My Heart was in the Highlands, Now my Foot's in Disrepair

Unfortunately, the denouement to last weekend's run on the West Highland Way (a 95 mile trail from Glasgow to Ben Nevis) was the inability to walk, let alone run. A week of full rest, ice, and ibuprofen has subdued the inflammation of tendons and tissues enough for me to plan a full return later today (and per usual, I suspect this return will exceed the boundaries of moderation and wisdom). Looking forward, the Loch Ness Marathon is 16 weeks away. Looking backward, here are some pics from my amazing and inspiring run through the highlands with some of my fellow running club mates in the Garscube Harriers (click pics to enlarge!):

The bonnie banks of Loch Lomond as seen from Conic Hill (on the Highland fault). Garscube, Moira Young pictured.

The pastoral gloom of Glen Coe

Garscube, Toby Messenger amidst the wilds, ruins, and spirits of highland drovers pastThe road to broken foot (man, was it beautiful though)
Sheep, lots of sheep

Beer of the Week: "Tradewinds" from Cairngorm brewery; from cask at Inchtree Inn in Fort William and at Three Judges in Glasgow; smoky hint to the malt up front and pulls off an amazing, seemless transition to grapefruit; beer of the week and beer of the year thus far! Disappointed with the "Red Cuillin" from Skye Brewery served at Inchtree, not clean-tasting or -looking, just an out of control estery and buttery yeast cloud (couldn't even finish the pint, fault of brewery or pub?).

Whisky of the Week: "Glengoyne" 12 year, toured the lovely distillery at the foot of Dumgoyne hill in the Campsie Fells with Britt and her uncle Roger. Quite a change from our usual imbibing of the smoky, peaty, edgy Islay whiskies like Laphroaig, Caol Ila, and Bowmore; mildness revealed the softer floral, spice, and woody qualities.