Daily Blog......

Tuesday 23rd February (Run 51 for a Ceremonial Finish !! & for the photies)

What a turn out and what a beautiful day to finish on. Joined again by the rainbow nation of .....Technical Support, Finance, Small Business, BT and Channel Systems. That is Ian Girdwood, Neil Gelston, Keith Anderson, Jim Keeney, Craig Robertson, Andrea Hepburn and Vicky Darroch. Unofficial Photography by James and Amar and a cast of thousands as the welcoming committee at the end !!!   Special Guests from St Margaret's Hospice who also provided the balloons and T-shirts. A great big thank you to all for your help today and throughout. Despite my pitiful attempt to raise some final dosh Maggie stepped in and has shaken her thing (sorry bucket) and has so far gathered over £200 and promises to visit a building near you tomorrow. Just in case you're interested we managed another sub 50 min run at 48.30.

Forgot to mention the official photographer who had me repeat the breaking of the finish tape so many times I think I did another 10k. This was followed by some pretty dodgy sitting on the wet grass an peering witfully over my shoulder with a pair of his trainers (sorry his prop) draped over the other shoulder. At one point he asked if I could stopped shaking and I gleefully replied "the minute a get my fat ar.. of this wet ground. When asked if I wanted to do a few "glamour" shots to finish I suggested it was time for him to vamoose !!

Clock in tomorrow for a few pictures and maybe a bit of video  !!

Tuesday 23rd February (Run 50)

Last Day run 1 at 8.00am as planned. On my own in balmy Clydebank business park at -5 degrees. Not quite on my own as joind by big Flo of Florence + the Machine. An appropriate little album called "Lungs" not renamed as "New Set of Please"  !!! Set out to be a steady run and managed 48 mins 22 secs. Nearly there ...sniff sniff.

Sunday 21st February (Run 49)

Couldn't resist when I saw it was back down to -6 degrees !!  Probably just a gratuitious training run providing I can still get through 2 runs on Tuesday. That Springsteen boy must be living in another country  ..... Girls in their Summer Clothes.... not where I was running !!

Thursday 18th February (Run 48)

Last run (maybe !!) before the big finale on Tuesday. Felt like the coldest run so far with ice and freezing for. Joined by Andrea and the Stereophonics. Plans are building up for Tuesday so if you want to join in give me a shout.

Wednesday 17th February (Run 47)

3 to go after a 50min 14 sec run this morning. Back to the freezing cold round the business park. Bit of a struggle and could have done with Tracy Chapman's ......Fast Car.

Tuesday 16th February (Run 46)

4 to go after a 48min 32 sec run this morning. Hope no one minds but needed a bit of variety today so actually did a Treadmill run at the gym. Had forgotten how difficult it is to run in warm, dry and comfortable surroundings. Never again !!

Monday 15th February (Run 45)

5 to go after a 47min 16sec (best ever) run at lunchtime along the canal from Clydebank towards town. I have now officially left Clydebank in every conceivable direction. Back to the Killers live from the Albert Hall. Not that I'm getting nervous but I'm much more conscious of putting on my heart rate monitor these days !!

Sunday 14th February (Run 44)

6 to go after a 49min 11sec run this morning. This was no St Valentines day massacre but not far off it !!

Saturday 13th February (Run 43)

Planned the day off but felt good so did the Parkrun 5k with a further 5k between warm up and warm down. Best 5k to date at 22mins 38secs. Joined by John Cougar Mellencamp and we were ... Rocking in the USA.

Friday 12th February (Run 42)

What a great day. The "Rainbow Nation" of Direct is here in all its glory. Joined by Laura Pressly (Small Business), Derek Clifford (Online Channels and out from Glasgow) and Andrea Hepburn (Systems and Strategy). Thanks very much to you all for the support. Clocked a third run in a row under 50 mins and feeling much better compared to how the week started. No music just some banter and swapping of old running stories. Hadn't realised we had all competed in the same Olympic games and won the same Gold Medal !!! Hang on my nose is just clicking back in to place.

