Part 1 of my 2026 Autumn FKT Trilogy.
First up is the classic Scottish trail The Dava Way.
Started just after 11 am to a cool and mild breeze with a touch of drizzle at times.
I know the pace had to be fairly stout to keep up with Javis time. I've raced him a few times and he quite often gets the better of me. I had his big smiling face hovering over me for over 2hours!
Quick pee stop first mile took away 30secs. Grantown-on-Spey has limited toilet options and I just wanted to get moving.
My fitness has dipped these last couple months from injury so this was a good test for what's to come this Autumn.
Fuelled well with 2x homemade honey cyclic Dex gels, 2x gummies and 5x salt tabs with 1L of water.
Carried it all and didn't stop, except for the multiple gates I had to open.
Felt strong to mile 19 then the wheels started to loosen. Pushed on, dug deep and maintained the 3 plus minutes advantage coming into town.
Garmin watch time was 2hrs 40mins 22secs.
This is a fast and runnable route and I'm sure it can go lower. The 50k ultra in November has some faster (supported) times on this route.
When this time goes lower I'd like to give it another bash with a better level of fitness to improve it.
Thanks to wifey for dropping me at start and meeting me at finish with a thermos of tea and warm clothes. My original plan was to cycle it one way first or even take the 3 buses! Downside of these point to point ones is logistics. I owe her dinner now.