In mid Speyside Duathlon


No, not taking part, but spectating-while-going-for-a-walk.  My husband nearly entered the race, being on an upward trajectory with his running and cycling.  However a reality check of the number of uphill sections of the route versus current state of training led to the (wise) decision to aim for next year's race.  And given the soaring temperatures on Sunday morning (at least 23 degrees C), I think that was very wise indeed.

So instead we walked part of the route and were overtaken by runners on their way back to the starting point, where they would change over to their bikes.  This section of the race went through the 'Dounie', a wooded glen which eventually leads to the water source for Glenrothes distillery.  


The race did look very hard work in that heat.  There were cooler sections in the shade of trees, where we came across a carpet of dewy spiders' webs.  It reminded me of the unearthly beauty of the Old Straight Track in Alan Garner's 'The Moon of Gomrath'. 



Looking back up the Dounie to a windy summer sky.  
 

Competitors setting off on the cycling part of the route, past the warehouses of Glenrothes distillery.  If I could bring you the scents accompanying this photo you would be able to breathe deeply of maturing whisky.  Mmmm...
 


I have to admit I'm not entirely happy about the prospect of my husband doing the cycling part of the race next year.  Narrow Scottish roads, with their twists and turns, are not particularly designed for cyclists.  Still some family discussions to be had, I think.

Comments

  1. This does look like a challenge. Great shots and I do like those spidery webs.

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    1. The competitors were all 'perspiring freely' by the time they passed us - but they did seem to be enjoying themselves.

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  2. Nice and interesting pictures!

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    1. Thank you Gunnar. It was surprisingly difficult to get a shot of the runners - they were moving pretty fast!

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  3. That looks like such beautiful countryside, it must be lovely to spend time in. But 23C doesn't seem like very warm summer weather to me!

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    1. I know! I wrote that slightly tongue in cheek. But it is warm for us to be undertaking any significant exertion.

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  4. Looks like a great place for a run, despite the heat!

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    1. Lovely and soft underfoot - much kinder to the feet and legs than city pavements. As I write, my husband is off out for a run by the banks of the River Spey. Unfortunately I have an Achilles tendon injury and can't run (jog is a more accurate description of what I do) at the moment.

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  5. What beautiful countryside! Here in Aberdeen the sun has been hidden behind clouds or sometimes fog for the past few days. But I was very glad for the rain we had night before last. I can completely understand your concerns about your husband cycling on the roads (or running in warm weather for that matter). The spiders' webs are so beautiful. Whenever I see fully developed spiders' webs like that, I think of the adage that spiders' webs mean dry weather. Whether they just take advantage and spin them while it's dry, or whether they have some foreknowledge that it will *remain* dry has always been a mystery to me!

    Hope you're enjoying your well-deserved holiday, Linda. I did think of your graduations from the Mitchell Hall when I posted about Marischal College!

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    1. When we passed through Aberdeen last Saturday on our way North it was grey with haar, which cleared as we reached Bucksburn. I thought of you!

      We are having a working holiday, shall we say! Much house painting, jam-making and home cooking going on for my Dad.

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  6. Congratulations to your husband for even thinking about doing the race!!! Great shots Linda!!!

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    1. You're right, at least he is aiming for something rather than sitting on the sofa.

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