2012 / 2013 Summary

Won my first race, 1st MV40 4 times, 2nd MV40 4 times.


January
Race: Glasgow Atkins 3K On The Green Series
Distance: 3k
Chip Time: 10:13 *PB*
Position: 8th (2nd MV)

Race: Motherwell LSK Supplies Open Masters Relays
Distance: 3.5 miles
Chip Time: 20:53
Position: 15th (L1)




February
Renfrewshire Road Race Championships (Greenock)
Distance: 5 miles
Chip Time: 28:22 *PB*
Position: 14th (2nd MV)

Scottish National XC Championships (Falkirk)
Distance: 7 miles
Chip Time: 47:12
Position: 120th





March Jack Crawford Springburn Cup 10K (pacing Graham)
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 45:14
Position: 80 (20 MV)

Alloa Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 miles
Chip Time: 78:19
Position: 30 (10 MV)



April London Virgin London Marathon
Distance: 26.2 miles
Chip Time: 2:43:52 *PB*
Position: 291 (52 MV)



May Glasgow parkrun 5K Event 172
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 17:51
Position: 7

Glasgow parkrun 5K Event 173
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 17:19
Position: 5 (1 MV)

Helensburgh Polaroid Eyewear 10K
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 35:10
Position: 13 (4 MV)

Clydebank Polaroid Eyewear 10K
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 35:46
Position: 22 (5 MV)

Dumbarton Polaroid 10K
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 34:38 *PB*
Position: 13 (4 MV)




June Glasgow MHFS 10K
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 34:48
Position: 10 (2 MV)


Calderglen Trail 10K
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 39:58
Position: 10 (5 MV)




July
Glasgow parkrun 5K Event 183
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 17:15
Position: 2

Glasgow parkrun 5K Event 184
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 17:20
Position: 7 (1 MV)




August
Strathclyde parkrun 5K Event 119
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 17:07
Position: 2


Glasgow parkrun 5K Event 185
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 16:56 *PB*
Position: 3 (1 MV)


Bella Belter 10K
Distance: 10k
Chip Time: 35:15
Position: 5 (2 MV)

Glasgow parkrun 5K Event 186
Distance: 5k
Chip Time: 17:19
Position: 3



September Scottish Run Half Marathon
Distance: 13.1 miles
Chip Time: 74:57 *PB*
Position: 22 (2 MV)

Around Cumbrae 10
Distance: 10 miles
Chip Time: 57:59 *PB*
Position: 4 (1 MV)

BMW Berlin Marathon
Distance: 26.2
Chip Time: 2:40:42 *PB*
Position: 179

Scottish Athletics National XC Relays Championships

Results | Photos | GPS Data

I took the second leg after young Thomas McDonald. Feeling good and full of adrenaline I started fast then faded in the middle.

I completed my 2.5 mile / 4k lap in 15:01, average pace 5:58 min / mile. Happy with that given the terrain. Good support and social afterwards.

Antonine Half Marathon Trail Race

Results | GPS Data

I won my race today!

It was the inaugural Antonine Half Marathon Trail Race, a muddy hilly trail half marathon 15 minutes outside Glasgow near Kilsyth. I stuck with a fast local runner till mile 8 then ripped up the last 5 miles to finish the 13.9 miles in 1:32.

I got a bit lost after a sharp left after 4 miles and managed to lose a shoe in the mud coming off the first hill around 10 miles but other than that it was an excellent event and a fantastic route; I had no idea those trails existed. Well done to everyone who took part and to the organisers for pulling it off.

Prize giving

Contents of goodie bag

39th BMW BERLIN MARATHON

Results | GPS | Photos

It's been a few weeks since I ran my third marathon so a good time to reflect on the whole experience.

The City Break
As far as the city break went, Berlin was amazing. Full of hustle and hipsters, great food and even better beers, stunning buildings and beautiful green places. We hired a modern apartment in the old jewish quarter for the 5 days we were there, hired a couple of bikes and rode about.


The Marathon
As far as the marathon went, it won. I loved it. I loathed it. Miles 1 - 22 were amazing. Miles 23 - 26 were so tough. A few hours after finishing, I was rehydrated and hooking up with mates.  I was buzzing having ran my second major and happy for all my friends who were also running. The beers flowed that night and I must have ordered at least three main courses over the course of the evening.

