The Kimm is the type of race that you do when tire of road running and yearn for a heavy pack, sore ankles, steep climbs and driving rain. Wimps like Dave Mitchell and I do the 40km route. Super toughies do a 50 or 60km over the two days. This year's course is set in the Cowal Peninsula, North West of Glasgow and our course circles the mountains around Loch Eck.

So here we are at the start (A) with dry kit and food, tent and kit for 36 hours. Unfortunately by (B) we are off course having overshot the first control point by 2km. Oh dear, first lesson learn - "engage brain before haring off up the hill".

After the second check point we are briefly back on course as the mist goes up and down. Then we vere too far South (with a goodly bunch of others) and spend 20 minutes searching for the third checkpoint (C).

Each day seems to have two big climbs on it and the second big climb on day 1 is no joke (D). With my legs threatening to go into permanent cramp we somehow make it to the top only to discover that we are 20m above the next checkpoint. Thank God after a muddy traverse above a forest we are descending a forestry pack to a very welcoming, if boggy campsite (E).

Our new Saunders tent is brilliant. It provides a warm sturdy shelter and we are quickly in dry clothes and sleeping bags. Our choice of food has calories rather than haut cuisine in mind - asparagus cup-a-soup followed by tea and pasta.

By the time we settle down to sleep at 8.30 (!) the wind is up to gale force and the rain is lashing across the camp site. Tiredness kicks in and we drift off to sleep. Mind you I have all my clothes, a waterproof and a wooly hat on - remind me to bring a warmer sleeping bag next year.