One of my key runs each week over the past couple of years when I’m building up to an ultra is my run up and down Ben Lomond. It’s an ideal run with over 3,000ft of ascent and descent.

It is also near enough from home to be able to do it in the evening after work. So with the Tour of Skiddaw and Hardmoors 60 coming up soon I plan to make the trip once a week for the next few weeks.

Last night Jonny, Frances and Steven joined Katrina and I for the run.  This was to be Steven’s first ever Munro though I think I was more excited that he was! I did feel like his Dad at one point insisting that he took a jacket!

We met at Drymen and headed down to Rowardennan in one car.  My camera was back from China repaired and ready to be used again so I took a few photos …..

At the start …. a little dark this one!

We went up our normal route on the Ptarmigan Ridge and down the tourist path.  I love the view you get after just 15mins or so of climbing ….

Jonny & Frances (nice hair band Jonny!) …. 

On the way up it’s mainly fast walking but there are a few sections where you can run …

Steven led the way up and was going really well. The final push ….

As it was Steven’s first Munro I felt he deserved a photo on his own next to the trig point.

Then we told him he has to climb on top as this is the highest point he’s been.

We also got a photo of us all.

The key part of this run though is the downhill as it thrashes the quads and strengthens them.  As soon we headed down Steven was away. Katrina described him as a puppy let of the lead.  We didn’t see him until the bottom.

The rest of us made of our down running all the way.  We passed a couple of groups of walkers who were interested to know what we were doing.  It was left to me to explain we were training for the 44 mile Tour of Skiddaw race. Each time as I left them I could hear them saying to each ‘That’s impressive’ or words to that effect!

We arrived back at the car park in 2hrs 32mins so a good steady effort.  Next week we’ll aim to be a little quicker as our quads strengthen.

Time for a final photo before heading home …