Author: clarehappiestoutdoors

I'm a keen runner, hill walker, occasional yogi, fan of Pilates, and most importantly, lover of the outdoors! I'm not a munro bagger - I just enjoy being out and about. Married to Bruce (@BruceRussell16), a better photographer than I, who currently provides the majority of the hill photographs - thanks Bruce!

Sunday Fun: Duthie Junior parkrun is 1!

Back in August I had my first experience of Junior parkrun, having the privilege of being the Tail Walker and Run Report Writer. (The run report can be found here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/duthie-juniors/news/2018/08/06/the-view-from-the-tail-5th-august-run-report-event-45-2/) So, you can imagine my delight when my Aberdeen Parkrun buddy, Cynthia, asked if I’d be willing to be a Teletubby for the 1st … Continue reading Sunday Fun: Duthie Junior parkrun is 1! →

Bennachie and it’s neighbours – lazy Sunday afternoon

Deciding to make the most of the comparatively fine afternoon we decided to head for Bennachie. It’s been a long time since we’ve been here, usually favouring munros or the smaller hills out Deeside way. However, a change can be good and this meant we’d get both an afternoon walk and an evening at home. … Continue reading Bennachie and it’s neighbours – lazy Sunday afternoon →

Setting the bar: Aberdeen parkrun

It’s a run, not a race! However, it’s also a time trial if you want it to be. About to embark on a 12 week training plan to try and pick up some speed again I decided I’d run parkrun hard today. I’ll be honest - I’d hoped I would manage to run 21 minutes … Continue reading Setting the bar: Aberdeen parkrun →

Racing for the fun of it: Peace Coaches Metro Dyce Half Marathon

The Metro Dyce Half Marathon (alongside the Metro Beach 10k in June) being our club’s bread and butter, it’s encouraged that we either run or help out. I’d swithered as to which was the best option but having had a few enjoyable recovery runs since the marathon I made the decision mid-week to throw my … Continue reading Racing for the fun of it: Peace Coaches Metro Dyce Half Marathon →

2018 Fort William Marathon – As good as I remembered and then some!

A week has passed since I completed the 2018 Fort William Marathon, my second attempt at this beautiful race. Having loved it in 2017, I signed up for 2018 pretty much immediately afterwards, my main fear going into the race that it might not be as good as I remembered and I'd be disappointed. Fear … Continue reading 2018 Fort William Marathon – As good as I remembered and then some! →

Recovery Walk: Meall a’ Bhuachaille

Stopping off in Aviemore for a couple of days post-marathon, having done very little yesterday, aside from going to Kincraig to see Hamish, the very cute and playful baby polar bear, I decided to stretch my legs today. (The marathon blog will follow later this week - just waiting for the race pics). The wind … Continue reading Recovery Walk: Meall a’ Bhuachaille →

It’s nearly time: Fort William Marathon!

It’s nearly time! I’ve done the training and am now seriously tapering and reminding myself why I signed up for this marathon ... for fun! Lacking the solid training base from which I started my marathon training last year, I’ve completed the Pfitzinger & Douglas 18 week/up to 55 mile training plan with only a … Continue reading It’s nearly time: Fort William Marathon! →

The Inaugural Chapelton of Elsick 10k

I was delighted to join my fellow Metros on the start line for the inaugural Chapelton of Elsick 10k. This feeling faded somewhat during the race, but that’s the way of running. Chapelton village in Aberdeenshire is a lovely wee place, established in the last few years and an ongoing project, situated just off the … Continue reading The Inaugural Chapelton of Elsick 10k →

Bikes, Trains and Boots: the Great Glen Way and the Glenfinnan Munros

Day 4: Biking on the Great Glen Way Due to a less attractive forecast in addition to tired legs we decided to take a rest day. Anyone who knows Bruce well will know that rest doesn’t really figure in his day. I can easily while away a day doing little or nothing. He is happier … Continue reading Bikes, Trains and Boots: the Great Glen Way and the Glenfinnan Munros →

What a difference a day makes: Gulvain in the fog and Sgurr Eilde Mor & Binnein Beag in the sun

Fort William Summer Hols, Day 2: Gulvain Planning an easy day as the forecast wasn’t great, we opted for Gulvain, another bike and hike with a single munro. The route profile looked like the bike out would be easier than yesterday. It probably was, but wearing hill walking trousers rather than padded shorts made me … Continue reading What a difference a day makes: Gulvain in the fog and Sgurr Eilde Mor & Binnein Beag in the sun →