Free for a blast in the morning!

I was planning a tough wee run up Scaldlaw this morning as the sun was shining. And seconds before I was going out I got a message from Tracey asking if I was up for a run up Flotterstone. Yes! was the resounding answer, much more fun having someone to blether to on a nice sunny morning.

It was very busy when I got there, almost had to park on the main road, and was wishing I had just run the 2 miles to get there but the sun was shining and the hills were resplendent.

Tracey arrived and we set off up the hill. As we were running up the hill I was telling Tracey that it was Hunter and Lass day in Penicuik and that the town had been very busy when I left. Then we came across a car, lots of people with Hunter and Lass sashes on and flags. I asked if the horses were coming this way and they said yes. Before the parade through the town the riders take the horses for races and a ride out on the morning of the parade and then they have lunch at a farm and then head back down the hill to the town. We were catching them on the way down after lunch. 

All the way up the hill though we were still not seeing them. I said to Tracey that we wouldn't miss them as there would be loads of them. We were almost at the turning to the path up to Balerno when two guys on quad bikes passed us and warned us that there were loads of horses coming. At that point we got a little bit excited (well I did anyway). That excitement was worn off after a good ten minutes of not seeing any horses until we got to the gate that leads up the path to Balerno. It was open and Tracey said there was tyre tracks where the quad bikes had been. 

I longingly looked at the hilly track and thought to myself if I was here myself I would be up that path in search of horses. Tracey must have read my mind and agreed when I said that maybe we could just run up a little bit to see if we could see them.

Still no horses but I did manage to talk Tracey quite far up the path before we decided that they might not be coming this way. Tracey might object and say she doesn't really like running but she did ask me to take her photo to prove that she had indeed run up a hill and was smiling whilst she did it! I will get her up Carnethy one day!

We were just about to give up and go back down the hill when over the hill came the Hunter and Lass!!! Hurrah!!!

It was great to see the Hunter and Lass actually up the Pentlands on the ride out as we always hear about their ride out and never really see it. And I am so glad we actually saw some horses otherwise I would never have heard the end of it! :)

The horses trotted off down the hill and we did after them. Tracey moaned all the way down the hill because we weren't on bikes and couldn't go "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee". 

The horses turned left at the bottom to a cry of "Hurrah" from the Hunter to the little crowd who had gathered at the bottom then they all clattered off down the hill towards Penicuik. But our run was far from over. We turned right and headed off up the hill.

Our aim was to get to the top of the hill to the top reservoir. By this point the sun had come out and it was roasting. The views were amazing though as the sky was blue and the sun was out and the hills were so green!

Up and up and up and finally we made it to the top. We had to have a wee celebratory rest before heading back down again. It was, as always, stunning at the top.

Then it was time to head back down. It is always worth it this run for the downhill all the way back. We did have to avoid swallowing several hundred midges on the way back but we just kept our heads down and ploughed through the huge clouds of them.

By the time we got to the bottom we had covered 7 miles (some of which were off road Tracey - I'll make a fell runner of you yet!). I was totally re-inspired - running been a bit flat after Kielder and we saw loads of horses! An excellent run by all accounts.

Home for a cup of tea now. Might still do Scaldlaw tomorrow if the sun is still shining. 

don't worry, be happy :)

A wee run round the Queen's Park

Edinburgh Marathon Festival 10K

Before I ran the Kielder Ultra I harboured this fantasy that I would be super fit and would be able to make use of the Edinburgh Marathon place I had booked for myself last year. Ha, who was I kidding? It has taken me till now to get back to some semblance of training which doesn't involve me running a mile and thinking "that's me done".

So sensibly, or not so, I withdrew my Edinburgh Marathon place and entered the 10K as a consolation prize! What does make me laugh is that I thought to myself whilst entering "well I've never done that 10K before". What this actually means is "I've never run in the EMF 10K". But, in reality I have done that 10K before in several forms and will do in the Race for Life again as there is only one way round Arthur's Seat!!! (unless of course you count turning round and going in the other direction).