Two days after finishing I was confused. I had replayed the race over and over it my head since crossing the line but could not understand why my GPS showed such conflicting data to my final time.

It showed 02:36:00 for 26 miles so I'd ran the last 385 yards thinking the sub 2:40 was on. I was running on empty at this point so when I turned the final corner and saw the Brandenburg Gate at least half a mile away though I knew I was in trouble. I pushed through the fatigue and emptiness but with less than 500m to go I hit the wall. Mouth gaping open, no form at all, the 1000 yard stare and powerless, I stumble these last few meters. Whitney Houston's "One moment in time" played over the tannoy system, it was awful (Whitney and the wall).

I crossed the line, pressed stop on the GPS and collapsed. Two german marshalls helped me up and took me to medical tent for a wee lie down and some rehydration. Now that I'm home I'm feeling more humbled by the whole experience. Hitting the wall and making racing errors is normal. I trained hard, I raced hard, I achieved pb and had a great city break with my wonderful girlfriend.

Stats
Finished 02:40:32

First half: 01:19:13
Second half: 01:21:19

Placed 178th overall
23rd in my age group (M40).

Splits:
5 km: 00:18:58
10 km: 00:37:32
15 km: 00:56:25
20 km: 01:15:12
25 km: 01:33:55
30 km: 01:52:45
35 km: 02:11:25
40 km: 02:31:05

Race fuelling
5 gels, 2 caffeine ones and 2 bites of banana.

Race Hydration
I took on water at every station and an isotonic at every other station. The water and isotonic was in cups and not bottles so difficult to get enough in. This was a factor in my dehydration.

Lessons learned
* Longer long runs - I went long (20 miles) 3 times, perhaps a few 22 milers would have helped.
* Increase weekly mileage. I topped out at 55- 58 miles per week.
* Use km / mile markers not garmin for splits!
* Better hydrating

Next steps
I've earned a championship place for London 2013 and will aim for a sub 2:40 on the 21st April. For now it's XC season so time to forget the longer stuff, get the spikes on and get cold.

Taper Time

Here are the final key workouts I completed ahead of my two week marathon taper. They offer a reasonable indication of the shape I'm in and whether or I can get close to sub 02:40:00 in Berlin or not.

Phycally I feel in better shape than London, I feel faster than I was for London and finally (and this is the most important factor in marathon running!) I have the belief in my own abilities.

With the training completed the only things left in my control are fuel and hydration, plenty of good sleep and being on the start line at the right time. Everything else is out of my control. And that's why I love the race.

5 weeks to go:
20 mile hard long run - 10 x 6:40 steady, 5 x 6:05 (even laps), 5 x 6:20 (odd laps).

4 weeks to go:
Half Marathon race – 1:14:57

3 weeks to go:
Wedensday - 10 x Yasso 800s - each rep 2:32 - 2:40 pace.
Thursday - 50mins tempo (5:55 pace) - HARD. So tired afterwards.
Sunday - 20 mile long run including a Millport 10, a 10 mile road race (57:59);

2 weeks to go:
20 mile hard long run - 10 miles 7:00 steady, 5 miles 6:05 (even laps), 5 miles 6:20 (odd laps).


Weight
20th June 2012 - 154lbs
20th September - 146lbs
Total lost: 8lbs

Blue line = weight in lbs over 12 weeks
Red line = body fat over 12 weeks

Only 16 days left..

The organisers of the Berlin marathon have setup a giant screen at kilometre 34 on Olivaer Platz, on which your family and friends can post a short personal message that is displayed when you pass by, activated by your chip.

Only two messages per athlete so I've asked my wonderful girlfriend and best mate to come up with something.

This was Alex's reply to my request.

"Bloody hell mate, what an honour. My immediate thought was come up with something really deep and inspirational that would motivate you to power through that last 10k, but then I realised that that could actually slow you down as you tried to decipher my message... So I just went with

'Walshy, you'd better be running fast as fu*k'

I reckon that oughta do it, eh?"

He promises he'll come up with something better for the actual message, but hopes I remember what the true meaning of the message is when I read it!

