Monday 27 February 2012

Race #1 of the Season - "Tiso" Carnethy 5 Hill Race

Date - 11th February 2012

'Tiso' Carnethy 5 Hill Race


About the race.

The race starts near Silverburn village, GR 211607 (OS Map 66), 10 miles SW of Edinburgh in Scotland. The senior course is approximately six miles with 2500' of ascent, covering five tops in the Pentland Hills to be run in the following sequence: Scald Law (1899'), South Black Hill (1840'), East Kip (1750'), West Kip (1806'), and returning via the Howe (900') to Carnethy (1890') - starting and finishing at the Old Kirk Road (900').  The course will be partially marked, but all competitors still need to have the necessary skills to cope with any navigational problems that may be encountered, whatever the weather.

The above statement was taken from the Carnethy Club website.

To view the route in Google Earth, then please the see the following  link.



Race Registration.


Views of "Carnthey 5".

With an approximate 600 metre sprint from the starting line, the runners start there ascent by passing through a metal gate. 

The following photograph shows the refreshment tent, where volunteers kindly provide both runners and spectators with complimentary tea, juice and biscuits.


The Starting Line.

This shows the runners starting to gather and prepare themselves for the competitive battle.




As the fell runners gather at the starting line, a field of "Lean Mean Fell Running Machines" get ready to fight it out and compete for there PB - "Personal Best". 

As the starting pistol is fired over 500 race competitors take to the hills.


As the runners start there first ascent towards "Scald Hill" - 579 metres, low cloud and mist starts to close in. 


Following a further ascent the second hill is reached "South Black Hill" - 563 metres.



As the runners dig there heels in deep, the third and fourth hills are reached "East Kip & West Kip" - 551 metres.

The descent down "West Kip" can be quite tricky during winter conditions. Where the only quickest way down, is on your butt !!!!.


At the base of "West Kip", where your butt feels as though you have just been kicked by a horse!!. The route evens out for approximately 800 meters, where the runners start there final and very steep ascent towards the summit of "Carnethy" via the "Howe". Half way up the ascent a Marshall kindly offers the fatigued runners, with "Jelly Baby - Candy's". 



After a tricky and steep descent down Carnethy. The runners battle it out for a final sprint through wild bracken and bog to the finishing line. 


A photograph showing my racing buddy Dave Hetherington and myself at the finishing line. I held front position until the end of the race, where Dave quickly passed me during the descent of Carnethy hill - Boo !!!  - Not that I am a poor loser !!


The following photograph shows my trusty and loyal Running Bergan and Fell Racing Shoes.


This one of Scotlands most famous and in demand fell running races, where registration, transportation and a hot meal is provided for a small fee. On behalf of all my fellow runners and myself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Volunteers, Marshalls, Kitchen Staff. Managment and Club Members. For there kind hospitalty and professionalism shown throughout the event. This was a great day to be enjoyed by all.

Thank you...

My chosen charity for 2012
"Pawz for Thought"


I have challenged myself to compete in one of  Scotlands most famous 54 mile Ultramarathons. Where I intend to raise funds for my chosen charity for 2012 - "Pawz for Thought". For further details on the charity's good work and how you could help to support there ongoing efforts, then please click on the above charity's website link. 

“Keep on Running & be Inspired”
  Darren Barnes
 Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner


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Sunday 5 February 2012

An Endurance Experiment

Date: Saturday 4th February 2012

Outside Temperature: Minus - 2* degree's

Weather Conditions: Clear Sky's, Cold with a daunting Wind Chill

My favourite radio station playing on my phone - 97.3FM Radio Brisbane Australia - "The Saturday Night Party Mix"

 I did this experiment to investigate new training methods and to see how my body would react while being under various stresses.  These stresses included de-hydration due to NO fluid
in-take, extreme out door temperatures and biting wind chill.

After a very tiring week at work  my energy levels were drained and I struggled to get myself motivated. However, as usual my self discipline and bloody mindedness got the better of me. After waking at 5 am in the morning, with severe cramp in my left calf muscle. I started to prepare my running kit and nutrition for my usual run that morning. 

There was a fight progressing within me, where my body had no intention of running, but my mind was fighting for the cause.


My breakfast consisted of  a bowl of Berry's, Dates, Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans, Peanuts & Raisins and several cups of Black Coffee.




After devouring my healthy breakfast,  it was time to change in to  my winter running kit and hit the road.




With early morning temperatures being around minus -2* degree's, I had every intention of running between 10 -15 miles. After about 15 minutes of running  the concoction of Berry's, Coffee Beans and Dates had kicked in.

My body was fuelled with overwhelming energy and endurance.


My route that morning took in the splendour of Tunstall Hills, this section was taken from my Endurance Run 1 - "The City of Sunderland 4 Peak Challenge". The route also included a tour of Burdon village, New Herrigton, The Barnes and Tunstall.


As the wind chill started to biting through my top and base layers, I was starting to feel early stages of hypothermia.

Please note: that this experiment excluded the consumption of any fluids, including water.


After completing 10:72 miles, with the effects of early stages of hypothermia. I thought that I would call it a day and take the opportunity of an inviting hot "Whirlpool" bath to re warm my cold inner body core and muscles.


My trusty watch



Outside temperature after my run, showing a promising  increase of 1.8* degree's




My body had stored enough energy to allow me to easily complete 20 miles, but on this occasion. The cold morning temperature and early stages of Hypothermia had won this fight, but mark my words. 
 I will fight on to run another day.

“Keep on Running & be Inspired”
  Darren Barnes
  Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner