55 miles, my longest distance to date, I was a wee bit apprehensive to say the least.
I had three plans (each of them included short walking breaks):
Plan A: Run 11 minute miles and finish just under 10 hours.
Plan B: If I can't maintain 11 minute miles, try and get to the finish in under 11 hours.
Plan C: Just finish before the cut-off of 12 hours.
I normally comfortably run 9 minute miles on a flat surface and this was flat all the way, apart from a wee climb I intended to walk at Falkirk, so we're good to go.
Day started off great, jumped in a taxi at George Square to get to the start at Ruchill Park, and the cab driver announces he's not for hire, he's only stopped for a break to read his paper! After some gentle persuasion from Susan, he agreed to take us the short three mile trip into Maryhill. On the way he asked what we were up to today and we explained about the Ultramarathon and that I was doing the run for charity. We arrived at the park and cab driver told us to donate the £5 fare to the charity. How awesome was that? Feel good factor in overdrive and it's not even 9am!
The start was a very laid back affair, a relaxed race briefing at 8:55 and we're away at 9:00 on the dot.
My 11 minute mile plan was under threat from the start, felt myself getting sucked into other peoples pace...held back focused, had a wee chat wi' masel. "It's 55 miles, a long way to go", and settled into a comfortable slow jog.
Every song on the mp3 player had been selected by those who donated to the charity split between Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. The songs in total was just over 7 hours, so the player was put on random to play until I stopped.
First song was Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up, and great upbeat tune to get you in a groove. This was followed up by Johnny Cash singng Your Own Personal Jesus, I realised right away that I was gonna have to control how I reacted to songs as my pace was instantly altered by the first two tunes of the day! I won't mention all of the songs, but a few will feature along the way.
The route from Glasgow to Edinburgh is 55 miles long, following the Forth & Clde, and Union canals, with checkpoints as follows (including what song was playing at each):
Auchinstarry Bridge (13.1 miles) - Divine - You Think Your a Man (Your Only a Boy)
Falkirk Wheel (22.25 miles) - Justin Bieber - Love Yourself
Linlithgow (33.75 miles) - Rod Stewart - Baby Jane
Broxburn (42 Miles) - The Commitments - Mustang Sally
Ratho (47.25 miles) - The Clash - White Man (in Hammersmith Palais)
Went through Checkpoint 1 with Divine - You Think Your A Man (But Your Only A Boy) blasting in my ears! The field had thinned out now and I had my head straight that it's my race, with only myself to compete against, this is a lot harder than it sounds! As I ran under the M9 at the Castlecary Arches, Labi Siffre - Something Inside So Strong came on and the tears just poured. I was smiling though, thinking how that song sums up my feelings towards injustice and peoples struggle for equality, the line "we're gonna do it anyway" especially emotional.
Right after this came The Smiths - There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out, totally changed my mood and I was running along singing out loud (this was to be feature of the day!)
As I approached the Falkirk wheel at 1pm (bang on 11 minute mile pace), Justin Bieber - Love Yourself started, I did smile thinking I wouldn't normally listen to this...but this was no normal day.
Spotted Susan at the Checkpoint, always a welcome sight, her encouragement and motivation is nothing short of remarkable. Also there, was JogPKC Leader Matt McLay, I realise now just how important the wee chat Matt gave me played a massive part in the rest of my day. Thanks for that Matt, and also for the fat Coke...this was to be the day of fat Coke! Had some baked beans and pork sausages before saying my goodbyes to Susan.
There's a hill from the bottom of the Falkirk Wheel up to start of the Union canal, Matt walked with me to the top, his chat focusing on the positive, and sending me on my way down the first of a number of long tunnels, where I decided to walk, although this was eating into time, I'd rather that than risk injury. The Edwin Hawkins Singers - Oh Happy Day had me in tears again!
Next checkpoint was 11 miles away, so we're looking at 2 hours of running for Plan A. Started to struggle a wee bit and it was because I needed more to eat, but didn't feel like I could stomach anything. Walked for a bit chewing on a couple of gel blocks and the Snuff version of the Black Beauty soundtrack Galloping Home came on, cheered me up, made me smile and got me into a jog again.
There are a couple of bridges where the footpath is cobbles and quite narrow, slows you down to walking pace for fear of going in the canal, and are actually quite a welcome break.
Checkpoint 3 arrived and there was Susan, and this time Dot was there too! Great to see them both, hadn't seen Dot for a while, had a quick bite of a banana and was off again quite quickly.
The next section was just over 8 miles and I got going with about 75% enthusiasm. Started thinking about what was wrong, thought back to the chat with Matt, and also to the fat Coke. This was the game-changer, happening right here. The fat Coke Matt gave me was still a bit fizzy, so I slowed down to a walk to sip away at it and then let it settle. Broke into a wee jog, had a burp you could've heard back in Perth and I was off, flying, at one point having to tell myself to slow down. I wasn't far from Broxburn, was walking a wee bit and watching a game of football being played on the edge of the town when Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go came on. I must have looked mental as I danced the start 'You Do The Jitterbug' bit! Feeling great I powered into Broxburn to be met again by Susan and Dot, with this time, Megan and Kerry there too!
Spent a bit longer at this checkpoint as I knew Plan A was gone, and also was enjoying the time spent together with everyone.
5.5 miles to the next checkpoint, a half marathon to go to the end...mon then!
The rain started, not heavy, but had to make a decision to cover up or not. As the trees were providing a wee bit of a canopy cover I decided to stay as I was. Had some more flat Coke, let it settle in (takes about 8 minutes) and opened the legs. BOOM! There had been a few runners changing places with me for the last 5 or 6 miles, I flew passed them at 10 minute mile pace for about two miles and never saw them again.
Tina Turner - The Best followed by Roy Orbison - Penny Arcade, ye coudnae script that! Hammered into Ratho (accompanied by The Clash) as Megan and Kerry turned a corner and said "alright?" as if we just met casually on Perth High Street. Susan and Dot were having a well deserved cup of tea at the time, but looking up they were running over a bridge to join us. Susan was running not knowing her bag was open and Dot was running behind her picking up the contents as they fell out! Megan gave me one final bottle of flat Coke (or as I was now calling it...'The Solution')
The rain was quite heavy now, but I was actually enjoying it, just under 8 miles to go, Plan B was there for the taking...was it?
Pigbag - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Blue Rondo A La Turk - Klacto Vee Sed Stein, Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (WHAT?), Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run, Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over...the inspirational songs were coming along rapid.
As I approached a young guy (early 20's) 100 metres in front of me, The Jam - Town Called Malice came on, I instantly upped the pace and as I passed him said
"Well done mate"
his response was "Woah, what age are you?"
I responded "50, how?"
He said "50 miles in, how can you run like that?"
"Simple...Get The Fuckin Jam On!"
He laughed, I laughed and I head off for the finish, Plan B, Plan B, Plan B...
It's getting dark, it's 7:50pm, I'm about a mile away, all or nothing, let's go.
Head down, passing runners who are struggling and will be happy just to walk to the end, to walk sounds awesome, come on head down, one foot in front of the other...PLAN B!
I see a sign on a bridge over the canal, it's numbered '3', are they in descending order towards Edinburgh, the next bridge is numbered '2'...ya dancer!
Under bridge '1'
Frank Wilson - Do I Love You, Patsy Cline - Crazy, Kenny Rogers - The Gambler,
A sign '100 metres to the finish', it's 7:58, come on John, come on!
I see Dot, she starts jumping, I see the finish, Susan, Megan and Kerry are there, I start punching the air and let out a roar as I cross the line...in 10 hours and 59 minutes...Mon Plan B!
Song at the end...The Cranberries - Dreams, well done Pigeon, I'm at your service Brother.
In my excitement, I totally missed that my niece Rose and her partner Steve had come along to cheer me in. It means so much when people go out of their way to simply be there for you.
So that's my story of the 55 mile run.
People, together we have raised over £1,000 to be split between Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. You provided the music, love and motivation. Thank you.
Keep The Faith. Peace. x
Auchinstarry Bridge (13.1 miles) - Divine - You Think Your a Man (Your Only a Boy)
Falkirk Wheel (22.25 miles) - Justin Bieber - Love Yourself
Linlithgow (33.75 miles) - Rod Stewart - Baby Jane
Broxburn (42 Miles) - The Commitments - Mustang Sally
Ratho (47.25 miles) - The Clash - White Man (in Hammersmith Palais)
Went through Checkpoint 1 with Divine - You Think Your A Man (But Your Only A Boy) blasting in my ears! The field had thinned out now and I had my head straight that it's my race, with only myself to compete against, this is a lot harder than it sounds! As I ran under the M9 at the Castlecary Arches, Labi Siffre - Something Inside So Strong came on and the tears just poured. I was smiling though, thinking how that song sums up my feelings towards injustice and peoples struggle for equality, the line "we're gonna do it anyway" especially emotional.
Right after this came The Smiths - There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out, totally changed my mood and I was running along singing out loud (this was to be feature of the day!)
As I approached the Falkirk wheel at 1pm (bang on 11 minute mile pace), Justin Bieber - Love Yourself started, I did smile thinking I wouldn't normally listen to this...but this was no normal day.
