Day two on the Fife Coastal Path. Pittenweem - Anstruther - Cellardyke - Pittenweem - St Monans.

4 July 2013

I had planned to try and run to Crail but due to wedding plans I had to cut short the distance but wanted to make sure I ran as far as Cellardyke (famous for the dead swan which was found a few years ago with Bird Flu).

The sun was shining, but it was quite windy, not uncommon on this coastline. As I left Pittenweem I noticed several bikes which were decorated with flowers. Lovely.

The path towards Anstruther was as clear as the other sections of the path along the coast. After a section high up on the cliff the path dropped down onto the golf course at Anstruther. A bit of golf ball dodging took me onto a lovely stony path which had lovely wild flowers on either side of the path.

The views from the coastal path are absolutely stunning. Some parts reveal sandy beaches which are remote and hidden away with hardly any visitors. One around the golf course the path goes up into Anstruther. By this point it was really sunny and warm. There were loads of people walking along the slim paths, which made running a little tough but soon I was able to come off the main road and run down towards the harbour. I took a little detour off the actual coastal path as I knew where I was going and the detour took me across the beach and down into the harbour. 

The harbour was very busy with visitors eating ice cream and chips from the famous Anstruther chippy. Dodging my way around them I ended up next to the Anstruther Reaper - a beautiful old fishing boat. 

After exploring the harbour for a bit I headed off along the coastal path to Cellardyke. Nicknamed "the lang toon", Cellardyke sits about a mile out of Anstruther. You leave the busy streets of Anstruther and run through very close streets towards the Tollbooth which is right in the middle of the little town. After about 3/4 of a mile of running through the streets which were very warm I found myself at the open space that was the harbour. It was very quiet. There were no boats in the harbour and the only thing moving was the washing lines on the platform next to the harbour. There wasn't a lot to Cellardyke, probably the most exciting thing to happen to Cellardyke was the dead swan which washed up a few years ago with bird flu - hit the BBC news if I remember rightly. 

Because I was short of time the plan was to run back to Anstruther and then onto St Monans. The sun by this point was heating up nicely and the run back through Cellardyke was really nice. Like running abroad. Back through Anstruther. Took a little detour before I went back to the golf course to look at the view over to the May Isle. 

Back along the coast to Pittenweem, enjoying the sunshine and the views. Once I was back into Pittenweem took time to look at the bikes with flowers. Pittenweem is a lovely fishing village with a great wee ice cream shop and a pretty harbour. The bikes I found out were part of the town's bid for Pittenweem in Bloom. There were bikes with flowers everywhere.

There is a steep climb out of Pittenweem which takes you onto the path to St Monans. This part of the path is a little rougher than other parts but is still very passable and very pretty views, particularly in the sunshine. At the end of the path from Pittenweem is the Salt Pans with the fantastic windmill in St Monans (the tower building was renovated by my brother in law). Almost tempted to dive into the open air swimming pool at St Monans but didn't have time. 

Swim anyone? The open air swimming pool at St Monans.

So that was the end of my coastal path adventure for the moment. The path was really good and has really whetted my appetite for more. Next time I would like to try and head for St Andrews from Cellardyke. Next time we are through at Granny's. 

don't worry, be happy :)

Fife Coastal Path - Day 1 - Shell Bay to Pittenweem.

3 July 2013

When I am out running at lunchtime at Cramond I could always see the coast line of Fife on the other side of the Forth Estuary. There is a direct route on view from the Forth Rail Bridge to the East Neuk of Fife. We also have relatives who live along the East Neuk of Fife so I knew it was a lovely route to run. So for the past year a plan to run the Fife Coastal Path (or at least bits of it) has been brewing in my head.

The chance to check out a few sections of it arose with the wedding of our niece, Vicky to James in July this year. We had rented a flat for the few days surrounding the wedding in Pittenweem, giving me the perfect base to explore the path.

A few days before Andrew asked if he could come with me. I had planned to start at Lower Largo which would have made the distance around 15 miles but as Andrew decided he wanted to come I dropped the distance to 9 miles (as he hadn't done any training to take him up to 15 miles). It wasn't so much about the distance I just wanted to run the path and reckie it for a future longer run.

