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The world famous Braemar Highland Games attended by the Queen falls in early September and to the relief of the 6 intrepid individuals who signed up for the first Harriers’ Training Weekend the following week, tossing the caber in front of her Majesty was not on the cards.

The weekend however turned out to be every bit as exciting as the Highland Games which preceded it.

Organised by Scott Forsythe, the expedition team of Paul Morris, Angela Foss, Bob Marshall, Georgia Nesbitt, Rosi Capper and Scott himself landed at Braemar Youth Hostel on the Friday night to find some of the best fish and chips in the Highlands – and the loudest snoring woman in the world in the female dormitory.

So after a slightly dodgy preparation, Saturday morning started with an hour of Strength and Conditioning with Scott in the Hostel’s sitting room as the rain fell, but then eased off in the late morning just as the forecast promised. Already aching from the plank, press ups, sit ups, squats and dynamic strides we took off to the start of a wonderful hill run towards Derry Cairngorm, out past Derry Lodge and following a beautiful trail crossing torrents and weaving between pine forests. Participants selected their own distance with Georgia and Paul making the summit of the Cairngorm and encountering driving rain on the top, which the others enjoyed from the warmth and comfort of the wonderful Taste café or the Galleries and Craft Shops in the village. With Paul having to head for home and the in-laws, the remaining 5 wined and dined at the Fife Arms Hotel in readiness for Day 2. You’re thinking this is just a bit of a jolly aren’t you?…………..

But no, a glorious Sunday morning saw an outdoor Boot Camp style start to the day with rigorous circuits watched by several incredulous fellow hostellers. Then again a choice of runs from the Hostel which is ideally placed for road or trail runs from its door. With a small bribe the Australian Hostel Warden kept the door open for us to shower and freshen up before heading south after a couple of days of sheer heaven.

The whole weekend was the brainchild of Scott who should be highly commended for his vision and planning – as well as for the delivery of his excellent strength and conditioning sessions and general all round support. The ages ranged from 18 to 62 yet this was a group who were united by a love of the outdoors and running and exercising in one of the most attractive spots in the Scottish Highlands.

Bring on next year…..!

Rosi Capper

Posted on Monday, October 4th, 2010 at 8:24 am and is filed under News, Race Reports, Race Results.
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