Jamie Aarons in bid to set steady, self-propelled Munro spherical file
Jamie Aarons isn’t any stranger to large challenges. The adventurer from California, who has lived in Scotland since 2005, has beforehand received the 95-mile West Highland Manner Race and the inaugural Maxi-Madeira 100km. The 43-year-old has additionally twice received the 100-mile Extremely Path Snowdonia and was second feminine in Italy’s 340km Tor des Geants race. She additionally received the inaugural Ochils Extremely.
However now she is hoping to set a brand new file for a steady, self-propelled spherical of Scotland’s highest mountains.
On the finish of Might, Jamie, will begin her continuous Munros spherical. She hopes to run, stroll, cycle and kayak to succeed in the summits of all 282 Munros (that’s mountains of a minimum of 3000ft).
The present file was achieved by Donnie Campbell, of Inverness, in 31 days, 23 hours and two minutes in 2020. The girls’s self-propelled, steady file is held by Libby Kerr and Lisa Trollope, who reportedly took 76 days and 10 hours in 2017.
A 3rd Munro spherical for Jamie
In 2013, Jamie and her accomplice Andy Taylor did a full spherical of Munros in a yr, whereas additionally working full-time. Her second spherical, she did with her rescue canines, Pirate and Hope.
Jamie’s third spherical is provisionally set to start out on Might 26. She says: “Donnie’s time, which is extremely fast, is my goal and I intend to push myself fairly exhausting. Nonetheless, I’m lifelike and I might say I’m cautiously optimistic as a result of loads of issues must go proper to set a brand new file.
“Additionally, I solely have 45 days of depart from work, so, if nothing else, I would like to complete in that point.”
Jamie’s Munro spherical route
Jamie, a social employee, will begin on the Isle of Mull and end in northwest Scotland, though her actual route continues to be being tweaked.
The geographical unfold and placement of the Munros, from Ben Lomond within the south, to Ben Hope within the north, east to Mount Eager and probably the most westerly, Sgurr na Banachdich on the Isle of Skye, makes it logistically difficult.
She says: “My route will equate to some 3000km in whole of working and biking – each highway and trails – and a few 140,000m of ascent, which is equal to climbing Mount Everest nearly 16 instances. I’ll additionally use a kayak to cross the lochs and sea.
“A part of my technique is to maximise on point-to-point alternatives, which can embody the necessity to bivvy within the hills.”
Jamie: I like a problem
Jamie says: “I’m extremely motivated by challenges that I’m undecided I can obtain, however there’s an opportunity I would. A steady, self-propelled Munro spherical is a lofty aim in itself however by including the time stress, I’ll want to attract on my resilience and tenacity, whereas teasing my limits with out breaking them.”
Jamie is lifelike concerning the big feat. She says: “There are such a lot of variables that may go mistaken however, as an alternative, I’m attempting to concentrate on what I can management, together with coaching and logistics to minimise the danger of any points turning into catastrophic. I do know the problem will really feel relentless at time and with out finish in sight.”
Nonetheless, she additionally has hopes for some good instances whereas finishing the spherical. She says: “I do know I’ll be buoyed by the camaraderie of pals, new and previous, who can be becoming a member of me within the journey. I’m already grateful to many individuals who’ve been serving to with the planning and organisation, in addition to those that will help me in the course of the spherical.
“Above all, I hope the moments of pleasure, appreciation and contentment will far outweigh the moments of ache, frustration and uncertainty.”
Jamie’s Munro spherical for charity
Jamie is elevating funds for World Bicycle Aid, an organisation that helps individuals in rural and creating areas of the world to beat obstacles and enhance well being and well-being by the usage of bicycles.
- You’ll find out extra about Jamie’s Munro spherical and fund-raising at jamiesmunrochallenge.run. There can be a dwell tracker as soon as she begins. Additionally comply with her on Instagram @jamieaaruns.