Thursday 11th February (Run 41)

Definitely turned a corner (not literally) from the start of the week and only marginally slower than yesterday at 48 mins 12 secs. We're on the home run. Starting to feel like a bit of a non-event so need to put some more effort in to organising a big finish on the 23rd and getting some more coffers for the Charity. Any Bright Ideas ? Some more Counting Crows to keep me going.

Wednesday 10th February (Run 40)

Feels like a milestone (or is that millstone) and had a great lunchtime run along the canal. Bright clear day and reasonably mild. Clocked in at 47mins 46secs which could well be the best to date. Back to the Boss for company and feels like (I was) ......"Born to Run"......in....."My Hometown" and these are....."Glory Days".

Tuesday 9th February (Run 39)

Back to basics and a tour of the business park. Marginally better than yesterday at 53 mins 15secs. This was a Beatles day and despite thinking you know the songs inside out I came across a number of tracks that really caught the attention ..... "I'm so tired.....Happiness is a warm Bath.....Why don't we do it in the Road !!

Monday 8th February (Run 38)

As expected this morning felt like I'd over done things for the first time. Totally knackered, a few aches and pains and low and behold a very nice blister !! Just over 55 mins but felt longer. Hate to admit it but stuck on a best of Michael Jackson but this was no Thriller.

Sunday 7th February (Runs 36 and 37)

Somebody suggested a big finish on February 23rd with 2 or 3 runs round the business park and a "Help the Hospices" final push for funds. On that basis I figured I better try a bit further today. Two runs completed back to back and just about still walking. Tomorrow should be fun !! Joined today by Mumford and Sons which I downloaded yesterday. Don't know much about them but worth a listen.

Friday 5th February (Run 35)

Back to Clydebank and a wet and mild run along the canal. Joined by Andrea Hepburn and just as well. Really struggled on the way out. A steady 54 mins 12 secs.

Thursday 4th February (Run 34)

Running in town today and just failed to break 50 mins (50 mins 11 secs). Shouldn't have stoped to blow my nose !! In the words of today's singing buddy - Jackson Brown - "Running on ......Running on Empty......

Wednesday 3rd February (Run 33)

Back to normal this morning only -5 but pretty icy. Feels like home. Round the business park in a steady 50 mins 31 secs but feeling pretty tired. Back to the Boss (Bruce Springsteen) and running through the "Badlands" of Clydebank but still living in the "Land of Hope and Dreams". Laura Harold has committed to a run on the 12th and knowing her that's a done deal.

Tuesday 2nd February (Run 32)

What is it they say about February? For the first time bombarded by wind, rain, sleet and snow !! The weather combined with feeling the effects of yesterday's quick run resulted in a slow 54 mins 50 secs.  Joined in the run by Billy Connolly and some classics like the crucifixion and the jobbie wheecha !!  May have been struggling but often seen with a broad grin on my face.

Monday 1st February (Run 31)

Back to the Business Park and joined by Andrea H. 7.5 laps of the North/South Avenue and again close to zero degrees ... very pleasant. Nice quick run (for me) at 48 mins 16 secs. Listening to Scouting for Girls .... I wish I was James Bond just for the day - kissing all the girls...blowing the bad guys away !!!  Thanks Andrea.

Sunday 31st January (Run 30)

60% of the way there !! Nice steady run in cold crisp 0 degrees and 50 mins 23 secs. Joined on the run by Supertramp ....even in the quietest moments..an oldie but goldie.

Friday 29th January (Run 29)

Met up with Craig Robertson from BT as planned. Great run along the canal at 49 mins 40 secs. Got Craig's description yesterday badly wrong it was Prada running gloves and Ralph Lauren gilet but no Gucci loafers !! Thanks very much Craig.