We decided on a starting point of Shell Bay Caravan Site. Alistair and Rhona dropped Andy and I off at the caravan site and we set off in search of the path. The path was really well marked and although I had a map with me we hardly needed it as there were clear signs for the Coastal Path.

The first challenge we faced was a short, steep climb up Kincraig Hill to a viewpoint over Shell Bay, Earlsferry and Elie.

Earlsferry with Elie in the background.

We passed some wartime buildings which took us to the very top of the hill. Beyond this there was a huge set of steps which took us down to the beach at Earlsferry. When you pass the sign for Earlsferry on the road you don't imagine this beautiful beach. It was absolutely stunning and quite remote. Andy and I took the actual coastal path which went down onto the beach rather than the re-route along the golf club.

We then ran around the edge of the golf course which led us into the town of Earlsferry. We ran through the high street in Earlsferry which leads into Elie. We ran past the Elie Golf Course and down towards the beach.

A quick toilet stop and then a wee look at the beach and harbour and we were off on the next part of the path heading for Ardross.

We followed the coastal path signs which led us to Wood Haven (locally known as Ruby Bay). We ran past the lighthouse built in 1908 and then stopped for a quick photo shoot at Lady Tower built in 1760 by Lady Janet Anstruther who liked ot have a tower and a grotto to change in when she came to the beach.

Moving on we headed around the coast to Ardross. The beaches are just stunning. We ran along the sand dunes which was quite tough as it was fairly undulating.

At this point I could feel Andrew champing at the bit to go scampering off at his own pace as he could see St Monans in the distance (where Granny lives - food!). So I let him go off at his own pace and watched him disappear to a wee dot on the landscape. I was quite happy though, nice to have time to explore on my own for a bit. Next stop along the path was Newark Castle. 

The path up the side of the Castle was quite steep and it was quite warm so it was quite a tough bit. I could see Andy waiting on me at the top, but by the time I got there he had scampered off again. As I got around the corner I could see St Monans church in the near distance. It is quite an unusual shape of a church and stands by the Inweary Burn which you have to cross to get up into St Monans.

After a quick pit stop at Granny's, bit to hot and sweaty to stop for long. Andy and I headed off onto the last section of our journey for day one. The path heads off to Pittenweem. This is a section of the path which I have run many times but normally it is a short 3 mile run there and back to St Monans but today it was at the end of a longer run and felt just a bit tougher to run along.  Still good views all the way to Pittenweem.

Our holiday flat.

So that was our first day on the Fife Coastal Path. It was quite challenging at parts but on the whole it was a really well maintained path which had easy to follow signs and great view points along the way.

I am doing day two myself (one day was enough for Andy). I had planned to run to Crail but wedding plans have meant that I can only go as far as Cellardyke. So the plan for day two is to run to Anstruther, Cellardyke, back to Anstruther, Pittenweem and then back to St Monans to Granny's for lunch and wedding stuff. 

Day two blog to follow....

Edinburgh Marathon - race report

Now that I am a bit more alert today (well just about - was a bit dozy at work today) here is my race report on yesterday's Edinburgh Marathon.

The day started at 5.30am when I woke up and thought "shit I've got to run a marathon today". Debated getting up at that point but then dozed off again. Woke up at 6.30am and thought "yep definitely got to run a marathon today". Got up and went down the stairs to eat my marathon breakfast.

Then got my stuff together and checked in on Facebook and Fetch to say good luck to my fellow runners. Got a lovely message from Alastair Scott who told me to start slowly and enjoy myself. I had been fretting about my ankle which has been sore since it pinged a few weeks ago. But after a day of Ibuprofen and rest it was okay - but I did have a sore back (which I didn't mention as I hoped it would just go away). Despite having a great run up to the marathon in training I wasn't feeling at all confident. But I had come too far to not start. So off we went in the car. 

