June 9th-10th was the Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon. Four of us embarked to Scotland for the weekend; Richard and John and Pete and I. We were all to embark on the C class …. 45 k of orienteering, carrying everything required for the night.
Even though we did the C class, this is by no means an easy option. Throughout the weekend we ploughed up and down mountains, over cols, through rivers, locating about 6 controls each day. The legs were often long and route choice was really tricky. One thing that struck me on this mountain marathon was that you could start out to a control and walk up a huge mountain, along a plateau, to a col … and then you’d have an amazing view, but realise that your next control was actually the other side of a massive mountain on the other side of the valley. Quite incredible.
My partner unfortunately wasn’t quite as fit as me, so I think I could have gone a bit faster. We came 61st in the end (130+ teams) and I could still walk the next day, so I obviously didn’t run him hard enough! Richard and John came 19th … pretty good.
We were out for about 12 hours in total … need improvement for next year! If anyone who reads this needs a partner, let me know! .. or for the KIMM this year … let me know!
Another great performance Rachel – Awesome Job!
Hey, is that a balloon model I think I can see in your pack??? π
You look knackered. I presume this was either a mid event or post event photo. If it had been taken at the start you would have stood no chance in completing the course.
Well done.
Pete, Dave,
Firstly, yes, that is a balloon model in my bag! On mountain marathons we use balloon beds, which weigh about 80 g or something silly and consist of a silk liner with 6 baffles in; the idea is to stick a balloon in each and sleep on it. They are actually really comfy and you only hear a couple bursting per night! It also provides an excellent opportunity to have balloon animals on rucksacks the day after. This specimen was a flower, at the Highlander I had a parrot! The photo was post-event…. just before the devouring of a fine Wilf’s jacket potato…. of which I’m sure you know well!
Next time we need pictures of the balloon animal too! π
Better, a video clip of you making yours – hopefully (with) explosive results… π
It’s Richard who is the maker of balloon animals … not me! He used to work in a circus!
Now if you wanted a practically zero gram alternative, use bubble wrap … works a treat, and I promise it doesn’t pop in the middle of the night!
Remember balloon break on the grass. π
They burst on thistles mainly! my husband is a retired balloon artist too … but even he was impressed by some of your creations, but moaned that he just couldn’t get the shear variety of balloon sizes anymore … so I’m stuck with flowers, dogs, peas in pods and a bit of building architecture when he feels like it..