The Carnethy 5 is an annual fell race over five summits of the Pentland hills, in east central Scotland.

After one of the hardest winters in years, the 2009 event was graced by snow and with it, some tricky running conditions.

Having made a fainthearted decision not to compete personally, I went along as a cheerleader and photographer for my mates. I cycled deep into the glen below the route, propped my bike against a fence and tramped up the nearest hillside to catch a picture or two.

But then, standing shin deep in snow on a ridge plateau dressed in several layers of clothing, and admiring the race line, as it twisted and dipped along the scenic contours of the Pentland range, I suddenly felt very left out.