At one point Alistair asked me if I was quiet because I was thinking "what am I doing?" or if I was just pre-race quiet. Probably both I think. We parked the car at Alistair's work and nipped into the City Chambers to go to the toilet - much nicer than the portaloos. We then wandered down the bridges to the start at Regent Road. It was really busy with runners everywhere and my nerves shot through the roof.

Alistair met someone he knew from work and they began to talk shop, which was good for me as I could just busy myself getting ready whilst listening to them chatter. Then it came time to part with my bag onto the baggage trucks. Once your bag is on that truck there is no turning back. Alistair left me at this point as he had to go back to work to check on the traffic arrangements for the marathon. I had taken with me one of the many silver blankets that I have gotten in my goodie bags over the years and wrapped it around me.

It was great as it kept me just warm enough not to start chittering. At this point I thought I might visit the toilet again (it is amazing how a marathon renders you incapable of lasting two minutes without heading to the queue again). I ended up in the longest toilet queue ever, texted Tracey to inform her of this fact (she probably didn't need to know this but I needed to make contact with someone outside this crazy madness). Eventually I got to the stinky portaloos (not that I can smell them but I was informed several times of this fact) did what I needed to do and then headed for the starting pen that I was in. Once in the pen I began to settle as everyone starts to talk to each other which is the really great bit about marathon running - loonies united!! I only parted with my foil  blanket at the very last minute and had to be talked out of it by a nice lady who said she would take it from me at the last moment.

At last, the countdown began, 10, 9, 8........3,2,1 loud Rocky music signifying the start. Total anticlimax as it took us 20 mins after the countdown for us to start running.

Off we went. Down towards Meadowbank, round Lochend Road (didn't know at the time that there was a major crime incident at Jock's Lodge. We did wonder why there was a massive police presence at the front of Meadowbank). Then we headed down Lochend Road where I got a loud cheer from one of my colleagues and her husband. Round Leith Links and onto Seafield Road. By this point the clouds had parted and the sun came out. At this point I thought "here we go, hot like last year". I had practised this part of the route a few weeks ago so was quite happy toddling along towards Portobello. 

Then we were onto the Prom. I love running a race here as you can see all the runners stretched out along the Prom - it is amazing to see. We got half way along and then we were greeted with a drumming band which really got the blood rushing. 

This was also one of the great water stations (very much needed at this point). About half way along the Prom there were huge crowds and they were all cheering. The crowds were really close and it was like when the cyclists on the Tour de France have to cycle through them all - it was awesome. I then started to wonder if I would see my Mum and Dad as this was where they saw me last year. And, yep there they were - excellent. It really gees you on when you see someone you know. A quick chat and a high five and I was on my way. Next stop Musselburgh.

I knew that I had another supporter just before Musselburgh as another of my colleagues lives along there. Sure enough Kirsten was hanging over her wall and gave me a big cheer and yet another high five. Onto Musselburgh now. I was running really well and really enjoying myself at this point. No sign of the sore foot, not thinking about it though just in case it appears again.

As I ran onto the Musselburgh seafront I heard "Go JaneyM" it was Sandra (aka Santababy) giving me a huge cheer. And I knew I had more Fetchie love coming around the corner at 8.5 miles. As I turned the corner I could see the balloons but no Fetchies. "Blooming heck" I thought, "have I taken so long that they have all gone for coffee to Christina's?" then I saw them all on the other side of the road - Sai (aka McNewbie) and Christina (aka Spicedapple) spotted me as I ran towards them shouting "Oi Fetchies". Sai had an airhorn and the rest of the Fetchpoint gang all screamed and jumped up and down. I love them all so much. I told them to squidge up and I would take their picture.They all laughed and squidged together. Chris (aka The Rentboy) was larking around showing off his name on the back of his t-shirt. I grabbed some jelly babies and headed off totally high as a kite. I love being part of Fetch. Thanks guys for being there.

