With a good number waiting outside KB for the usual Wednesday night run we decided two groups were justified. Half followed Michael on his social 7 at 7, the remainder opting for a semi-social ’11 at 7′. We took in Blackford Hill, and then continued on familiar territory through the Hermitage, Braidburn Park and thence to Swanston. A steady paced ascent offered plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fragrant gorse and the usual friendly encounter with the highland cattle. We stopped briefly for a blether with fellow Carnethies Neil and Alan shortly before summiting Allermuir, and from there Caerketton. We took the downhill race route, descending as fast as each of us could manage with a break at the gate to re-group.
With tired legs starting to make their presence known, we slowed the pace on the return journey via Mortonhall, stopping at Liberton Tower to enjoy spectacular colour in the sky behind the Blackford Observatory. Unfortunately I neglected to get a photo.Back at KB we had covered around 11 miles and 2000ft in 2 hrs. Well done to all and good to see people pushing themselves a little harder – hope it wasn’t too much. A particular mention to Lucas who was simultaneously recovering from the Fling and (I believe) training for Stuc. A better man than me.It was also a pleasure to see Britton back in Edinburgh. Whilst he did mention something about a new job, I’m sure that the prospect of Wednesday night runs with Carnethy is what really gave Edinburgh the edge over California!
Chris Busby
The Very Easy Run
With the world turning up at 7pm, there were only 2 of us for the 7:30 easy run. Maybe everyone is getting faster, or less injured.
Richard and I headed for a Braid Burn run. Crossing by Blackford and heading on the south bank, past the Bluebell wood (will be glorious next week) to the end of Braidburn Park where we met half of the slower 7pm group. Then we headed back along the North Bank.
On the route back I decided to try an old route to Blackford Summit, so a crawl through a few gorse bushes saw us appear close to the top. then there was a quick run back and an extra loop of the car park to get strava to 5 miles!
Willie
After trailing at the back of the large social run group up Observatory Road I felt a slower run was in order. Lucy, Norman, Philippa, Pete came with me on a splinter slower run that passed near Blackford and Craiglockhart ponds. Newcomer Lucy was slightly concerned about being abducted as she led through secluded bushes and paths by bunch of strangers. We stuck together well until I wandered from my usual line up from Craiglockhart tennis centre and was abducted by a gully with too few handholds. Our group of 5 then split further into 4 fragments as Norman and Pete searched for me and Lucy and Philippa carried on to Wester Craiglockhart. Pete rescued me from the gully. We soon found Norman and timed it perfectly for a regroup with Lucy and Philippa before dashing for safety of home.
Around 8 miles.
Michael Wilkinson