Spotted Susan at the Checkpoint, always a welcome sight, her encouragement and motivation is nothing short of remarkable. Also there, was JogPKC Leader Matt McLay, I realise now just how important the wee chat Matt gave me played a massive part in the rest of my day. Thanks for that Matt, and also for the fat Coke...this was to be the day of fat Coke! Had some baked beans and pork sausages before saying my goodbyes to Susan.
 |
| Me and Mr Motivator! |
There's a hill from the bottom of the Falkirk Wheel up to start of the Union canal, Matt walked with me to the top, his chat focusing on the positive, and sending me on my way down the first of a number of long tunnels, where I decided to walk, although this was eating into time, I'd rather that than risk injury. The Edwin Hawkins Singers - Oh Happy Day had me in tears again!
Next checkpoint was 11 miles away, so we're looking at 2 hours of running for Plan A. Started to struggle a wee bit and it was because I needed more to eat, but didn't feel like I could stomach anything. Walked for a bit chewing on a couple of gel blocks and the Snuff version of the Black Beauty soundtrack Galloping Home came on, cheered me up, made me smile and got me into a jog again.
There are a couple of bridges where the footpath is cobbles and quite narrow, slows you down to walking pace for fear of going in the canal, and are actually quite a welcome break.
Checkpoint 3 arrived and there was Susan, and this time Dot was there too! Great to see them both, hadn't seen Dot for a while, had a quick bite of a banana and was off again quite quickly.
The next section was just over 8 miles and I got going with about 75% enthusiasm. Started thinking about what was wrong, thought back to the chat with Matt, and also to the fat Coke. This was the game-changer, happening right here. The fat Coke Matt gave me was still a bit fizzy, so I slowed down to a walk to sip away at it and then let it settle. Broke into a wee jog, had a burp you could've heard back in Perth and I was off, flying, at one point having to tell myself to slow down. I wasn't far from Broxburn, was walking a wee bit and watching a game of football being played on the edge of the town when Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go came on. I must have looked mental as I danced the start 'You Do The Jitterbug' bit! Feeling great I powered into Broxburn to be met again by Susan and Dot, with this time, Megan and Kerry there too!
Spent a bit longer at this checkpoint as I knew Plan A was gone, and also was enjoying the time spent together with everyone.
5.5 miles to the next checkpoint, a half marathon to go to the end...mon then!
The rain started, not heavy, but had to make a decision to cover up or not. As the trees were providing a wee bit of a canopy cover I decided to stay as I was. Had some more flat Coke, let it settle in (takes about 8 minutes) and opened the legs. BOOM! There had been a few runners changing places with me for the last 5 or 6 miles, I flew passed them at 10 minute mile pace for about two miles and never saw them again.
Tina Turner - The Best followed by Roy Orbison - Penny Arcade, ye coudnae script that! Hammered into Ratho (accompanied by The Clash) as Megan and Kerry turned a corner and said "alright?" as if we just met casually on Perth High Street. Susan and Dot were having a well deserved cup of tea at the time, but looking up they were running over a bridge to join us. Susan was running not knowing her bag was open and Dot was running behind her picking up the contents as they fell out! Megan gave me one final bottle of flat Coke (or as I was now calling it...'The Solution')
The rain was quite heavy now, but I was actually enjoying it, just under 8 miles to go, Plan B was there for the taking...was it?
Pigbag - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Blue Rondo A La Turk - Klacto Vee Sed Stein, Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (WHAT?), Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run, Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over...the inspirational songs were coming along rapid.
As I approached a young guy (early 20's) 100 metres in front of me, The Jam - Town Called Malice came on, I instantly upped the pace and as I passed him said
"Well done mate"
his response was "Woah, what age are you?"
I responded "50, how?"
He said "50 miles in, how can you run like that?"
"Simple...Get The Fuckin Jam On!"
He laughed, I laughed and I head off for the finish, Plan B, Plan B, Plan B...
It's getting dark, it's 7:50pm, I'm about a mile away, all or nothing, let's go.
Head down, passing runners who are struggling and will be happy just to walk to the end, to walk sounds awesome, come on head down, one foot in front of the other...PLAN B!
I see a sign on a bridge over the canal, it's numbered '3', are they in descending order towards Edinburgh, the next bridge is numbered '2'...ya dancer!
Under bridge '1'
Frank Wilson - Do I Love You, Patsy Cline - Crazy, Kenny Rogers - The Gambler,
A sign '100 metres to the finish', it's 7:58, come on John, come on!
I see Dot, she starts jumping, I see the finish, Susan, Megan and Kerry are there, I start punching the air and let out a roar as I cross the line...in 10 hours and 59 minutes...Mon Plan B!
Song at the end...The Cranberries - Dreams, well done Pigeon, I'm at your service Brother.
In my excitement, I totally missed that my niece Rose and her partner Steve had come along to cheer me in. It means so much when people go out of their way to simply be there for you.
So that's my story of the 55 mile run.
People, together we have raised over £1,000 to be split between Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. You provided the music, love and motivation. Thank you.
Keep The Faith. Peace. x
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