Around Cumbrae 10 Mile Road Race

Results | Photos | GPS Data

Today was my penultimate long run before I start tapering for Berlin. I like to try and run my long runs quite hard so figured racing for 10 miles in the middle of a 20 miler should be plenty hard.

I'd managed to blag a lift to Largs with George Taylor in his swanky BMW 4x4 before we boarded the 12.30 ferry to Cumbrae. Once in Millport I picked up my race number, changed into my race kit to began the challenge I had set myself.

The race was due to start at 2pm so I ran for 5 miles at a steady 6:40 pace before arriving back on the start line with 2 minutes to spare. I managed a few nods and good lucks before a horn sounded the start.

After a fast first mile (5:20 pace) the race settled down and myself and Colin Thomas worked together for the next 8 miles slowly reeling in George Taylor, Stuart MacDougall and Chris Upson until we hit a strong headwind at mile 8. I pushed on with what I had left getting within 100m of Steven Reid (Ayr Seaforth) but didn't have enough in the tank to really challenge him so just enjoyed the last kilometer.

 

I finished 4th, in 57:57 and 1st vet. Colin Thomas finished 5th, Stuart MacDougall 6th, Chris Upson 8th and George Taylor 10th.

After some water and a quick chat I headed back out with Colin, Stuart and George for another 5 miles to complete my 20 miles. Unfortunately due not fuelling properly and a late race start I hit the wall at mile 19. Harriers vest instantly dripping, focus gone, wobbly. Thankfully I only had a mile to run before enjoying some Cumbrae home bakings, gallons of hot sweet tea and catching the ferry home for dinner.

Update: £20 arrived in post today for 1st vet which Rosie kindly spent on a M&S dine in for two meal deal. I'd have only bought gels and boring socks. Booze and food are much more fun.  

From left: Stuart MacDougall (6th), Colin Thomas (5th), Cris Walsh (4th), George Taylor (9th). 

Great Scottish Run

Results | Photos | GPS Data

It was the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow today.

My pre race strategy for this race was:

• Wear a 1hr 77 min pace band
• Resist a fast start
• Keep it steady until Pollok Park
• Increase pace on exiting the Park
• Cross the line in 1hr 76 min something
• Pub!

What actually happened was:

• Ditch the 1:17:00 pace after 2 miles in favour of working in a small group
• Run on gut instinct for 12 miles
• Bury myself over the last mile
• Pub!

Basically I found myself alongside quality Bellahouston Road Runner Kieran Docherty after 2 miles. I felt good so decided to match Kieran's pace which I managed all the way up Paisley Road West, past Rosie, Holly and Hannah, through Bellahouston and onto Pollok Park before opening up over the last 3 miles.

GSR Mile 12 - From left - Keiran Docherty - Bellahouston Road Runners, Brian McGarrity - Shettleston Harriers, Haley Haining - Kilbarchan, Irene Jerotich - Kenya, Cris Walsh - Bellahouston Harriers , Iain Connell - Kilmarnock Harriers.

My workmate and fellow runner Rob saw me 10 seconds after I crossed the line, gripping a metal tighly railing so I didn't wobble, (he was supporting from the other side). Even though I was incapable of processing much at that exact point I remember his soft south African accent cutting through the finish line din.

"Caa RIS maan!"

I looked up slowly from where I was slumped and there was big Rob offering me a handshake and a big friendly smile.  I couldn't speak so I just offered him my hand, a return smile and a 1000 yard stare before lowering my head again.

I finished 22nd overall in a time of 1.14.57 and 2nd in the Scottish National Half Marathon Masters Championships.

Support crew!

Big pints of Peroni and pizza in Clockwork Orange straight after with Colin Thomas and George Taylor before a club BBQ at Cartha in evening. A great day and amazing support from family and friends.

Stats:
First half: 5:46 min mile pace
Second half: 5:41 min mile pace

Weekly summaries w/c 27.08.2012

Mon - 6.2 miles
Tue - 5 miles
Wed – 5.4 miles
Thur – 2.4 miles
Fri -  1 mile
Sat –  2.3 miles
Sun –  14.1 miles

Total mileage:   35.7 miles

Monday -  10k Base run - heavy legs after metafit class but no rain.

Tuesday - 5 miles including Speedwork session - 12 x 400m, 1min rec, (duck pond) quality session, ran well, average time for each 400m split = 1:15, average pace 4:55 min/mile.