So race day dawned. Well, me and Kobi were up really early anyway! Got myself organised, had the breakfast of champions - 2 crumpets and a cup of tea (it was only 6 miles afterall). Checked I had my number.

Then headed into town. It was a bit of a driech morning but warm enough. I had deliberated (with the help of Alastair and Lesley) about whether to wear my Fetch vest or t-shirt. The vest won out and I am glad turned out to be quite warm.

Got to Dynamic earth, met up with Alastair and then put my bag in the baggage tent (well roof, it wasn't really a tent as such) then headed off to the start. It is quite funny that no matter how often you run in these events, how experienced you are or how what distance you are running there is always a degree of nervous energy and chit chat beforehand. I can't even remember what Scotty and I were talking about I just know that when we got to our pens we needed to just go and have two minutes peace to ourselves. Then Michelle and Lesley bounced up to me in my pen with Scotty in tow! I gave them both a hug and it was time for a photo shoot.

Then we all headed off to our own places in the run and waiting for the off. It was a little confusing as the announcer kept getting us to count to three and then nothing happened, which did make us all laugh and then we realised it was the different coloured pens that were being started. There was quite a lot of people, not sure how big a field it was but I was quite impressed. Don't normally see the 10K as I usually do the marathon.

Then finally it was our turn to count to three and off we went. Having run this route several hundred times I was quite happy just to trot along behind people as the huge hill takes any kind of advantage you might get in your time away from you. Past the swans at St Mary's Loch and up the hill to Dunsappie. And then up and up and up and up and up some more. Finally when you hit the top there is pure relief that you made it. I was quite happy this time though because after all my hill training and bog running I took the hill fairly easily and didn't feel like I was ready to expire like I normally do at this point. Then there is the fabulous views of the Pentlands as you turn around the corner. And then a bit further round the hill the stunning views of Edinburgh appear. A real treat for visitors, I had done it loads of times and I still get a wee kick out of seeing the Edinburgh skyline appear. It really is a beautiful old city. Anyway, enough waxing lyrical about Auld Reekie. That was about 4K done now we headed away from where the finish line was and down to Duddingston, past the Loch and round onto the Innocent Railway. Suddenly we were out of the wind and into a leafy walkway with loads of runners all packed around you. It was boiling, thank goodness for the Vest! Alastair and I had talked about this bit earlier in our ramble. We were saying that unusually for a railway it was quite a lot of uphill. And how did the trains get up hill, Alastair explained that, and he pointed out he wasn't a train geek (heard that one before - what is it about Alistairs?), the train would be pulled up the track by a special piece of kit to get it up the hill. So I thought about that fact as I slogged my way up the hill, thinking "wish I had that bit of kit now". Then all of a sudden there was only 1K to go, and as Tracey would say "weeeeeeeeeeeeeee" all the way back down the hill to Dynamic Earth to the finish line. 66 mins - quite happy with that given I had niggles all over the place from the Ultra, it is amazing just how long it takes to get over a big run like that. But still a nice wee 10K knocked out.

Then for some more fun. They led us through the finish line and then down into the car park under Dynamic Earth - the "Runner Only Zone". Which in theory was a great idea, loads of room but it was so packed in the really dark tunnel entrance into the car park and the noise was deafening that quite a few people around me where beginning to panic. However, we made it into the open bit of the car park, got our medal, bag and t-shirt. 

I headed out of the darkness of the car park and went off to get my bag. Met one of my Penicuik running pals and we had a wee natter and then my phone rang and it was Lesley wanting to know where I was. We all found each other and yep, you guessed it - time for another photo opportunity.

Dynamic Earth is a great place for a venue, there is loads of room and a handy cafe at the end for a cup of tea! We had a great blether, yak about the run and then all headed our separate ways. Not before we had a final laugh though, Lesley was chatting to another runner about serious marathon running stuff when I nearly jumped out of my skin sending Scotty into fits of giggles at me as I thought the dinosaur behind me had moved. Well it had, and out of the corner of my eye it looked like it did it on it's own but what I couldn't see was the man pulling it along on it's wheels behind me. 