I was getting near the point where I had to run past the finish line. So I just got my head down and focussed on getting to Prestonpans. As we were running into Prestonpans the front runner passed us. There was a huge cheer and you could hear it rippling as he passed all the runners in the crowd. These guys are amazing. They are on their way back and we were only at the half way point. Still I was still going strong and trotting along quite happily with no aches and pains. Worked our way along the coast and I knew my next support would be at 15 miles with Tracey and her lovely cold water! It really helps knowing that there is someone there going to shout on you. I was still running strong and was eagerly looking out for her. And there she was standing with my cold bottle of water. I took a couple of mouthfuls and then tipped the rest into my bottle. I knew I would see her again at the same point (but then 19 miles). Tracey is a good friend, she said today it was really cold waiting and she had a bit of a cold today - that is above and beyond the call of duty - big big thanks Tracey. 

This is the bit that I knew would be tough. You can see all the way along the coast at this point to the gatehouse at Gifford House. And it looks like it is miles away. It must only be about 2 miles but it looks like much more than that. We got to the Gifford House gatehouse and you had to run past it and do a stupid dog leg. It seemed to take ages to turn and annoyingly there was a sign saying "turning point ahead" which never seemed to come. There was a lot of swearing at that sign. Finally, we got to turn and head into the Gifford Estate. I was running along with this nice man and we both laughed as we turned at the same time and noticed the huge, beautiful building which we almost missed as we had our heads down. We both said at once "look at the nice house". Turning out of Gifford House Estate and I was on my way home. Well at least pointing in the right direction. I still had 8 miles to go at that point. In the grand scheme of things it was only 8 miles, but flipping heck it was still 8 miles. But I knew I'd see Tracey again at 19 so on I went. And there she was still waiting for me. Huge thanks Tracey, you have no idea how great it was to know you would be there. It really helps you along. 

So 20 miles passed - just 10K to go now. I can do that easy I thought. At this point my love of Gels ran out. Yuk, yuk, yuk my stomach revolted and basically said "put one more of those things in me and I'll make you pay for it" so I got out my malt loaf. Aaaahhhh.... real food. It was delicious if a bit soggy, it had been in my back pocket for 20 miles. 

I knew that I would see Alistair and Rhona at some point as they were bringing their bikes to come out and meet me. My guess was that I would see them at around 23 miles. And just before 23 miles at Cockenzie Power Station I could see the two of them pedalling towards me. I could have cried. It was so nice to see them, not only because I was getting tired but also because this meant I was nearly finished. They cheered me on and then pedalled past me a bit. I got into step with three runners from Liverpool who were talking themselves into the last three miles. They said it was just twice round their local park - I said yep just a parkrun. Alistair and Rhona then passed me again and shortly after that, just out of Prestonpans I had a bit of a wobble, I slowed and walked for a few steps. I looked at my watch and saw that it was only 4.30. Right get going if you can keep running for the last 3 miles you could pull out a time that is faster than the last 3 marathons you have run. So that is what I did, I kept going all the way to the finish. 

It is quite a long run once you get back into Musselburgh but at the roundabout there was a huge crowd and everyone was shouting "go JaneyM". This one woman turned to me and said "you must be local everyone knows your name" I turned pointed to my name on my vest. She smiled and said that was a good idea. Not long to go now, although it did feel like an age. I knew it where the finish line was because I had practised it two weeks earlier so I could keep going.

Turned into the Pinkie playing fields onto the bouncy mats. I could see my watch was at 5:14:30 so I picked up my pace and sprinted to the line (sprint finish Tracey). Managed to land with a Fetchie wingwave (in Carolyn's honour aka Nywanda). 5:15:09. 15 mins faster than last year. Result!!!

All in all a good day out running.

don't worry, be happy :)

The night before the Edinburgh Marathon

Woke up this morning and hobbled down to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. All week my left ankle has been a bit niggly but this morning niggly turned into really sore. About four weeks ago I pulled up short in a 19 mile run with about 9 miles left to run, with my ankle really sore. It went away at the time but this week it has started playing up again.

After months of training and a final long run which left me with so much confidence I am not about to not start. So off to the chemist, a box of Voltarol tablets, RICE and lots of sitting in the sunshine and it has settled a bit.