Wednesday - 5.5 miles easy run - BBC lunchtime crew, bit tired from metafit and speedwork last night, 1 mile at Marks 10k pace ahead of Great Scottish Run this Sunday.

Thursday - Speedwork session - 10 x 200m, dry night, felt great.

Friday - Easy walk - Feeling excited about Sunday's big race, head full of pace plans and strategies.

Saturday - Easy run - 10am metafit class, then 2 miles, 1k @ half marathon pace.

Sunday - Great Scottish Run - Had a great race. Held it steady with Bellahouston Road Runner Kieran Docherty for 10 miles before bursting myself over the last 3 miles. Finished 22nd overall in a time of 1.14.57. 2nd male vet. First half 5:46 min miles, second half 5:41 min miles. Good social afterwards in Clockwork Orange with George Taylor and Colin Thomas before club BBQ at Cartha in evening. Just pure elation today after all the hard work.

Weekly summaries w/c 20.08.2012

Weekly summaries w/c 20.08.2012

Mon -  6.2 miles
Tue -  5 miles
Wed –  7 miles
Fri -  6.2miles
Sat –  20 miles

Total mileage:   44.4 miles

Monday -  Steady run - breakfast at parents B&B in Edinburgh after a night at Fringe, steady run home from Yoker after picking up the girls up from Grannies.

Tuesday - Speedwork session - Fartlek, 150m and 300m flat out bursts with 30 sec recoveries, most splits sub 5:00 pace.

Wednesday - Base run - 7 miles, inc 4 x 4 min tempo.

Thursday - Speedwork session -  10 x 200m, lovely dry night, feeling good and fast.

Friday - Tempo run - 35m:32s 10k, 5:44 pace, pushed it knackered in afternoon. Tope's last day so cake, popcorn and peanuts, much munching!

Saturday - Hard Long run - 10 miles x 6:40 steady, 5 x 6:05 (even laps), 5 x 6:20 (odd laps). Paisley - Lochwinnoch (cycle path). Bit tired this morning from 10k yesterday but ignored it and chowed down a big bowl of porridge at 7am before driving to the start. First 10 miles enjoyable and steady, second 10 miles took effort to hit targets but managed it. Chuffed. Stashed a water bottle behind a tree near Linwood and picked it up again at 15 miles which washed down a couple of carby fig rolls. Countryside scenery cracking, a welcome change from the city miles. Sights: a 100+ sponsored granny walk, half asleep dog walkers, cycling families and two girls doing the walk of shame home with Greggs sausage rolls.

5 weeks until Berlin..

It is just over five weeks until I run in the 39th BMW Berlin Marathon. It will be my third marathon in 18 months and I am starting to feel the training fatigue and excitement kick in in equal measure.

I have managed to stick to my training plan more or less, running 5-6 days a week, 45-55 miles per week, plenty of speedwork and hard long runs.

I have four goal times in mind which break down as:

1. Sky high dream time - 02:39:30
2. Realistic based on training - 02:43:00
3. Acceptable - Sub 3.
4. Issues outside of my control, still happy given the conditions - To finish.

There is a few tough weeks of training left which include the Great Scottish run (half marathon) then it's taper time before the big day.

Brandenburg Gate

Glasgow parkrun #186

Results | GPS Data

Racing for second place with 300m to go, ended up 3rd in 17:19, Stuart MacDougal wins.

Bella Belter 10k

Results

So I raced the Bella Belter 10k on Friday night, first 10k race since the Polaroids series in spring. I felt a bit flat before it though, maybe over training from marathon, not sure. Soon focused once I lined up mind. 

The start: (from left) Steven Prentice,  Me,  Chris Upson, Tommy MacDonald, Steven MacGregor 
Photo © Kenneth Phillips

Race went off fast as is usual for the course so worked hard from the off. I put in a decent first half but dropped off a little in the second half. Paul Carroll (Clydeside Harriers) scalped me at 5km to move into 4th then 3rd. 


I finished 5th in 35:15 which I'm pretty happy with. More or less where I should be for the distance going to Berlin. 

