About me

When did you start running?
I started running at lunchtimes with workmates in 2007 after losing a bit of weight. I think the Bupa Edinburgh 10k in 2007 was my first race followed by the Polaroid Series 10ks, early Parkruns and a great adventure race called The Mighty Deer Stalker. I increased my distances in 2011 to prepare for my first half marathon (Balloch - Clydebank) and marathon (Windermere).

What made you join a club?
I joined the Bellahouston Harriers in June 2011. I needed encouragement to become more competitive, both with myself and with other runners. I knew that with a bit of coaching I could become faster and increase the miles. I ran their annual race in 2011 the "Brian Goodwin 10k" off the back of my first marathon and took 2 minutes off my pb. I was buzzing post race and started chatting to fellow Harrier Brian Douglas about joining the club. His answer was short and succinct,  “stop thinking and jist dae it”.

What do you enjoy most about the club?
Being part of a like minded bunch who push themselves every week, in every race, in all weathers

What is a typical weeks training for you?
I currently train 40-55 miles a week over 4 - 5 days depending what races are coming up.

What is your favorite race distance and why?
The Marathon. The longer the distance the more I like it, I like learning to handle the pain with strategy.

"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow.  It's all in conquering the challenge."
Mary R. Wittenberg, the president of the New York Road Runners Club

Do you enjoy competing?
I’m pretty competitive, equally with myself and with others. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Favourite race?
The London Marathon 2013. A rollercoaster both physically, mentally and emotionally, hundreds of thousands of people watching your elation and anguish play out over 26.2 miles.

Dream running goal?
To run in all five of the world major marathons  - Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York. I’ll be able to tick off two by then end of 2012 but America will require a few years of saving.

Best moments in running so far?
The first time I ran a sub 40. (Helensburgh 10k 2007).
Lining up with fellow Harriers for my first cross country race. The smell of autumn, the fear of the unexpected and big 15mm spikes
My first Marathon in the stunning Lake District. Fueled by Kendal mint I went on to run a 3:05 which was good enough to gain a 'Good for Age' place for London Marathon.
First time running over Tower Bridge in the 2012 London Marathon (2:43).
Seeing my beautiful girlfriend Rosie go wild at the half way point in Berlin Marathon 2012 (2:40).
Crossing the 2013 London Marathon line (2:37)
Breaking into 33min 10k territory in the Paisley 10k 2013
Being selected to race for Scotland in the International Masters in Cardiff 2013.