it! |
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George Reid
Apr 11th, 2008 - 4:02 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
I like it that I am once again a virgin. If I did not have around 160 miles of racing to do in the next ten weeks I might be more excited, I suspect the excitement will grow big time after the Fling. I am concerned by my Hydration/Nutrition as do seem to be getting an upset stomach on longer distances lately not sure what has changed, so will be happy if the fling goes well on new eating drinking plan. So in just over 2 weeks will I be feeling good or shitting my self watch this space???? |
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Mike Thomson
Apr 11th, 2008 - 4:18 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Having had to pull out & not make the starting line last year,I just hope i can get there this time & really am not even considering the difficulty of the race (yet). Like advice for the race itself just focussing on a bit at a time, thus being fit enough/uninjured to complete the fling is enough for now. |
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Murdo McEwan
Apr 11th, 2008 - 8:04 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
I hope nobody misinterprets the title of this thread...... It is, as ever, phrased ever so diplomatically. For what it is worth I personally am feeling wretched; but I guess that DQ has no interest at all in how I am feeling.   Murdo
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Drama Queen
Apr 11th, 2008 - 8:08 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
From a personal point of view, I am deeply interested and concerned with how you are feeling Murdo. You know that. In terms of this thread however, bugger off. You are far from being a virgin. In fact, I have heard you have been about a bit. |
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Murdo McEwan
Apr 11th, 2008 - 8:23 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
You're absolutely right (as nearly always) DQ, esp. with regard to your recommendations on good quality beers. And I'm an old boot and have no right to be contributing to this debate. Regarding the thread under discussion, though, it would indeed be good to hear how the Virgins are feeling / shaping up. How is morale? How are the nerves? How are those niggling twinges that may or may not materialise into Big Injury? Is the training / mental preparation going to plan? Are you excited by it all? Have you got your head round the enormity of the adventure? Have you got your food / drink regime sussed? etc and so on. So many questions. So few answers. So much to look forward to............. Murdo
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Jon Cornall
Apr 11th, 2008 - 9:35 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
DQ I am generally feeling good. I took part in the group run last week -albeit starting 1 hour before and finishing 1hr 30 after the main group. Thanks very much Jan and Aileen for the support throughout. I have run the same route again this week but over two days. My food intake has been sorted out. I am relying on bread, soup, stew, jelly babies, Zym and water. I have a slightly dodgy knee at the moment which, hopefully, is just a slight twist. Physio tommorrow to confirm. I am looking forward to the Fling and the WHWR itself. Can't wait to start and chase down the main pack (just joking). Busy now sorting out sponsorship for Cancer Research UK. justgiving.com/jonathancornall if anyone is interested. I realise lots of us are after sponsorship. I CAN'T WAIT FOR 1AM 21 JUNE.  Jon C |
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Mags Turnbull
Apr 11th, 2008 - 10:00 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Have to admit to feeling a bit sick everytime I think about lining up at the tunnel. Last year I thought I could do anything I set my mind to. "Failure is not an option" was my mantra - but I pulled out at Black Rock Cottage. What happened there then? Messes with your mind to have DNF after your name. So - a lot less cocky this year and a lot more cautious. It's a bit like having a baby - first one, everyone tells you it's going to hurt. Second time, you KNOW it's gonna hurt. Ignorance is bliss.... |
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Mike Mason
Apr 11th, 2008 - 10:30 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Hope this cheers you all up..I am feeling GREAT! Last years injuries sorted. Training going well. No booze or meat has seen me drop 10 pounds. I look like a buff and chiseled Brad Pitt. Plus the fact you will all see me at every flaming checkpoint so that I can urge you on with words of encouragement and hand signs ..(for Ian Rae).... yes life is good...ok has that made you all feel better? ps I will be cheering up Dario at every checkpoint as well. Keeping him motivated with banter and wit...I can't flaming wait. Oh yes - not running this year...  But supporting Jon Steele and navigating him around Arran probably.... |
Tim
 Apr 11th, 2008 - 10:37 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Dunno about the rest of you but it's a long time since I felt a virgin... 
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Dario Melaragni
Apr 11th, 2008 - 10:59 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
I feel like a virgin most days, however I can never persuade one to to join me!
