It’s been two years since the annual hill running weekend has taken place, so demand
was high! 34 runners made the journey up to Pitlochry for an action-packed programme
of activities.
Saturday morning kicked off with coach Malcy’s customary Paarlauf event in Blackspout
Wood, just down the road from the youth hostel. Paarlauf is a training session ideally
suited to all levels of runners who are put in pairs of similar ability. The undulating,
wooded course offered the elite competitors a dynamic, fast-paced challenge whilst
allowing those encountering this session for the first time a chance to familiarise
themselves with the terrain to run against the clock.
With just enough time to digest lunch and consume large volumes of home baking, it
was time for activity number 2: ‘The Hunt.’ This is quite simply a big game of tig for
grown-ups which takes place out on a hillside, in an outlawed hare and hound type
scenario, covering 2.5 sq km’s of tussock and bog. It’s a great way of running around
unrunnable ground whilst hunting down your ‘target’. High viz vests are used to attract
attention. If ‘caught’ then you become the hare…and so it goes on….and on. One of our
newest members Alex has been quoted as saying ‘it’s the most fun I’ve had in my entire
adult life!’
Food and drink is a key component of any hill runners gathering and this year was no
exception. The catering team (TJ, Bill and Rod) provided delicious meals throughout the
weekend. Homemade lasagnes, pies and hostel-baked focaccias were washed down with
the usual healthy volume of beer, wine and the odd whisky. Hill running legends Alan
Smith and Des Crowe made guest appearances whilst ex world champ and honorary
Shett, Angela Mudge, partook in all the usual banter, laughs and anecdotes. Oh yes,
squeezed (literally) between the hunt and dinner was a yoga session delivered by Kelly
Ludwig. You’ll be surprised to hear that is it possible to squeeze 30 yoga mats into a
SHA dining room!
On the Sunday morning, it was time for everyone to clear out the hostel and head out for
the weekend finale: the Shett Sunday Run. It was back up to the previous day’s hunt
crime scene, Ben Vrackie, but this time in the pouring rain and wind! Three of our
wisest, most experienced members, Steve, Bill and captain Malcy were drafted in to lead
three different routes on the hill to cater for everyone’s running needs and levels of
hangover. Despite the miserable conditions, all three groups summited Vrackie and the
team leaders ensured this was well documented. And after a final re-group to hoover up
the last of the baking, it was time to say farewell and head home.
Big shout out to all those responsible for making the weekend such a huge success
particularly TJ for all the behind the scenes planning and organisation. Thank you to
everyone for joining in to make the weekend so memorable and fun! Fantastic also to
welcome our newest members who have embraced the world of hill running so
enthusiastically!
Big shout out to all those responsible for making the weekend such a huge success
particularly TJ for all the behind the scenes planning and organisation. Thank you t
everyone for joining in to make the weekend so memorable and fun! Fantastic also to
welcome our newest members who have embraced the world of hill running so
enthusiastically!
