Best bits: managing to run/jog almost all the way, beautiful reflections
Worst bits: really sore legs, longer distance and climbs than anticipated
Distance: 9 miles
Last night, I hardly slept at all. It’s coming up to the anniversary of Angela‘s death and that’s all I had on my mind. A mixture of things that were happening around that time, Angela fading from us and the outpourings of emotion. Inevitably I looked through photographs and videos of Angela as I wanted to hear her voice. I was surprised to see myself with my face pale and drawn and huge bags under my eyes. I miss Angela so much and I shed more than a few tears.
It was my intention to get up earlier this morning and so I was quite pleased when I finally managed to get up at 9 am. Breakfast done I popped over to see Pam the owner of the campsite to book on for one final night. I gave her a couple of larger hearts one for her and one for her sister who is a cancer survivor. We had a really long conversation about her family and their experiences.
I spent most of the morning trying to compose some social media posts. These are quite tricky to do as they are quite emotive, meaning that I often get sidetracked to avoid the painful feelings. Eventually, I was happy with the outcome Click here to see.
I was going to get the bus to Invergarry and then run back, but Pam kindly offered to drive me there. The route was along the Great Glen Way but no sooner had I started than the path was diverted and it went literally straight up the side of the Glen for about 1 km with many hairpin bends as the ascent was so steep. This was real open ground cross country running as I remember it from my younger days. I was glad I was wearing my trail shoes. The positive side to this was that it afforded fabulous views down the Glen.
After several miles of climbing and descending and then climbing again, there was a final descent down to the Caledonian Canal where the Bridge of Onich appears. Unfortunately I didn’t go over this bridge.
Then it was onto the tow path at the left side of the canal. Unfortunately, after a short distance I came across this weir with this warning sign. As you can see there was water running across the weir and so I had no option but to turn around and take a detour to the other side of the canal. 
Fortunately, for me it wasn’t far until I came across a lock and was able to cross over it to the correct tow path.
After this point the sun came out and I was treated to glorious reflections in the canal. I was tired by now but was determined to continue running for at least 10 km/6 miles. I managed this in 1 hr 20 minutes which I thought was respectable given the terrain.
There were several examples of the original Lock keepers houses, many of which have been beautifully maintained and the white paint work stood out in the reflections of the dark still water of the canal.
As I got closer to Fort Augustus, the surrounding hills started to appear in the reflections. They are now turning brown as the bracken and heather are dying back.
The best reflections were when I arrived at the Little Harbour at Fort Augustus where many small boats were moored. They were a cacophony of vivid colours. I was pleased that I had to stop running to take a photo!
The route should’ve only been about 7 miles but it turned out to be 9 miles. I walked for about half a mile but managed to jog, of sorts, well shuffle my feet along the rest of the way for a finish time of 2 hrs 9 minutes. I was certainly hot stuff baby by the time I arrived back at Priscilla. My hair was soaking and sweat was running down my face. My legs were weak and aching and I just about managed to pull myself up the step and inside before collapsing down on the chair. I couldn’t move until I had a rehydrated and recovered of sorts.
I made myself move and get washed and changed before I stiffened up completely. It’s great now that my shower is working properly and I even have hot water for washing up.
The only thing I could do this evening was relax as every time I moved my legs I groaned as they were so sore. So I watched a movie. Then eventually I couldn’t put it off any longer the process of climbing up the ladder and onto my bed began. My legs were so stiff and sore. I think I’m broken! I hope I don’t need to get up in the night! Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
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