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Drama Queen
Apr 11th, 2008 - 11:35 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
You two take your potty mouths and minds elsewhere. We will have none of that kind of thing here if you please. Anyway virgins, as you were saying... |
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Keith Hughes
Apr 11th, 2008 - 12:46 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
How appropriate - especially for Mr Mason.. I made it through the wilderness Somehow I made it through Didnt know how lost I was Until I found you I was beat incomplete Id been had, I was sad and blue But you made me feel Yeah, you made me feel Shiny and new Chorus: Like a virgin Touched for the very first time.. |
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Jeff
Apr 11th, 2008 - 10:54 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
How do I feel, depends on the day! After Easter week on the way I was very scared but hopefully Devil's Staircase will not have snow and howling wind as it did when I tackled it then. To agree with a previous post ignorance is bliss. If I truely understood the enormity of what I've signed up for I may never make it to Milngavie. However training is going pretty well, I've remained injury free and am crossing everything that I can stay that way. The long and the short of it is I can't wait to get started so I can once and for all see if I'm capable of getting through WHWR. So a one word answer to the original question is probably......... EXCITED! |
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Richard
Apr 12th, 2008 - 12:51 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Hi Nice to have someone ask the question!! I was feeling mentally great having done BoO to F W with Mike Thomson last mmonth. But yesterday really struggled to run four hours for Milngavie to Balmaha so feeling apprehensive (did have a stomach bug on Thursday though) Have not got a clue about food yet and hydration is a really mixed bag. Feeling a healthy mix of dread, awe, fear, uncertainty and excitement. Richard |
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Richard
Apr 13th, 2008 - 1:19 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Going totally mad!! For some reason got it inbot my head that the cut of for Rowardennan was 5 hrs - just re-read the info and am much happier but now trying to decide between an IQ test and a drink. |
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Phil Robertson
Apr 13th, 2008 - 2:18 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
More nervous about getting to the start line unscathed than the race itself to be honest! I know that all things being equal, I will finish. It's just the keeping all things equal bit I'm worried about! Thanks for asking! |
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Drama Queen
Apr 14th, 2008 - 3:03 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
That's it folks. Just keep it coming. You will feel better for sharing it with everyone. And will draw strength from realising that everyone else feels the same way. Just lie back on the couch and tell me about the first thing that comes to mind when I say...95 miles. |
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Tim
Apr 14th, 2008 - 3:46 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
"Just lie back on the couch and tell me about the first thing that comes to mind when I say...95 miles." A nice day out jogging... Actually, only half kidding. I think one of the keys to finishing is to NOT let yourself be overwhelmed by the enormity of the distance. After all, how hard is it to run 1 mile? Just another 94 to go... |
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Jon Cornall
Apr 14th, 2008 - 6:24 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
...and when you get to BoO its all down hill from here!!!!!!!!
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Drama Queen
Apr 14th, 2008 - 6:51 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Except for the up hill bits anyway |
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Jon Cornall
Apr 14th, 2008 - 7:59 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
There are hills???!!!! Are they in the contract? |
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Drama Queen
Apr 14th, 2008 - 8:09 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
You are contracturally obliged to at least tackle them Jon. |
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Keith Hughes
Apr 14th, 2008 - 8:50 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
I agree with Tim.. It is not really 95 miles... It is a marathon to Rowaradennon for breakfast.. Then a little 2 hr trot on a nice path to meet some lovely people from the Rescue team.. Then a 9 mile yomp on a peaceful lochside goat track to meet up with your support crew for late morning tea / early lunch. Then a wee hill ignoring Crianlarich before having a bit of a massage. A couple more hours, a bit of a hill then you have the whole of the wonderful Rannoch Moor in front of you .. You can chat with your support runner if you want, they get to tell you how great you are. After that well you get to Kingshouse, you've done 72 miles, and it is only really 2 more hills and less than a marathon till the end.. Have something to eat then CRACK ON ! What else are you going to do ? After the second hill you have less than 14 miles to go .. Thats a piece of cake - the goblet awaits and all the hard work of the last 6mths will all pay off.
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Phil Robertson
Apr 14th, 2008 - 11:48 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Keith... Love it! Cheers Phil |
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Murdo McEwan
Apr 14th, 2008 - 12:42 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
From the way you so eloquently describe it, Keith, I reckon on taking about 6 hours. That's allowing for a few things not going to plan. Otherwise should be about 5; or 4 if the wind is helping us along. A bit of healthy competition should bring it down to 3 1/2. So...... hopefully the Ft Wm Leisure Centre will be open @ 04:30 hrs Saturday for a relaxing swim. Dream on..... Murdo
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Murdo McEwan
Apr 14th, 2008 - 2:06 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Hmmmmm. But Jez took 15:44. Must have had a disaster of a run. Should have done a slice over 2 hours if things had gone to plan for him. Murdo
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Drama Queen
Apr 15th, 2008 - 1:11 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Thank you Murdo for bringing us all back into the real world with a bump. Are the virgins still feeling confident? |
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Jon Cornall
Apr 15th, 2008 - 4:27 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Supremely confident. Not necessarily well founded though.
