Page 14 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

12 QARANC THE GAZETTE
205 (Scottish) Field Hospital do the Highland Fling
The Highland Fling is a 53 mile trail race which takes place each April. The route follows part of the West Highland Way, Scotland’s oldest official long distance footpath, from Milngavie to Tyndrum, and passes through the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Whilst the event is open to 1000 ultramarathon runners, a ballot is also held to select 50 teams to enter the event as a 4 person relay team. Possibly inspired by the drinks, massages and ceilidh offered at the end of the race, two teams from 205 Field Hospital entered the ballot. While one team failed to be selected, our team ‘Blood, Sweat and Beers’ successfully gained a place.
Our team consisted of Lt Col Nicola McCullough, Maj Narelle Gregor, SSgt Stu Low and Pte Abbey Harris, all from Edinburgh Detachment.
Preparation
Each team member wanted to train to an optimum level and achieve their own personal fitness goal. As a team we also wanted to promote a sense of esprit de corps and to raise the profile of 205 Field Hospital and the wider Army Medical Services.
Preparing for the Run
Training consisted of individual runs but there were also opportunities for joint trail running when team members were able to get together. The majority of team members followed either half marathon training plans or cross trained through the week with longer runs at the weekend. We kept each
WO2 Low Ready to Go
informed with training updates using social media to help motivate each other and plan logistics.
Race Day
Initially concerned that the event was just for racing snakes, we were pleased to see on race day that all shapes and
The author finishing the Race