This year saw the first ever Cairngorm Ultramarathon as organised by High Terrain Events. This 62 km/40 mile race through the stunningly beautiful landscape was too good an opportunity to be missed. These mountains are so unique in their ability to invoke absolute awe through all the seasons; attracting extreme ice climbers and skiers in the winter months, while during the summer the hiking and running community descend to take in the wonderful meandering trails, which ford through glacial streams and disappear into thick and ancient woodland.

The race itself was my first proper event for almost 18 months. It felt amazing to once again pin on my race number to my shorts and stuff my pack with about 5kg of sweet treats (and not nice energy gels).

The weather was absolutely sublime – not a cloud in the sky all day. The temperature never went below 19 degrees and reached as high as 32. It was truly energy sapping conditions – but give me this over freezing cold wind and rain any day of the week.