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Dave Waterman
Apr 15th, 2008 - 5:39 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Confidence is a funny thing. I remember a discussion I had with a fellow runner in 2006, the first year I ran the WHW. He asked me if I was confident and I answered no. If the race had been 50 miles, yep I would have been confident. But confident that I had another 45 in me and that I had the mental and physical capacity to overcome all the things that might happen me? No. I was confident I was gonna give it my best shot, but that was it. The fella I was chatting with was supremely confident even though it was his first time too. He said to me 'All you gotta do is keep putting one foot in front of the other.' He made it as far as Rowardennan. So I think the point of this is don't mistake confidence for disregard. Be confident that you're gonna give it your best shot and be confident that you'll meet some great people and be involved in a magnificent event. But respect is the watchword. |
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Paul
Apr 16th, 2008 - 3:54 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
"After the second hill you have less than 14 miles to go .. Thats a piece of cake.." If only it was that simple. 2005, first WHW race, Kinlochleven, 14 miles to go, feeling great...........then the wheels fell off. I staggered to Lundavra, took about 2 1/2 hours, I was hallucinating, cold, being eaten alive by midges and really unsure I could carry on......fear of not being able to collect my goblet, fear of having to come back and try again in a year's time plus a toffee crisp and a Lucozade Sport persuaded me I needed to try and I set off into the most amazing electrical storm I've ever encountered (plus torrentail rain - the path became a raging torrent - at least in my fevered mind...). It was brillaint!!!, and I did finish, eventually.... I don't want to put anyone off, but 7 miles to go from Lundavra felt like I was about to scale Everest....be positive certainly, but don't ever get over confident at any stage! |
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Tim
Apr 16th, 2008 - 9:19 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Come on now Paul, that little shower was the best bit of the 2005 race! Fingers crossed we get similar weather this year.
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Drama Queen
Apr 16th, 2008 - 9:53 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Can I just Hi to Nom. Nice to have you onboard. |
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Paul
Apr 16th, 2008 - 10:43 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Tim, of course you are right, I loved the storm, completely took my mind off how bad I was feeling. The lightning also helped us see where we were going. If Dario could arrange that for the night sections again it would be perfect. |
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Keith Hughes
Apr 16th, 2008 - 11:53 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
That last 14 miles is a piece of cake ?? Oh how we forget, just looked at my 2002 time for K'leven to Ft William - 5:58:54 ... I remember going through Lundavra thinking never again... But did get my first goblet, well actually it is a whisky glass which is very bizarre ! The idea is to keep going and just get the next step, hill, checkpoint or whatever .. Or in the words of the subversive one - Crack ON ! 
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Gavin Melville
Apr 16th, 2008 - 2:24 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Further to Dave's comment, Confidence is a funny thing! Up until our last run from Tyndrum to FW i was feeling pretty confident and had even allowed myself to think of possible sub 24 hour times! Following our run i have returned firmly to my "just get to the finish" plan. My turning point was half way up the climb out of Kinlockleven, it was hard enough having run 27 miles, i can't imagine how its going to feel on race day after 80 miles!!! So in answer to the original question, it's fair to say that this virgin is get pretty overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge. But the challenge is why we do it and i can't wait to take it on. |
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Drama Queen
Apr 16th, 2008 - 2:34 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Funny enough Gavin, that bit, and others in the second half, might be a little easier than you think because you are just numb...if you are lucky. Honestly, there comes a point where it doesn't matter what the Way throws at you. You are just in second gear and will continue like that until the end. Up, down or flat doesn't matter. You have a speed and it isn't going to change. You have a level of pain and that doesn't alter either. As Fiona has been saying, just try and enjoy it. Remember, you have paid money for the pleasure of doing it after all. |
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George Reid
Apr 17th, 2008 - 1:14 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Well this virgin is feeling like crap this morning. I have been nursing a Piriformis injury for months its been on the mend, I did a Paarlauf session with club on tuesday night and of course got carried away with the competition, went out on my LSR last night and crashed and burned had to walk the last 5 miles home, Not a happy camper with the highland Fling only 9 days away. So now its major wibble time as am looking for the Fling as a confidence booster for the WHW race, not sure what the next few days will bring now.