Wish I could say the same for my nerves. Since Friday I have been coming out in a cold sweat every time I think about running tomorrow. You would think that after 5 marathons, 60 odd half marathons, countless 10k's, 5K's and a few triathlon's thrown in that I wouldn't get nervous any more. But, I think the marathon is a different kettle of fish (what does that even mean??). I think you have to keep respecting the distance or it will beat you no matter how many you have run. So respect it I will.

I have gathered all my fuel for the day. Porridge to start with a banana. 6 Isotonic Gels (1 every 4 miles), Malt loaf (for when I can't do gels any more), water bottle and some energy sweets. For after, a Mars Bar and a bottle of Lucozade. Then there is my kit. Got my marathon shorts, my running socks, my shoes and after a debate with myself I am going to be Fetchie tomorrow. I think I might need Fetchie love on the way around and the top I got from Diabetes Scotland is just not comfy enough. The there is my sun cream (might actually need it) and finally my inhaler. Last but not least my number and four safety pins.

Got my feet up just now and a cup of tea. Watching The Voice. Early to bed and then it's off to Regent Road in the morning.



No hills!!! Very excited now. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in raising money for Diabetes Scotland and who have kept me going when I had my wobbly moments in training.

Look out for race run down.

don't worry, be happy :)

Selkirk Triathlon - Team Malcolms and the Middle

Started the day with a whole bunch of nerves. Not for me, if I can't run 6 miles the week before a marathon then there things are far wrong. But for Tracey and Alistair. Tracey was, I suspect, a little nervous about her big cycle, with some massive hills thrown in and Alistair for his 1500m swim, after two years recovering from his massive bleed.

But we got to Selkirk and as a team we settled each other down with considerable amount of laughing and guffawing at the race director (with wellies) oo arring his way through the race briefing. Not sure he knew what to do with Tracey's unique sense of humour!!!

We asked one of the marshalls (who was a wee laddie) to take our team photo. He wasn't all that great at photography and managed to take two really dodgy photos which make Tracey look like some kind of Angel!!!



Then it was time for Alistair to head into the pool.  For a brief moment I had a wee tear but was determined to hide it from Tracey (who doesn't do greetin'). I was very proud of Alistair, who has overcome a bad bleed, still taking his factor 9 every third day and coping with still having Colin the clot hanging around. So off he set with his wee white hat perched on his head. Steady Eddie, that's what I am going to call him. His stroke was like a metronome. The hat was slowly slipping off his head as he swam. He did have a bit of a shark in his lane, who was clearly in the wrong lane and got out at least 8 lengths earlier than Alistair and the lady who was in the lane with them. The guy managed to batter the woman on the head and knock her goggles off and he gained himself a kick from Alistair for annoying him one to many times. But then he got out and they both got into a good rhythm to take them to the end. I saw Alistair get his tap on the head to say two lengths left and then I ran outside to catch him and Tracey doing their hand over. I got there to hear Tracey whooping and hollaring and then she came running out to her bike. Alistair did his first 1500m swim in two years in a fabulous 39 mins.

Tracey the sped off up the hill. And up the next hill, and the next one. Tracey said that there was mist at the top of the hill so she just got her head down until she finally saw something yellow in the mist and realised it was the Marshalls signalling the top of the hill. She said she kept thinking she would need a rest and then a down hill would come along and she just went "weeeeeeeeee" all the way down it. Well all those mind games played off as she came screaming into the transition area way faster than I had imagined and then it was turn. Tracey did her bit in 1 hour 53 mins.

Tracey coming in faster than we expected (I thought I had another 15 mins to wait) meant that I was caught on the hop and had to get myself into run mode in a flash. I could just hear Tracey shouting "remember sprint finish Jane" and then I heard her turn to someone and say "I am so glad I am not running". 