Weekly summaries w/c 06.08.2012

Mon - 3 miles
Tue -  5.3 miles
Wed –  5 miles
Thur –  5 miles
Fri - 7.6 miles
Sat –  9.5 miles
Sun –  20 miles

Total mileage:   56 miles

Monday - 3 miles base, absolutely pishing down. 
Tuesday - 5.3 miles including 10 x 500m @ sub 5:00 pace, 1 min recs
Wednesday - 5 miles base, including 1 mile time trial at Glasgow Green (new pb, 5:13)
Thursday - 5 miles progression run to pick up car from Garage. 
Friday - 7.6 miles including 7 x 800m grass.
Saturday - 9.5 miles including Glasgow parkrun #185, 16:56 chip time and 3rd. Made it into the sub 17 5k club! 
Sunday - 20 miles progression, 11.5 miles easy (7:30 pace), 9 miles hard (6:08). With Al and Stuart, N75 cycle route, good stories. 

Glasgow parkrun #185

Results | GPS Data

Made it into the Sub 17 club. 16:56, 3rd. Robert Quinn wins.

Weekly summaries w/c 30.07.2012

Mon - 3 miles
Tue -   6.5 miles
Wed –   4 miles
Thur –  8 miles
Sat –  10.5 miles
Sun –  19 miles

Total mileage:   52 miles

Monday - 3 miles base
Tuesday - 6.6 miles including 3 x 1.5k, 2 mins recovery.
Wednesday - 4 miles base, lunchtime. 
Thursday - 8 miles including 2 mile TT. 10.39 (new pb) (1st). 
Saturday - 10.5 miles including Strathclyde parkrun, 17:05 (2nd)
Sunday - 19 miles progression run, last three miles hard. Southside Seven. Linn, Kings, Queens, Maxwell, Bellahouston, Pollok and Rouken Glen. With George and Stuart.

Strathclyde parkrun #119

Results | GPS Data

No Glasgow parkrun today. Ran Strathclyde instead. Lovely sunny morning and a flat and fast course. Lead second mile for half a mile before being matched then out sprinted in the last 400. Finished 2nd, Stuart finished 3rd.

Weekly summaries w/c 23.07.2012

Mon - 2.6
Tue -  5.5 miles
Wed –  8.2 miles
Thur –  5 miles
Sat –  6 miles
Sun –  17 miles

Total mileage:   43 miles

Monday - 2.6 miles steady (6:35)
Tuesday - 5.5 miles including including 6 x 1km.
Wednesday - Took an days leave day to look after Hannah. 3 miles base in the morning,  3 miles base in the evening. 
Thursday - 5 miles tempo at lunchtime, 30mins at 5:50 pace
Saturday - 6 miles including parkrun. Mass club start and olympic breakfast in clubhouse afterwards to celebrate clubs 120 years. Came 7th, Rosie and Holly ran too.
Sunday - Long run with Colin and Stuart, Southside Six route, tired.

Glasgow parkrun #184

Results
Mass club start and olympic breakfast afterwards to celebrate clubs 120 years. Rosie and Holly ran too. Robert Gilroy wins. Finished 7th.

Weekly summaries w/c 16.07.2012

Tuesday - 7.8 miles
Wednesday –  6.2 miles
Thursday –  3 miles
Saturday – 7.8 miles
Sunday –  14 miles

Total mileage:  38.6 miles

Tuesday - Evening Harriers speedwork session, 7.7 miles including 5 x 5 mins tempo 
Wednesday - Easy lunchtime 10k with Graham and Lesley
Thursday - Dusk  tempo 5k (6.12 pace)
Saturday - 7.8 miles including new pb at parkrun, 5:35 pace and 2nd
Sunday - 14 miles on the canal path including 10 miles at 6:45 pace

Glasgow parkrun #183

Results

New pb. 17:15, 2nd.

Weekly summaries w/c 09.07.2012

Mon - 7 miles
Tue - 6 miles
Wed – 5.8 miles
Thur – 4.2 miles
Sat – 10 miles
Sun – 13 miles

Total mileage: 46 miles

Monday - Trail running around Authurs Seat and Blackford Hill in Edinburgh.
Tuesday - Intervals, 8 x 700m, wet. 2:10 - 2:20 splits, kept up with Brian and Tommy. 
Wednesday - Wet lunchtime slog up to Botanics, tired. 
Thursday - 25 minute tempo run from home to work, 5:55 pace, hard.
Saturday - 10 miler with Barry on Maryhill canal, good run. 
Sunday - 13 miles half road half grass. 

