I did it. I survived the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland, and can make another check mark on my list of international marathons completed. Of course there was more to this trip that just the race, but that was certainly one of the highlights for me.
That probably sounds crazy. And yes, I did get my picture taken with Nessie. She's out there somewhere.
Where do I start to talk about the marathon? In the morning, all runners had to catch the bus at about 7am. We were then transported to the start of the marathon, which was about a 45 minute drive. You get off the bus, and are surrounded by nothing but nature. Seriously. No towns, no people (other than the runners and race organizers), and a few sheep. Even if you wanted to back out of the race, there was no where to go for miles. Kind of a genius idea.Race morning was freezing. Once we were dropped at the starting line, the wind picked up and got even colder. An hour of standing in the cold is no fun under any circumstance. They did have hot tea and coffee available to kill time and help warm, but it was still bitter cold.
About 4,500 people from all over the world ran this course.
As the race commenced, we were serenaded by a band of bagpipes. Then we were off. The course went along a 2 lane windy road, up and down the hills, all around Loch Ness. The weather turned out to be perfect. Sunny, blue skies, a nice cool breeze, and highs in the 60's made this a perfect running day. The race was well organized, people were friendly, and the scenery just picturesque. 
Now, I was pretty nervous about the race. Training did not go well by any means, especially through a triple digit southern summer. I wasn't sure how this would go. Surprisingly, I felt great the entire time. A few blood blisters formed on my toes, but once they popped I felt much better. I knew I was not prepared for the hills of this race, but I didn't realize how underprepared I was. So many more hills than people let on.
Because this route is a bit remote, spectators can't really cheer you on until the last few miles when you enter the town of Inverness. Yet every little dwelling we passed by throughout the day, people were outside their doors cheering us on. Scottish people are so great! There were a few motivational signs along the way, but mostly I just loved being out in nature. Best part, no mosquitos!!!! Not one mosquito bite! I think I might move there just for that. I sang along to my ipod, I ran and walked, and I just enjoyed the moment.
Then I hit mile 21, and I was ready to be done. My calves started stiffening, my blisters were killing, and I sick of all the hills. Those last few miles felt like an eternity, but not nearly as long as that last one. Anyone who's done a marathon knows the final stretch seems endless. Luckily, the crowd is the biggest at the end. It's hard to not feel motivated when lots of people are screaming for you to keep going. 
Finally, the finish line was there and I could stop running. Yay! Once I got my medal, I headed straight for the portaloos. Hours of drinking lots of water had finally caught up to me.So far, this is my favorite race to have done, despite the fact it was my worst time ever for doing a marathon. Even though I wasn't prepared, this is probably the prettiest course to do. I hope someday to do it again, this time more prepared for those blasted hills. And I even have bragging rights. How many people can say they ran the Loch Ness Marathon?
Next on the list in 2016, Athens Greece. Will I make it? Only the funds will tell.