I headed off out on the run route. I was determined not to settle into my marathon trudge and to try and run it at a decent pace. For the first part I had to run alongside the river which was really nice. Then you headed into some trees and out onto the main road. At this point it did get a bit dull, but I kept reminding myself that next weekend I will be running in a straight line out and back for a lot longer than 6 miles. I was keeping a decent pace and then round about 3 and a half miles I did feel my legs slip into marathon trudge, then in the distance I could see the next wave coming along. I passed a woman I had been talking to poolside and thought I am not going to let her and the next wave catch me up. So kicked into action and ran a bit faster. Finally, I could see the entrance back into the park. Thank goodness, I was tiring a little, but I knew there were runners behind me. By this point I could see the really good guys out on their run leg. C'mon one last push JaneyM!!! There was the finish line. Tracey was shouting "c'mon Jane Sprint finish" Her and her bloomin' sprint finish!! I dug in and of course, Fetchie wing waved over the line. 61 MINS - get in there!!! Seasons best. Ya beauty :)

And the best thing, we weren't last!!!! 

Three things were achieved today. Alistair knows now he can still do something competitive which is in the world of Triathlon (next stop team middle distance - him swim/cycle me run), Tracey now has a full understanding of what it will take for her to complete the Standard distance triathlon (you do know that I won't let it go now Tracey) and me, I definitely have a marathon in my legs. Eeeeek, can't wait for next weekend now.

Well done, team Malcolms and the Middle.

The End

Update text: official race times -

Swim - 39:10

T1- 48secs

bike - 1:53:39

T2 - 23 secs

run - 61:09

overall - 3 hr, 35 mins and 09 secs

Bloomin' marvellous! Don't think our transition times will ever be that fast again :)

I am awesome....

Today I ran my last long run before the Edinburgh Marathon in 2 weeks time. It is always with some sadness that I run that last long run as I know that all my other runs this year will not be as far (other than the actual race of course) and I am always very proud of the fact that I can run that far.

Today is no different, I still amaze myself that I am actually capable of running that far. I laugh because when I made mention to different people this week that I was running 22 miles in training, their response is split into three categories. Those who know exactly how far 22 miles is to run and totally respect the distance say "have a good run", those who have absolutely no idea what it feels like to run 22 miles and don't quite know what to say, say "have a nice (??) run" - this is why you know they don't know what it is like to run 22 miles - you never have a nice run for 22 miles - you either have a good run or a rubbish run! And then there is my mate Tracey who just says "mad". But that's okay, I know in that one way or another they respect my determination to be able to run that far.

Why I say I am awesome, has to do with the podcast company I kept today for at least 12 miles of my run. I found a podcast recently called "anns running commentary". At the time I downloaded all that was available and forgot about them. But given the time I was out today, I thought I'd give them a listen. Ann is a lady who in her words "is a short american, with wide hips and a big butt". However, that description aside she is still an iron woman who runs marathons as well. She is from Maryland in American and basically said everything was "awesome" for 12 miles of my run. A lot of what she said made perfect sense. She wasn't an expert in anything really, she just shared her thoughts. She thought that us runners were an "awesome" bunch of people who were great goal setters, highly motivated, a bit lazy on occasion but generally a great bunch of people to know. Sounds like Fetcheveryone!!! I absolutely agree with her. She also said that "I" was awesome (okay I know she doesn't know me but we did get acquainted over the 2 hours I listened to her) because I was a mum, not a super elite athlete, a wife, a worker and just a totally "awesome" woman. I liked this lady. Although she did say "awesome" maybe one time to many. But to get to the point of my ramblings, I began to wonder if her enthusiasm for everything was genuine or if it was fake? She did say one thing though about the phrase "good job" which we heard a lot of in the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. She said that it had to come from the heart and not just be used in a patronising way. I reckon her enthusiasm was genuine. What I also believe is that we, in Scotland, are just a bit crap at being like that. Maybe we should say everything is awesome instead of just going about saying we are rubbish at everything rather than just having a downer all the time.

So, you know what, I AM AWESOME!!! I ran (every step of the way) from Penicuik, way up in the mountains, right down to the seaside. 22 miles in preparation for the Edinburgh Marathon. My 6th marathon - yes you heard 6 marathons - how awesome is that. It doesn't matter how fast or slow I did them, as Tracey is always saying we are "completers not competors" - I am a marathon runner!

Roll on the Edinburgh Marathon - I'm coming to get you.

And thanks Ann for your company. http://www.annsrunningcommentary.com/

don't worry, be happy