Part one of three reflections on the recent Celtman Extreme Scottish Marathon
Swim
The competitors gathered from 04:00 on the bank at Inverbain ready for the 05:00 start – huddled in apprehension or for warmth. It was about to get a lot colder.
A stroll down the foreshore in front of the flaming Celtman logo listening to the skirl of a lone piper.Whose going to be first in!A man at ease. Competitor James Tregoning ‘chills’ in more ways than one prior to the start.10 seconds to go – nervous anticipationand Celtman 2102 – the inaugural Celtman – is underway. Water temperature 10 degrees. Swim course shortened but still extreme
The Swimmers
Bobby Oag first swimmer out of the water in a sub 40 minute time of 00:39:54Eventual winner Alex Glasgow was to look more comfortable later on!One place behind during the swim was eventual women’s winner, Susanne BuckenleiA helping handOne down and I’m glad that’s over.71 year old Milos Kostic feeling the water temperature as he moves to T1Flat calm as the morning sun rises and the competition is fierce. Keep calm and carry on. Jamie Nellany daren’t look behind.Lung bursting stuff but I’m catching him
I counted them out and I counted them Back In
Work colleagues together. Chris, the activities manager of The Torridon Hotel, escorts last swimmer, Ryan MacLean, also of the Torridon, in to the shore at Shieldaig.Thats the worst over, or is it? A purposeful Ryan MacLean leaves behind the water at T1
The Support Crews
Whats tiring about this!He’s out there somewhereWe shouldn’t chuckle. Safety numbers relax after the last swimmer is out of Loch ShieldaigThat’s it then……………Bacon butties alround at Nanny’s
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