Etape Loch Ness Provides Breath of Fresh Air

April 19, 2022

Tracy O’Brien returns to the Etape after months recovering from long Covid

As a keen runner, Tracy O’Brien took up cycling during lockdown, having been spurred on by her partner Pat and to encourage her five-year-old son who was struggling to ride without his stabilisers.

“My eldest was feeling discouraged so I made a pact with him that I would brave riding my bike with cleats if he would try and balance on his little bike without support,” Tracy explains, “We did it. He became confident bombing up and down the road and I found myself training for my first ever sportive.”

Despite her nerves, Tracy embraced her first sportive, taking on the Etape Loch Ness which was held in August 2021, having been postponed from April.

“I had never cycled any great distance nor in a group and was feeling intimidated by the prospect of it. But when the time finally came last August, I loved it. I felt emboldened. I gritted my teeth and smiled as I forced the pedals forward meeting the steep resistance. And then raced down hills at speeds I had never known before.”

However, the following month, Tracy contracted Covid-19.

“I caught Covid-19 and it literally took my breath away. An ambulance was called and only in the Highlands would you have two paramedics caring for you that had taken part in the Etape Loch Ness themselves. They were brilliant. They chatted animatedly about their experiences and distracted me with memories of an event that made me feel amazing, at one of the scariest moments of my life. It was surreal and highlights how sport and shared experiences connect us.”

Thankfully Tracy was vaccinated and able to go home from hospital that night after her breathing settled. However, it took months before she could walk a mile without feeling breathless. Recovery was slow and after four months she took part in her first Parkrun again and climbed McBain Hill, a cycle not far from Loch Ness.

“I felt my fittest in the run-up to the Etape Loch Ness last August so it’s frustrating to have training take a set-back like this. I know there will no Strava PB glory, but I remind myself I can do this. I am determined. I will do more than get around the course, I am going to do it with a smile.

“The views are breath-taking, the camaraderie and chat as you grind up Glendoe willing yourself not to get off the bike is life affirming, and the bagpipes you hear as you reach the top are a very satisfying reward. Topped only by crossing the finishing line to the cheers of encouraging spectators.”

Tracy’s advice to anyone else coming back from long Covid or another injury is to build yourself back up slowly, especially when taking part in an event like the Etape Loch Ness.

“Try and recognise what you can do right now and build on it. Think of the whole experience. You are taking part in an event to feel part of something bigger than you, to feel connected to others, to be with nature in such a unique and safe way and to ride a course like no other. Visualise yourself striving for the heights and belting down the hills. Embody it and enjoy the ride. I know I will.”