Triathlon’s Autumn trip to Oban
During the latter part of Independent Learning Week, the Triathlon and Road Cycling Club took the opportunity of a lighter workload to embark on a trip to Oban in order to explore all the running, cycling and swimming that the West Coast of Scotland has to offer.
With pitstops on the way for runs and walks at Dunkled and Tyndrum, the group of 30 arrived at Oban Hostel late on Wednesday afternoon. After a curry cooked by the group and a few card games, it was time to settle down for the night and get ready for the action packed itinerary ahead.
The following days saw groups head out on a whole host of different activities, including cycle rides to the Isle of Mull, island hopping around the smaller islands in the Oban bay and other (rather hilly but stunningly beautiful) rides around the mainland itself. Runs included some picturesque autumnal trails and sea views, complete (of course) with their fair share of boggy ground. No triathlon club trip is complete without swimming options, and club members enjoyed some epic sunset swims at Ganavan Sands bay and the nearby Loch Awe (which turned out to be much warmer than our hardy North-Sea trained athletes were used to!).
Before heading back to St Andrews, the group invaded the Parkrun at Ganavan Sands on Saturday morning, to finish the trip with a scenic 5km run alongside other Oban residents. Some were even brave enough for a dip in the sea to cool off afterwards.
Overall it was a fantastic four days, and a huge thank you must go to Captain Lilli Nadol for organising it!