I set off from Inverness just before 7am. The weather forecast was perfect for the weekend, cooler temperatures 12-15 degrees max and overcast. My running vest was loaded with around 2kg of gels for the entire route plus water and I definitely was feeling the weight of it on my shoulders.
Before I reached the Drumnadrochit I knew that the time I aimed for would be difficult to reach but I maintained a steady effort.
South of Drumnadrochit I followed a recently opened new section of the Great Glen Way, which was great as it avoided a section of the road.
The hills never end and my legs definitely felt it. The backpack was heavy but I knew that it would only get lighter with time.
I missed a turn at some point before the viewcatcher but retraced myself as I noticed it relatively quickly. Then I had a little tumble but was lucky to fall into some heather. Quickly sorted myself, got some caffeine bullets and pushed on to Invermoriston.
The final hilly section was brutal. Steep climb which was hard on my legs but gave me hope that soon enough the flatter section would come.
From Fort Augustus it was easier to maintain a batter pace but miles were passing by slowly.
Few locks in Laggan were open to let the boat in but one remain closed. So I pushed towards the Loch Lochy section which at this stage was quite challenging on my body. The final road section seemed to never end.
I reached the canals quite tired but kept my slow pace at this stage all the way back. Having some headphones for these final miles definitely helped me to distract myself from overthinking.
With one km to go I had to face a flooded path section. The path wasn’t closed to pedestrians and nothing could stop me at this stage. I checked my position on the map and walked through the water deep up to my calf.
I pushed the final stretch to finish just under 14h. Not the time I aimed for but still I’m very happy with my effort. This was definitely harder than expected.
I fuelled myself with mostly gels plus one rice crispy and few jelly babies, and two caffeine bullets.