Thursday 28th January (Run 28)

Six in a row and committed to another tomorrow when Craig Robertson from BT plans to join. I've never run with anyone wearing Prada Loafers and Armani Sweatbands so should be interesting !! Back to today and similar time as yesterday at just over 54 mins. Joined by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, Raising Sand ......more like Running on Quicksand !!

Wednesday 27th January (Run 27)

Back over the border and feeling a bit tired from my travels. Still needs must. Slowed again to just over 54 mins. Joined by the Killers Live from the Albert Hall ......still Mr Brightside (not !!).

Tuesday 26th January (Run 26)

Running in a foreign country !! Got the shoes through customs and by the sniffer dogs so no excuses. Jim Keeney from BT joined the small band of runing buddies as we headed off along a busy dual carriageway in the pitch black at 6.30. Very quickly turned back and found a nice path through some pretty villages. Not sure who was leading who but a bit of bravado got us through in 52 mins 37 secs. Thanks Jim.

Monday 25th January (Run 25)

Half way there !!! Lunchtime run along the canal but struggling a bit after a good weekend. Dropped back to 50 mins 43 secs. Off to London this afternoon so tomorrow's run will be south of the border at BT's Labs (Adastral Park near Ipswich). Not sure my running shoes will be allowed on the plane and will certainly be classed as offensive weapons. Depending on your vintage accompanied by Johnny Cougar, John Mellencamp or John Cougar Mellencamp in any case ....."a little ditty about Jack and Diane".

Sunday 24th January (Run 24)

Back to old claes and purridge with a nice steady 10k run. Using a personal satnav device borrowed from Jim Keeney which measures distance, pace and heart rate throughout and when you get back downloads it to the garmin website and loads a google map of the route taken. 49 mins 12 secs. Accompanied by the Counting Crows ...Films about Ghosts:Best of the Counting Crows. Nearly called for the Big Yellow Taxi !!

Saturday 23rd January (Run 23)

Bit of a mixed bag. Did the Parkrun 5k at Pollok Park this morning after a 5k warm up. This is a regular run every Saturday organised by volunteers where you just turn up and run round a hilly path in the park and then get sent your result by email later in the day. Managed my best time on this route at 22 mins 53 secs. Haven't done it for a while so maybe all the training is paying off !! Assuming 25 mins for the warm up well under 50 mins for 10k.

Thursday 21st January (Run 22)

Lunchtime run again and low and behold ther's a queue for the changing and shower facilities. Didn't know there's a sizeable group from Technology who go out several times a week. Feel a bit like Will Smith in I am Legend .. there is life out there. 49 mins 50 secs.

Wednesday 20th January (Run 21)

Summer is officially here. Ran without a jacket for the first time .... not sure the lycra look is really me but everyone in the office seemed to find it amusing !!! Took a simple internal loop round the business park and managed to beat best time to date at 47 mins 23 secs. Accompanied Coldplay (Xand Y). Just testing yesterday of course I meant 40% of the way there !! Online donations (ex Gift Aid) broke through the £1000 barrier. Thanks to all.

Tuesday 19th January (Run 20)

For the first time managed to use the planned route along the canal in Clydebank. The ice has officially thawed on the tow path but noticed the swans still managing to walk on water. 50 mins 53 secs. Accompanied U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. 20% of the way there.

Monday 18th January (Run 19)

Bit of variety with a first lunchtime run in Glasgow 52 mins 46 secs. Surprisingly still feels just as tough in Glasgow as it does in Clydebank !!! Accompanied by more of the Foo Fighters - "in times like these we learn to live again".

Sunday 17th January (Run 18)

Back to the grind at 53 mins 17 secs. Could blame my late night birthday party and excess of food but not alcohol (stll tee total !!). Accompanied by the Foo Fighters. Need to mention Ian Girdwood from Direct who recently won a prize in the bank's Famous Scots competition. Having already made a donation to the Hospices Ian most generously donated his prize of a brand new £100 Clydesdale note in a presentation wallet. Cheers mate.