Weekly summaries w/c 02.07.2012

3rd Tue - 3 miles
4th Wed – 6 miles
4th Thur – 6 miles
7th Sat – 13 miles
8th Sun – 3 miles


Total mileage: 31 miles


Tuesday - Speedwork - 10 x 200m, 45 recovery
Wedensday - Easy warmup before 2 miles  at 6:00 pace ahead of clubs 2 mile time trial
Thursday - Clubs 2 mile time trial - 10:54 and 3rd.
Saturday - 13 miler out and back on the cycle path with Craig. Met at club 10am a bit worse for wear after a meal and drinks at ours night before. A few easy miles to warmup before increasing the pace to around 7:00 min/miles and a few 6:45s. Craig ran well. Tommy won parkrun today.
Easy like Sunday (afternoon) - 3 mile recovery run around Bella 

Bellahouston Harriers 2 Mile TT

GPS data | Results

A good turnout for the second of the Bellahouston Harriers 2 mile time trials in sunny Pollok Park last night.  I finished 3rd in 10:54 10 seconds off my pb for the distance.

Sea of blue

300m to go

Is he hurting? 

Weekly summaries w/c 25.06.2012

Tue – 5 miles
Wed – 6 miles
Thu – 3 miles
Fri – 6 miles
Sun – 17 miles

Total mileage: 37 miles

A hard 8 x 800m session on Tuesday with the Glasgow lunchtime runners on the Broomielaw followed by a slightly easier hill session on Wednesday in Kelvingrove park with the BBC crew.

On Thursday I joined the Glasgow lunchtime runners again for a tempo run in, 10 minutes out, 10 minutes back, 5:54 min/mile pace. Burst again, these guys push hard.

Friday night was the Calderglen Harriers trail 10k race where I pay after a fast start and overstraining during the week with jelly legs. Still manag to finish 10th and 3rd vet so can't complain.

Sunday was the first long training run since London with George Taylor and Colin Thomas for company. 17 miles in total, Southside six route, pretty tough after 15 miles but at least it stayed dry.

Calderglen 10k Trail Race

Results

Armed with a freebie sample gel, my race red Invo8 285s and a head for decents I tore round the first muddy mile of the 2012 Calderglen 10k trail race last night.

Start

I knew my lead would be short lived so just enjoyed it until the muddy footsteps of David Phee (Giffnock North), Robert Gilroy (Cambuslang Harriers) and Greg Glendinning (Bellahouston Roadrunners) thundered past at the 1 mile marker. As they went by I felt a relief, I'd have only gotten everyone lost.

What am I doing in this group?

By mile 2 I risked blowing up spectacularly so backed off, losing four more places before regaining control at the halfway point. I held 8th for another mile but was eventually past by Iain Hughes (first Calderglen Harrier) and Robbie Hayman (Bellahouston Road Runners) who both looked strong.

As I watched them increase the distance between me I gave myself a shake and refocused, closing down the gap with a mile to go. I tucked in behind Robbie on the last section of trail before attacking hard on a short uphill to Calderglen House. I got past both Robbie and Iain and just had to kick home 400m but misjudged it and was beaten to the swampy finish line.

I ended up finishing 10th in 39:58 and 3rd vet. Not a bad performance after a weeks holiday but a poor finish.

Calderglen 10k Trail Race

I was excited packing my kit this morning as the house slept. It's the Calderglen Harriers 10k trail run this evening and I'd only entered a couple of days ago. I quite liked the idea of a muddy blast through a park followed by cakes after the road heavy Polaroid 10k Series. Not slept that well this week but have a couple of gels, a SiS drink and my newish red Inov8 Roclite 285s to help overcome that.

Hill climb

Breakfast tables - Loggos harbour, Paxos, Greece

There are many amazing things I remember about backpacking around the Greek islands 20 years ago so it was really exciting to return last week with Rosie, Holly, Hannah and my parents. Beautiful clear waters, empty beaches and ouzo all still present and correct.

I took my basic running kit with me and slinged into the back of the hire car every other day before we explored or relaxed on pebbly beaches.