So that was that, another race over and I'll be back to run the same course again on 15 June but of course that will be a different race so it will be different! I just love running. 

Post race lunch!

don't worry, be happy :)

Summer Running

Today truly felt like the first day of summer running. It was warm, almost too warm for the t-shirt I had on. I was running through woods at the back of my house admiring the Pentlands and the gorgeous bluebells. I was thinking I can't wait until Kobi can come running with me and then I was thinking I definitely want to do another marathon this year. And then I was thinking oooo the Pentlands look nice today, wish I'd gone up there. And then I was thinking, wish I was running in Keswick today.....

My mind was just full of stuff and nonsense. I love how running lets you clear your mind. I have started writing my PHD proposal and it is going ok. I have 2000 words out of 5000 written and have until the end of July to do it. So I am thinking that is okay. Probably wrote another 1000 in my head on the way around my run.

Then I started to think about all my years of running. Every now and then you have runs which just hit the spot. You are physically right and mentally right. I remembered back to a run I did last year in Keswick which involved some hill running, over fields, lots of bridges and some road. It was basically up Cat Bells, around by Grange, back via the lake and Ashness Bridge. It was boiling hot, but just perfect for running. And I was fit enough to do it and enjoy it. Runs like that don't come along so often you need everything to be right. Finished it off with a tea and a cake at the Lakeside Cafe, which sadly is no longer there. Running bliss indeed.

Wonder what great runs I've still to do, maybe lots with Kobi.

And a massive well done to my fetchie pal Chris Renton (Rentboy) who today on his 50th birthday will be, as I type, completing his tenth marathon of his ten in ten days at Windermere, Lake District. Amazing effort young man!! Happy Birthday.

So Team Ali Race for Lifers - come on be inspired get your shoes on and get out on this sunny summer day.

Cup of tea now I think.

don't worry, be happy.

Le Tour Pour Ali and two remarkable young women.

We often hear in the press about young people who cause no end of trouble but why don't we hear about the remarkable young people who do good things in a selfless way for others. I would like to tell you about two young women who selflessly gave up their time during a very busy exam period to raise money in the fight against Cancer.

Eilidh Joyce and Rhona Malcolm were part of Le Tour Pour Ali which was a cycling event which was run last Sunday for Cancer Research. To go back to the very beginning....

On January 5th 2014 Tracey sent me this message on facebook.

This idea grew and grew as the year went on. Eilidh officially became our Directeur Sportive and set about calling meetings and giving us all tasks to do. Before long Rhona had been talked into doing the first 20 miles of the ride in memory of her Dad. Initially the thought was that a few of Tracey's cycling buddies would take part and raise a bit of cash for Cancer Research. But gradually word got around and we ended up with 15 people saying they would take part and serious training began to take shape!

So after several meetings we were ready to go. We had Alpine Bikes on board to give us technical support and a kettle and Jo Turbitt (Mrs Masterchef) was on board to provide the after race yummy stuff. Eilidh, Rhona and I were to bake and had a special task to bake Stephen a gluten free birthday cake! Suddenly it was the week of the big sportive. Tracey and Eilidh were running around doing the last minute organising, with me and Rhona baking and printing out numbers for Tracey. Tracey isn't prone to showing excitement but I do believe I saw a little glimmer of excitement and nerves about the big day. Hazel arrived Saturday lunchtime with her bike in tow equally nervous and ready for the ride.

There was lots of chatter on facebook about the bike ride, nerves were building I suspect.

So early on Sunday morning (for the moment I am up early all the time - thanks Kobi) up and ready for sportive day. Got to Tracey's house and Eilidh had the kettle and the bacon rolls ready. Once everyone was munching and the pre-race chatter building Eilidh registered everyone and gave them their race numbers. Meanwhile Tracey's garden began to fill with bikes. 

Once Eilidh had organised everyone with their race numbers and gave everyone their directions it was time for Tracey to give the race briefing. 

