OMM Breadalbane

Race: Original Mountain Marathon, B Class, Day 1 (26k/1650m)
Area: Breadalbane, Perthshire
Time/Position: 6:15:01 (23rd from 180 [2nd Vet team])
Having missed last year's OMM in Dartmoor, which didn't appeal as a destination, a chance to compete in a more interesting locale came up over summer. I thought this area, between Loch Tay and Loch Earn, was ideal Mountain Marathon terrain - and the rough conditions on day one made it quite memorable. I'd expected dull 'pudding' hills, but it's actually quite a complex, lumpy and scenic area, wild feeling with very few paths and therefore fairly challenging navigation. Huw and I had a late start, so stayed at a Travelodge in Cumbernauld before setting off from St Fillans after 10am in steady drizzle. I fancied a line class for a change, and had demons to slay after two disastrous MMs this year (not to mention blobbing on the B class when Gary had to retire in 2007). After dibbing the first control, we entered the mist in a shallow bowl near Meall Reamhar then cut the corner to dib at a lochan further north. Then a very long leg in poor viz took us past a spur dropping from the summit of Creag Ruadh, above Glen Tarken. Kept dead on the bearing for 5k or so to emerge from the mist above a problematic river crossing. This looked like being a real issue and - after a tentative initial step - I disappeared up to my neck. Some breast-stroke became necessary, although it wasn't fast flowing, and we emerged gasping and obviously a tad moist and chilly. All rather distressing, but a steep climb through a small gorge warmed us up nicely and we emerged bang on a well-hidden CP3. The next leg was a simpler romp along a lumpy ridge to a stream below Stuc Mhor. The rain had become increasingly heavy, the visibility generally awful, and it stayed relentless for the next monster leg between CP4 and 5. This was always going to be the physical and mental crux, and was among the toughest I've done on a MM. An obvious track round a pipeline gained a stream which ultimately led to the top of Fin Glen. After this, conditions really deteriorated with driving rain and strong winds. This was unfortunate timing, as we were now quite high up and the terrain became very complex below the rocks of Creag Uchdag. Huw began to wilt and fall behind slightly, and I envisaged a re-run of 2007, as I became increasingly cold waiting. But we kept to the bearing and located a small lochan after a long climb. It was then a simple matter to drop down into the valley containing CP5. Even better, we got out of the wind and started to warm up. The rain was even heavier though, and we had no wish to stay up high in these conditions. Instead, we opted to descend the stream valley and contour the northern spur of Meall Aiteachain to CP6. A good decision, which gained us time and was far more comfortable in the prevailing weather. The remaining checkpoints above Glen Almond were easier, although we had an annoying long detour to cross the river safely via a bridge. A fortunate brief clearance enabled us to put the tent up in the dry before more heavy showers and strong gusts made sleep difficult at times.