Kids on the run again

This morning was the last of three Garscube Harriers Schools X Country league races held at Mugdock, near Strathblane. Daughter, Miss Outdoors, was up for another muddy outing. Except today is was more of an ice rink than a mud bath. 

Miss Outdoors also said there were an number of bovine obstacles. "I was running along and there 

was this cow on the path," she told me afterwards. "It was quite funny but a bit scary too. I had to run round 

the cow." Well, she didn't seem too bothered by the extra hurdle and again crossed the finish line smiling. 

Again, Running Potter Rachel's Fabulous Running Daughter finished in a great time. She has improved a lot over the last year and she looked delighted with her time. Go girl!

It was fab to see so many youngsters up for a run on a freezing Saturday morning. Read my article about kids and running to find out why Garscube are a success story.

Reservoir blogs

I imagine that the Mugdock and Craigmaddie Reservoirs at Milngavie are going to feature frequently in this blog. Located just a few of miles from my home, they often provide a handy destination for a run that requires little thought or planning. 

But this is not to say that the route isn't fulfilling. While I am forced to run on pavements for the first stretch, within 15 minutes I'm on to the start of the West Highland Way (bizarrely the start is located in the middle of Milngavie shopping precinct, next door to a coffee shop!) From here it's easy-going trails and a few short ups through a section of the dog walking haven Mugdock Park. From there I head through Drumclog car park and across a road to the reservoirs.

According to those who claim to know, a figure eight around the longest perimeter of both lochs adds up to a total of 3 miles. I've never measured it so I've no idea if this is true but it feels about right. 

Reaching the reservoirs entrance I turn left and run the longest circuit possible taking in both lochs before heading back home again. I did this route yesterday and even managed to put in a burst of faster running for two-thirds of the reservoirs' circumference (the reason I could do this is because I know it's mostly downhill from leaving the reservoirs to getting home. Downhill momentum is a great thing!)

I'd often find myself at these lochs during training for my first marathon in October. Usually I'd underestimate the distance I needed to run during training and so I'd use up time and miles by running loops around the reservoirs. (Watch this blog for links to my marathon training diary as featured in The Scotsman.)

This might not sound like the most interesting running but actually the lochs are stunning. And despite being close to the suburb of Milngavie they feel quite countrified. Whatever the weather the waterscape provides a great variety of eye candy for the weary runner. 

Yesterday the reservoirs where the most still I'd ever seen them. The flat surface shone in the cold, wintry sun like a huge mirror.  Usually I encounter a headwind down one entire length of the largest reservoir but this time there was none whatsoever. For once, I felt like I was running like the wind myself!