Saturday 16th January (Run 17)

Ready for the race along the canal at Bishopbriggs but failed to check the website. Race cancelled as canal path still covered in ice. Here now and will prove these wimps wrong. 50 yards along the path....back to roads it really was impossible. Still had a good run at 49 mins 12 secs. Beat my age (just !!). Accompanied by REM and don't know about losing my religion but sure I saw a few strands of hair blowing in the wind.

Thursday 14th January (Run 16)

The snow is back yippee !! Feeling OK again and a reasonable time at 52 mins 06 secs. Accompanied by the George Michael (didn't stop in any parks but the mood of the music was a bit downbeat. He is sounding tired as well. Taking tomorrow off as I have found a pukka 10k Race on Saturday which coincides with my actual birthday.

Wednesday 13th January (Run 15)

Getting a bit bored so took a different route - got lost and ran an extra coupl of miles !! Lost track of time time but pretty happy that it was low 50s for the first 10k. Accompanied by the David Gray and his White Ladder.

Tuesday 12th January (Run 14)

Running out of excuses positively balmy and the ice is fading away. Struggled again and similar time to yesterday at 53 mins 41 secs. Accompanied by the Eagles it was definitely "The Long Run" and not a "Peaceful Easy Feeling".

Monday 11th January (Run 13)

Suffering from heat exhaustion at +3c but still needing ice skates!!  Feeling the effects of yesterdays faster run and back up to well at 53min 23 secs. 25% of the way there. Accompanied today by the Verve and some classic Urban Hymns.

Sunday 10th January (Run 12)

The big thaw has started -5c.  Took Saturday off and set a record low on time today at 48min 32   Accompanied today by Paul Weller.

Friday 8th January (Run 11)

Record low in the weather today -9c!!  Hopefully that accounts for a record low on time as well at 53min 12 secs but more likely to be due to age and exhaustion!!  Accompanied today by Ocean Colour Scene, there's a contradiction in terms.

Thursday 7th January (Run 10)

Put a hold on the global warming back down to -8c. 52 mins 49 secs for the 10K and accompanied by Marc Cohn - "if there's a god up in heaven he drives a silver Thunderbird" - hope the heater is working !! 20% of the way there and over £1000 raised for Help the Hospices which the bank will double.

Wednesday 6th January (Run 9)

Global warming coming to the fore now up to -1c. 51 mins 30 secs for the 10K and accompanied by Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream.

Tuesday 5th January (Run 8)

Clydebank totally tropical at -3c with some fresh snow. 52 mins 52 secs for the 10K and accompanied by James Morrison.

Monday 4th January (Run 7)

Clydebank a little bit chilly at -8c but roads nice and quiet. 49 mins 12 secs for the 10K and accompanied by Kings of Leon, Jim Keeney (BT) and Andrea Hepburn.

Hope nobody minds but the weather has been so good I started the challenge early on Monday 28th December and completed 6 runs that week.

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                                                            Help ME help CYB DIRECT help the COMMUNITY

                                                                           with the 50 - 50 - 50 - 50 Challenge

 

On 4th January 2010 I aim to start a vain attempt to prove turning 50 really doesn't have to be the start of a slow wind down !!  At the same time (and to make sure I keep running) I'm trying to raise sponsorship for Help the Hospices.

So it's going to be -

                                                                                      50 ten kilometre runs

                                                                                      50 (midweek) days

                                                                                      50 'odd' minutes

                                                                                      50 years of age (on 16th January)

 

"Through Clydesdale Banks charity partnership with Help the Hospices, the money I raise will be donated to St Margaret’s Hospice. Through the bank's matched funding scheme, Clydesdale Bank will match fund pound for pound all funds that are raised with 50% of the matching donated to Help the Hospices and 50% to St Margaret’s Hospice."