 With just over 2 weeks to go until Highland March 8 kicks off, the ever present Gringo has had no option but to withdraw from the End-to-End jaunt from Ayr to Inverness. After suffering the heartache of missing a few miles in Highland March 7, the older Amigo set about training whenever and wherever possible in an effort to avoid disappointment this time round. But his efforts have been cruelly erased, as following over 600 training miles since New Year, Gringo will spend the week as Support 'person' No.2.
It is a bitter blow not only to Gringo himself, but to the Highland March in general. The en-route banta, the 'Frog Treading' and the 'Mint cake' will all be missed, yet everyone will be glad to have his encouragement and assistance during the course of the week.
It all began for the 'older' of the two Gringo's during the inaugural walk to Falkirk in 2003. Work commitments meant he'd have to join us from Blair Athol, but his inexperience at such a distance did not phase him in the slightest. Having covered over half of the 160 miles that year, Gringo was automatically a 'first choice' name on the list for all future events, and rightly so. Not only for his determination through the pain barrier, but the banter, support, encouragement and 'shoulder to cry on' attitude he carries along the way.
 Gringo's first major achievement - and he might even argue it as being one of his favourite 'Marches to date - came on the second Highland March outing, and the 151 mile route from Cumbernauld to Inverness. With ICT going into a title decider on the last day, all of the Highland Marchers left Croy on a high. That high was to last all week and end in total jubilation. Along with Yompa, Gringo Jnr and Caley Canary, Gringo managed to cross the finish line having walked every step of the way, and see ICT be crowned Scottish first division Champions 2004!
It hasn't all been this way though, and Gringo's self-exclusion this year is purely the tip of the iceberg when considering the lows that can sour any given Highland March. Moments getting lost in the heath, kicking concrete fire surrounds and the occasional slip in mud will dampen the moral of even the liveliest of people, but missing out completely due to work commitments is truely a bummer. Of the events leading up to Highland March 6, Gringo had completed marches two, three, four and five, on top of his 80 miles during HM1. Unfortunately, due to issues outwith his control, Gringo was to spend HM6 away from the scene completely for the first 5 days, and eventually amass just 32 miles that year after joining the other troops from Sluggan Bridge (Carrbridge).
 Gringo, however, had not yet given up on the Highland March and was ready to get his boot on once more for Highland March 7. Training seemed to continue throughout most of the year, although when another jaunt North was announced, this time from Kilmarnock, the training became more intense. The distance for HM7 was predicted to be in the region on 175-185 miles, depending on the route agreed. One thing was for certain though, no matter which way the route went, and that certainty was hills!
Living in the Midlands of England, there are very few hills from which Gringo was able to prepare the legs for the forthcoming HM7, meaning he was limited to gym work and road walking only! Even so, Gringo had managed to get in over 500 miles through training alone, and that was soley between New Year and 'The Off' - a great achievement in itself. Disappointment again though, as the hills and off-roading took their toll on his aging limbs.
Of the 184 mile route that year, Gringo had managed a credable 143!
This years training efforts have seen him take on well over 600 miles in training, thrashing all his previous training tally's, most of which had been conducted on 'back' roads and off-road public walkways. Even so, prevention of an old foot injury proved to be futile, and the latter miles of his training regeme were to be conducted through the pain barrier - even an away fixture in Dingwall and a potential 30 mile day out did not waver him. With just over 3 weeks to go, the foot pain became too much, and rest was the only real cure, but not wanting to rest completely in fear of all that training going to waste, Gringo used his bicycle to maintain fitness levels, whilst leaving very little pressure on his painful heel - it was this that proved to be Gringo's downfall! On a 30 mile cycle, Gringo somehow managed to suffer a Grade 1-2 Groin Strain, and ultimately a period of between 6 and 8 weeks recovery time depending on the severety!
Gringo Jnr - "It's purely a blow to the Highland March, and obviously he'll be devistated - we all are!. Along with Yompa and myself, he has been an ever-present since the beginning and is part of the Highland March mould. I'm glad he's decided to assist Carbon Footprint with support duties, because not only will he feel part of HM8 himself, but the rest of us will benefit from his encouragement and banter, not to forget some competition for this years 'Frog Treading Championship'!"
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