When it was time to head back to the villa I would decline the lift and run back. The islands only 12 miles long, how hard could it be? Very. Relentless evening sun beating down and gradients to make the eyes water. This particulair run went from sea level to 517 feet in a 1.4 miles! Big fresh water pool at the end though, amaaaaazing!

MHFS 10k 2012

Results | Photos
I finished 11th overall with a chiptime of 34:49. Robert Millar (vet40) finished 2nd overall which defaulted the first vet prize to me. Whoo hoo! The Bellahouston Harriers picked up the fastest team claiming 3rd, 7th, 11th and 28th. Excellent running all round. 

First fastest team - Bellahouston Harriers

 Not been good at writing up race reports.. 

Weekly summaries w/c 11.06.2012

Mon – 0 miles

Tue –  5 miles

Wed –  6.2 miles

Thu –  4.5 miles

Fri – 0 miles

Sat –  0 miles

Sun – 7.5

Total mileage:   23 miles

A pretty very light week. Didn't do anything on Monday and couldn't make the Harriers on Tuesday evening so joined the Glasgow lunchtime running group for an interval session on the Maryhill canal. It was a hard 5  x 4 minutes at tempo session on the the canal, 1 min rest.    

Easy 10k up to Pollok park on Wednesday with Alan, Richard and Graham including 1 mile of sunny trails.  Lovely chilled run. 

On Thursday I came up with a 6 x 2 mins tempo, 1 min rest session with Alan ahead of Men's Health 10k on Sunday. Pushed last rep to see what was there for a final kick on Sunday. Lovely weather, felt strong, decent splits.

I raced the Men's Health for Scotland 10k on Sunday morning before driving to Manchester airport with the girls for an overnight ahead of our summer holiday in Paxos, Greece. I finished 10th in 34:49 and picked up the first vet and fastest team prizes. Great start to holiday! 

Weekly summaries w/c 04.06.2012

Mon –  14 miles

Tue –  5 miles

Wed –  5 miles

Thu – 6  miles

Fri – 0

Sat –  6 miles

Sun – 0

Total mileage:   36 miles

The week starts with a 14 mile early evening run through the familiar southside parks and one way to avoid the Jubilee concert. Unfortunately it's still on when I get home.  

Tuesday is a 10 x 300m interval session with the club in Pollok park.

On Wednesday the BBC lunchtime crew run our Botantics 10k route at an easy pace.

Thursday evening see the first of the clubs 2 mile summer time trials. I take second to Steven P and claim a new pb (10:45) but had nothing for a final sprint. Soup and bread in the clubhouse afterwards. Next one in a months time.


On Saturday morning I met my old running mates Roddy and big Dave and run the upcoming Men's Health 10k route  which was very pleasant and relaxing. Had a good catchup chat afterwards and devoured about 8 savoury cheese wraps each whilst sitting on the grass.  

Bellahouston Harriers 2 mile time trial

Ran the first of the Bellahouston Harriers 2 mile summer time trials last night. I finished 2nd second in 10:45 right behind Steven Prentice. I'd matched him the whole way round but put in another lack lustre finish. Tasty soup and bread  afterwards though, all for a £1. Proper.

Weekly summaries w/c 28.05.2012

Mon – 13 miles

Tue – 5 miles

Wed – 5 miles

Thu – 6 miles

Fri – Cross training (Stella Bartram circuits)

Sat – 9 miles

Sun – Rest

Total mileage:  38 miles

The week starts with a 13 mile evening run through the southside parks. I felt tired from the weekend so skip Rouken Glen.  

A new session at the club on Tuesday evening. Grassy hill climb, a short walking recovery, a 300m flat sprint followed by another walking recovery. Repeat 5 times until burst. Wasn't so strong on hills as sprints. Lovely evening.

More intervals on Wednesday, this time with the BBC lunchtime crew. 4 x 1 mile at 6:00 pace. Good energy levels left at the end of each mile.

Thursday evening was the penultimate race of the Polaroid 10k Series in Dumbarton. Much milder conditions, perfect for racing, produced many pbs including mine. I ran a 34:34, finishing 13th overall and picking up the 4th vet prize. 

On Saturday morning I ran a base pace 9 miles which included a 4 mile hill climb to pick up our car we left at friends the night before. One way to blow the hangover away. 

