![Looking rather fresh faced at the start](https://www.hikersblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/116-1200x900.jpg)
Looking rather fresh faced at the start
Fuelled up on square sausage and Braveheart I was ready for a day of torture. Concerned about the cut off times I knew if I kept Ricky Cowan close to me I’d make it to the Burn in under the hour. True to form I passed it in 57minutes and began the second half of the climb which is a lot more loose stone and rock. On the long slog to the summit the heat was fierce and anytime I looked at my HR it was in the 174bpm mark or so.
![Somewhere past the half way point](https://www.hikersblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/211.jpg)
Somewhere past the half way point
Passing a few bewilderd looking walkers I got to the summit and took a quick selfie, looked around me briefly to take it in, passed my wristband to the marshals and stuffed a handful of liquorice allsorts into my dry mouth and swallowed a salt tablet.
![Summit Selfie](https://www.hikersblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/3jpg-1200x1500.jpg)
Summit Selfie
![2:59:46](https://www.hikersblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/49-1200x1600.jpg)
2:59:46
I got my medal, grabbed some water and went in search of some shade from the Scottish sun. I was feeling rough but happy to get up and down the hill and I squeezed in under three hours.
![Trying to look happy](https://www.hikersblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/5JPG.jpg)
Trying to look happy
The Irn Bru didn’t last too long though, I apologise to the Newcastle athletic guys for my horrific loud wretching and vomiting noises who were enjoying a coors light outside their accommodation. I seem to have history and vomiting is now quite normal.
![A nice touch with the miniature whisky](https://www.hikersblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/68.jpg)
A nice touch with the miniature whisky
Would I go back? Yes but not for a couple of years. It’s a great race to do and tick off but it’s fierce on the body.
I raised well over £600 for SANDS NI and they are a great charity. Final total still to be confirmed.
Well done to Diane Wilson from Dromore Athletics club who won the women’s race. Totally epic run and performance from a really fantastic runner. I’m in awe.
Thanks for reading.
C.