Everyone listened intently, including Hazel who announced that she would have to go with someone as she had no idea where she was going!

With everyone briefed it was time to get the bikes ready for the off. Outside for a photo shoot for the Inaugural Le Tour Pour Ali. Rhona modelled Alistair's walking hat which has now become the thing we take with us wherever we go. It has mud from Keilder on it and badges from all our trips since November 2013. He was with us in spirit, hats and bikes.

Once everyone was on their bike and ready for the off Eilidh got her clip board and stopwatch out and we started off the various waves of riders.

Last group to leave were my Fetchie buddies. And in true Fetchie style (not taking life too seriously) one of them go to the end of the street and said "which way do we go" - with 77 miles to go it didn't bode well that they couldn't find their way out of the street! Go Fetchies....

Once everyone was away Eilidh and I counted up the donations and at that point we had £340. I filled the flasks with hot water and said cheerio to Eilidh. I had taken the maps off the wall and took them with me. I headed out towards the A7 and off in search of the first support stop. 

Eventually found my stop on the map and parked up at the side of the road. Got the goodies all sorted out and waited on my first customers...

First cyclists arrived shortly after I got there. Stuart and his mate were the first ones back and then Douglas, Chris and Hazel and Ali's bike came next.

Gradually my support stop was getting busy and all the goodies were getting munched.

Then down the hill shouting "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" came Rhona and Tracey. Rhona had clocked up 20 hilly miles and was ready for a seat and some yummy food. Tracey unfortunately had to carry on as she was doing the full 77 miles.

Quick tidy up and hot foot it over the hills to the next support stop. Tracey's pal Carol and her family were all set up when Rhona and I got there. I gave them the pop up tenty thing just in time for the rain to come on. The cyclists began to wheel up tired but still in good spirits. The second leg had been windy and tough but still sunny. Lots of food was devoured, broken spokes were fixed and lots of water drunk. Before they set off for the last leg of the ride. Up into the Granite hills.

Rhona had decided that she might find the 9 mile cycle up hill into the Granite hills might be a bit too tough for her and that she would meet up with Tracey at the last support stop and cycle the last 20 miles back. So we packed up the car and headed off up the valley passing the cyclists as they climbed slowly up the hill. We passed Liz, Derek, Alastair, Hazel, Douglas and Chris. It looked very tough and by this point there was heavy rain and hailstones for a bit. Rhona and I headed down to the last support stop and waited on the cyclists arriving. We had missed the first three cyclists but caught up with the rest. As each cyclists reached us it was evident that the climb had been really hard work. Tracey even refused to go up another hill until she had a lie down on the ground. Poor Mary looked like she hated her bike at that point. However, a wee hurl up the hill in my car, some food and she was soon back on her bike with her posse. Well done Mary.

So that was the last of our cyclists heading for home. Just 19 miles to go at this point! I whizzed on past the last group and headed back to base where Eilidh was waiting to check everyone in with their time and Jo was waiting to feed hungry cyclists with delicious food.

Happy 50th Birthday Stephen.

I can only speak about the sportive from my perspective of support person, but I know from all the comments that everyone enjoyed their day despite the horrible climbs and hailstones. And in the end I think there was approximately £500 raised for Team Ali. 

What we need to remember is that two remarkable young women, Eilidh and Rhona were key to this day. They are both nearly 16 and in the middle of their National Five exams and both gave up a precious study time to selflessly organise and take part in an event to remember Alistair. Eilidh did a fantastic job organising everything and everyone and Rhona was amazing completing 40 miles in memory of her Dad. He would have been immensely proud of both of them for what they have done. I can't begin to say how proud I am of them.

Oh and lets not forget the remarkable "slightly older" people - all of you cyclists. You were amazing and a total inspiration. Thank you so much for remembering my wonderful husband in this way.

So who's up for it next year????

don't worry, be happy  

For anyone who hasn't already donated and feels truly inspired please think about donating to 

http://www.justgiving.com/TeamAli