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Brian Mc
Apr 17th, 2008 - 1:30 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Not so good George - hope you are OK for the Fling. What's a paarlauf session by the way? |
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George Reid
Apr 17th, 2008 - 2:18 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Sorry Paarlauf session I think I have spelt it correctly. It means running in pairs its can be like a team version of Fartlek, Lots of ways to do it but what we did on tuesday was run round football field once at race pace and time everyone in then pair up fastest with slowest. We then run round half the football field as fast as possible and tag our partner you then run across the middle of football field and again get tagged by partner. So running flat out around the field then recovery as you run across the field, it works the Lactate system build and recover build and recover. But as you are all close together it can get a bit competetive. |
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Drama Queen
Apr 17th, 2008 - 2:27 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
We are brothers in Piriformis George. Sorry to hear yours is causing grief. My Glute is almost repaired and we are starting to tackle the Piriformis. Take it easy. Take the next 9 days off. You are not going to get any fitter. Give the Fling a go after that. I'll be at the finish to cheer you in mate. |
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George Reid
Apr 17th, 2008 - 3:40 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Cheers for that DQ I have Physio booked for 9am tomorrow will see what they say from their. Have a Scottish Athletics course all weekend so will tell them I am injured and avoid too much practical work just in case. Apart from that will trust to the healing properties of Guinness. |
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Andy Cole
Apr 17th, 2008 - 5:54 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Scary all this injury talk. But in spite of his encouraging words, DQ has a bit to answer for too - unless you already have, don't watch his video!! Last year I developed an injury which stopped me doing any running at all for the last 4 weeks before the race. My thoughts ranged from "no way should I start 95 miles with a limp" to "well if this guy can do 90 miles of it with a broken ankle, I'm just being a wimp". I learned two things from this experience... 1. If you decide you're going to finish, you probably will. 2. It might hurt a bit. |
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Drama Queen
Apr 17th, 2008 - 7:20 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
I refuse to be held accountable for that video. It was all done with mirrors. If I put my hand in the fire is everyone going to do that as well. You are right Andy. You want it enough, you will finish. No matter what happens, but it does help to be a stupid, pig headed idiot as well. |
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Drama Queen
Apr 19th, 2008 - 4:06 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Come on Virgins. Let's have less of this sitting back not wanting to say anything. Spill the beans. Trust me, you will feel better for talking about it. |
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Davie Bell
Apr 19th, 2008 - 7:11 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
I just can't wait for these nine weeks to fly by and get on the way,every twinge I'm feeling at the moment I seem to multiply it by ten and start panicking at the thought of not making the start line knowing these twinges are nothing more than simple wee twinges, I am becoming paranoid,so roll on the 21st June before I end up a paranoid hypochondriac, who is not bad at spelling.
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Phil Robertson
Apr 20th, 2008 - 4:32 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Like lots of you, I'm doing the Fling on Saturday. Thought it would be a good opportunity to get a long run in and recce the first half of the Way. Still think it's a good idea, but am nervous about twisting/breaking/pulling something. The thought in my head is 'treat it as a training run' but you know what races are like! What's been hard is knowing whether to do a kind of mid-training mini-taper or whether to keep training at a normal level. In the end I decided to taper a bit over the last 2 weeks and plan to build up after a week of slow short runs the week after the Fling. Sorry, I'm rambling. Today's answer to the initial thread question is "nervous". Looking forward to seeing a few of you there though
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Michael Tanner
Apr 20th, 2008 - 12:21 PM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
My feelings over the past week have varied from apprehensive to anxious to worried to scared. This is firstly built on a severe bout of ‘man-flu’ where I tried to run too far one night and I think I bonked. Secondly I had a little recce of the route mixed in with a wee family holiday in Onich exploring Bridge of Orchy onwards. Running Rannoch Moor and Altnafeadh to Kinlochleven etc were all reasonable enough although the terrain was a tad trickier than I was expecting. However the bit that kept freaking me out was how am I going to deal with this after 20+ hours of running. So the enormity of it was all a bit overwhelming for a few days but it has been a good process to go through. A key turning point was deciding to delve into some of the running blogs and read particularly Marco’s thoughts on the climb out of Kinlochleven. Also Dave Waterman’s comments on his thoughts prior to his first WHW mirror my own levels of confidence so I wouldn’t go so far as to say I feel I am in good company but that that at least I am not the only one. Hydration stuff I’m happy with, still want to try some more real foods on long runs but what seems to be key for me is to not eat too much at once. Despite the general tone of this post I am really looking forward to the race but I am just wary of all the potential pit falls. I feel that around 30 hours is a good target for me and so if anybody has any thoughts on how that could break down that would be really helpful. |
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George Reid
Apr 21st, 2008 - 12:45 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Well the Physio was not very suportive of the Idea of the Fling this weekend. So solution find another Physio, seeing him tomorrow although at this time I think I am going for a long walk on the weekend and enjoying the day best I can. |
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Brian Mc
Apr 21st, 2008 - 4:55 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Sorry to hear about that George. Do you think you might put the main event at risk if you compete during the Fling? |
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George Reid
Apr 21st, 2008 - 5:47 AM |
Re: How are the Virgins feeling?
Hi Brian. I will see how it goes this week and after Physio. This was too be my bigest weekend training with the fling and Lochaber back to back, and a plan to pop up the Ben on monday as off work till Wednesday. I am in great shape apart from piriformis and associated muscles issue, if that makes any sense, You are of course correct WHW is the main event of my year everything else is just training but I really wanted this weekends training, I will turn up regardless and will help out on the day as required if I cant run. |
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