Dumbarton 10k

Results | Photos

Like last week I get a lift to the start line with Graham and his wee wind up car. With the sunshine out and the windows rolled down we enjoy a few musical guilty pleasures during the short drive to Dumbarton.

My plan goes out right the window after the first mile, again (5:28). I keep the next three mile splits within a second of each other so by mile 4 I'm in 13th place and have caught Russ Whittington. I hold onto Russ's shoulder for the next mile with Mick Maloone, Stevie P and Alex Chalmers up ahead. At mile 5 the pace drops to 5:50 which allows me to save just enough energy to surge past Russell and close down Mick Malone and Steven Prentice. 

Dumbarton 10k 2012

I overtake Mick just before the left turn into the home straight to move into 11th but can't hold it and Mick retakes me. With 100m to go I try hard to find something but it's not there and a Garscube runner charges past on the inside. I collapse on the grass, heart racing, breathing heavily but elated. I run a 34:34 to smash my two week old pb and take 13th overall, 4th vet prize and 3rd fastest team prize. Delighted! 

Splits: 5:28, 5:39, 5:38, 5:38, 5:51, 5:44
First 5k 17:18k

I can't make the last race in the series so that's the 2012 Polaroids over for me but what an amazing three weeks it was. Dark clouds and heavy rain in Helensburgh, scorching sunshine a week later in Clydebank and perfect conditions in Dumbarton. The Bellahouston Harriers performed brilliantly at all three meets winning male and female placings, team prizes and numerous personal bests. Rosie, Iain Burke and Tony Coyne offered fantastic support and my good mate Graham broke sub 43 and organised a few beers and a pizza in Firebird. Good running, good times.

Weekly summaries w/c 21.05.2012

Mon – 6 miles
Tue – 3 miles

Wed – 3 miles
Thu – 6 miles
Fri – rest
Sat – 10 miles
Sun – cross training (mountain bike racing)

Total mileage:  28 miles

The week of endless sunshine started with a 10k on monday evening. I'd enjoyed half bottle of wine during a sunny afternoon BBQ in Kelvingrove park with Rosie and in my hazy state thought a run would be ok. Turns out running is quite hard and very sweaty when your merry. 

On Tuesday I was on a training course so could only fit in a short interval session (8 x 320m, 1min rest) in Festival Park at lunchtime with Alan Dickson. 

I was still in training on Wedensday so nipped out for a fast 5k in baking sunshine.

Thursday evening was the second of the Polaroid 10k Series, this time in Clydebank. I managed a 35:45 on an incredibly hot evening and placed 22nd overall, only 35 seconds off last weeks pb so happy with that.

I rested on Friday before a 10 mile base pace run on Saturday morning which included 1 mile of barefoot grass running followed by a great weekend of camping and mountain bike racing with family and friends.

Tweedlove - POC King and Queen of the Hill  - Stage 6

Clydebank 10k

Results | Photos


An extremely hot afternoon made for tough running conditions this evening. After a fast start I slowly fade in the relentless heat of the sun. I finish in 35:46, 22nd overall and 5th vet. 36 seconds down on last weeks time so not a bad performance but a hard one.

Splits: 5:26, 5:42, 5:49, 5:57, 6:02, 6:04

Clydebank 10k 2012 start

Weekly summaries w/c 14.05.2012

Mon – 10 miles
Tue – 5 miles including club session (12 x 300m)

Wed – 10k including 2 miles at 10k race pace
Thu – 10k race - Helensburgh, chiptime 35:10
Fri – Rest
Sat – 10 miles offroad
Sun – Rest

Total mileage: 37 miles

The week started with a sunny early morning run out towards Gleniffer Braes. Felt fantastic to be running before 7am. 


Tuesday evening was a club session in Bellahouston Park but I didn't feel great due to a Strawberry milkshake earlier in the day.


Things got back on track on Wednesday lunchtime with an easy 10k down to Glasgow Green which included 2 miles at 10k race pace (5:35m/m). 


First Polaroid in Helensburgh on Thursday evening. I finished 13th overall in 35:10 (new pb) and picked a couple of  prizes - 4th vet and 3rd fastest team.


Rest day on Friday before finishing the week off with 10 mile off-road run on Saturday morning.