Edinburgh Technopole - Beeslak All Stars Disabled Sports Club 5K - 27/6/15

https://www.facebook.com/beeslackallstars?fref=ts

This 5K was organised to raise funds for a cracking organisation in Penicuik called the Beeslak All Stars Disabled Sports Club. It is a great organisation bringing new meaning to Participation. It is a real partnership of everyone who goes to the club whether they have additional support needs or not. It provides really community support for children and young people and their families. I am always very impressed by what they do. So when  I heard about it I was very keen to take part. 

Saturday morning came and I almost didn't go as I had housework to do and University work to do, but I thought, No I said I would do it so I took Rhona to work and then headed to the Bush Estate to the start. Picked up my number - 42. The Answer to Life the Universe and Everything. Perfect!!!!

Off to the start. What was amazing was the enthusiasm of the kids going to the start. Brilliant atmosphere.

Catherine was the organiser and was brilliant. Very enthusiastic and full of bubbles. We did have a bit of a giggle as when she went to start us all off she gave us a count down and then her air horn didn't work and it was all a huge anti climax to which the kids thought was absolutely hilarious. Great atmosphere.

Most relaxed start line I have ever been at. It was fantastic. Off we ran. The kids were brilliant, they scorched off like the ground was on fire! There were some of the club members in wheelchairs. The course was fantastic, it was all on trails around the Bush Estate. I would like to say it was flat but there were a few tricky wee rocky slopes that I imagine were tough to negotiate in a wheelchair. 

As I got to the end of the first lap the sun came out and it was really hot. There were marshalls all the way around the course and lots of fantastic support. Lynne and her camera! I was running alongside a lovely lady who worked at the Bush, we chatted and ran together for a bit and had a chuckle when two lads who were behind us were chatting and the older of the boys said "If I hadn't had to stop for a pee, I could have been first. I think next time I will get one of those golf sticks that you unscrew the top and stick your willy in and just pee". I turned to the woman I was running with and said "that sounds handy" we both giggled. After that the two boys shot off in front of us and disappeared in a flurry of youthful enthusiasm. I deliberately didn't put my watch on as I wanted to just run and enjoy myself. Which I was doing hugely. Soon the second lap was over and I headed back to Bush House where the finish tree was! We had to run around the tree, which was fun and then were met with a stipey tape, lifted up for every person to run through. The kids loved breaking the tape! 

The most important job of all, the timekeepers and the medal givers. I had said to Julie at the beginning that I hadn't worn my watch as I wasn't that bothered about a time today. But, having had a great run where I felt like I had run a good pace, suddenly I wanted to know what my time was. 

29.05!!!!! Sub 30. First time in ages. What a brilliant day out, considering I almost chose to do housework instead.

 

Blue skies over the Bush Estate. Lovely run.

I have run a lot of races in my 29 years of running and some of them have been huge (London), some of them have been hilly and long (Kielder and Windermere) but I don't think I have ever run a race where the participants have run with such enthusiasm and courage, some of the young people were doing their run for the first time and with huge smiles on their faces. One boy, Ben, who I was running behind would run for a bit and then slow down and walk, and when we caught up with him he would start running again. In a big race that would normally be a bit annoying but this young boy was using us to keep himself running. He was so determined not to give up. He did so well. 5K is a long way when you are young. Catherine told me that Lynne had said that the great thing about this was how some of the parents had started running/walking with their kids to prepare for this 5K. Which is exactly what the club is all about. Everyone having fun together - All stars regardless of ability. Everyone is equal. A great way of thinking and being. Well done everyone on organising such an inspirational day.

Thanks guys what a brilliant race. Hope it will be an annual event. It should be!!!!!

don't worry, be happy. :)

Running in the rain - 26/6/15

First day of the holidays and whilst I was completing my last Friday taxi run of this term (taking Rhona to her work) I decided to take myself up Blackford Hill for a bit of a play.

It was very warm and overcast. Two hours to kill so off I went into the Nature Reserve. No idea where I was heading but took the first path I came to. Found this, no idea what it is but I suspect it was supposed to be some sort of musical instrument. 

The path I took then was up the hill, gut feeling was telling me I was heading up towards Blackford Hill by running this way. And yep, sure enough, popped out at the bottom of Blackford Hill. The path up Blackford Hill took me past the most beautiful foxgloves. Just like being in Keswick.

 Stunning views of Edinburgh as I climbed higher. But those clouds are beginning to build. Rain on it's way? Still very warm.

Oh look at the wee bunny rabbit! I had to creep up to this one and stand really still to try and catch it before it scooted into the broom. This was at the bottom of a really steep bit so the rest was welcomed. Having a ball, this was a great hill to have a play on.

Once I got to the top of this steep bit, I was at the top of the hill. Stopped for a bit to look at the map of the hills on the horizon. Then the rain started, it was coming rapidly over from the Forth. It was still boiling but somehow or other I still had cold hands and the wind was blowing a hoolie. I don't think it is ever not windy in Edinburgh.

Then I ran over the hill towards the Braid Hills and oh my look at the rain clouds creeping in over the Pentlands. 

 Quick detour over to see the Observatory. Such a great building. With spectacular views of Edinburgh.

Reluctant as I was to lose all the height I had gained I dropped down the other side of the hill to the Blackford Pond. We used to take Andy and Rhona there when they were little for a walk as they could feed the ducks. Nice reminisce!

 

Beautiful pond.

  Beautiful flowers.

 Not sure either of these pictures really give an idea of how steep this set of steps were up to the mast but take it from me they were really steep and huge giant steps. I was puggled and my legs were just a little bit wobbly by the time I got to the top. What you can't see either is just how heavy the rain was by this point. It was coming in fast over Edinburgh.

 With the rain getting heavier and my play time coming to an end I headed back towards the car, through the Fairy Glen.

The best thing in the rain is mushrooms, they always just look amazing wild and in the rain.  

Back to the car and by this point the rain was absolutely bouncing! Head back down to collect Rhona after a brilliant play up the hill. 

Don't worry, be happy :)