JOGLE Ultra (Trans England) from John O'Groats to Lands End in 16 days 864 miles, England

03. stage at 04/22/2012 from Beauly to Spean Bridge, (day: 54.7miles / overall.: 175.2miles)

Today there were four groups. Since 6am one group per hour started. Well, actually it I was hard to call them groups, because I was my own group starting at 9am. So I can sleep long again. It was very strange to get up and start so late. After a good breakfast finally I was allowed to start. Also Tim O. and Katherine where going to start on their way home. According to the rules dropped out runners had to leave on the following day.

Today was the day with most altitudes. People had to be careful from beginning on, not to pass the turns. After arriving in Loch Ness it was simple. Just going straight. Rory told me I will see Nessie. But it seems the weather was too nice, so Nessie did not show up. It was almost possible to run in t-shirt. Also there was no rain, without some drops. At least I did not catch it. The runners behind me where showered in the end again. As yesterday I had passed all of them just past the third aid station. The whole way there were beautiful panorama views. Sadly the streets were a bit tricky. They were quiet idyllic, but also small and with a lot of curves. So it was hard to see the cars until the last moment. After Loch Ness we went besides Loch Lochy. Both are part of a group of lakes going all the way from east to west. They almost split away the north. Coming to the end of the day we saw Ben Nevis. It was the highest mountain of England. His 4409 feet (1344 m) high top was still covered with snow (Wikipedia). As I was told we were quite lucky, because most of the time it was covered by fog. If we get also snow during the next days?! I do not hope so, because it was already cold enough. Also the first people had shin splint. The bad weather was also not good for their healing.

At the finish I just had a few sandwiches and some hot tea. After I took a hot shower and was shopping. At 7:30pm at the dinner only Steve P., Andy W. and me had arrived.

Results:

Fotos of the day: